BDC 2023 Annual Report

ANNUAL 20

REPORT 23 3322 S Oak Park Ave, 2nd Floor | (708) 788-8100 | Berwyn.net

BERWYN.NET | 1

Thank you for your years of service to the City of Berwyn and the BDC. Nora Laureto 1954 - 2023

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

2 | ANNUAL REPORT 2023

@BerwynDevelopmentCorp

TABLE OF CONTENTS 04

BDC BOARD & STAFF

08

BDC CONTRACT WITH THE CITY OF BERWYN

13

FINISH LINE GRANT UPDATE

17

2023 GRAND OPENINGS

21

05

06

LETTERS FROM OUR DIRECTOR & PRESIDENT

2023 RECAP TIMELINE

BDC 2023/24 FINANCIALS

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RECAP

10

14

12

16

ANNUAL STATISTICS

CHAMBER RECAP 2023

18

20

PROJECT HOMEGROWN

2023 MARKETING UPDATE

2023 SPECIAL EVENTS UPDATE

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.

BERWYN.NET | 3

BERWYN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STAFF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

David Hulseberg Executive Director

Diane Salemi President

Jamie Revell Vice President

Richard “Jousef” Mandragon Vice President

Andy Sotiropoulos Past President

Libby Popovic Treasurer

Mario Manfredini Secretary

Fabiola Avitia

Anthony Belcaster

Tom Benson

Sandra Diaz

Salvador Figueroa

Dr. Olivia Lares

Pierre Monice

Paul Macchione

Salvador Plascencia

Herman Vander Naald

Eddie Wilkowski

STAFF

David Hulseberg

Kendra Shaw

Genesis Valencia

Rasheed Jones

Executive Director

Special Events Coordinator

Deputy Director

Accountant

4 | ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Marcos Martinez

Community Development Specialist

Paola Garibay

Project Manager of Economic Development

Patrick Greenacre Michelle Valdovinos-V.F. Marketing Manager

Marketing Coordinator

Nancy Gonzalez

Vacancy Coordinator

Kierra J. Turpin Marketing Project Coordinator

Helen Tornquist Homegrown Coordinator

Gary

Director of Emotional Support

WORDS FROM BDC’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Welcome to the Berwyn Development Corporation’s 2023 Annual Report. As the Executive Director, I am excited to share the progress, metrics, and milestones that we achieved throughout the year.

Most noticeably, the Berwyn community witnessed the rapid expansion of Project Homegrown in 2023. Specifically, the Berwyn Shops reopened with 12 new small businesses.

The BDC also launched Berwyn Boutique and Berwyn Sprout, shared retail spaces in Cermak Plaza designed to support Berwyn Shops’ graduates and 30+ new entrepreneurs, respectively. Together, these programs are lowering barriers for new business owners and cultivating a dynamic community of artisans and makers (see page 18).

2023 Chamber of the year BDC named IACCE’s Outstanding Chamber of the Year.

Beyond Project Homegrown, the BDC continued to connect small business owners with educational opportunities, networking events, and financial resources. We did this via timely social media posts, bilingual e-blasts, and intentional phone banking. In fact, we hosted 53 outreach events and shared vital information over 65,000 times to established businesses in Berwyn. Furthermore, we facilitated over 1,450 personalized advising sessions with 800 different business owners, covering topics such as marketing, grant assistance, and site location analysis (see page 12).

Thankfully, our efforts resulted in much-needed grant awards to Berwyn businesses. For example, DCEO awarded $305,000 to 18 local restaurants and creative arts businesses through the Back to Business program. We also saw 37 childcare facilities receive over $421,000 through the Strengthen and Grow Grant.

Finally, the BDC committed over $377,591 to 32 renovation projects in our three TIF districts – Harlem/Cermak, Roosevelt, and Depot (see page 13).

Grants awarded to BDC $772,325 awarded to the BDC via 4 state grants.

In short, 2023 was marked by incredible events, tailored resources, and unique programs. We are thankful for the partners, small business owners, and Berwyn community who helped make it all possible. We are grateful for your support, and we look forward to collaborating with you in 2024!

