The History of Westmont Special Events Corporation
The Westmont Special Events Corporation was founded in January 2004. Village of Westmont Mayor Bill Rahn wanted to preserve two of Westmont's most prized events after the previous host organization, Westmont Main Street, dissolved and they events were at risk of no longer continuing. Mayor Rahn worked with Larry McIntyre to create the concept of a new, independent organization that would focus on creating and continuing community events that would provide recreation for the citizens of Westmont as well as guests to the community. Within 30 days, articles of incorporation were prepared and approved. The first officers of the organization were: Larry McIntyre - President; Sharon Macak - Vice President; Patt Kolar - Treasurer; and Pam Jahoda - Secretary.
The new organization had about about 6 months to get the new not-for-profit corporation off the ground as well as coordinate Westmont's biggest summer festival - The Taste of Westmont. In spite of numerous hurdles and an extremely threatening weather forecast for the first day of the event, the weekend was a tremendous success and provided Westmont Special Events with the resources necessary for moving forward. Key volunteers who participated in the 2004 Taste of Westmont included Corinne Beller, Mike Bourne, John Svitak, Pat & Ron Coyle, Ollie & Tony Puccillo, Jinny & Gerry Szymski, Ron Greene, Chris Gorman, Ron Westphal, and Linda Sobotka, among others.
As the organization and the events grew, Westmont Special Events hired staff to provide coordination assistance. Since its inception, Westmont Special Events has had three staff members serve as the primary office & events coordinator - Chris Gorman, Kristine Turano, and Kristina Kaniauskaite, who is the current Executive Director for Westmont Special Events.
While Westmont Special Events relies on hundreds of volunteers each year to make these events possible, the volunteer board of directors work with staff throughout the year to conceive, develop, plan, coordinate and implement these events. Following are some of the board members and officers that have served Westmont Special Events over the years:
WESTMONT SPECIAL EVENTS OFFICERS
* Current as of September 1, 2022
Steve Golembiewksi - President
Al Carson - VP of Administration
Greg Notbusch - VP of Communication
Linda Liddle - Treasurer
Larry McIntyre - Secretary/WSEC Founder/Past President
WESTMONT SPECIAL EVENTS BOARD MEMBERS
* Current & past board members serving 5 or more years
Larry McIntyre
Dave Gullotto
Al Carson
Linda Liddle
Linda Sobotka
Robyn Gardner
Bob Mackert
Karen Mackert
WESTMONT SPECIAL EVENTS - PAST PRESIDENTS
Larry McIntyre - 2004-2006 - 3 years (Founder & First President)
George Wolkotte - 2006-2008 - 2 years
Bob Mackert - 2008-2011 - 3 years
Larry McIntyre - 2011-2013 - 2 years (second term as President)
John Chorney - 2013-2015 - 2 years
Sam Alonzo - 2015-2019 - 4 years
Dave Gullotto - 2019-2022 - 2 years
Steve Golembiewski - 2022-Present - Current
This written history is a work in progress and more information will be added over time. If any information needs to be updated, please contact us at info@westmontevents.com
Westmont Special Events thanks EVERYONE who assists with our various events and programs! We appreciate everyone's help and support!
