Manager Management

John Maguire

W** Oakdale Lane, Mundelein IL *****

847-***-**** http://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjohnmaguire **.*******@***.***

PROFILE:

A proven hospitality professional, offers executive-level expertise and hands-on, workmanlike dedication in

destination management, tourism, special events production, marketing, retail promotions, funding mechanisms

and public relations. Leads with a fair, thoughtful demeanor that will bridge viewpoints and steer actions toward

the most logical, profitable conclusions. A lifelong Lake County, Chicago area resident, has deep local media,

government and destination insights. Strengths include being an outstanding listener, speaker, writer, planner

and strategic team manager. Takes great pride in maintaining a positive, collaborative workplace environment,

while providing fun, rewarding experiences for guests.

EXPERIENCE:

Long Grove Business & Community Partners, Long Grove, IL – Community Development Director (2003-

2011)

Managed the “Long Grove Historic Village” business district, a regional attraction that hosts 250,000 visitors per

year, and is home of 70-plus independent retailers and restaurants. Merged competing groups into one economic

development organization to govern all of Long Grove’s commercial efforts. Using a hybrid Main Street, Chamber

of Commerce and Historic District model, incorporated the “Long Grove Partners” as a 501(c)3 Not-For-Profit

Corporation and a Special Service Area. Managed all staff, office, contractors and Visitors Information Center

operations, while overseeing hospitality and public safety for the entire commercial business district.

Additional duties and accomplishments:

• Special Events – Produced three annual festivals attended by up to 30,000 guests each, 5-7 annual specialty

themed events, concerts and retail shopping promotions. Supervised all site logistics, entertainment booking,

attractions, vendors, security, sponsor relations and marketing strategies. Added strategic new promotional

activities and partnerships to enhance the destination’s reputation and increase visitor counts throughout the year.

Annual events included Chocolate Fest, Strawberry Fest, Apple Fest, OktoberFest & Parade, World Tour

International Fest, Fine Art & Wine Fest, Ice Meltin’ Blues Music Fest, traditional Holiday festivities.

• Marketing and Public Relations – Created annual advertising calendar, budget and branding campaigns,

progressively raising their quality and extending reach to new markets and media partners. Leveraged events,

coop advertising programs and media relationships to maximize exposure. Reached the entire Midwest

audience with millions of online impressions, major Chicago radio, TV and print media, social media

messaging and travel industry publications. Served as spokesperson for the business community and events.

• Tourism Market – Created programs to attract leisure travelers, group tours, day trippers and niche market

visitors, including over 150 booked tours annually. An active member of the Lake County Convention and

Visitors Bureau and their Marketing Committee. Worked with other state and regional CVBs & fellow

attractions to maintain a highly ranked position in the travel industry. Tourism honors included “Chicagoland’s

Best Public Spaces,” “10 Best Travel Destinations”, “Best Fests” (Strawberry & Apple Fests), and recognized

with feature stories in Midwest Living and AAA Travel magazine.

• Revenue Growth - Increased yearly budget income over 300% over 3 years. Established and managed a

Special Service Area (SSA) taxing district to fund the organization and created paid “Associate Member”

category for out-of-district business participation. Outsourced major events and structured all to be more

profitable, negotiated “in-kind” partnerships, and competitively bid out professional services for greatest

economy, quality and productivity. Managed multi-year membership and sponsorship programs.

• Economic Development - Coordinated business recruitment and retention activities and managed

relationships between investors, entrepreneurs, property owners and local officials. Assisted businesses with

start-up procedures, education programs and made business-to-business connections within the 70-plus

storefront district and with out-of-district neighbors. Maintained demographics, statistics and community

profile information.

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John Maguire 847-***-**** Page

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• Government Relations – Strong advocate for downtown business issues to local, state and national

entities. Represented the Board of Directors at meetings and networking events, and managed public relations

on behalf of the community. Responsible for all levels of permitting, compliance and reporting.

• Property Management & Public Improvements – Lead business representative guiding consultants

through completion of the Downtown Comprehensive Plan, Market Analysis and Design Guidelines, resulting

infrastructure improvements, including $2.5 million dollar parking lot/road expansion project, and a $20K

public pavilion/entertainment stage. Upgraded community signage, banners, public amenities and

maintenance procedures. Consulted with business and property owners about property and sign improvements

to assure historic preservation standards were continually met.

Mundelein MainStreet, Mundelein, IL – Executive Director (1997-

2003) First Director and founding Board Member of an Award-

winning start-up downtown economic development organization. National Trust Main Street Center and

Illinois Main Street affiliate, trained and applied the trademarked Main Street Four Point Approach™ to

commercial district management and revitalization.

Successes included:

• Membership-supported $125K budget, annually renewed Village Grant, $25K Golf Outing Fundraiser

• Managed consultants and implementation of Downtown Master Plan, Streetscape construction

• Recipient of four Lt. Governor’s Awards for planning, design, organization and promotion

• Created building Façade Renovation Loan Program, 6 participating banks leading to 10 building renovations

• Originated the Mundelein Guitar Festival (netting $17K+), “Park On Park” Cruise Nights(attracting 500+ show

cars), Santa’s Cottage Holiday Promotions and Mundelein Pride Week

Mundelein Cleaners and Executive Drycleaning Service, Mundelein, IL – General Manager (1980-

Managed a thriving, 3rd generation, 45 year-old family retail

1997)

business,

• Achieved “Certified Master Drycleaner” designation, for technical expertise and business excellence

• Oversaw all daily operations of two plant locations in Mundelein & Gurnee, serving all of Lake County

• Director with the Illinois State Fabricare Association, coordinated state and national legislative efforts

• Chaired the industry Annual State Convention, advance planning, promoting and on-site management.

EDUCATION:

Northern Illinois University, College of Lake County - Undergraduate Studies

Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville - Economic Development Certification

National Main Streets Conference and Illinois Governor’s Tourism Conference – Yearly continuing

education in professional industry trends and resources

HONORS & ACTIVITIES:

-Lake County Convention & Visitor Bureau “Friend of Tourism Award” (2007), for tourism advocacy

work

-GLMV Chamber of Commerce “Special Achievement Award”(1998), for developing the Mundelein

Main Street organization concept, program implementation and community successes

-Illinois Council of Main Street Communities - Steering committee establishing a statewide travel campaign

connecting Main Street communities throughout Illinois

-Illinois State Fabricare Association – Board of Directors

-American Bus Association (ABA) Convention, Chicago – Volunteer Host

-Fort Hill Historical Society & Museum, Mundelein – Board of Directors

-Major League Baseball All-Star Game Fan Fest, Chicago – Hospitality & Information Host

-Black Point Film Festival, Lake Geneva WI – Venue Manager

-Jones InterCable, TopHat Video Production – Freelance production assistant, camera operator

-Sandburg Middle School & Community Youth Leagues – Staff and volunteer coach, league officer

-Mundelein High School - Academic Scholarship Committee, Booster Club, 50th Anniversary Event Co-Chair

-Lake County Fair, Grayslake, IL – Main Stage Manager

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