Sincerely,

+$700K Grants to businesses

Dave Hulseberg

WORDS FROM BDC’S BOARD PRESIDENT

$305,000 to 18 businesses B2B $421,875 to 37 childcare facilities

It’s hard to believe that we’ve completed another year of economic development and chamber services in Berwyn.

When I look back on my last year as BDC Board President, I can say that I am truly impressed by the passion and tenacity of the BDC team and the Berwyn community!

2023 was a year of great achievements. First, the BDC was awarded over $772,000 in grant dollars! With these funds, the Berwyn community will see an Economic Development Resiliency Plan, bandshell and party wagons, expanded marketing for special events, restored jukebox, and more! Get ready for a funfilled special event season in 2024 (see page 21)!

In addition to grants, the BDC also received high honors for our work in Berwyn, including Project Homegrown and the Berwyn Internship for Small Businesses (BISB). Specifically, we won the Outstanding Chamber of the Year award and the Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service’s Governor Certification of Appreciation. Finally, our Economic Development Manager was recognized with the regional “30 under 40” award and the national “40 under 40” award.

Governor award Team received the Governor Certification of Appreciation for Project Homegrown.

I am proud to have served as the BDC’s Board President and I look forward to what is to come in 2024!

Warmest regards,

Diane Salemi

Team Aahievements Regional “30 under 40” Pay it Forward award & MORE! BERWYN.NET |5

2023 TIMELINE

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

Business Finance Basics El Jardin Tax Abatement Approved BDC Assignment Agreement Completed on 2 Loans Passion Project at Heritage Middle School Vendor Selection Day – Berwyn Shops Event Publication of the Bi-Annual Berwyn Vacancy Report 15-Year Anniversary Certification Presentation to Gail Lovero from Gone Travl’n Nonprofit Roundtable Breakfast meeting with Ana Granados speaking about #hireberwyn Art Mural unveiling at W3Body – A Women’s Gym Berwyn Internship for Small Businesses (BISB) Kick off meeting with Morton College Women in Business meeting with Jazmin Sandoval from ATAX Tax Preparation and Business Services Presentation of Finish Line Grant plaque to Joseph Linhart of Linhart Funeral Home Development Recognition Award presented to Flapjack Brewery and Fitzgerald’s Nightclub & Sidebar

2023 Vendor Info Session – Berwyn Shops Event Yorktown Center Field Trip – Berwyn Shops Event Business Insurance 101 Cook County Panel Discussion – Berwyn Shops Event Jury Committee Selected – Berwyn Shops Event Cook County Small Business Source 2023 BSO Kickoff City of Berwyn and BDC Board Strategic Planning Session Capital Investment & Expanding Your Business 2022 Cohort Graduation – Berwyn Shops Event Financial Management Cash Flow Renewal of Finish Line Grant in Harlem, Roosevelt, and Depot TIF Districts Publication of the BDC’s Annual Report BDC Annual Meeting at Paisans Pizzeria & Bar 25-Year Anniversary Certificate Presentation to Dr Diane Garrison DDS

APRIL

Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting for So Soft Beauty Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting for Rock ‘It’ Taco Nonprofit Roundtable meeting w/Shannon Ellison Women in Business meeting with Imelda Rodriguez BDC & Morton College Graduation Celebration of BISB Business After Hours at Michael Anthony’s, Berwyn Wallpaper 101 – Berwyn Shops Training Event 2 Back to Business Grant Info Sessions Safety Orientation – Berwyn Shops Training Event Business Corridor Roundtable – Harlem/Cermak Rd Updated Vacancy Ordinance Approved by City Council DCEO Cook County Spoke Contract Signed Launch of Berwyn Sprout Application & Website BDC Awarded $175,000 DCEO Tourism Grant New four year contract secured with the City of Berwyn

MARCH

Launch of BDC Ambassador’s program Business After Hours at Paisans Pizzeria and Bar 100-Year Anniversary Certificate Presentation to Kiwanis Club of Berwyn Women in Business meeting with Maura Mitchell from Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) Membership Breakfast Meeting at the Berwyn Public Library with Libby Popovic from Popovic Law Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting at Loyola Medicine ENT Clinic

