2024 Berwyn Magazine - Issue 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LETTER FROM OUR BOARD PRESIDENT

Welcome to the first edition of the 2024 Berwyn Magazine! Throughout these pages, you will meet local business owners, learn about available resources, and find exciting announcements.

In fact, the Berwyn community can anticipate the return of beloved projects in 2024. For example, the Berwyn Shops will re-open for its third season with NEW entrepreneurs, offering everything from baked goods and hand-poured candles to crafted home goods and gorgeous accessories. The BDC, in partnership with Dominican University, will also continue to help local businesses grow their social media platforms and develop websites through the Berwyn Internship for Small Businesses.

Beyond projects, I am thrilled to announce the return of our fun-filled event season, including the Rt66 Car Show, Oktoberfest, Cruise Nights, and Depot District Pub Crawls. The BDC team is already scheduling engaging educational workshops, dynamic corridor roundtables, and ongoing networking opportunities. Visit www.Berwyn.net for more information!

As the new Board President, and a business owner in Berwyn, I am excited for what is to come in 2024!

Sincerely,

BDC 2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jamie Revell President, BDC Board of Directors

BERWYN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 2024 STAFF

Rasheed Jones Accountant

Stephania Lopez Chamber Administrative Coordinator

Nancy Gonzalez Vacancy Coordinator

Helen

Kierra J. Turpin Marketing Project Coordinator

Alexandra General Graphic Designer/ Marketing Coordinator

Pedro Guerra Chamber Manager

NEW MEMBERS LIST

FARMERS INS/MELISSA

TERRAZAS AGENCY

6729 W 26TH ST., #203

BERWYN, IL 60402 (708) 749-4331

LAS QUECAS BERWYN

6311 W CERMAK RD.

BERWYN, IL 60402 (708) 956-7371

ORDERLASQUECAS.COM

DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY

BRENNAN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

7900 W DIVISION ST., LW 203

RIVER FOREST, IL 60305 (708) 524-6810

@DOMINICANU

EXIT REALTY WE & WL

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

CHICAGO

505 S LA GRANGE RD.

LA GRANGE, IL 60525 (708) 859-0650

EXITREALTYWE.COM

STERLING & KNIGHT

JEWELRY & PAWN

7031 ROOSEVELT RD.

BERWYN, IL 60402 (708) 788-2340

SKJEWELRYANDPAWN.COM

PIEL AND CANELA

6716 W CERMAK RD.

BERWYN , IL 60402 (708) 623-4747

N JOY CHOP SUEY

7140 W WINDSOR AVE.

BERWYN, IL 60402 (708) 484-5310

NJOYII.COM

VIOLA CHI

1516 ROOSEVELT RD.

BROADVIEW, IL 60155 (872) 328-4652

VIOLACHI.COM

S.B.C. WASTE

SOLUTIONS INC.

2401 W GARDNER RD.

BROADVIEW, IL 60155 (312) 522-1115

SBCWASTESOLUTIONS.COM

BELIEVERS INTERNATIONAL LLC

6447 18TH ST., UNIT 3

BERWYN, IL 60402 (708) 712-8779

SPI STAFFING

6903 W CERMAK RD., SUITE A BERWYN, IL 60402 (630) 582-9800

SPI-STAFFING.COM

SELF MADE

PERSONAL TRAINING

7022 W 16TH ST.

BERWYN, IL 60402 (708) 571-5138

SELF-HELP FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

4811 W CERMAK RD. CICERO, IL 60804 (312) 401-6956

SELF-HELPFCU.COM

KRISPIES

752 NEWCASTLE AVE. WESTCHESTER, IL 60154 (708) 495-6338

HOME LINE

FURNITURE INC

7229 W 24TH ST. NORTH RIVERSIDE, IL 60546 (708) 447-1600

HOMELINEFURNITURESTORE.COM

THE PILE BOOKSTORE

7117B ROOSEVELT RD.

BERWYN, IL 60402 (708) 320-1001

THEPILEBOOKSTORE.COM

A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR ROBERT J. LOVERO, CITY OF BERWYN

Greetings Berwyn neighbors and visitors,

As we welcome spring and summer, I would like to remind everyone of the wonderful community that Berwyn is this time of year. We have parks, restaurants, and shops that make this the thriving “City of Homes.”

