Savers to Open Next Week in Orland Park

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Savers will be opening its Orland Park thrift store at 15625 S. 94^th Avenue with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 16.

As part of the opening celebration, Savers is working with the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago. Donations to the store will directly benefit the Foundation.

The company was founded in 1954 and has alliances with more than 140 nonprofit organizations and charities.

The Bellevue, Wash.-based retailer has been expanding its presence for the past few years and plans on opening more than 100 new stores in the next couple of years. The chain has more than 270 stores in the U.S., Canada and Australia.

Savers will be opening three stores in the Chicago area that day including locations in Carol Stream and Arlington Heights. They will join three stores already open in Downers Grove, Naperville and St. Charles.

For information, visit them online at Savers.

Pizza Eating Contest at Durbin’s

Durbin’s is celebrating its 25^th anniversary with a pizza eating contest at 7 p.m. Wednesday at its Tinley Park location with the winner getting free pizza for life. For information, call 708-429-1000.

Calling for Business Champions

The Economic Development Council for the Southwest Suburbs is seeking nominations for its 2012 Business Champion Awards.

Nominations are being accepted in five categories:

• Training and Development
• Sustainability
• Excellence in Government
• Philanthropy
• Best Place to Work

Eligible individuals or businesses must be clients of Moraine Valley Community College’s Corporate, Community and Continuing Education subdivision or be located in or provide services in one of the 26 communities in the college’s district.

Nominees can enter as many categories for which they qualify, but they can only win once. Entries must include a nomination form and a brief description of the business or individual. Self-nominations are accepted. 

The awards will be presented at the 18th annual Business Champion Awards Banquet on Thursday, Nov. 1.

For information, call Eda Schrimple, Economic Development Council for the Southwest Suburbs coordinator, at 708-974-5714.   

Lynnie Ques Closes Thornton Shop

Lansing-based Lynnie Ques restaurant has closed its Thornton location after 18 months. The Lansing eatery remains open at 19267 Burnham Ave. For information, call 708-474-7837 or visit them onlineat Lynnie Ques.

Bimba Acquires Minnesota Company

University Park-based Bimba Manufacturing Co. closed on its deal last week to acquire Pneumadyne Inc. in Plymouth, Minn. The companies provide pneumatic, hydraulic and electric solutions and components.

If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bobbong@hotmail.com.

You can also catch up on Comings & Goings in other parts of the Southland at www.southlandbusinessnews.blogspot.com.