Life-long resident Erin Venezia heads up Downtown Downers Grove Management Corporation

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN 

Downers Grove is a sort of gem among the Western Suburbs. We’re known throughout DuPage County for our many great attributes. A big one is our downtown. Linda Kunze, the founding Executive Director of the Downtown Downers Grove Management Corporation, was largely responsible for getting the proverbial ball rolling toward the recent decades of positive changes to our vibrant downtown.

At her side for 11 of those years was Erin Venezia, who served as Marketing Director. “Linda was a wonderful mentor,” recalled Venezia. “I loved working with her.”

When Linda passed away in 2018, Venezia was able to seamlessly step into Kunze’s position. She now serves as Executive Director of the Downtown Management Corporation. “Hers [Kunze’s] were big shoes to fill. Luckily, the transition was not too difficult, since it was just Linda and me working together for more than a decade,” Venezia said.

Venezia is just the person for this role. She holds a communications degree from the University of Iowa. One of seven Doherty siblings, the St Mary’s and Benet alumna is a lifelong resident of Downers Grove. She grew up walking into town with friends. “I love all of Downers Grove, but I have always had a passion for our downtown,” said Venezia. “So, I was thrilled to come to work for the town, first for the Economic Development Office, and later for Downtown Management.”

The Downtown Management Corporation has several objectives. In part, they work to attract businesses that will improve our business district. “We assist, market and recruit new businesses and help them set up shop here,” said Venezia. “If a business owner comes to us looking to join our downtown business district, we help them get started.”

Another thing that puts Downers Grove apart from other suburbs are its festive, community building events. These are also curated by this office. “We want Downers Grove families to enjoy our downtown and also attract others to come and get to know our downtown,” said Venezia. “We try to organize a variety of events to appeal to different audiences throughout the year.”

For example, Ladies Day & Night Out in late September encourages moms of Downers Grove students to patronize our downtown businesses. Every purchase earns points for whichever school the shopper’s children attend. At the end, the schools are remunerated a portion of the dollars spent.

“This year, we’ve added a competitive dimension to the event,” said Venezia. The school that shows the best attendance will be issued a $250 Downtown Gift Card in addition to the donation being made by the individual businesses. Second and third places will each receive a $100 gift card. The school’s PTA will be able to use the gift card in any way they choose – from a pizza party to prizes for their annual fundraiser.

It’s a fun way for businesses to attract new eyes while also supporting local schools.

No matter the season, our merchants are decked out for the upcoming holiday. Fall sees youngsters come out to paint the windows of downtown businesses (in conjunction with Rotary Club). Weeks later, kids are invited to return in costume for trick-or-treats the Sunday before Halloween.

The Saturday after Thanksgiving brings friends of all ages to town for the Christmas tree lighting at the train station. The Downers Grove North and Downers Grove South marching bands set a festive tone with holiday tunes. Santa arrives at his gingerbread house that evening and visits each weekend thereafter until the big day. Carriage rides and carolers create a scene straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting.

A family favorite, the annual Downtown Downers Grove Ice Festival will return in 2026.

“We try to organize a
variety of events to appeal to different audiences throughout the year.”

– Erin Venezia

The Ice Fest brings national award-winning Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures from Forest Park each February to set up shop on Linda Kunze Plaza (south side of the train station). Children and adults alike gather round in awe to watch ice carvers demonstrate the skill and artistic prowess, to say nothing of the strength, required to carve the ice sculptures sponsored by businesses on and off Main St.

Locals and non-residents alike shop and sip their way through a warm May evening at our annual Wine Walk. Wine and snacks provided by Cellar Door are available to sample at downtown businesses, while shoppers browse unique merchandise. Friday Night Live Music at the Train Station ushers in the weekend during the summer months.

The Fine Arts Festival is an almost five-decade tradition held the weekend after Labor Day. It’s a great gathering of both fine and applied art. It’s also a chance to take in the last of the nice weather. Shop for fun tie-dyed clothing, handmade furniture, stunning photography, and one-of-a-kind jewelry while enjoying live music and dance performances.

Candy Cane Cash and Loyalty to Local Rewards recognize shoppers who are faithful to local businesses.

Each year, the Downtown Management Office updates the directory of businesses. With roughly 300 different enterprises spanning from Franklin south to Maple and Washington east to Forest, it’s not a small job. The coupon books that appear in your mailbox are also compiled by this office. The vouchers offered by businesses are a cost-effective way to try a new restaurant or check out a new store.

Through its year-round work — from curating events and welcoming new businesses to connecting residents and visitors with all that downtown offers — Erin Venezia and the Downtown Management Corporation keep the heartbeat of Downers Grove strong, vibrant, and welcoming.

Did you know?

Downtown Gift Cards are available for purchase at the Downtown Management Office (933 Curtiss St), Evelyn Jane Boutique and Orange & Brew Bottle Shop and Tap Room. The cards are a great option for an easy, yet thoughtful, gift for teachers, grab bags, or anything else. The cards are redeemable at most downtown businesses and a great way to give back to our wonderful community enterprises and keeping your dollars local.