SAUK VILLAGE | Village President Lewis Towers and trustee Derrick Burgess, who ran against each other for the open presidential slot last spring, are working together to bring more business to the village.

Burgess is now the Committee Chairman for the new Economic Development Committee, charged with generating business opportunities for both new and existing businesses.

"Our committee is looking into applying for grants via TIF funds," Burgess said at Tuesday's Village Board meeting. "We want to make grants available for both new businesses who want to make their home here in Sauk Village, and existing businesses who want to expand."

Burgess said he hopes to move soon on the concept of using TIF funds for business expansion.

The Economic Development Committee also is working toward creating a villagewide Chamber of Commerce, which can help to further business growth in the village.

Towers said new and expanding businesses were key to the village's prosperity.

"It's important for us to encourage and nurture new business development initiatives," Towers said. "It allows our village to experience growth."

The Make Medicare Work Coalition will host a meeting 10 a.m. Thursday at the Bloom Township Center, 425 South Halsted St., in Chicago Heights.

The Sauk Village Human Relations Commission will host a 3 p.m. community job fair Friday at the Ed Paesel Community Center, located behind the police station. Residents are encouraged to dress for success and bring resumes.