Business Corridor Roundtable – Depot

MAY 45-Year Anniversary Presentation to Berwyn’s Violet Flower Shop Women in Business meeting at W3Body – A Women’s Gym, Berwyn BDC Presented Iskali with a Philanthropic Grant Membership Meeting at the Berwyn Public Library w/Pierre Monice BDC receives Pay it Forward award from Morton 201 Foundation Soy Bilingual Speech Therapy Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Balance Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Berwyn Shops Grand Re-Opening – Berwyn Shops Event Second Saturday & Mother’s Day – Berwyn Shops Event 5 Artists/Musicians on Site – Berwyn Shops Events 2 Berwyn Sprout Info Sessions – Sprout Events Legal Tips – Berwyn Shops Training Event One-Month Recap Meeting – Berwyn Shops Event 2 Back 2 Business Grant Info Sessions Business Corridor Roundtable – Roosevelt Rd Berwyn Sprout Info Session – Sprout Event Vacancy Report for July-Dec of 2022 Completed BDC Awarded $47,325 Tourism Marketing Grant BDC Awarded $475,000 Route 66 Round 2 Grant

JUNE JULY

BDC Presented Pav YMCA with a Philanthropic Grant Nonprofit Roundtable meeting with Amelia Joseph from Pillars Community Health Women in Business Meeting with Erin Vogel from State Farm Insurance-Eddy Mulica Business After Hours at Baird & Warner 3 Artists/Musicians on Site – Berwyn Shops Events Second Saturday & Art in the Park – Berwyn Shops Event Father’s Day Weekend – Berwyn Shops Event Taxes 101 – Berwyn Shops Training Event First Round of Vendors Selected – Sprout Event 2 Sprout Open Houses – Sprout Event Business Corridor Roundtable – Ogden Ave 6 | ANNUAL 2023 2 Open Houses forREPORT Fixture Pick Up – Sprout Event

Sanitation Manager Training Cook County Source Grant Launch Second Saturday & Food Vendor – Berwyn Shops Event 3 Artists/Musicians on Site – Berwyn Shops Events Sombreros Workshops – Berwyn Shops Vendor Events Hiring/Insurance 101 – Berwyn Shops Training Event Business After Hours at Fitzgerald’s WIB Meeting with Fabiola Avitia, Cortina Heating & Cooling Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting at MacNeal Hospital’s Breast Center BDC Benefits Orientation for Chamber Members

AUGUST Rt 66 Car Show Grand Opening of Berwyn Sprout: A Homegrown Project Berwyn Shops Presentation at the National ACCE Conference Business Corridor Roundtable – Central Berwyn Capital Development Board Outreach Event Latina Talks – Berwyn Shops Vendor Event Strive Workout Session – Berwyn Shops Event Second Saturday & Food Vendor – Berwyn Shops Event 90’s Theme on Site – Berwyn Shops Vendor Event Back-to-School Drive & Community Mural – Berwyn Shops Permanent Bracelets – Berwyn Shops Vendor Event

Cash Flow 101 – Berwyn Shops Training Event Secret Serenade – Berwyn Shops Vendor Event Stride Workout Session – Berwyn Shops Event 1 Artist/Musician on Site – Berwyn Shops Event Launch of Community Strategic Plan Survey Nonprofit Roundtable with Josephine DiCesare, Youth Crossroads, Inc. Women in Business Meeting with Julie Polanco, Julie Naturally Membership Meeting on Cybersecurity with Fariz Burhanuddin Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting at Jardin Restaurant

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

2 Artists/Musicians on Site – Berwyn Shops Event Quiet Your Mind & Free Your Body – Vendor Event Secret Serenade – Berwyn Shops Vendor Event One Tail at a Time Adoption – Vendor Event Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun – Vendor Event Business Plans 101 – Berwyn Shops Training Dia de los Muertos – Vendor Event Spooky Movie Night – Vendor Event Halloween Bash – Vendor Event Berwyn Shops Report Card Meetings Business Corridor Roundtable: All Berwyn Business After Hours: Berwyn Boutique Grand Opening Celebration: Date Nite Beaute Grand Opening Celebration: D’Nuez Mexican Fusion BISB Fall Kick-Off with Dominican University