Spring brings heavy rains, as we have experienced in past years’ flooding. Earlier this year, the Cook County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) granted the City of Berwyn $500,000 to expand our Flood Mitigation Program. This expanded funding extends eligibility to all residential properties (single-family homes to multiunit buildings of 3 units or less) and increases the availability of reimbursement grants. The program intends to offset some of the costs of modifying a property’s plumbing system to prevent backflow when City sewers are at capacity. This program assists property owners who want to protect their property from flooding during a heavy rain event. For more information on all Residential Flood Mitigation Grant Reimbursement Programs, visit the “Find Flood Information” page of the City of Berwyn website at www.berwyn-il.gov/community-guide/new-residents-portal/find-floodinformation.

In addition to flood mitigation, the transition from Waste Management to S.B.C. Waste Solutions Inc. is underway. Throughout March, new S.B.C. garbage and recycling carts will be delivered. Once you receive your new S.B.C. carts, please discontinue using your Waste Management carts immediately. For more information on the cart exchange process or a request for additional carts and services, S.B.C. customer service is available from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm, Monday – Friday at (312) 522-1115. You can also view the dedicated Berwyn S.B.C. website at www.sbcwastesolutions.com/berwyn/.

We have many useful programs in the works that I will be announcing via the city’s website, so please stay tuned and remember to stay connected via the City’s social media pages and Emergency Alert Program. Signing up is quick and easy (www.berwyn-il.gov/ priorities/safety), and you control how alerts are received.

Sincerely,

Mayor Robert J. Lovero

love this town.

NEW TO BERWYN: PARTY WAGONS

PLANNING A BLOCK PARTY OR EVENT THIS SUMMER? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

After two years of planning and coordinating, Mayor Lovero is excited to announce that Berwyn residents and businesses now have access to 8 party wagons!

With a passion for community building and a desire to see neighborhood-level gatherings increase in Berwyn, Mayor Lovero designed these wagons to be filled with the equipment needed to host events. In other words, his goal was to reduce the costs associated with event planning by providing easy-to-navigate, fully stocked wagons.

For context, Mayor Lovero encouraged the BDC to apply for a $175,000 grant from the

HOW TO RENT A PARTY WAGON FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT

The process of renting a party wagon, including the associated fees, will depend on the park district (North Berwyn Park District if you’re located north of Cermak and Berwyn Park District if you’re located south of Cermak). To learn more about the process of renting a party wagon for your next event, please visit the corresponding park district’s website by scanning the QR code below.

Please note that you must obtain a Block Party Permit from the City of Berwyn prior to booking a wagon if you are using it for a block party. All other rentals for events where a permit is not required can start the rental process immediately.

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in 2022. Upon receiving the funds, the BDC and Mayor Lovero worked with community stakeholders – North Berwyn Park District and Berwyn Park District – to ensure that the process of renting and utilizing the wagons is as efficient and effective as possible for Berwynners.

With block party season starting soon, Mayor Lovero hopes that these wagons will strengthen a sense of community among neighbors, residents, and friends. Along with the North Berwyn Park District, Berwyn Park District, and the BDC, Mayor Lovero is committed to helping bring people together!

WHAT’S IN THE WAGONS?

The Party Wagons were designed with Berwynners in mind. Equipped to make your next event seamless and memorable, each Party Wagon contains:

• 10 Tables

• 100 Chairs

• PA System

• 4 Barricades

• Pop-up Tent

• Corn Hole Set

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

In 1939, the new Berwyn City Hall provides the library with space for a Central Branch specifically designed for library use.

By July 19, 1957, the Library Board had a replacement lined up.

Mrs. Jane M. Belon (later Shaw) was hired ... beginning September 1.

The new library flourished, and by mid-1926 had amassed a collection of 4,000 volumes.

It was in 1940 that Berwyn librarians began going out to the schools to instruct children on the use of the library.

By the end of the 1970s, libraries were noting big changes in the services they were being asked to provide in what was described as “a new era— the Information Age.”

Prior to Mr. Korbel’s tenure, the Berwyn Library never had applied for the annual grants offered by the state based on population.

September, things began to Library Board. Down to three members Board received two new trustees Jeffrey Glass.

