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Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association Selects Familiar New Leader

By Howard Ludwig | January 16, 2015 7:49am
 Caroline Connors was publicly introduced for the first time as the executive director of the Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association on Tuesday. Prior to accepting her new job on Nov. 18, Connors spent nine years at The Beverly Review - a weekly print publication covering Beverly, Mount Greenwood and Morgan Park.
Caroline Connors Introduced As Executive Director
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MORGAN PARK — Caroline Connors was introduced as the executive director of the Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association this week.

But nearly everyone attending the 19th Ward Business Breakfast at the Beverly Arts Center on Thursday already knew Connors.

Before accepting the post, Connors, 51, spent nine years at The Beverly Review — a weekly newspaper covering Beverly, Mount Greenwood and Morgan Park.

"I loved my job at The Review and met so many great people. I learned so much about the neighborhood," Connors said.

In her first public introduction since taking the new job on Nov. 18, Connors seemed at ease discussing her role as head of the association that represents businesses along Western Avenue from 89th Street to 119th Street.

Her office at 10827 S. Western Ave. in Morgan Park also represents three smaller business districts, including the shops near 99th Street and Walden Parkway, 103rd Street and Longwood Drive and along 111th Street between Sacramento and Vincennes Avenues.

"I think there's a great community spirit here," said Connors, a Beverly resident since 1998.

Connors oversees two Special Service Areas, or taxing districts, in her core shopping areas. Funds from these special local property taxes are commonly used to pay for things such as snow removal, spring plantings and sidewalk repair.

Much like a chamber of commerce, Connors' association also offers seminars on topics such as business development and public safety along with networking events.

The business association is funded through a city grant. Thus, many of these events are mandated. There's also mounds of paperwork required for both the grant and special service areas.

Still, Connors said she welcomes the new challenge. She believes her new role still allows her to use her communication and writing skills as well as take advantage of her many local contacts. Only this time, she'll be working to bolster the neighborhood association, which currently has a mere 60 members.

After two months on the job, Connors believes the group will benefit most by collaborating with existing events and businesses.

For example, Connors has already begun working with organizers of the Beverly Art Walk. The second annual event will take place on Oct. 3. She's working to get more businesses involved in the walk and help coordinate a progressive party for donors and artists the night before the opening.

She also hopes the association can capitalize on the momentum created by several developments on Western Avenue, including the pending completion of the Morgan Park Sports Center, a Buona Beef restaurant and The Quilter's Trunk, a specialty shop for quilters.

As for the change of careers, Connors said she misses writing, but not everything about being in the newsroom.

"I don't miss the deadlines," she said.

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