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Contents Our Mission, Our Values President’s Letter Board, Commissions & Staff Grand Openings TIF Project Commercial Loan Program Coming Soon Philanthropic Program Business Events & Recognitions Small Business Education & Affinity Program Marketing Programs 2015 Snapshot Integrated Marketing Campaign Special Events Strategic Plan & New Membership Tiers Business Development Map
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BDC Annual Report 2015
Through a shared vision with the community, the Berwyn Development Corporation is committed to those activities that support and contribute to the economic growth and vitality of our proud City.
The Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC) markets Berwyn regionally and nationally as a prime business and leisure destination. We are here to promote Berwyn’s energy and culture to visitors and residents and to create unique development opportunities for business. The BDC is a not-for-profit membership organization that serves business and individual members. Berwyn Development Corporation berwyn.net
Corporate Benefactors
Corporate Sponsors
Corporate Patrons
Big Hurt Brewhouse
Central Federal Savings and Loan Assoc.
BMO Harris Bank, N.A.
Byline Bank
Culver’s
Craig’s Shoes
MacNeal Hospital
Keystone Ventures, LLC
Del Galdo Law Group, LLC
Morning Noon Night Plumbing & Sewer
Waste Management
Famous Dave’s
Republic Bank of Chicago
Jimmy John’s MG Computer Paisans Pizzeria & Bar
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BDC Annual Report 2015
The Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC) works together with the City of Berwyn to bring all available resources to the table to make Berwyn the best possible place for both our businesses and residents to call home, all while maintaining a sense of community.
In working together, we continue to develop key relationships with our private partners to advance a myriad of initiatives. We have experienced success in recruiting both big and small corporations as well as continued growth with our existing base of locally-owned small businesses. In the last year we enjoyed 13 ribbon cuttings, including the new Starbucks at the expanding Berwyn Gateway Plaza. With 52,400 square feet of new retail space constructed in 2015, including the completion of Torres Fresh Market on 26th Street, we saw growth in every major corridor. With investment in our commercial corridors at the third highest level in 10 years, we expect to see continued growth in 2016, including welcoming Home Run Inn Pizza and Ross Dress for Less to Berwyn. In addition to our regional lead in economic growth, the BDC also coordinated five educational seminars and 11 special events including the 25th Annual Berwyn Rt 66 Car Show on Ogden Avenue and the Depot District’s 15th Annual Oktoberfest. We also saw several major new initiatives come to light including the re-branding of our “Why Berwyn?” Integrated Marketing Campaign. This effort helped us to refine our message and create a look-and-feel to match. To this end, we also successfully re-launched our WhyBerwyn.com website. One initiative, in particular, that all of Berwyn can be proud of is our Philanthropic Commission. The commission, introduced to the Board by Tom Benson, awarded four grants this past year.
With an active Board of Directors and a dedicated staff led by Tony Griffin, the BDC is fully prepared to address the challenges ahead. Over the past year, we set out to become even more efficient with our resources while looking at ways to become more responsive and sustainable in the future. In doing so, we have discovered new opportunities in 2016 that are both innovative and exciting. I am convinced now more than ever that Berwyn will continue to lead the region’s economic growth while maintaining the uniqueness that defines Berwyn. In conclusion, I firmly believe that Berwyn is an example of a successful community. Through the combined efforts of many, Berwyn continues to be a regional destination for those wanting to enjoy “Berwyn’s Best” while further becoming a very desirable place to call home. I thank you all for your kind support. Mal Montoya, President
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BDC Annual Report 2015
Board & Commissions: Executive Committee Mal Montoya, President BDC Member John Aranza, Vice President, Economic Development Horrorbles & Autre Monde Cafe & Spirits Jousef Mondragon, Vice President, Chamber Services, Berwyn Resident Guy Hollis, Treasurer Culver’s Scott Lennon, Secretary Berwyn Resident Anthony Griffin, Executive Director Berwyn Development Corp.
Board of Directors Christine Tully Aranza Autre Monde Cafe & Spirits Tom Benson World’s Largest Laundromat Alan Comella Berwyn’s Violet Flower Shop
Board of Directors Pictured back row (left to right) are: Scott Steiner, Jon Fey, Tom Benson, Gilbert Peña, Alba Lovero, Alan Comella, Jennifer Mitchell, Christine Tully Aranza, Brendan O’Connor and Jeff Janda. Front row (left to right) are: Scott Lennon, John Aranza, Mal Montoya, Guy Hollis and Anthony Griffin. Not pictured: Jousef Mondragon and Maribel Del Real.