In 1996, the former CSA Fraternal Life building at 2701 S. Harlem Avenue becomes the home of a single centralized library facility. (Photo courtesy Berwyn Public Library)

The library was packed with people every available day and night. Between 1990 and 1991, the number of library card holders grew 10 percent.

courtesy Council Says “No”

When Director Hensley arrived was abuzz with preparations for The three-week observance, Octo was designed to “get all of Be books. Charlotte’s Web by E. commemorative anniversary appeal to children and adults. gifts, and a performance of Charlotte’s presented in the Berwyn Public

1990s Bestsellers

Scarlett: The Sequel to Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind • Alexandra Ripley

The Bridges of Madison County • Robert James Waller

The Chamber • John Grisham*

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets • J.K. Rowling

When Director Hensley arrived that fall of 2001, the library was abuzz with preparations for celebrating its 75th anniversary.

The library’s requests for midyear on to the City Council and approved. 1984 budget foundered. The City funds for a library computer system. newspaper report, the Council “allocated felt could better serve the people In 1984, the library again aske for help in analyzing studies and weaknesses of Berwyn’s branch helped identify seven potential bu being “centrally located and accessible

*Editor’s Note: Grisham’s novels headed the best sellers 1994–2000

Bill Hensley, courtesy Space Reconfigurations

The beloved Berwyn tradition, the Fairy Tale Ball was first held in 2010, allowing children and families to explore storytelling in a new way.

It did not take long for the new involved in converting a building insurance company into a library.

The library continues to evolve, adapting to needs of the community and the development of new technologies. The library makerspaces allow library users to explore and create with tools that are difficult to access.

“I could not believe there processing area, and I wanted Hensley later recalled. “We used enclose three offices and set up printer, fax, and copying machines.”

It was the first of many building address the changing technologic century libraries in general and

By February 2002, for example, Advisory Department, full-service for space. The Friends of the inside the library entrance was hours of service per week because 133

climbed up on the roof to patch the leaks, and Mr. Korbel built shelves for books.

Albert Korbel,

Greetings and Happy 2024!

The Township and Public Health District have had a busy year. As we enter the new year, I would like to share with you some of the many programs my team and I were able to implement last year for our community members.

Our Township team has worked tirelessly to create solutions to help our community continue to grow, prosper, and enjoy family time. Some of the initiatives we have implemented have been:

• In-person diversity, equity, and inclusion training for staff and elected officials to ensure that we work together to do the best job possible;

• The reinstatement of the Community Health and Resource Fair to provide much-needed resources and information for our neighbors;

• Sunday Market Days to support local small businesses with music and fun for the entire family to gather and enjoy our township;

• Hosted the DMV mobile unit to offer the following services: REAL ID, Driver’s License renewal, state I.D. cards;

• Emergency Medical I.D. Bracelet program is available for free to Berwyn residents with Alzheimer’s, autism, severe allergies, or other mental health concerns. The program aims to provide crucial medical information and emergency contacts to first responders when assisting a Berwyn resident who could experience distress or disorientation in emergencies;

• We added holiday lights to our park to give families a reason to continue enjoying the outdoors as weather permits.

The Public Health District team has also been busy at work committing to support our most vulnerable populations through the following endeavors and investments,

• A brand new fridge and the creation of a storage area for Ebenezer Food Pantry to expand the community members that they can serve,

• A new fridge for the Christian Life Center food pantry to ensure food quality,

• The support of the expansion of the lending closet that includes the following items for community members: wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, portable raised toilet seats, gate belts, and reach extenders; and has now expanded to include portable sump pumps, garden hoses, and outdoor extension cords.

I am excited to announce that our team has an incredible opportunity for neighbors to take advantage of. This year, the Public Health District will provide lifesaving skills, CPR, and first aid training. Be sure to check with our office in the coming months for program details.

My team and I are proud of our 100-Year Tradition of Service and look forward to continuing to serve you.

David J. Avila Berwyn Township Supervisor & Health Board President

The Berwyn Chamber specializes in tailored services to meet diverse needs. Our seasoned professionals pride themselves on delivering personalized solutions that not only address specific requirements but also exceed expectations. In addition to our core services, we organize exclusive after-hours networking events for members at chamber member locations. These events offer an engaging setting to spark professional connections and collaborations. Join us at the Berwyn Chamber for unparalleled service, innovative solutions, and a supportive network dedicated to your growth and prosperity!

CELEBRATING 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

Nonprofit Roundtable

• 5 Meetings

• 67 Total attendees

• HireBerwyn

• Growing partnerships

W3 BODY

Speaker:

May 16, 2023

Berwyn After Hours

• 6 Meetings

• 91 Total attendees

• Member appreciation

• Connecting members

JARDIN RESTAURANT

December 14, 2023

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.