DECEMBER

Chismosa Chats and Networking Night – Vendor Event Model Call for Sagrado Corazon Fashion Show – Vendor Event Second Saturday & Food Vendor – Berwyn Shops Event 1 Artist/Musician on Site – Berwyn Shops Event Mid-Year Check In Meeting – Berwyn Shops Event Cookie Decorating Class – Berwyn Shops Vendor Event Sagrado Corazon Collection Fashion Show – Vendor Event Marketing 101 – Berwyn Shops Training Event Fall in Love with Shopping – Vendor Event Beautiful Autumn Tea Party – Vendor Event Berwyn Shops Report Card Meetings – Berwyn Shops Events Governor’s Certificate of Appreciation Ceremony – Berwyn Shops Event Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting at Strive Fitness Women in Business After Hours at Warm Wick

2 Berwyn Shops Informational Sessions Holiday Market & Santa – Berwyn Shops Event Posada & Pictures with the Grinch – Berwyn Shops Vendor Event Kalpulli Xinachtli Xochikalli – Berwyn Shops Vendor Event Berwyn Shops 2023 Season Ended Building Permit Feedback Submitted to City Hall New Biz Grant Assistance Holly the Elf on Site – Sprout Vendor Event BISB Fall Celebration with Dominican University BDC Holiday Afterhours at Jardin Restaurant

NOVEMBER

Launch Berwyn Shops 2024 Jury and Vendor Applications 2 Berwyn Shops Informational Sessions Halloween Redo – Berwyn Shops Vendor Event Chicago Girls who Walk – Berwyn Shops Vendor Event 1 Artist/Musician on Site – Berwyn Shops Event Holiday Kick-Off – Berwyn Shops Event Berwyn Fire Dept Appreciation – Berwyn Shops Vendor Event Cottage Food Certification 101 – Berwyn Shops Training 2023 Cohort Check In – Berwyn Shops Event New Biz Grant Assistance 3 Community Strategic Planning Meetings 2nd Round of Sprout Vendors Onboarded BDC received Chamber of the Year Award Grand Opening Celebration: The Outta Space Morton High School Field Trip – Sprout Event Santa on Site & Friendsgiving – Sprout Vendor Events Grand Opening Celebration: MacNeal Hospital - Radiology

BERWYN.NET | 7

BERWYN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION CONTRACT WITH THE CITY OF BERWYN A. Business Attraction (New Business Prospects) a. The BDC provided information 715 times to new business prospects on land, buildings, demographics, labor force, housing, education, infrastructure, and other relevant information. b. The BDC agreed to perform the following business attraction services to aid prospective businesses and developers:

i. BDC staff reviewed existing incentive programs to make recommendations and provide

feedback from the development community. The BDC continued tracking feedback by way of commercial transfer stamps, business licenses, and building permit touches. This information is

provided to the City of Berwyn by way of the Vacant Properties Report and Building Permit

Report on a semi-annual basis.

ii. The BDC continued to market the Finish Line Grant Program in Berwyn’s Roosevelt, Harlem,

and Depot TIF Districts. In 2023, the BDC set aside $250,000 in the Roosevelt TIF, $250,000 in the

Harlem TIF, and $100,000 to the Depot TIF.

a. The BDC has committed $377,591.27 in Finish Line Grants to 32 projects throughout 2023.

b. In 2023, additional tracking and monitoring measures were implemented for businesses with

gaming licenses.

B. Business Retention and Expansion (Existing Business Prospects) a. The BDC retention program identified the needs of existing businesses in the following ways:

i. The BDC provided information over 65,798 times via email and phone to existing businesses

on economic, demographic, or commercial real estate. Some businesses were contacted with

multiple touches, hence the large amount of retention information shared. The primary focus in

2023 was connecting businesses to educational opportunities and sharing financial resources,

such as the Cook County Grow Grant, Finish Line Grant, DCEO Back to Business Grant, and

Revolving Loan Fund. ii. The BDC updated information on Berwyn’s economic profile, including the available properties

map, vacancy information to aldermen, and sales tax data in our annual and quarterly reports.

The BDC website was also updated to reflect change in resources and policies from national,

state, and local guidance. iii. The BDC continued to maintain a database of all Berwyn businesses and work with the Permit

Administrator to collect business licenses. iv. The BDC conducted over 16 corridor walks, 16 educational webinars, 12 informational sessions,

3 community strategic planning meetings and 6 business corridor roundtables.