Maribel Del Real Del Real Tax Group Jon Fey SWF Products & Berwyn Route 66 Museum Jeff Janda Berwyn Park District Alba Lovero Berwyn Resident Jennifer Mitchell Holistic Divorce Resolution, Inc. Brendan O’Connor Big Guys Sausage Stand Gilbert Peña Berwyn Resident Scott Steiner MacNeal Hospital
2015 BDC Commissions Cermak Road Special Events Commission Chamber Services Commission Charles E. Piper Award Dinner Commission Commercial Loan Commission Depot District Special Events Commission Downtown Commission Philanthropic Committee Roosevelt Road Special Events Commission Rt. 66 Car Show Commission Uptown Commission
BDC Staff Pictured back row (left to right) are: Sande Brennan, Office Manager; Amy Crowther, Director of Chamber Services; Peggy Harrington, Accountant; Judy Saraceno-Swenson, Program Coordinator; Christina Pennell, Receptionist and Paula Svora, Graphic Design & Communications Manager. Front row (left to right) are: Kurtis Pozsgay, AICP, Urban Planner; Gerardo Zavala, Business Outreach Coordinator; Anthony Griffin, Executive Director and Mark McGuire, Project Manager.
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BDC Annual Report 2015
Grand Openings
Welcome to Berwyn
BDC Annual Report 2015
Grand Openings
Welcome to Berwyn
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BDC Annual Report 2015
Grand Openings
Welcome to Berwyn
BDC Annual Report 2015
Grand Openings
Welcome to Berwyn
TIF Project
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BDC Annual Report 2015
Commercial Loan Program The BDC, in partnership with the City of Berwyn, administers a Commercial Loan Program as part of a concentrated effort to benefit the community of Berwyn by stimulating business growth and improving the city’s commercial areas. In 2015, the BDC managed a loan portfolio of 18 loans totaling $5,569,583. This includes the addition of three new loans, our first ever microloan, the payoff of three loans, and the refinancing of two existing loans. Commercial loans are available to start-up and established businesses located in the City of Berwyn. The loans are structured like a standard bank loan and can be used for business start-up, expansion and stabilization in Berwyn. The BDC also offers a Microloan Program as an additional financing tool for funding between $1,000 and $10,000 for a variety of uses including start-up costs, purchase of equipment, working capital expenses, facility rehabilitation, and more. This source of alternative financing offers an expedited application and underwriting process with loan processing typically occurring within 4-6 weeks. The Program is capitalized by monies committed by the City and lines of credit extended by the following participating institutions: BMO Harris Bank, Byline Bank, Community Bank of Oak Park River Forest, Forest Park National Bank & Trust Co., MB Financial Bank, Pan American Bank and Republic Bank of Chicago.
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BDC Annual Report 2015
Coming Soon
18,017
BGP Phase II of redevelopment will create an additional 18,017 sq. ft. of new retail property within the City of Berwyn.
$11.6M
Total Sales Volume for the first block of Berwyn Gateway Plaza in 2014
Berwyn Gateway Plaza Phase II Development continues at the intersection of Cermak Road and Harlem Avenue with the second phase of the Berwyn Gateway Plaza. Demolition of the block between Maple Avenue and Wisconsin Avenue started this spring with the first building constructed in June. The first phase, completed in 2012, brought several national tenants to Berwyn including Buffalo Wild Wings, Chipotle, and Five Guys Burgers & Fries. The second phase of redevelopment at Berwyn Gateway Plaza is a complete renovation of the commercial block on the north side of Cermak Road. The completion of this phase of redevelopment will create an additional 18,017 sq. ft. of new retail property within the City of Berwyn, adding new tax revenue and creating jobs at this increasingly popular intersection of town. Construction started this year, highlighted with the completion of Berwyn’s first Starbucks. Work continues on the block with the development of the new Fifth Third Bank, which will be complete in early 2016. The other confirmed tenant to come in 2016 is Noodles & Company. The remaining 10,944 sq. ft. of leases are expected to be finalized early 2016 with the full development completed by the end of the year.
