Berwyn Development Corporation Annual Report 2021

ANNUAL 20

REPORT 21 3322 S Oak Park Ave, 2nd Floor | (708) 788-8100 | Berwyn.net

BERWYN.NET | 1

3322 S OAK PARK AVE, 2ND FLOOR | BERWYN, IL (708) 788-8100 | info@berwyn.net berwyn.net |

2 | ANNUAL REPORT 2021

@BerwynDevelopmentCorp

TABLE OF CONTENTS 04

BDC BOARD & STAFF

05

06

LETTERS FROM OUR DIRECTOR & PRESIDENT

2021 RECAP TIMELINE

BDC CONTRACT WITH THE CITY OF BERWYN

BDC 2021 FINANCIALS

ECON SPECIAL EVENTS, BERWYN SHOPS

ANNUAL STATISTICS

SMALL BUSINESS EDUCATION EVENTS

2021 GRAND OPENINGS

2021 SPECIAL EVENTS

LOOKING AHEAD: 2022

08 12

16

MARKETING RECAP 2021

10

14

18

11

15

19

MISSION TO LEAD AND PROMOTE THOSE ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT EQUITABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH FOR ALL COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS IN BERWYN.

VISION We will endeavor to develop policies and procedures that all Berwyn residents and stakeholders can contribute to and benefit from economic opportunities. We seek to identify and address any barriers that minority-owned businesses face in attaining economic opportunities. As a result, the BDC has developed programs and partnerships with community organizations to specifically assist minority-owned businesses and will continue to expand on those as appropriate.

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BERWYN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STAFF David Hulseberg Executive Director

Nora Laureto Treasurer

Jamie Revell

Andy Sotiropoulos President

Jennifer Lofgren

Ana Gama

Paul Macchione

Diane Salemi Secretary

Eddie Wilkowski

Dorothy Chiero

Mario Manfredini

Dr. Oliva Lares

Anthony Belcaster Vice President

Libby Popovic

Tom Benson

Georgina Diaz

Richard “Jousef” Mandragon Vice President

Director of Operations & Special Events

Brett Michaelson

Division Director of Economic Development & Planning Services

Megan McMurray

Executive Director

Kendra Shaw

Michelle Valle-Flores

Patrick Greenacre

Erika Corona-Owens

David Hulseberg

Project Manager of Economic Development & Planning Services

Sande Brennan

Chamber Administrative Coordinator

4 | ANNUAL REPORT 2021

Marketing Manager

Graphic Designer

Director of Marketing, Back2Business Grant 2016-2021

Paola Garibay

Chamber Services Manager

Gary

Director of Emotional Support

WORDS FROM BDC’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Welcome to the Berwyn Development Corporation’s 2021 Annual Report. As the Executive Director, I’m excited to share the progress, metrics, and milestones that we achieved throughout the year. 2021 continued with Covid challenges for Berwyn, but also included incredible growth. The rollout of vaccines coupled with health and safety guidance led to the gradual reopening of our community.

Despite the challenges that this year presented, the BDC continued doing what we do best: connecting with and supporting our businesses community. We reached out on social media, through emails, by phone, and even in-person where appropriate. This outreach allowed us to share information more than 2500 times to existing Berwyn businesses, almost matching our 2020 numbers. Similar to last year, the vast majority of our conversations revolved around Covid support and access to financial resources in order to safely reopen. With reopening measures in place, we also saw a significant increase in interest from outside of the community. We shared information more than 110 times to potential business prospects looking to locate in Berwyn.

Our efforts paid off. In 2021, we brought in more than $6 million to 130 Berwyn businesses through the Illinois Back 2 Business Grant, the Shuttered Venue Operator Grant, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, the Child Care Restoration Grant, and second round of Illinois Business Interruption Grants. We also saw Paycheck Protection Program loans converted to grants this year, with more than $41 million forgiven for over 1,000 Berwyn businesses. This includes sole proprietorships and at-home businesses, which while not always as visible still contribute to our community.

