Lisle to take Top 20 ranking and run with it

Lisle officials aren't going to let the village become a one-hit wonder in the world of "best places to live."

They plan to parlay its recent award by Money Magazine as the nation's 20th best place to live among small towns into ongoing success and acclaim by incorporating it into the village's marketing plan.

They'll start by unveiling fliers at Monday evening's village board meeting that tout the Arboretum Village's newfound prestige.

"It's a great stamp of approval -- a great endorsement," Economic Development Director Cathy Schuster said. "We're really going to take advantage of it and promote it."

The award's initial splash drew congratulatory e-mails from businesses interested in moving here from as far away as New York, officials said.

"A lot of people have all of a sudden opened their eyes and realized we're here," Mayor Joseph Broda said. "There's a lot of talk out there."

But talk doesn't necessarily immediately translate to new businesses, tourists or residents.

Officials believe the award's true benefits will happen over time.

So leaders plan to continue promoting it through a new brochure and community profile, as well on the village's Web site.

Local Realtor Donna Skrypek said with the housing market down regionally, Lisle shouldn't expect a surge in home sales.

But real estate agents will use the new title and notoriety for many years, she said.

"In this down market, you're not going to get more sales because of the article, you're going to get more visibility," said Skrypek, a Realtor with RE/MAX of Naperville. "Realtors will use this article for years until something else comes along that's better."

The completion of future projects such as the Main Street streetscape project that will lessen traffic downtown and beautify the area will further enforce the town's status, Lisle leaders say.

Money editors cited Lisle's existing downtown as one reason it didn't rank even higher on their list.

That project is largely expected to wrap up next year.

"It's an exciting time to be in Lisle," Schuster said. "Once this pops downtown, our desirability will be even higher. It's kind of like a little gem waiting to shine."