1. The roundtables included Depot District, Harlem/Cermak, Roosevelt Road, Central Berwyn,

Ogden Ave, and All Berwyn. The informational sessions covered topics such as Project

Homegrown and grants.

8 | ANNUAL REPORT 2023

C. Miscellaneous a. The BDC operates the Commercial Loan and Microloan pools to assist community businesses with financing options. In 2023, the BDC renewed its status as an approved lender with DCEO’s Advantage Illinois Program.

i. Following the recommendation of the BDC Loan Commission, the City of Berwyn approved a

$262,500 loan in partnership with Advantage Illinois in 2023. b. In 2023, Project Homegrown rapidly expanded. Specifically, the BDC re-opened the Berwyn Shops with 12 new business owners, celebrated the ribbon-cutting of Berwyn Boutique, and successfully launched Berwyn Sprout with 30+ entrepreneurs. c. The BDC continued its contract as a Community Navigator with the Cook County Small Business Source. As part of the contract, the BDC connects businesses to resources, as well as provides free one-on-one advising sessions to business owners. In 2023, the BDC team facilitated over 1,450 advising sessions and received about $300,000 for their efforts. d. The BDC continued its contract with the IL Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

As part of the contract, the BDC assisted business owners with the Back to Business Grant application, bringing in $305,000 to 18 restaurants and creative arts businesses in Berwyn. e. In collaboration with the City of Berwyn, the BDC continued administration of the Vacancy Ordinance. In 2023, the BDC sent notifications to 126 vacant properties. Of the 126, all were inspected, 42 appealed, 17 registered and paid, and 45 are occupied. f. In general, the BDC team continues to develop professionally. Of note, the economic development presented at the ACCE National Conference, ITIA Conference, and Cook County Bureau of Economic Development Panel. The team also took IEDC, Career Readiness, and Spanish classes.

31 Projects Committing $362,592 in 2023

53 Community Outreach Events

80+ Prospective Businesses Contacted

BERWYN.NET | 9

2023 BDC FINANCIAL

BERWYN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Bank Accounts, Escrows, and Restricted Accounts

Operating Reserve

As of 1.19.2024

$200,000

Total Unrestricted Cash Assets

$1,597,373

Escrow

$249,810

Other Assets

$656,870

Total $2,020,683

Restricted Oktoberfest

$97,500

Reimursables

$388,559

Restricted Route 66

FUNDS ON HAND

$76,000 Operating Accounts

Unrestricted Reserve Fund

$348,500

$1,048,873

BUDGETED ITEMS BUDGETED ITEMS Admin

SOURCE OF FUNDS

Marketing & Promotion

Operations

$75,364 $47,182

Other & Interest

Reimbursable Expenses

$25,192

$93,570

$132,529

Loan Expenses

$13,104

Professional Fees

Grants & Service Contracts

$93,551

$295,479 Marketing & Promotion

$136,681

Total $1,675,518

Total $1,660,477

Events & Programs

$255,386

Events & Programs

$169,071 Membership

$109,869

City of Berwyn Contract

$875,000

2024 BDC PROJECTED FINANCIALS Reimburseable Expenses

$35,500

Loan Expenses

$15,700

Admin

$69,000

Operations

$48,628

Professional Fees

$33,000 Marketing & Promotion

$220,000 Project Homegrown

$226,420

Total $2,101,838

BUDGETED EXPENSES

Events & Programs Expense

$290,000

PROJECTED REVENUE

BERWYN.NET | 11

Economic Development SERVICES SUPPORTING BERWYN BUSINESSES

Berwyn.net • (708) 749-6587 • kendras@berwyn.net Welcome to the Economic Development Corner, On behalf of the team, it has been a pleasure working with Berwyn businesses and residents this year. THANK YOU for sharing your goals, insights, and experiences with us!

Your feedback sparked program expansions, new partnerships, enhanced marketing, and even new colleagues in 2023.

For example, the BDC administered the Vacancy Program in collaboration with the City of Berwyn. According to the ordinance, all vacant properties must be registered, hold proper insurance, and have a plan for the space. In 2023 alone, 126 properties were inspected, 17 registered, and 45 occupied!

