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
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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