These programs were reinforced by the BDC’s own local grants and services. In 2021, we continued our Finish Line Grant program for property rehabilitation and marketing costs. Our team worked diligently to share grant information with the community and ensure eligible businesses applied and received dollars. In 2021, the BDC committed more Finish Line Grant funds than ever before, with more than $212,000 to 21 projects. These projects leveraged nearly $900,000 in private commercial investment. With the incredible success of TIF projects, I’m excited to share that we will be extending the Finish Line Grant program into 2022, with an additional $650,000 in our Roosevelt, Harlem/Cermak, and Depot TIF Districts. Even better still, Berwyn City Council approved of a reworked tier schedule and maximum grant award, allowing us to prioritize smaller projects even more.

Despite the continued pandemic environment, we saw continued commercial activity in Berwyn. In 2021, Berwyn benefitted from almost as much private commercial investment as 2020, with nearly $9.8 million. Additionally, Berwyn saw more than $28.5 million in private residential investment, more than $4 million higher than the 2020 figures.

While financial resources are a major part of recovery, we recognized that businesses needed more than just money. This is why we connected to state efforts, as well as brainstorming some of our own solutions. In 2021, the BDC was recognized as a Community Navigator through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. As a Community Navigator, BDC staff provide one-on-one business counseling on topics from marketing to financing – completely free of charge. Any topic that falls outside BDC expertise is referred to one of the other Community Navigator organizations in the statewide network.

With Covid lingering, we’ll continue working hard to provide businesses and residents alike the tools they need to continue our growth and progress. Business is good for Berwyn, and Berwyn is good for business.

Sincerely, Dave Hulseberg

WORDS FROM THE BDC BOARD PRESIDENT

It’s hard to believe that we’ve completed yet another year of economic development in Berwyn. I’m proud of the progress that both our organization and our community have made in 2021.

Despite a few hiccups, we were able to return to an abbreviated events schedule. Residents and businesses alike were thrilled to see the return of the Taste of Cermak, Depot district Pub Crawl, Oktoberfest, and the Car Show Parade. With health and safety in mind, we’re cautiously planning our 2022 calendar with a return of all our events – and an addition of a few new ones.

As we enter 2022, we’re excited for several transformational projects around the community. Over the next 3 years, we’ll continue to see the Depot District transform with both underground infrastructure and a refreshed streetscape. Combined with some exciting new redevelopment projects, we know this will continue the momentum for one of Berwyn’s prime corridors.

In addition to the infrastructure project, we’re excited for the launch of two brand new programs in 2022 to support our entrepreneurial ecosystem. The first of these programs is the Berwyn Shops on Roosevelt Road. The Berwyn Shops are designed to be a retail incubator to support emerging entrepreneurs, artisans, and makers who are committed to taking their businesses to the next level. Participating businesses will rent one of twelve cottage-style shops from June until December and will receive business support services throughout their tenure. Each year will feature a brand-new selection of businesses and help create a pipeline from concept to more permanent brick and mortar shops. The City of Berwyn supported the program by providing the land and contributing $200,000.

The second program is the Berwyn Internship for Small Businesses, a partnership with Morton College. The purpose of this internship is to provide work experience to students and equip Berwyn businesses with the necessary tools to succeed in the digital world. Each business will have one student assigned to improve their digital presence. By the end of the internship, participating businesses will have a fully functioning website, a digital marketing calendar, and experience in marketing and social media.

These investments in Berwyn’s future reinforce the progress we’ve already made. I proud to have served as the BDC’s Board President over these past four years. I look forward to continue supporting this community – and the BDC – in any way I can.