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BDC Annual Report 2015
Coming Soon
THE GARAGE
HOME RUN INN PIZZA
LAVERGNE’S TAVERN
LAS QUECAS
BDC Annual Report 2015
Philanthropic Program Launched in 2015, the BDC’s Philanthropic Committee coordinates charitable contributions to causes within the community.
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BDC Annual Report 2015
Business Events & Recognitions
Business Events & Recognitions
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BDC Annual Report 2015
Small Business Education & Affinity Program We offer education based on membership needs, including topics such as advertising, electronic media and networking. Our Seminars respond to our membership’s growing need for education on everything from business basics to cutting edge technology.
Small Business Education & Mentoring
Download 200,000+ brand logos in vector format for free http://www.logoeps.com/
Affinity Program
Office Depot Business Discount Program The partnership between Office Depot and the Berwyn Development Corporation allows members to enjoy the benefits of a Store Purchasing Card Program.
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BDC Annual Report 2015
Berwyn’s Best The BDC coordinated three competitions in 2015. BERWYN’S BEST FROZEN DESSERT
Winner: Gina’s Italian Ice Specialty: Lemon Italian Ice Finalists: 3-D’s Cool Creations, Culver’s, La Michoacana Premium and Tastee Freez
BERWYN’S BEST PIZZA Winner: Paisans Pizzeria & Bar Specialty: Supreme Pizza Finalists: Benny’s Pizza, Bubba’s Place, Nonno’s Pizza and Waldo Cooney’s Pizza
BERWYN’S BEST COMBO Winner: Buona Restaurant Specialty: Combo sandwich is topped with hot giardiniera and sweet peppers and lightly dipped in gravy Finalists: Big Guys Sausage Stand, Bubba’s Place, Carla’s Place and Novi’s Beef
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BDC Annual Report 2015
Marketing Programs
In the News Berwyn marketing campaign targets Chicago city dwellers (COVER) BERWYN LIFE
Five Chicago zip codes among most lucrative for house flipping WBEZ’S MORNING SHIFT
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BDC Annual Report 2015
2015 Snapshot
7,208
VOTES TO FIND BERW YN’S BEST FROZEN DESSERT, PIZZ A & COMBO
FACEBOOK LIKE S
3,841 FOLL0WER S
Grew 25% since implementing new plan
FOLLOW US: Facebook @WhyBerwyn Twitter @WhyBerwyn Instagram @WhyBerwyn
FOLL0WER S
Grew 45% since implementing new plan
INSTAGR A M
472 FOLL0WER S
Grew 148% since implementing new plan
Post “Likes” have increased 172%
T WIT TER MENTIONS
LinkedIn @Berwyn Development Corporation
T WIT TER
885
172% 6X
Twitter @mentioned has increased by 6 fold
BERW YN M AGA ZINE
110K
COPIES DISTRIBUTED IN 2015 (English & Spanish editions combined)
*Data through November 30, 2015.
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BDC Annual Report 2015
Serving the community, here’s how we do it:
39 New Members 296
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Total Members
Ribbon cuttings
256
Total number of permits issued in 2015
25%
Investment within Commercial Corridors*
Total Berwyn Sales Volume Increase 25% higher than last year
Total Investment within Commercial Corridors*
Third largest year since 2007 RO OS E V ELT
O G DEN
$168,602
$197,103
DEP OT
$3,581,880 C ER M A K
$5,749,276
*Data through November 30, 2015.
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BDC Annual Report 2015
2015 Integrated Marketing Campaign In partnership with the City of Berwyn, the BDC launched the 2nd generation of the City’s Integrated Marketing Campaign
Northalsted Market Days
The City of Berwyn launched an Integrated Marketing Campaign in 2007 in order to differentiate the City of Berwyn from the many suburbs of Chicago. In 2014, our team undertook a year of research and design with Firebelly Design to refresh Berwyn’s look and brand to reflect our community’s rich history and forward momentum. On June 1, 2015, the City of Berwyn and the BDC launched a refreshed face for the campaign with a new tagline, “Nothing Like a Suburb.” Three billboard designs adorned the streets of Chicago. The 2015 campaign ran from June through September and included billboards in Chicago neighborhoods, posters on CTA ‘L’ platforms, direct-to-
consumer outreach through special events and social media engagement. We have developed three messages that use humor and fact to combat the misconception that we are a typical suburb. The campaign capitalizes on our strengths: Berwyn has things to do, a community feel and is progressive in nature.
