Hello! I would like to take this time to introduce myself.

My name is Carolyn Mitera, and I am the new Business Retention and Marketing Specialist for the Village of Tinley Park. I have nearly 20 years of marketing experience with a focus on managing client needs and developing solutions to meet those needs. Before coming to Tinley Park, I focused on brand-building, content creation and category management. I have worked with high-profile businesses to create, develop and manage product portfolios to drive sales and growth.

In addition to my work background, I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in French and a minor in international studies from Illinois State University. I also did coursework in Italian, Spanish and German because I really enjoy learning foreign languages and the opportunity it brings to connect with so many more people. I feel that my foreign language background has allowed me to build upon my communication skills and develop strong working relationships.

Tinley Park recently held the Irish Parade, and it was great to see so many people in attendance and enjoying themselves! As one of my first outreach efforts, I'm following up with businesses that participated or were impacted by the Tinley Park Irish Parade to gather their feedback.

I'm excited to connect with the local business community to promote growth and drive success in Tinley Park. I look forward to meeting you and working together! Please feel free to contact me at cmitera@tinleypark.org or (708) 444-5170.

Join the U.S. Small Business Administration from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 31 for an online event celebrating Women’s History Month. Hear from industry experts including Natalie Madeira Cofield, SBA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Women’s Business Ownership; Candace Waterman, President and CEO of the Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP); and Alisa Sheard, SBA Acting Deputy Director for the Office of Government Contracting and Business Development.

The discussion will focus on financial wellness for women-owned small businesses, the importance of increasing equity and access to opportunities that help uplift and support women entrepreneurs, and SBA initiatives and resources that support existing women-owned small businesses and new startups as they pivot and grow in a post-COVID world.

Registration is required. Sign up today!

The SBA also will host a virtual Women’s Business Summit from March 29 to 30. The free event will include power-packed panels, inspirational fireside chats and "Ask an Expert" workshops to help you build, scale and grow your business. Visit the event page for more information or to sign up.

Pete’s Fresh Market: Activity is going on at the former Kmart building where Pete’s Fresh Market is converting the building into a warehouse. Plans propose interior remodeling and a building expansion for additional loading docks on the east side and additional offices on the north side of the building.

Starbucks on Harlem Avenue: A new strip center is under construction on the west side of Harlem Avenue just south of 171st Street. Starbucks will be located there, with a drive through included.

Hill Grove Tap: A new restaurant will be occupying the former Tribes Alehouse and Grill at 9501 W. 171st St. The anticipated opening is in mid-May.

Floor and Décor: Located at the southeast corner of Harlem Avenue and 159th Street, Floor and Décor is working around the clock to get their store ready for a potential May opening.

80th Avenue Road Closures: Metra will be closing the railroad crossing at 80th Avenue for repairs starting April 20 lasting through April 29. Metra will place detour signs in the area for drivers. The north lot at the 80th Avenue train station will remain open for parking.

The Tinley Park Business Breakfast returns after a two-year hiatus on Wednesday, May 4 at the Tinley Park Convention Center.

Speakers will include Tinley Park Mayor Michael Glotz and Laurence Msall, President of the Civic Federation, who will discus Illinois budget and fiscal challenges, Illinois credit ratings, COVID-19's impact on state and local governments, recent federal relief packages and more. Save the date!

The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) will host a webinar at 3 p.m. March 16 about critical resources and information, including how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the American Rescue Plan and Made in America create opportunities to help small businesses thrive. Registration is required.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) will host National Small Business Week from May 1 to 7 to recognize the contributions of entrepreneurs and small business owners. The Village is putting together ideas and ways to recognize and celebrate our small businesses. If you have any ideas you would like to share to help promote National Small Business Week, please reach out to Carolyn Mitera at cmitera@tinleypark.org.