Thank you, Andy Sotiropuolos

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2021 TIMELINE

JANUARY

• BDC 2021 Annual Meeting/Gathering of Members - Zoom • Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for uBreakiFix • Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for La Parra Restaurant • BDC Renewal of the Finish Line Grant in the Harlem, Roosevelt, and Depot TIF Districts • Tax Increment Financing Joint Review Board Meeting • BDC's Nonprofit Roundtable Monthly Meeting • BDC Women in Business Multi-Chamber Collaborative Monthly Meeting • Your BDC Membership + Marketing Opportunities! Meeting • Approval of a Sales Tax Sharing Agreement between the City of Berwyn and Berwyn Kia • Cook County Outreach

FEBRUARY

• BDC's Nonprofit Roundtable Monthly Meeting • Marketing & Special Events Commission Meeting • BDC Women in Business Multi-Chamber Collaborative Monthly Meeting • Your BDC Membership + Marketing Opportunities! Monthly Meeting • Publication and distribution of the Berwyn Magazine, Issue 1 • Publication of the Bi-Annual Berwyn Vacancy Report • Publication of the BDC’s Annual Report • Presentation of the Tentative 2021 Events Schedule • Cook County Outreach

APRIL

• • • • • • • • • • •

• Approval of a BDC Commercial Loan in the amount of $187,500.00 to Rite Price Auto for the purchase of property located at 6844 W 16th Street • BDC Women in Business Monthly Meeting • BDC’s Nonprofit Roundtable Monthly Meeting • BDC Women in Business Multi-Chamber Collaborative Meeting • Your BDC Membership + Marketing Opportunities! Meeting • BDC Seminar Series: Hiring in the New Normal – Zoom Session • Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for JC Stacks Gaming Lounge • Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for State Farm Insurance – Eddy Mujica Agency • Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for Gutierrez Taekwondo USA

JUNE • • • • • • •

BDC Women in Business Monthly Meeting BDC’s Nonprofit Roundtable Monthly Meeting BDC Women in Business Multi-Chamber Collaborative Meeting Your BDC Membership + Marketing Opportunities! Meeting Visit Oak Park Annual Meeting Depot District Corridor Roundtable Illinois Restaurant Association Business Resource Webinar

6 | ANNUAL REPORT 2021

MARCH

Approval of the WhyBerwyn? Marketing Campaign Budget Approval of the Visit Oak Park Partnership BDC's Nonprofit Roundtable Monthly Meeting Marketing & Special Events Commission Meeting BDC Women in Business Multi-Chamber Collaborative Meeting BDC Seminar: LinkedIn - Uncovering the Power! Prospecting and Business Development presented by Shari Pash Your BDC Membership + Marketing Opportunities! Meeting Cook County Outreach Publication of a Request for Proposals for the Redevelopment of 6601 W 26th St BDC recognized as a certified lender under the DCEO Advantage Illinois Program Presentation of Ridgeland Estates Redevelopment Plan to the Zoning, Planning, and Development Commission.

5-2 recommendation

MAY

• Approval of a DCEO Advantage Illinois Loan in the amount of $39,500.00 to supplement the BDC Commercial Loan to Rite Price Auto • BDC Women in Business Meeting • BDC’s Nonprofit Roundtable Meeting • BDC Women in Business Multi-Chamber Collaborative Monthly Meeting • Your BDC Membership + Marketing Opportunities! Monthly Meeting • Marketing & Special Events Commission Meeting • DCEO Economic Development in Illinois Post Covid-19 – Information Session • Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for Berwyn Custom Tattoo Company • Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for Fleitas Group Cross-country Mortgage • Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for BABYGOLD BARBEQUE • Ribbon Cutting for Cien 100% Naturalisimo

JULY • • • • • • • • • • •

BDC's Nonprofit Roundtable BDC’s Economic Development Commission Meeting Kiwanis Luncheon Illinois Restaurant Association Webinar – How to Utilize the Work Opportunity Tax Credit BDC’s After Hours Wine Pairing at La Parra Restaurant LAI Group Event BDC’s Women in Business Monthly Meeting U.S. EDA Webinar – EDA 101 and American Rescue Plan Overview BDC’s Commercial Loan Commission Meeting Taste of Cermak Road Presented by Mayor Robert J. Lovero Grand Opening Celebration of Olga A Mendez DDS and Associates

SEPTEMBER

• Back2Business Pop-up at La Lupita • BDC Women in Business Monthly Meeting • Back2Business Pop-up at Juice Vibe Bar • BDC’s Nonprofit Roundtable Monthly Meeting • Loyola Medicine Presents Berwyn’s Oktoberfest • Business Corridor Roundtable: Roosevelt Road • Back2Business Pop-up at ATAX • DCEO Webinar – Tips for Funding Your Business • Your BDC Membership + Marketing Opportunities!