BDC OFFICE

Speaker: Josephine DiCesare

August 10, 2023

Membership Meetings

• 4 Meetings

• 52 Total attendees

• Member benefits recap

• Continued education

BERWYN PUBLIC LIBRARY

Speaker: Libby Popovic

March 23, 2023

Jamie Revell

BERWYN INTERNSHIP FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

The BDC and Dominican University work together to partner students at the Brennan School of Business with local Berwyn businesses that need assistance with their online presence. With the everchanging landscape of digital media, navigating the social media space can be daunting and time-consuming, particularly for small businesses. Balancing the demands of running a business with establishing a strong social media presence adds another layer of challenge. Recognizing this struggle, the Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC) launched the Berwyn Internship for Small Businesses program in Spring 2022. With an annual investment of $50,000, the BDC has recently partnered with Dominican University to create a newly improved program aimed at tackling this business issue.

Once students and businesses are selected, the 8-week program entails interns and business owners collaborating closely to enhance or develop their online presence. This includes tasks such as crafting engaging social media content, refining website design, and managing website content to better appeal to the business target audience.

For Dominican University, students participate in an academic class for one semester. At the onset of the course, students receive textbook knowledge on social media and website creation. The latter half of the semester focuses on hands-on experience, where students work with a Berwyn business for the remaining eight weeks.

As for the BDC, all chamber members are invited to apply for the opportunity to become a selected business. Business owners are asked to provide detailed explanations outlining why their small business would significantly benefit from participating in the internship program. This may include discussing current challenges in their online presence, specific goals they hope to achieve through the program, and how they envision leveraging the expertise of the interns to address these challenges and achieve their objectives.

The selection process carefully evaluates each application based on the potential for growth, innovation, and the ability to positively impact both the business and the intern. This ensures that the chosen businesses are those with the greatest potential to derive substantial value from the program and make meaningful strides in their digital marketing efforts.

The Berwyn Internship for Small Business program offers invaluable opportunities for both businesses and students. By the program’s conclusion, students gain valuable knowledge and hands-on experience in social media management, content creation, website management, and design, among other skills. Businesses receive a digital marketing calendar and the opportunity to create a WIX website along with tools and training to sustain their new or existing channels, ensuring their digital presence remains active beyond the internship.

BerwynShops.com • 6931 Roosevelt Rd

On March 4, 2024, the 2024 Berwyn Shops cohort was announced. Over the next few weeks, the vendors will prepare their spaces in anticipation of the Grand Opening on May 3, 2024! This season marks the 3rd year of Berwyn Shops and will offer everything from sweet treats and coffee to skincare and home goods.

During season three, we are excited to see vendors expand their brands, host engaging events, and make new connections with customers, partners, and the Berwyn community. Over the past two years, vendors have seen incredible support not only from the City of Berwyn, but also from media platforms across Chicago, which we can’t wait to see more of during the 2024 season.

Make sure to mark your calendars for Grand Opening on May 3, 2024 and keep up to date with everything Berwyn Shops @BerwynShops on Instagram and Facebook. We look forward to seeing how each individual vendor grows in the upcoming year!

BerwynSprout.com • 7129 Cermak Rd

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 sold over 7,500 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!

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Berwyn Boutique is a shared storefront designed to help

businesses expand their product lines, increase brand awareness, and strengthen their community partnerships. This homegrown project is the ideal transitional space for Berwyn Shops’ graduates.

Don’t miss the opportunity to shop Makrame Green, Los Amigos Books, and Juicey Gems before their season at the Berwyn Boutique ends in May 2024!

GRAB A BITE, BERWYN

ANTHONY’S PIZZA

Anthony’s Pizza has been in business since 1986, providing quality service and great tasting food in Berwyn. As a family-owned and operated pizzeria, they believe that authentic organic ingredients are the key to any Italian Dish. Anthony’s Pizza is open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving and is available to cater for any occasion! The catering packages are customizable and may be delivered anywhere in the Chicagoland area.

Anthony’s Pizza is located at 6237 Cermak Rd. Order your favorite pizza, pasta, salad, and more, all with the click of a button on AnthonysPizzeriaMenu.com, or give them a call at (701) 380-8195

BERWYN CHICKEN CO.

