DIANE SALEMI | PRESIDENT BDC

Board Of Directors

As the President of the BDC Board of Directors, I would like to welcome you to our 8th annual Community Resource Guide. Within this publication, you will meet incredible community members, learn about our dynamic commercial corridors, and discover why Berwyn is truly Nothing Like a Suburb.

Since last year, the Berwyn community witnessed an incredible expansion of educational opportunities and start-up support, including the launch of the Berwyn Shops on Roosevelt Rd and the #HireBerwyn campaign. Hundreds of business owners also took advantage of available financial resources, including the Finish Line Grant, Back to Business Grant, and Small Business Lending Programs.

In 2023, we hope to continue this momentum. In fact, the Berwyn Shops has already re-opened with 12 NEW businesses. We will also be expanding “A Homegrown Project” by starting two additional programs for entrepreneurs, artisans, and makers – Berwyn Boutique and Sprout. Finally, we will continue to offer tailored advising sessions, grant application assistance, and reformatted corridor roundtables.

Outside of resources for businesses, Berwyn residents experienced the return of our full special events season, including the beloved Route 66 Car Show. Throughout the year, we saw record-breaking attendance and widespread media attention. We even saw the unveiling of a giant muffler man and mini car spindle on Ogden Ave! None of this would have been possible with the ongoing support from the Berwyn community and surrounding areas. Thank you to all who joined the festivities, and we can’t wait to see you again at this year’s events!

In short, our goal is to ensure that you, your neighbors, prospective residents, and business owners have access to the plethora of resources available right here in Berwyn. Stay up to date on all our programs and events by visiting Berwyn.net or by calling 708-788-8100. We are proud of Berwyn, and we are excited for what is to come in the second half of 2023!

Warmest Regards,

Diane Salemi President, BDC Board of Directors

David Hulseberg Executive Director

Rasheed Jones Accountant

Laura Straw Special Events Coordinator

Project Manager of Economic Development

Marcos Martinez Community Development Specialist

Valle-Flores Marketing Coordinator

Claudia Thornton Chamber Manager

Genesis Valencia Chamber Administrative Coordinator

Kendra

Shaw Economic Development Manager

Nancy Gonzalez Vacancy Coordinator

Patrick Greenacre Marketing Manager

Executive Board

Diane Salemi

Jamie

Revell

Vice President

Gary Director of Emotional Support

Board of Directors

Anthony Belcaster

Tom Benson

Pierre Monice

Salvador Figueroa

Dr. Olivia Lares

David

Hulseberg

Executive Director

President Andy Sotiropoulos

Past Board President

Jousef Mondragon Vice

President

Mario Manfredini

Secretary

Libby Popovic

Treasurer

Paul Macchione

Sandra Diaz

Salvador Plascencia

Nora Laureto

Herman Vander Naald

Eddie Wilkowski

From Roosevelt to Ogden, Berwyn’s span of 3.9 square miles includes a plethora of staple locations for its residents. With centrally located schools, health resources, and local government - you’ll find that this navigable city is suitable for family, fun, and friends! Check out the map for a bird’s eye view of beautiful Berwyn.

MAYOR ROBERT J. LOVERO CITY OF BERWYN

We are springing into 2023, and with a new year I hope we Stay Connected via the city’s new website at www. berwyn-il.gov, where Berwyn residents can pay their water bill online (please have your account/balance information), view/share opportunities to work in our City and view the City’s Community Calendar for upcoming municipal and community meetings.

Our city infrastructure projects continue to advance, with our Depot District Project now in its Third Phase: Streetscape Beautification. A recent grant from the Public Works Department will enable our city to inventory water main lead pipes per the federal mandate (Public Act 1020613) and ensure we can continue to provide clean and safe water to our entire community. Be sure to visit the city’s Official YouTube Channel to view an instructional video, and learn more about the Water Pipe Inventory Initiative. Don’t miss your chance to enter a raffle to win a gift card when you complete the inventory survey at berwynsurvey.com.

I am happy to announce the funding securement of 5 million dollars from 4th District of Illinois Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia for the 34th Street Modernization and Stormwater Management Improvements Project, to continue rehabilitating the roadway, sidewalks, and curbs/gutters. This project will improve pedestrian and road safety in an area where it is critical.

With summertime in the City of Homes fast approaching, so are the community events, new and beloved: the 6th Annual Pink Divas and Gents Run and (Cancer) Awareness Walk, on June 24th at the Morton West High School Campus, the 5th Annual Berwyn Pride Parade, the Berwyn Independence Fireworks Sponsored By World’s Largest Laundromat on July 3rd, 2023 at the Morton West High School Campus, the Taste of Cermak, and Route 66 Car Show. I hope to see you around in our neighborhood, shopping at the Berwyn Shops on Roosevelt Road, or at Gina’s Italian Ice for the season opener.

To stay up-to-date on these events, as well as other community activities, please follow us on our website (www.berwyn-il.gov), Facebook (@BerwynIL), Twitter (@CityofBerwyn), Instagram (@city_of_berwyn), and YouTube (youtube.com/cityofberwyn).

Sincerely,

Mayor Robert J. Lovero, City of Berwyn