• COVID-19: Vaccination Mandates in the Workplace

• • • • • • •

AUGUST

• Your BDC Membership + Marketing Opportunities!

• BDC's Nonprofit Roundtable • Approval of a lease agreement between the BDC and the City of Berwyn • Funding for the creation of Project Homegrown retail incubator at 6931 Roosevelt • BDC Women in Business Monthly Meeting • Business Corridor Roundtable: Cermak/Harlem • Economic Development Commission Meeting • Launch of Illinois DCEO Back 2 Business Grant Portal • Berwyn Car Parade

OCTOBER

Berwyn Business Corridor Roundtable BDC's Nonprofit Roundtable Women in Business Group - October Grand Opening Celebration of State Farm - David Avila Agency Depot District Mini-Golf Pub Crawl Business Corridor Roundtable: Central Berwyn Grand Opening Celebration of Monse's Breakfast Tapas Bar

NOVEMBER

• Growing Your Business Through An Online Presence • Women in Business Group November Meeting • Business Corridor Roundtable: Ogden Avenue • Grand Re-Opening Celebration of W3 Body - A Women's Gym • Grand Opening Celebration of Gaia Ristorante Italiano

DECEMBER

• BDC's Nonprofit Roundtable • BDC Holiday After Hours at Gaia Ristorante Italiano • Women in Business Group December Meeting • Berwyn Shops: Informational Session

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BERWYN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION CONTRACT WITH THE CITY OF BERWYN

8 | ANNUAL REPORT 2021

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2021 BDC FINANCIAL

BERWYN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Bank Accounts, Escrows, and Restricted Accounts As of 12.31.21

Total Unrestricted Assets

$1,499,552

Other Assets

$1,024,896

TOTAL $1,157,620

Reimursables

$50,000

BUDGETED ITEMS SOURCE OF FUNDS TOTAL $1,256,401 TOTAL $1,402,345

10 | ANNUAL REPORT 2021

2021 REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN BERWYN COMPLETED PROJECTS: 2823-2827 Harlem Ave

In 2021, we continued our Finish Line Grant program for property rehabilitation and marketing costs. This year, the BDC committed more than $212,000 to 21 projects, which leveraged more than $900,000 in private commercial investment. In 2022, the BDC has budgeted $650,000 for this grant, earmarked for the Roosevelt, Harlem/Cermak, and Depot TIF Districts. To better support small businesses, Berwyn City Council approved of a reworked tier schedule and maximum grant award of up to $50,000 per project.

6811 Roosevelt Rd 6948-6950 Windsor Ave Allstate Insurance Strategic Agency ATAX Tax Preparation and Businesses Services Big Guys Sausage Stand El Nuevo Vallarta Sports Bar and Grill Familia Fresh Market Fitzgerald’s Godson’s Bar & Lounge Heritage Funeral Home Monse’s Breakfast Tapas Bar Old Fashioned Candies OPC Kicks W3Body, A Women’s Gym

1/28 Jury Selected

2022 CALENDAR

2/24 Vendors Selected 1/31 Vendor App Due

3/31 Interiors Designed

4/1 Stores On Site!

6/3 GRAND OPENING 5/1 Vendors Move In

12/18 Official Close ‘22

In 2021, the BDC successfully laid the foundation for Berwyn’s upcoming retail incubator, called Berwyn Shops: A Homegrown Project. Specifically, the team launched BerwynShops.com and secured land, City Council approval, community partners, contractors, and a jury committee of 13 volunteers.

