As co-owner of Yeager PhotoGrafix in downtown Lombard, Christine Yeager knows the importance of maintaining a vibrant business community. Last year, she decided to bring her experience to the position of president of the Lombard Town Centre, the community-based organization dedicated to preserving and promoting downtown Lombard.

Q Why did you become president of Lombard Town Centre?

A Three years ago, we opened the studio in downtown Lombard. I was approached by the executive director, and they told me about the LTC. I joined because I liked it. It wasn’t about businesses; it was about historic preservation and bringing Lombard together as a community.

My husband and I became involved in graphic design and printing of commercial materials for the LTC. Last fall, I was approached to be president and accepted.

Q What can people do to help the LTC?

A We need volunteers for the LTC. It’s not only to get things done but to help us raise the atmosphere we want. People think the LTC is just businesses gathering, but it’s really about the community and what they want. Being a member helps, too. It gets advertising out so more people attend. Eventually, we want to create grants for education and other things.

Q What’s the best part about having a store in downtown Lombard?

A The people that come in the shop are just great. They’re really supportive, and there’s a huge sense of community there.

The businesses downtown are the caretakers of the area. When we have others come in and mess it up or cause trouble, the other businesses are there to take care of it and the area. We all work together, and we’re all extremely friendly in the downtown area.
It reminds me of my hometown in Wisconsin where everybody knows everybody. They all help each other out and support each other.

Q The village of Lombard awarded you a retail grant June 19 at the Village Board meeting. What is that used for?

A The location (112 W. St. Charles Road) is there primarily to be a part of the community but also to do something very different and nice for the community. We approached the village for a retail grant to do something very special in downtown Lombard. What’s really special is when you have unusual businesses that make (the town) special and different and give you a sense of pride.

We took a space that used to have a woodworker in it. It hadn’t been redone in at least 30 years, and it really wasn’t a good space for retail. The village helped bring it up to speed.