The south suburbs are reviving from the recession of the 1980s, according to economic development expert Bob Skurla.
Empty buildings are still the rule in Park Forest and Chicago Heights. But Skurla cited “a plethora of building projects. Both the private and the public sectors are having trouble getting competitive bids.”
Some of Skurla’s assessment is attributable to his role as executive director of Chicago Southland Development Inc.
Skurla brings together small manufacturing operations and the patchwork of communities in southern Cook County and eastern Will County.
More Top Picks Mulch
“He puts the players together, puts the people together,” said Christine Cochrane, who, as head of the South Towns Business Growth Corporation, helped line up financing for companies Skurla matched with local communities.
Cochrane, now manager of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s south suburban airport project, credited Skurla with crafting the 13-year-old economic development program. Many businesses that have located, relocated or remained in the area did so because of his involvement, she said.
“They don’t have Bob Skurla’s name on them, but you know he’s been involved,” Cochrane said. “He helps kernels of ideas grow into good projects. He’s a resource, a clearing house, a fountain of knowledge.”
Skurla, 46, who lives in Park Forest, was formerly associate director for the Decatur-Macon County Economic Development Corporation. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University in political science and a master’s degree in public administration from Kent State University.
Skurla’s list of successes includes Applied Systems in University Park and American Sales in Tinley Park–both in Will County. He also helped establish University Park’s industrial parks, according to Cochrane.
But some have gotten away: In 1995, an out-of-state land investor proposed a 528-acre commercial development west of Monee. Village officials say the project never materialized through no fault of Skurla’s. In fact, Monee called on him in 1996 to help convince voters to pass a home-rule referendum. Since then, village trustees have increased the local sales tax and levied a motel tax. Currently they are considering using Skurla’s economic development expertise.