LaPidus Resigns as LGBA President
Below is the text of an email sent to members of the La Grange Business Association from Michael Lapidus, informing them that he was stepping down as president of that organization.
From: Michael LaPidus
Sent: Tuesday, September, 2009 2:07 PM
To: 'LGBA' <info@lgba.com>
Subject: Turning Over Presidency
Dear LGBA Members:
It is with a heavy heart that I announce my departure as president of the LaGrange Business Association to focus solely on my new restaurant, Q-BBQ. I have served our business community for the past 6 years and am proud of the numerous accomplishments that our board and volunteers achieved during an ever-changing time in our community and country. Because of our collaborative efforts and steadfast belief in our mission, there is no better tribute to our success than being named Chicago’s Best Downtown in Chicago Magazine recently!
I am very fortunate to have worked with so many wonderful people throughout my tenure on the LGBA. You will not find more committed and dedicated community servants than the business owners, managers and non profits that make up our community. I followed in very big shoes with the past presidents and leadership of the LGBA. These were men and woman who put their sweat and tears into this organization and made an awesome impact on the surrounding community.
In the past few years we enhanced the Christmas Walk to become a first class family affair; increased our fundraising revenue 30% for the Ahhh! La Grange Carnival; brought back the Halloween Walk; redesigned the marketing and look of our downtown campaigns; increased our advertising of local businesses; advocated tirelessly for our members; and my favorite addition to La Grange, created the summer art projects. It started with Pets on Parade, then the Elephant Stampede, followed by Lounging in La Grange and topped off with this year’s Big Picture. In addition, we have raised over $90,000 dollars for local charities! These events are not easy to run on a volunteer basis, but because of the outstanding board members and committee chairs they get bigger and better each year.
One of the most important parts of the LGBA’s mission is to advocate on behalf of the business community. We accomplished a working and expanded relationship with the village on various issues and I am very proud that the LGBA was at the table and a part of the discussion on restoring the LaGrange Theatre, the new Library building, the YMCA land planning phases, the Park District expansion and many other community centered projects. These developments are critical to the success of our downtown and I am confident that the strength and value of our organization remains vibrant as we head into 2010.
With all of the activities touted above, there has been no other person I have relied on more heavily than the woman who will fill my shoes comfortably. Honor Lorenzini has been right beside me or a little ahead of me every step of the way and she is ready and capable of taking the reins of the LGBA. Her vision, detailed execution and positive attitude are second to none. However, she will not be alone. Cindy Lautner, our treasurer who runs the financial operation of the LGBA quietly, yet with a strong fiduciary seriousness will continue. There is no better steward of our checkbook and finances than Cindy. Filling the role of two jobs will be Ryan Williamson. He will continue as secretary while assuming the vice president’s role. Ryan is the future of the LGBA and he will need your help in maintaining our organization beyond 2010. He is talented and committed to our community. Honor, Cindy, Ryan and I have become great friends over the years and they are top notch professionals with a great vision of La Grange’s success.
Thank you to each of you for your help and the exciting dialogue throughout the years. It is not easy volunteering for such a diverse organization that has established itself as a regional model for other business groups. We should all feel proud to be a part of the LGBA and like any good corporate citizen; we should view it not only as an obligation but a privilege to serve in any capacity.
It truly was privilege for me to represent our group and hopefully make a little bit of difference in our community.
I look forwarding to seeing you around town and one day very soon, serving you the best BBQ for lunch and dinner!
All the Best,
Michael