Kankakee, IL – The Kankakee Development Corporation (KDC) announced their new officers and board members at the 56th Annual KDC Meeting. The Kankakee Development Corporation (KDC) consists of a group of local downtown property owners, planners, and business owners who aim to make downtown Kankakee a main attraction. Many of downtown’s events such as Merchant Street Music Fest are put on by the Events Partnership which consists of the City of Kankakee, KDC and the Kankakee Public Library. The board also implements improvements in the City, attracts new businesses and helps beautify downtown.

A luncheon was held today in conjunction with the annual meeting as KDC members highlighted their projects, events and objectives to close out 2019, as well as, discussed plans for the upcoming year.  Mayor Wells-Armstrong presented an update onupcoming projects and initiatives.  

“As a part of my Kankakee Forward agenda, it is a priority to create a business-friendly environment. I applaud the work of the Kankakee Development Corporation and the efforts to work collaboratively with the City. We need to tell our story to highlight all of the wonderful activity and growth happening in our City; particularly as developers and investors are pursuing projects in the City of Kankakee,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.  

Chris Curtis has stepped down in his role as President of KDC having served as president for the past four years. He will remain on the KDC board and states he is proud of the work they have done while looking forward to downtown Kankakee becoming an around-the-clock attraction. 

“Making downtown thought of not as not just a five day a week business hours district, but rather a seven day a week destination spot with the expansion of local businesses, sidewalk dining and lighting will always be our goal. We want people to be able to enjoy downtown every day of the week and I would love to see that continue as the City of Kankakee partners with KDC. I also want to congratulate Brad Kuntz as our new president and we will be there to support him in his efforts,” said former KDC president and alderman Chris Curtis. 

Brad Kuntz from Converging Networks Group, Inc. has served on KDC for the past decade and as the KDC marketing chair for the past four years. 

“I am excited. I share a lot of the same views for KDC and moving forward I would like to see the continuing of the seven day a week attraction to downtown Kankakee and the beautification of the City. I would also like to see the KDC incentive programs utilized to their fullest extent because that would bring new businesses to downtown Kankakee, as well as, business owners reinvesting into their properties,” said KDC President Brad Kuntz.

A planning meeting will be held in January of 2020 to discuss the goals, budget and objectives for KDC over the next five years. 

The following KDC officers and board members have been approved for the next term:

KDC Officers terms ending in 2021:

President – Brad Kuntz

Vice President – Scott Smith

Treasurer – Matt Olszewski

Secretary – Scott Franco 

Events Partnership – Allison Beasley

Marketing – Dave Baron

Landscaping – Terrance Hooper

KDC Board terms ending in 2020:

Jeff Bennett

Chris Curtis

Scott Franco

Terrance Hooper

Elizabeth Kubal

Connie Mason

Jeff Smith

Scott Smith

Ken Tousignant

Dave Tyson

Barbi Brewer-Watson

KDC Board terms ending in 2022:

Jeff Ashcraft

Lori Anderson

Dave Baron

Allison Beasley

Chris Bohlen

Doug Bright

Dave Crawford

Mark Geoffrey

Brad Kuntz

Connie Licon

Mike O’Brien

Matt Olszewski

Amy Rauch

Brian Scott

Mark Smith

William Yohnka

Dave Robinson

Central Park Officers: 

President – Brad Kuntz

Vice President – Scott Smith 

Secretary – Scott Franco

Treasurer – Matt Olszewski

Central Parking Board of Directors terms ending in 2021:

Mark Smith

Allison Beasley

Chris Curtis 

Mike O’Brien

Dave Baron 

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The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant, and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow, and thrive. Embracingour diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive, and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov.

 

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