Six Businesses Honored for 25+ Years in Woodridge

Six businesses were recognized for serving the Woodridge community for 25 years or more at Thursday's State of the Village presentation. 

Jewel-Osco, Paolucci Jewelers, Rosati's Pizza, Swimmer's Edge, Village Barbers and Wilton were the first businesses recognized in the village's new silver anniversary recognition program. 

Throughout the year, other long-time Woodridge businesses will be recognized, said Michael Mays, director of community development. 

The program was started after the village's healthy business topic forum last year. Business owners requested more communication with the village, and the village was looking for ways to do so, Mays said.

"It's a really neat mix of large and small businesses, which is part of what makes Woodridge great," Mays said.  

The store owners or representative received a plaque at the State of the Village. Those names are in parentheses. Mayor William F. Murphy said the following about each business: 

(Mike Blatti, Store Director)

Jewel-Osco opened its doors in Woodridge in 1977, serving as the community's first full-scale supermarket, Murphy said. 

"Woodridge has grown up around Jewel," Murphy said. "The open fields surrounding it have given way to homes, businesses and roads." 

Jewel-Osco has 50 employees. The business has participated in the Fourth of July Picnic and is a key partner to the West Suburban Community Pantry, donating more than 300,000 pounds of food in the past two years, Murphy said. 

(Tom and Mary Manno, Owners) 

Tom and Mary Manno opened the store on July 11, 1985. Since then, the store has moved three times within the Woodridge Festival mall. 

It is still a family business, Murphy said, and Tom and Mary's daughter Christina has been helping out at the store since she was an infant. 

The shop has donated beautiful pieces of jewelry over the years supporting churches, schools and families in need. 

(William Hood and Jim Tau, Owners)

Rosati's has served the Woodridge community for 35 years, opening on Feb. 1, 1976 and operating under the motto to "give the people what they want," Murphy said. 

"They showed that spirit last February they were one of few restaurants open following the blizzard," Murphy said. 

Rosati's employs nine people. 

(Larry Krick, Owner)

Swimmer's Edge, Inc., opened in 1982, selling competitive suits, apparel and equipment to local high schools, YMCA's and club teams. 

The shop employs three full-time employees and five part-time employees. 

Larry Krick is involved in the Woodridge Lion's Club and he and his wife Joan were named YMCA Volunteers of the Year in the 1970's. 

(Bob Crosby, Owner)

Village Barbers opened in 1976 and is a "legend among their customers," Murphy said. 

"If you want the scoop on what's happening in Woodridge, stop by for a haircut," Murphy said. 

The shop's commitment to the community has not changed, he said. Bob Crosby has participated in the Woodridge Area Chamber of Commerce and taught karate and self-defense to children at the Woodridge Community Resource Center. 

Wilton opened in 1977, Woodridge's first corporate headquarters. Wilton acquired 40 acres and built a new headquarters office. Wilton School opened in 1982 next to its corporate offices. In 1998, Wilton expanded its office spcae to a third building and in2 003, the office space was expanded again to Midpoint Center, north of Wilton. 

Wilton employs 1,000 employees and is one of Woodridge's largest employers. 

Woodridge residents look forward to the Wilton Tent Sale each year, Murphy said, and Wilton is a supporter of the Woodridge Park District, the Woodridge Area Chamber of Commerce, the West Suburban Community Pantry, Woodridge District 68, the Woodridge Rotary Club, SASED and more.