Park Forest’s Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG) is currently accepting nominations for the 2025 Sam Montella Business Person of the Year Award. The award recognizes local business owners who have made significant contributions to the community through leadership, charitable work, and initiatives that support the economic, social, or cultural development of Park Forest.
The deadline for submitting nominations is February 15, 2026.
Sandra Zoellner, director of economic development and planning for the Village of Park Forest, explained that the award was first established in 2009 and renamed in 2015 to honor Sam Montella. Montella was a former EDAG chairman and a longtime businessman in Park Forest.
“Sam was a fixture in the community,” Zoellner said. “He worked tirelessly to promote the Village of Park Forest, its assets and amenities to help recruit, retain and expand commercial enterprises and strengthen housing values.”
The Economic Development Advisory Group was created in 1997. Montella became chairman in 1999 and served until his retirement in 2014. He had an extensive career in banking before starting a consulting practice.
Since its inception, more than a dozen business owners have received this recognition. A full list of past recipients can be found on the Village’s website.
Residents interested in nominating a business owner must submit a nomination form by February 15, 2026.
The Village of Park Forest operates under a council-manager government with a mayor and six trustees as its governing body. The village works to enhance economic development, deliver municipal services through collaboration and innovation, advance sustainability efforts recognized for town planning practices, and promote community health through various programs according to information available on its official website as well as its municipal profile.
