Buffalo Grove, Woodman's strike deal for festival sponsorships

Buffalo Grove officials on Tuesday announced a new a public-private partnership with Woodman's Food Markets, Inc. to sponsor several events and help local nonprofit organizations during Buffalo Grove Days.

As part of the agreement, Woodman's will be the presenting sponsor of the main stage entertainment on Saturday, Sept. 1, featuring Southern California rock band Eve 6; the presenting sponsor of nonprofit beverage and food sales; and the sponsor of the parade on Sunday, Sept. 2.

"Woodman's is proud to be part of the Buffalo Grove community, and happy to sponsor this great community event," Woodman's President Clint Woodman said in the announcement.

Woodman's will donate all beverages and corn that local nonprofits sell during the five-day festival to help raise money for their organizations. Previously, the nonprofits had to obtain their own products to sell.

Through the partnership, the organizations will no longer have to procure or manage inventory, pay entry or booth fees or compete with other organizations for sales, officials said.

In addition, Buffalo Grove Days will offer fundraising opportunities to more nonprofit and charitable organizations. By covering shifts in the corn and beverage sales booth, organizations will earn credits toward a portion of the proceeds.

"This is a great opportunity for nonprofits to raise money while serving their community," Village President Beverly Sussman said.

Nonprofit or charitable organizations serving Buffalo Grove that are interested in signing up to work the beverage booth should contact Mike Reynolds, Buffalo Grove Days liaison, at mreynolds@vbg.org. Applications are due July 20.

Buffalo Grove Days takes place from Aug. 30 through Labor Day, Sept. 3, at Mike Rylko Community Park. For more information visit bgdays.com.

Work on the planned Woodman's store in Buffalo Grove broke ground in September on the northwest corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Deerfield Parkway. The store is scheduled to open this fall.

In 2016, the village board inked a 20-year sales tax-sharing agreement under which Woodman's will receive up to $7 million, including up to $4 million for off-site roadway and intersection upgrades required by the Illinois Department of Transportation.