Berwyn Chicken Co. opened its doors in June of 2023, welcoming a wave of fried food lovers from all over Berwyn! Their menu offers a variety of meal options, including wings, fried chicken, chicken pierre, jumbo fried shrimp, dinners, catering and more! If you’re looking for fried chicken made right, look no further. Head over to the stand at 7021 Roosevelt Rd, Monday-Saturday from 11am-7pm to taste your own piece of perfectly crafted chicken. For more information or to order ahead, go to BerwynChicken.com, or call (708) 898-4446.

THE OUTTA SPACE

The OUTTA SPACE is truly an “outta” the ordinary arts and music bar that doubles as an inclusive event space or venue designed to inspire creation, collaboration, and celebration. In the OUTTA environment, everyone is welcome. You can expect to see or participate in monthly art shows, weekly live music, film screenings, readings, workshops, classes, markets, and private/rental events.

The OUTTA SPACE offers a full-service bar, and hosts live performances every week TuesdaySaturday and the 2nd and 3rd Sunday of every month. For more information, visit TheOuttaSpace.com, call (773) 972-3307, or simply visit the art and music bar at 6840 32nd St.

N JOY CHOP SUEY

For over two decades, N Joy Chop Suey has been serving up flavorful traditional Chinese dishes in the heart of the Depot District at 7140 Windsor Ave. Now, with fresh energy and vision, they are proud to announce that they have been under new management as of Spring 2023! Their signature dish, the orange chicken, is a great introduction to their menu and will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re looking to dine in or to take out, N Joy promises quality service and a filling meal. Don’t forget to try the egg rolls – some of the best in Berwyn!

Call (708) 484-5310 for quick service, and check them out today!

ONE SIZE DOESN'T FIT ALL.

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YOUR BUSINESS. business, and most importantly,

Get connected with Diane Salemi today.

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HEY, GOOD LOOKIN’

SELF MADE TRAINING

LUMIDENT

Lumident, formerly All Dental, is located at 6721 Cermak Rd. They are committed to providing you with the best dental care possible. From a complete examination and cleaning to a full-mouth restoration, Lumident does it all with exceptional care.

The staff are well-experienced and led by Claudia Osorio, DDS. Contact them today for more information or to schedule an appointment at (708) 749-0277

Self Made Training strives to help individuals at any fitness level break a sweat and reach their personal goals! Located at 7022 W. 16th St, Self Made Training is a private gym for personal training, equipped with the latest equipment and staffed with knowledgeable professionals to assist you.

Want to learn more or visit the location to see if they’re a fit for you? Call them at (708) 571-5138 today to set up an appointment.

SELF MADE PERSONAL TRAINING

JULIE NATURALLY

Julie Naturally was founded by Julie Brow-Polanco, a certified Functional Medicine and Integrative Health Coach, who weaves traditional plant wisdom with modern, evidencebased strategies to help clients achieve vibrant health. She partners with teens (and moms!) using a holistic, 360˚view of their mental/ emotional & physical health to create a personalized wellness plan for achieving resilience in all areas of life. Book your free consultation today by calling Julie at (708)426-8553 or visiting JulieNaturally.com

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTservices

Welcome to the Economic Development Corner!

We aim to support small businesses, cultivate a strong community, and connect entrepreneurs to available resources. For example, we collaborate closely with the City of Berwyn, the Cook County Small Business Source, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to offer timely and much-needed resources to Berwyn and the surrounding communities.

Specifically, the BDC leverages these partnerships to provide personalized advising sessions, ServSafe manager classes in Spanish and English, and tailored grant assistance at NO COST. In 2023, our efforts helped 94 Berwyn businesses receive more than $1.4 million in grant funding!

Beyond educational opportunities, the team administers unique programs to further strengthen the local economy. These include Project Homegrown, non-traditional small business lending, renovation reimbursement dollars, the Vacancy Program, and more!

To better tailor our resources in 2024, we ask that you continue to share your ideas, successes, and challenges. In fact, we invite you to join our 6 business roundtables to meet the economic development team and share your insight!

Thank you in advance for your feedback! We cannot wait to connect with you in 2024!

Kendra Shaw Deputy Director

BERWYN’S NEW COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN

In January, the Berwyn City Council accepted as informational the new 2024 Berwyn Economic Recovery and Resilience Plan. Funded by the RISE grant, this updated plan seeks to understand the current economic priorities, as well as identify the key opportunities, of the Berwyn community given the drastic changes to its economy in recent years.