We also renewed our contracts with the City of Berwyn, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Cook County Land Bank, and Advantage Illinois. Together, these partnerships enabled us to offer free advising sessions, small business loans, and timely grant assistance not only in Berwyn, but throughout the Western Suburbs.

GRANTS TO$421,875 BUSINESSES to 37 childcare facilities through the Strengthen & Grow Child Care Grant

$305,000 to 18 businesses through DCEO’s Back to Business Program

$726,875

TO 55 BUSINESSES

Moving into the new year, we welcome continued dialogue. In fact, we will release the new Economic Resiliency Plan in early 2024. Funded by the RISE grant, this plan is based on key informant interviews, a bilingual survey, and 3 community planning meetings.

We cannot wait to see what is in store for Berwyn in 2024!

COMMUNITY NAVIGATOR

GRANTS FOR THE CITY OF BERWYN

1,450 One-on-One Advising Sessions 800 Small Business Clients 130,000+ Reached via Marketing 16 corridor walks

2023

RISE Grant – Economic Development Resiliency Plan Tourism Grant – Bandshell and 8 Block Party Wagons Tourism Marketing Grant – Billboards, videos, and more!

Rt 66 Round 2 Grant – Jukebox, wayfinding signage, and more!

$75,000 $175,000 $47,325 $475,000

$772,325

BUSINESS ROUNDTABLES

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

DEPOT ROUNDTABLE

SERVSAFE MANAGER CERTIFICATION

Events

16 Educational Opportunities 12 Informational Sessions 3 Community Strategic Planning Meetings 6 Business Roundtables

12 | ANNUAL REPORT 2023

To encourage networking and resource sharing, we revamped our 6 business roundtables. With the new interactive format, we saw over 150 attendees in 2023!

In 2023, we facilitated 28 educational sessions, covering timely topics such as sanitation certification, government contracting, and grant application assistance.

FINISH LINE GRANT UPDATE

On behalf of the City of Berwyn, the BDC continued to administer the Finish Line Grant Program in 2023. This redevelopment grant is available to business and commercial property owners across Berwyn’s TIF districts – Harlem/Cermak, Depot, and Roosevelt.

With intentional marketing and outreach, the BDC committed $377,591.27 in Finish Line Grants to 32 projects, leveraging more than $765,457 in private capital investment.

This means that every dollar spent using public grant dollars brough in an additional $2 investment into Berwyn.

Given the success of the program, the BDC has budgeted $625,000 for the Finish Line

2023 DEPOT

BAILA CONMIGO / DANCE WITH ME

6829 Stanley Ave. Interior Renovations and Signage

DEPOT

DEPOT

6827 Stanley Ave Interior Buildout & Signage

3212 Grove Ave Interior Renovations & Signage

6912 Windsor Ave Interior Renovations

JARDIN RESTAURANT

PHYSICIANS TO YOU

HARLEM

HARLEM

HARLEM

PREFERRED RATE RC TAX SERVICES

6534 Cermak Rd Interior Renovations & Signage

HARLEM

SOMETHING SPECIAL/ ALGO ESPECIAL

6529 Cermak Rd Flooring Removal & Installation

HARLEM

LEYLA HOME FURNITURE

6719 Cermak Rd Concrete Parking Lot

DATE NITE BEAUTE

HARLEM

6431 Cermak Rd Interior Buildout

DEPOT

GODSON’S BANQUETS INC.

HARLEM

6916 Cermak Rd Exterior Signage

SOY BILINGUAL SPEECH THERAPY W3BODY – A WOMEN’S GYM

6912-6914 Cermak Rd Exterior Signage

6342 Cermak Rd Painted Mural & Plumbing

6811 ROOSEVELT RD

ON THE ROCKS

ROOSEVELT

6811 Roosevelt Rd Tuckpointing

ROOSEVELT

6907 Roosevelt Rd BERWYN.NET | 13 Interior Renovations

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

35.8

38.6

38.6

Median Household Income

$64,965

$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

14 | ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Month

Berwyn

Dec

4.9%

Jan

6%

Feb

5%

Mar

4.7%

Apr

3.6%

May

3.5%

Jun

4.7%

Jul

4.3%

Aug

5.4%

Sep

4.9%

Oct

4.5%

Nov

4.6%

NON-SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT

ANNUAL INVESTMENT

Annual Residential Investment:

