The Village of Gurnee extends our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Trustee Jeanne Balmes on her retirement from the Village Board. We thank her for her years of dedicated service, leadership and commitment to the Gurnee community. Her contributions have made a lasting impact, and we wish her all the best in this next chapter. 

After more than two decades of dedicated service on the Village Board, Trustee Jeanne Balmes retired yesterday, leaving behind a lasting legacy of leadership, civic involvement and commitment to the Gurnee community. First elected to the Board of Trustees in May 2001, Jeanne has played an important role in guiding the Village through years of growth and progress. Her decision to serve was rooted in a deep love for Gurnee and a desire to help keep the community moving forward. “I love the Village of  Gurnee,” Jeanne once shared. “I’ve been involved in several organizations and had a business in town. I wanted to keep the Village going in a positive direction and a leading community in the county and felt the need to become an active member of the Village Board.” That commitment to service has extended far beyond her role as trustee. Over the years, Jeanne has been actively involved in numerous local organizations, including the Gurnee Chamber of Commerce, the Gurnee Days Committee, the Breakfast Exchange Club and the Gurnee Women’s Business Association. In recognition of her many  contributions to the community, she was named the Gurnee Days Honoree in 1996.

Jeanne was also a nationally recognized florist and successful business owner in Gurnee, further demonstrating her longstanding investment in the Village and its residents. Her professional accomplishments, combined with her civic leadership, helped strengthen community connections and contributed to the quality of life that residents enjoy today. During her time on the Village Board, Jeanne also served as alternate Director for the Central Lake County Joint Action Water Agency and remained involved with the Gurnee Chamber of Commerce. Her leadership, perspective and dedication have made a meaningful impact on countless initiatives and helped shape Gurnee into the thriving community it is today. Trustee Balmes’ years of service reflect an unwavering commitment to public service and community pride. As she retires from the Village Board, the Village of Gurnee thanks Jeanne Balmes for her many years of leadership and service, and for the lasting contributions she has made to the community.