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BDC Annual Report 2015
Berwyn is positioned as a top-choice destination for move-up and first-time homebuyers. We believe that Berwyn cannot be blended into suburbia because it is a thriving, self-made city defined by our local pride, accessible nightlife and warm, welcoming attitude. WHYBERW YN.COM
The objective is to create a driving desire in our audience to visit and live in Berwyn.
A newly revamped, responsively designed WhyBerwyn.com blog provides visitors with a stream of information on the area’s real estate, businesses, schools, parks and recreation, cultural hot spots and special events.
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BDC Annual Report 2015
Special Events
25th
ANNIVERSARY
15th
ANNIVERSARY
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BDC Annual Report 2015
RT 66 CAR SHOW
CRUISE NITES
CINCO DE MAYO CRAWL
MUSIC IN THE STREET
The BDC coordinated 11 major special events to promote our vibrant business districts.
TASTE OF MAIN STREET PHOTO COURTESY OF ALICIA PLOMIN
MINI-GOLF PUB CRAWL
OKTOBERFEST ZOMBIE WALK & PUB CRAWL
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BDC Annual Report 2015
Strategic Plan & New Membership Tiers T IER O NE
Founder
Leader T IER FO UR
Trustee TIER SIX
T IER T W O
T IER FI V E
Investor The BDC’s Board of Directors approved the 2016 – 2020 Chamber Services Strategic Plan in October of 2015.
Builder
Our strategic plan is a five-year initiative to increase our capacity to serve Berwyn businesses, promote our strengths and significantly improve the economic future for all who call Berwyn home. Our plan will focus on the following priorities: • Organizational Stability. Increase the capacity of the Chamber Services Division to serve Berwyn businesses more effectively. • P romote our Members. Give our members a competitive edge in the market. • Grow Small Businesses. Provide education, support and resources to help emerging business members.
T IER T HR EE
Partner • Develop Leadership for Berwyn. Develop the next generation of community and business leaders. Two of the strategies prioritized in the plan were a review of all existing programs and services and the creation of a Tiered Benefits membership dues model. Since inception, the BDC’s membership was based on a fair-share dues structure, which provided a single package of benefits with cost based on the business’s number of employees. A new and improved menu of programs and benefits are now packaged into six high-impact membership tiers that better serve our businesses’ needs. The tiers will be rolled out in the January 2016.
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BDC Annual Report 2015
2015 Projects: 1. Berwyn Gateway Plaza Phase II (CERMAK/MAPLE) Starbuck’s (7124 W. CERMAK RD)
The BDC assisted the following businesses in 2015
2. Jaci’s Resale Shop (6615 W. CERMAK RD) 3. Sonny’s Slots and Café (6721 W. 26TH ST)
4. Mil Artes (6306 W. 26TH ST) 5. Torres Fresh Market (6227 W. 26TH ST) 6. V Bar (2717 S. RIDGELAND AVE) 7. Ahimsa Yoga Studio
RIDGELAND AVE
S OAK PARK AVE
W ROOSEVELT RD
W 16TH ST
(3120 S. OAK PARK AVE)
8. Fit Club (6936 W. WINDSOR AVE) 9. Happy Buddha Café
11. Parad-Ice (6816 W. WINDSOR AVE) 12. Berwyn Dental Connection (3340 S. OAK PARK AVE)
W CERMAK RD
2
S HARLEM AVE
10. La Fléur Spa (6830 W. WINDSOR AVE)
1
5
3
13. 3D Collision Repair, Inc
W 26TH ST
(6236 W. OGDEN AVE)
6 7
VE OR A
VE EY A
NL
8
9
TRA
F/ME
BNS
STA
4
10
11
DS WIN
13
12
W
VE NA
E GD
O
W PERSHING AVE
S LOMBARD AVE
(6836 W. WINDSOR AVE)
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BDC Annual Report 2015
It’s our active nightlife spots, unique bungalow homes, progressive polices & focus on creating more independent businesses that sets us apart from any other city.
BDC Annual Report 2015
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O NLINE
berwyn.net whyberwyn.com T ELEPH ONE
+ 708 788 8100 A DDR E S S
Berwyn Development Corporation 3322 Oak Park Avenue, 2nd Floor Berwyn, IL 60402