$38.2

MIL HOME RULE SALES TAX FOR BERWYN

2022 Sales Tax: Q1-Q3

$5.43 $5.52 1.54% MILLION

2023 Sales Tax: Q1-Q3

MILLION

INCREASED

Annual Commercial Investment:

$8.8

MIL

BERWYN CHAMBER

services CONNECTING BERWYN BUSINESSES

Berwyn.net • (708) 788-8100 • info@berwyn.net

The Berwyn Chamber celebrates a year of wonderful achievements, starting with 15 grand opening events that showcased the growth of our local business community. New this year, we hosted engaging Membership Meetings that provided relevant information and resources for all members. The BISB program underwent a restructuring in the second half of the year and the adjustments made underscore our commitment to our Chamber members’ unique needs. To top off our organization’s triumphs, we proudly received the Outstanding Chamber of the Year Award, a testament to our dedication to excellence as a team. As we reflect on our accomplishments, we look forward to continued success, collaboration, and service to our Chamber community. Cheers!

2023 SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS & BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Women In Business • 9 Meetings • 128 Total attendees • Variety of speakers • Networking opportunities

2023

Outstanding Chamber of the Year Award

Speaker: Josephine DiCesare August 10, 2023

Speaker: Jamie Revell May 16, 2023

Berwyn After Hours

JARDIN RESTAURANT December 14, 2023

16 | ANNUAL REPORT 2023

• 5 Meetings • 67 Total attendees • HireBerwyn • Growing partnerships

BDC OFFICE

W3 BODY

• 6 Meetings • 91 Total attendees • Member appreciation • Connecting members

Nonprofit Round Table

Membership Meetings The Outstanding Chamber of the Year Award, which began in 2014, recognizes organization excellence in chambers of commerce and provides a unique benchmarking opportunity to assess a chamber’s strengths. The award is based on the US Chamber of Commerce accreditation process for local chambers and highlights accomplishments in the areas of leadership/governance, finance, advocacy and membership development.

• 4 Meetings • 52 Total attendees • Member benefits recap • Continued Education

BERWYN PUBLIC LIBRARY

Speaker: Libby Popovic March 23, 2023

2023

GRAND OPENINGS

SO SOFT BEAUTY

ROCK “IT” TACO

BALANCE

BERWYN BOUTIQUE

7117 Roosevelt Rd

3246 Oak Park Ave.

8 BOBA CAFÉ

6139 Ogden Ave.

7003 Cermak Rd.

JARDIN RESTAURANT

6207 Roosevelt Rd.

7003 Cermak Rd.

DATE NITE BEAUTE

D’NUEZ

3212 S. Grove Ave.

1223 S Harlem Ave

SOY BILINGUAL

6912 Cermak Rd.

BAILA CONMIGO / DANCE WITH ME

6829 Stanley Ave.

STRIVE FITNESS

7905 Ogden Ave.

THE OUTTA SPACE

6840 W. 32nd St.

LOYOLA MEDICINE | MACNEAL HOSPITAL 3249 Oak Park Ave.

ENT CLINIC

3231 Euclid Ave. Suite 408

3D MAMMOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT

Breast Center

INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY EQUIPMENT Interventional Radiology Dept.

BERWYN.NET | 17

High Honors

Special Events

On May 5th, the Berwyn Shops successfully re-opened with on-site upgrades, new training sessions, and redesigned mini storefronts. For almost 8 months, the 12 new businesses tested the local market, offering everything from baked goods and curated clothing to artisanal jewelry and clean skincare.

While on Roosevelt Rd, the vendors expanded their product lines, hosted engaging events, and made new connections with customers and partners. The Shops were even spotlighted over 13 times across media platforms, including CBS News, ABC7 Chicago, WGN, and more!

This homegrown project has truly put Berwyn on the map. We are excited for season 3 in 2024!

On August 29th, partners, residents, friends, and family joined the BDC in celebrating the official Grand Opening of Berwyn Sprout. As the newest homegrown project, Sprout is designed to support 30+ entrepreneurs in one space. Open every Tuesday-Sunday, it is the perfect one-stop-shop, offering everything from artisanal blankets and candles to handmade accessories and beauty products.

