The Village of Winnetka is pleased to announce the engagement of Winnetka’s first full-time Economic Development Coordinator, Michael Martella.  Michael  joins Winnetka from the Village of Bensenville, where for the last seven years he was the Marketing & Business Development Administrator.   Michael is tasked with developing and administering the Village’s economic development and business relations programs.  He will be a crucial liaison to the business community and is expected to play an important role in the implementation of Winnetka’s Downtown Master Plan.  Michael has the requisite experience and skills to develop strategies to enhance the Village’s business base, encourage sustainable long-term commercial growth, and to promote the Downtown Master Plan’s vision of Winnetka’s three business districts.

The office of Economic Development Coordinator is under the purview of the Village Manager’s Office; however, Michael’s office is located in the Community Development Department, to facilitate availability and access to the business community.  Michael can be reached by emailing mmartella@Winnetka.org or calling 847-716-3528.

A top priority of Winnetka’s Business Retention Plan is to facilitate on-site visits to businesses large and small. A business visitation meeting is an informal opportunity to talk about your business, the Village, and the ways we can help. Through these one-on-one meetings with local business owners, developers, brokers and building owners, the Economic Development Coordinator can build valuable relationships, become a liaison for private sector representatives to all levels of the public sector, and work to prevent and alleviate business challenges that impede growth and profitability.

To schedule a business visitation meeting contact Michael Martella at mmartella@winnetka.org <mailto:mmartella@winnetka.org>  or 847-716-3528.