The economy appears to be in a state of confusion and so is the business climate in Orland Park.

Some businesses have closed in recent months but others are planning on grand openings in future months.

“It a mixed bag,” Orland Park Chamber of Commerce president John Bibeau said. “I think people are waiting on the sideline for something good to happen.

“There are many economies,” he added.

Two years ago, the economy was considered bad but there was optimism that is was going to get better.

It’s not exactly thriving now. Statewide unemployment rates remain above the national average. In July, the latest month available, Illinois reported 10.6 percent, compared to 9.7 percent nationally. Cook County had 10.8 percent in July.

As for Orland Park, business has been good for some.

“There are still a lot of restaurants I see in Orland Park where there is a waiting line to get into,” said Vince Krydynski, owner of the Orland Park franchise Handyman Matters. “Orland Park has a lot of things people want and people take advantage of it, although maybe not as frequently as before.”

Re/Max realtor Patrick Zomparelli, who lived in Orland since 1964, said the Orland Square Mall continues to help bring new businesses to town, even during tough economic times.

“Orland Park has always done OK because of that mall,” he said. “We’re still getting businesses to come to town, but it’s slower.”

Debi Ross, who owns the Inside Looks by debi Ross residential and commercial decorating company based in Orland Park, said her business is surviving and she’s using the economy to make her business better.

“I prefer to call it a challenging economy,” Ross said. “There are some businesses that shouldn’t survive if they don’t do their due diligence and work at it. In my business, we find that we have to work a little bit harder and work a little bit smarter and be creative.”

jvorva@tribune.com