West Cook News

The Town of Cicero hosted a Business Open House event aimed at enhancing collaboration with local entrepreneurs. The initiative was led by Diana Dominick, liaison for the Town of Cicero, and Ismael Vargas, Director of the Business License Department. It sought to open a direct line of communication between the town's government and the business community.

“It is a true pleasure to welcome you to our Business Open House,” Diana Dominick expressed to attendees, including business owners and community leaders. She highlighted the importance of networking and innovative promotional tools provided by the town. “Today is all about connecting and exchanging ideas. If you’re facing any business challenges, please share them with us. We will prioritize the most urgent and work together to find solutions.”

Ismael Vargas emphasized communication and cooperation as key drivers for a thriving town economy. “This meet-and-greet is about bridging the gap between the town and our business community,” he stated.

Local business owners praised the town's efforts. Alex Anguiano of ADA Collision Repair acknowledged town support in his three-year business journey. “We had a lot of help from Ismael Vargas when we started. My wife is the brain—I’m the muscle,” he said, emphasizing the encouragement received from his wife to voice business concerns.

Joe Brisson from The Royal Group, established in Cicero since 1963, reflected on the longstanding relationship with the town. “We’ve always had good relationships here,” Brisson noted, commenting on TRG’s community support efforts.

Javier Casimiro, co-owner of El Porvenir Supermarkets, expressed gratitude for town assistance over the years. “Every time we’ve needed help, the town has been there for us,” he said, proud of their store presence since 1994 and 2020.

Safety improvements were underscored by Deputy Superintendent Dominic Schullo who introduced the Real-Time Crime Center. “We’ve launched the Real-Time Crime Center, a state-of-the-art system with over 300 cameras. We’ve already solved several major cases thanks to it,” Schullo said. He mentioned the ongoing partnerships with businesses to integrate camera systems to boost police response times.

Town President Larry Dominick closed the event, reaffirming his commitment to business growth. “I’m glad they came. Empty storefronts are one of the things I hate most, and we’re working to fill them,” he stated. Dominick promised to continue efforts to attract businesses, citing ongoing dialogue and property acquisitions.

The Business Open House concluded with a collective agreement on the vital role of businesses in the Cicero community.