During its inaugural season from June to mid-December of 2022, the Berwyn Shops will support 12 local artisans, makers, and creators who are committed to taking their businesses to the next level. The participating vendors will have the opportunity to design their 12’15’ mini storefront, receive tailored business promotion and resources, and test out the market before committing to a full-blown operation.

Starting June of 2022, the Berwyn Shops will be a destination that draws new shoppers, new businesses, and generates a lot of excitement for the Roosevelt Road Corridor.

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ANNUAL STATISTICS INFORMATION PROVIDED BY: United States Census Bureau, 2020 Census Data, IDES, & The City of Berwyn

COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS

Berwyn

Illinois

National Average

Median Age

35.1

38.6

38.6

Median Household Income

$62,785

$69,187

$65,712

Median Home Value

$211,700

$209,100

$240,500

Poverty Rate

12.80%

12.50%

12.30%

Mean Travel Time to Work

32.5 Minutes

27.9 Minutes

25.5 Minutes

12 | ANNUAL REPORT 2021

Month

Berwyn

Jan

10.50%

Feb

10.50%

Mar

9.30%

Apr

9.50%

May

9.40%

Jun

10.60%

Jul

9.00%

Aug

8.40%

Sep

7.20%

Oct

6.30%

Nov

5.70%

NON-SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT

ANNUAL COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT

Annual Residential Investment:

$9.8

MIL

Annual Commercial Investment:

$28.5

MIL

HOME RULE SALES TAX FOR BERWYN 2020 Sales Tax:Q1-Q3

$3.88 $5.51

MILLION

2021 Sales Tax:Q1-Q3 MILLION

INCREASED

42% BERWYN.NET | 13

SMALL BUSINESS EDUCATION

1

2

BDC Seminar on COVID-19 Vaccination and Required Testing 4

3

LinkedIn - Uncovering the Power! Prospecting and Business Development Hiring in the New Normal Sessions

5

How to Certify Your Business as Minority Owned Back2Business Grant Support Sessions Growing Your Business Through an Online Presence

6

7

Berwyn Shops: Informational Session

2021 SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS & BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Earth Day Neighborhood Clean Up

Monthly Women in Business Meetings

14 | ANNUAL REPORT 2021

BDC After Hours Wine Pairing at La Parra Restaurant

BDC Holiday After Hours at Gaia Ristorante Italiano

BDC’s Nonprofit Roundtable

2021 BDC Virtual Annual Meeting

2021 GRAND OPENINGS

JC STACKS GAMING LOUNGE, INC 6838 W Windsor Ave Berwyn, IL 60402

STATE FARMEDDY MUJICA

GUTIERREZ TAEKWONDO USA

6333 W 26th St Berwyn, IL 60402

6306 W 26th St Berwyn, IL 60402

BERWYN CUSTOM TATTOO COMPANY

BABYGOLD BARBECUE

6910 W Cermak Rd Berwyn, IL 60402

6613 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn, IL 60402

FLEITAS GROUP CROSSCOUNTRY MORTGAGE

OLGA A MENDEZ DDS AND ASSOCIATES

3208 S Grove Ave Berwyn, IL 60402

STATE FARM DAVID AVILA

6844 W Cermak Rd Berwyn, IL 60402

MONSE’S BREAKFAST TAPAS BAR

6612 Cermak Rd Berwyn, IL 60402

6609 Roosevelt Rd Berwyn, IL 60402

W3 BODY - A WOMEN’S GYM

GAIA RISTORANTE ITALIANO

6342 Cermak Rd Berwyn, IL 60402

6822 Windsor Avenue, Berwyn, IL 60402

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Pursuant to Section D ( i and v): Marketing Berwyn’s Business Community: The BDC strives to promote the Berwyn business community through various programs.

