(This is a section of our site that will be expanding with pictures and and thoughts from the people who make up Downtown Kankakee and our city as a whole)
As people are introduced to Kankakee for perhaps the first time through this site it is likely they may have this simple question for the people here: Why Kankakee? It isn't a simple or uniform answer that locals give. This portion of the site is dedicated to helping visitors understand what it is about this city on the Kankakee River that makes it special to the people who live and work here.
Submit your thoughts on: "Why Kankakee" to Bill Yohnka at bill.kdc@gmail.com
"Kankakee is a small town, but it has some big-city cultural aspects - symphony, theatre, museums. And we're less than an hour away from Chicago. It's the perfect mix." - Allison Beasley, Kankakee Public Library
"Outside investors view Kankakee as inexpensive with a lot to offer – beyond profit, of course." - Pam Dunlap, Peoples Bank of Kankakee County, KDC Board Member
"Why Kankakee? We have great schools, that's why. We have our challenges, however, I am very pleased with the high level of instruction my children receive in Kankakee School District #111 while benefiting from a culturally diverse environment that exposes my kids to others from all different backgrounds, just like in the "real" world.
I live in Kankakee because of the beautiful neighborhoods with more unique homes than any area in our County. Our neighborhoods are friendly places where people get to know one another and have tolerance and respect for individual rights to live how we want to live." - Matt Olszewski, KDC Board Member
"Downtown Kankakee is the heart of our community. It is full of history and opportunity for the future." - Bill Yohnka, Executive Director KDC
"I believe in the City of Kankakee because of all the passionate, devoted, optimistic people working -- and succeeding -- at turning it into a place we can all be proud to call home."
-- Denise Renckens Olszewski, Small Newspaper Group
"HomeStar Bank built an office in downtown Kankakee in 2008. Investing in Kankakee allowed us to better serve our clients in downtown Kankakee and the residents of the City’s neighborhoods. We also serve the banking, insurance and investment needs of the people who come to work in downtown Kankakee every day. As important, we are excited to work every day with people who are committed to making Kankakee even better. " Michael P. O'Brien, Executive Vice President/Chief Managing Officer, HomeStar Bank and Financial Services
"We moved to Kankakee’s Riverview Historic District because of the great historic homes and the unique physical character of the neighborhood. Having lived here a few years now, our favorite part of the neighborhood is the neighbors, the community events, the park and the river and the general civic mindedness of our neighbors. " Mike and Nikki O’Brien
"Why travel to Chicago, when you have so much to offer her. We have the Gretchen Charlton Art Gallery, Kankakee Symphony Orchestra, Kankakee Valley Theatre and many events that take place here in the county. We have friendly people here who are always ready to help out to anyone in need. Kankakee is a small town with a big heart. What better place to live than in Kankakee." Marilyn McAdoo
