Business View Civil and Municipal | Volume 2, Issue 7

95 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 2, ISSUE 7 V I LLAGE OF NEW LENOX , I LL INOI S New Lenox developed a strong economy based on agricultural production, mills, wagon shops, and a butter factory. The Village’s name was taken from Lenox, New York, which had been the native home of J. Van Dusen, the first township Supervisor. Modern-day New Lenox owns the motto “Home of Proud Americans”, an expression that commemorates the Village’s pioneer heritage and exemplifies the quality of life enjoyed by its residents. What makes New Lenox special, according to Robin Ellis, Assistant Village Administrator and Community Development Director, is how much it’s grown over the last 20 years, while continuing to preserve its small- town charm and friendly community vibes. “The residents are very supportive of the community,” Ellis asserts. “They’re supportive of local government and of our local businesses. And you really get that community feel even though, by this point, the newcomers well outnumber the old-timers.” Economic Development Coordinator Nancy Dye attributes this aura of neighborliness to the Village’s increased participation in community engagement efforts. “There had been concerts and holiday events held in the past—we just didn’t have any that were Village-related or Village-sponsored,” she explains. The New Lenox Commons has provided a gathering space for community events for the past decade, including concerts, cruise nights, and movie nights. Amidst the pandemic, outdoor events and gatherings, like the drive-through “Trick-or-Treat event” held in the Commons last October, continued to engage New Lenox residents while keeping spirits high. Within the Village limits live about 28,000 residents, with approximately 12,000 more inhabiting the surrounding, unincorporated areas. Last year, New Lenox welcomed 46 new businesses and issued a total of $68.9 million