Specifically, consultants interviewed industry leaders in Berwyn, conducted a bilingual survey, and held 3 community strategic planning meetings. Throughout this process, 5 key themes were identified: Infrastructure

VACANCY PROGRAM

Did you know the BDC tracks commercial vacancies in Berwyn?

In collaboration with the City of Berwyn, the BDC administers the Vacancy Program. This program requires all vacant property owners to register, hold proper insurance, and have a plan for their spaces. In 2023 alone, 126 properties were inspected, 21 registered, and 51 occupied!

For more information, and to view the latest vacancy data, scan the QR code!

2024 FINISH LINE GRANT UPDATE

STAY UP TO DATE

Want to stay up to date on all available resources and networking events?

Sign up for our newsletter!

RENOVATION GRANT PROGRAM:

$625,000 AVAILABLE

Does your business need a new awning? Are you looking to redesign your property? You may be eligible for the BDC’s Finish Line Grant. This $625,000 program assists businesses and property owners with interior and exterior buildout costs, such as awnings, façade improvements, HVAC systems, and more!

Funding is designated for the Roosevelt, Harlem/Cermak, and Depot TIF districts, and is calculated as a percentage of the total project cost. Grant awards are committed on a first-come, first-serve basis, with the maximum amount of $50,000.

Applications NOW open! Get started today using the QR code to the left.

SMALL BUSINESS LENDING OVER $6.5 MILLION AVAILABLE

Are you a small business owner looking to expand your operations or secure additional equipment? You may be eligible for one of the BDC’s Small Business Lending programs!

The BDC’s Commercial Loan Programs are operated in conjunction with the City of Berwyn, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and Economic Development Administration. Together, these programs are designed to retain and improve Berwyn businesses and to encourage new business investments.

Specifically, the loans may be used for almost any business-related expense, including buildouts, façade improvements, equipment, inventory and working capital.

Loan applications may be submitted at any time. Start today by scanning the QR Code!

PIPER & ASHBY AWARDS

GEORGE W. ASHBY AWARD

The George W. Ashby Award for Business Excellence is a local honor named after one of Berwyn’s distinguished early architects.

This award celebrates Berwyn’s “Business of the Year” and its exceptional business enterprise. The award is given annually to a Berwyn-based business that presents a professional and favorable image to Berwyn, provides quality goods or services, maintains a visually appealing space, and practices high-quality customer service to its patrons.

We are pleased to announce BMO Bank as the winner! They have supported Berwyn businesses and residents since they opened their doors in Berwyn.

CHARLES E. PIPER AWARD

The Charles E. Piper Award is awarded annually, recognizing individuals for their business achievements and/or their contribution to the economic vitality of the city of Berwyn.

This award celebrates Berwyn’s “Businessperson of the Year” and their exceptional contribution of time, talent, and treasures to the betterment of Berwyn.

We are pleased to announce Mario Manfredini as the 2023 winner! Mario, a devoted family man, was born and raised in the vibrant city of Berwyn. He proudly serves his hometown as the Battalion Chief of Fire Prevention and is very active on many boards throughout the Berwyn community.

S.B.C. GIVES BACK TO BERWYN

Inspired by the community members served by S.B.C. Waste Solutions in the Village of Broadview, CEO Karen Coley initiated a scholarship program to support students interested in sustainability or city planning. The program aims to provide tangible assistance to those experiencing financial or academic difficulties within the community.

As S.B.C. expands its services to the City of Berwyn starting April 1st, 2024, the company remains dedicated to upholding its tradition of community service. As part of this commitment, S.B.C. will annually award two Berwyn students a $2,500 scholarship each. S.B.C. continues to lead by example by preparing the next generation of students for their future endeavors.

These scholarships symbolize S.B.C.’s commitment to investing in the potential and future success of Berwyn residents. Recipients will receive financial support and encouragement to pursue various ambitions and aspirations, thus furthering their educational career. Through this initiative, students are empowered to alleviate daily burdens and work towards professional or academic goals while assisting community members.

The selection process will be facilitated by the Berwyn Development Corporation in collaboration with S.B.C. Recipients will be honored with a check presentation, accompanied by a photo shoot featuring S.B.C. staff. The City of Berwyn expresses gratitude to S.B.C. for extending this opportunity to two students of the community, aligning with their shared goal of enhancing Berwyn’s well-being and being a partner to the Berwyn community.

WOMAN & FAMILY OWNED WITH OVER 35 YEARS