City Manager Stegall to Speak at DNA Out to Lunch Meeting on January 25

A new season of the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) of Elgin’s monthly Out to Lunch meetings debuts on Tuesday, January 25 with Guest Speaker Sean Stegall, City Manager for the City of Elgin. The luncheon takes place from Noon-1:15PM at La Puesta Del Sol Restaurant, 165 E. Highland Avenue in downtown Elgin.

For $12.00 per person, guests will be treated to a buffet luncheon of authentic Mexican cuisine, including appetizers, entrees, dessert and non-alcoholic beverages, followed by a brief presentation and Q&A session with Stegall. Guests are encouraged to pay in cash and are asked to RSVP to the DNA by Thursday, January 20 by phone at (847) 488-1456 or by e-mail at jpawlowski@elginil.org.

Sean R. Stegall has worked in municipal government for 14 years – the last seven for the City of Elgin where he has earned national recognition for his budgetary expertise. He oversees a staff of nearly 1,000 and works to assist the Mayor and City Council in moving Elgin forward. Stegall is a graduate of Western Illinois University and earned his Master of Public Administration from Northern Illinois University. He is also a graduate of Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

The Out to Lunch Meetings, presented by the DNA and normally conducted on the last Monday of each month, are an effort to engage the public by showcasing a different downtown Elgin restaurant each month and featuring guest speakers and topics relevant to the community. Past guest speakers have included City of Elgin Mayor Ed Schock, Police Chief Jeff Swoboda, and U-46 Superintendent Dr. Jose Torres.

Top 10 Ways to Get Involved in Your Downtown

1. Sign up to be a DNA Member

There has never been a better time to support the organization that supports downtown Elgin. DNA membership truly does have its privileges as our members enjoy a variety of valuable benefits. Your yearly membership fees help contribute to the continued revitalization of downtown.

2. Volunteer

The DNA is a community coalition of volunteers. They are the lifeblood of all that we do. We are always on the lookout for great volunteers who want to contribute their time and efforts into making downtown a better place to work, live and play. Contact us today to find out more about current volunteer opportunities.

3. Purchase downtown gift certificates

Downtown gift certificates are valid at over 65 downtown businesses. Gift certificates are available in denominations of $5 and $10 and make great gifts for family and friends. Stop by the DNA Office at 2 Douglas Avenue M-F from 9am-5:30pm to purchase yours!

4. Serve on a DNA committee

Our DNA volunteer committees provide the guidance to plan and support our downtown initiatives such as special events, promotions, image enhancement, economic development and more. If you would be interested in serving on a committee or would like to attend an upcoming committee meeting, please contact us.

5. Shop and dine downtown

With over 20 distinctive eateries, bistros and bars to whet your appetite and dozens of retail shops, boutiques, professional services and other unique businesses to patronize, make downtown your destination for dining and doing business.

6. Participate in downtown events

Whether shopping the Harvest Market for fresh, locally grown produce, bringing the family out for the Fourth of July Parade, Halloween Howl or Window Wonderland, or taking in one of the many public art exhibits or cultural festivals, we encourage everyone to take advantage of all there is to do and enjoy all year long in our downtown.

7. Become a community or corporate event sponsor

Our yearly slate of special events would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. If you or your company would be interested in sponsoring one or more of our DNA special events in 2011 or for a list of sponsorship opportunities, rates and benefit packages, please contact DNA Promotions Coordinator Jason Pawlowski at jpawlowski@elginil.org or call 847.488.1456.

8. Participate in local government

Attend city council meetings. Vote in the upcoming election. A fully-engaged downtown is a stronger downtown.

9. Stay informed

Stay on top of all the latest downtown news, special events, performances, exhibits, business promotions and charitable activities through the DNA's hyper-local social media presence on Facebook, Twitter, Blog, Website and Downtown Neighborhood News Top 10 eblast.

10. Give us your feedback

Have an idea for a new event or promotion? Suggestions on something you feel would enhance downtown Elgin? Feedback on things you really like? Critiques? Questions? Comments? Just want to chat? The DNA welcomes your input and encourages your active participation in our downtown. We also conduct on-going "Downtown Brainstorm" workshops throughout the year to solicit the community's feedback and ideas.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin
2 Douglas Avenue
Elgin, IL 60120
(847) 488-1456

Tonya Hudson
Executive Director

Jason Pawlowski
Promotions Coordinator

Suzan Shipyor
Administrative Associate