In 2023, Sprout vendors have already sold over 7500 items, totaling over $100,000 in sales! They have even hosted holiday events, competed in pitch competitions, and been featured in news outlets. We are proud of Sprout and cannot wait to see it blossom in 2024!

• 13+ Media Spotlights • Featured at 2 Conferences • Governor’s Certificate of Appreciation • Chamber of the Year

• 49 On-Site Events • 10 Training Sessions • 16 Live Performers • 40 Pop-Up Vendors

Physical Upgrades

• Branded Archway • Restroom Trailer • Security Cameras • Enhanced Lighting

Vendor Successes

• Sold Out Products • Increased Followings • Developed Partnerships • Won Grant Awards

2024 Teasers

• 13 Community Jurors • 12 NEW Entrepreneurs • Revamped Marketing • Dedicated Team Member

On June 9th, Berwyn Boutique launched as a shared retail space, designed to help Berwyn Shops’ graduates expand their product lines, increase brand awareness, and strengthen partnerships.

Since opening, Makrame Green, Los Amigos Books, and Juicey Gems have done a great job facilitating interactive workshops, creating a family-friendly reading space, and hosting dynamic events. They even sold out their first fashion show! Stay tuned for more collaborations in 2024!

BERWYN.NET | 19

2023

OVERALL:

Marketing 4 Websites, 8 Social Media Accounts 3 Monthly E-blast, Print Media, Billboards

184,436 Vistor sessions | +10% 2022 302,708 Total Page Views | +26% 2022

Berwyn.net

WhyBerwyn.com

BerwynShops.com

BerwynSprout.com

• Users: 114,012 • Pageviews: 174,673

• Users: 19,653 • Pageviews: 87,735

TOTAL WEBSITE VISITORS (302k Page Views)

• Users: 13,163 • Pageviews: 23,377

• Users: 5,232 • Pageviews: 16,923

2023 Social Media 31,360 Social Media Followers | +18% 2022 6.4% Engagement Rate | +2.03% Industry Average 1,600 Comments | +43% 2022

f

152,060

in

E-Blast BDC (Chamber)

1.86M

PAGE IMPERSSIONS (+40% over 2022)

• Open Rate: 41.36% • Click-Through-Rate: 3.11 • Subscribers: 717

BDC (Econ)

• Open Rate: 38.39% • Click-Through-Rate: 2.33% • Subscribers: 972

WhyBerwyn

• Open Rate: 47.83% • Click-Through-Rate: 3.33% • Subscribers: 1,379

Project Homegrown

Berwyn Shops

• Followers: 7,401 • Engagement Rate: 4% • Post Impressions: 688K • Page Impressions: 1.1M

• Open Rate: 54.56% • Click-Through-Rate: 5.17% • Subscribers: 1,344

Berwyn Sprout • Followers: 1,404 • Engagement Rate: 6% • Post Impressions: 77K • Page Impressions: 121K

31,360 BDC FOLLOWERS

20 | ANNUAL REPORT(+18% 2023 over 2022)

WhyBerwyn

BDC

• Followers: 19,935 • Followers: 2,894 • Engagement Rate: 4% • Engagement Rate: 9% • Post Impressions: 313K • Post Impressions: 256K • Page Impressions: 240K • Page Impressions: 319K

2023

EVENTS RECAP: BERWYN

BERWYN ROUTE

CAR SHOW

23

, 20 August 26th

• 118 teams, 19 individuals • Total of 491 total golfers • 15 venues, 11 members • 11 sponsors • Best hole: Godson’s

2023

• 721 registered vehicles • 654 pre-registered online • 19 sponsors • 21 vendors • +25K visitors

• 13 food vendors • NEW Cup sponsor added • 8,290 drink tickets sold • 7 bands & musicians • +16K attendees

2024 Apr 20

DEPOT DISTRICT MINI-GOLF PUB CRAWL

OKTOBERFEST

TASTE OF CERMAK

Sept 20/21

July 18

Aug 24

BERWYN RT 66 CAR SHOW

Oct 19

BAGS, BEER, & BBQ

RETURNING EVENTS:

3322 S Oak Park Ave, 2nd Floor | (708) 788-8100 | Berwyn.net 22 | ANNUAL REPORT 2023