WHYBERWYN.COM

BY THE NUMBERS:

Chicago: 43% Berwyn: 24% Cicero: 7%

SOCIAL MEDIA ENGAGEMENT: 6%

@WhyBerwyn FOLLOWERS: 4,122 (+ 302 SINCE 2020)

@WhyBerwyn f FOLLOWERS: 15,028 (+ 810 SINCE 2020)

WHY BERWYN & BDC SOCIAL STATS: OVERALL ENGAGEMENT: 6% FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS: 16,194 (+1,976 SINCE 2020) 16 | ANNUAL REPORT 2021

THE BERWYN BEAT The Berwyn Beat is a weekly email that is designed to keep residents of Berwyn informed and entertained. Every week The Berwyn Beat goes out to 1,500+ emails, and it highlights one of four topics; Family & Community Fun, Leisure & Entertainment, Food, and Community Members.

SENT WEEKLY TO ABOUT 1,500 OPEN: 35% CLICK-THRU-RATE: 3%

PUBLICATIONS This is the first year that the Berwyn Development Corporation has translated all three annual print publications in Spanish. Additionally, the first ever fully digital publication was marketed and shared through our websites.

WEEKLY E-BLASTS

Berwyn Magazine Issue 1 | 2021 19,000 delivered

The Weekly E-Blast is an email that is designed to keep the Berwyn business community and BDC members informed. On a weekly basis the email goes out to about 1,200 email addresses and is filled with grant/loan information, upcoming events and dates, important safety guidelines, and business resources.

SENT WEEKLY TO ABOUT 1,200 OPEN: 30% CLICK-THRU-RATE: 3%

Community Resource Guide ‘21 33,000 delivered

Berwyn Magazine Issue 3 | 2021 19,000 delivered

The Berwyn Holiday Guide 2021 11,775 digital views

BERWYN.NET | 17

2021

SPECIAL EVENTS

please join us for the seventeenth annual

DEPOT DISTRICT MINI-GOLF PUB CRAWL

event DETAILS SIGN IN AT

6801 W WINDSOR AVE 11:00am –12:00pm Tee Off: 12:00pm

19TH HOLE AFTER PARTY 5:00PM AT PERCEPTION LOUNGE 4-person teams • lots of prizes!

EP

D

FLAPJACK BREWERY GAIA RISTORANTE ITALIANO GEORGE’S TAVERN GODSON’S HOUSE OF SLOTS JC STACKS LAVERGNE’S TAVERN OFF THE TRAXX PERCEPTION LOUNGE QUANS OASIS THE GARAGE SMOKEHOUSE & BAR THE JAMES JOYCE IRISH PUB WINDSOR CAFE

T

participants

OT D IS T RI

C



TASTE OF CERMAK

SATURDAY, OCT 23 NOON - 5PM  FREE PARTY BUS!

REGISTER at: whyberwyn.com

this event is brought to you by



708.788.8100

DEPOT DISTRICT MINI-GOLF PUB CRAWL

COMMUNITY CAR PARADE

OKTOBERFEST 18 | ANNUAL REPORT 2021

2022

SPECIAL EVENTS

PROSPECTIVE PROJECTS: SECOND SATURDAYS

June - Sep

Monthly pop-up shop events held on Clinton Ave, adjacent to the Berwyn Shops. They are designed to draw new shoppers and generate additional excitement around the Roosevelt Road Corridor.

ROCKIN’ ROOSEVELT

Summer 2022

Featuring 3 stages, live music, and fun for all - Rockin’ Roosevelt will bring Berwyn businesses along the Roosevelt Corridor together with the community.

Coming soon to Berwyn, Summer 2022.

RETURNING EVENTS:

TASTE OF CERMAK

July 21

Aug 27

WEATHERTECH® BERWYN RT 66 CAR SHOW

OKTOBERFEST

Sep 16/17

Apr 23 & Oct 15

DEPOT DISTRICT MINI-GOLF PUB CRAWL

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3322 S Oak Park Ave, 2nd Floor | (708) 788-8100 | Berwyn.net 20 | ANNUAL REPORT 2021