2017 BDC Annual Report

2017 ANNUAL REPORT

“The New Frontier I speak of is not a set of promises—it is a set of challenges. It sums up not what I intend to offer the American people, but what I intend to ask of them.” These are a set of words that defined a generation set forth by John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Fast forward to 2017. The City of Berwyn, Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC) and our members have answered this call. I’d like to give special recognition to the CEOs of the BDC’s Trustees from MacNeal Hospital, Berwyn Tech Entrepreneurship Center, Byline Bank, Paisans Pizzeria & Bar, Republic Bank of Chicago, Turano Bakery and World’s Largest Laundromat as they have achieved recognition at the local, regional and national levels.

Letter from the President, Mission & Values, Table of Contents....2 Board, Commissions & Staff....3 Map of Berwyn....4 Grand Openings....5 Coming Soon....10 Commercial Loan Program & More....11 Redevelopment Projects....12

Nearing completion, Berwyn Gateway Plaza Phase I and II have laid the path for Phase III to include Panera Bread and a Comcast Xfinity Store, a boon for development on Cermak Road and contributing to Berwyn’s overall economic growth.

The BDC also deployed redevelopment projects in the Depot District and Ogden corridors. Coming in 2018, the Berwyn Hotel will be home to a new and improved housing format along with the million dollar investment in Buddy Bear Car Wash.

Additionally, the BDC’s seven signature special events contribute to Berwyn’s draw for business, residents and visitors with a diverse destination to live, work and be entertained.

While attraction for new business is one pillar of growth, the retention of existing businesses is paramount. Ensuring that our unique business base continues to thrive, small business education was provided by BDC staff and local experts throughout the year. Furthermore, the boundaries of our unique and diverse community have been extended through our affirmative marketing strategy that includes the highly effective Integrated Marketing Campaign, Berwyn Magazine, Community Resource Guide, Berwyn’s Best contests, Social Media Spotlights and WILD Berwyn video series.

It is with great pride that 2017 closes with a sense of humility and a confidence that the momentum of the year’s successes will forge a path to greater heights of prosperity for the City of Berwyn, its residents and businesses during 2018.

Richard “Jousef” Mondragon BDC Board President

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CEO Spotlights....14 Small Business Education....17 Philanthropic Grants....19 Business After Hours & Special Interest Groups....20 Special Events....22 Berwyn in the News....23 Marketing Programs....24 Annual Review....26 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 public-private partnership working hand in hand with Mayor Robert J. Lovero, the City Council and the City of Berwyn to provide chamber services and economic development to all segments of the Berwyn community. The BDC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit membership organization that serves business and individual members.

Board, Commissions & Staff EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD Richard “Jousef” Mondragon

Anthony Belcaster

President | Berwyn Resident

Vice President | BMO Harris Bank, NA

Andy Sotiropoulos

Jennifer Mitchell

Vice President | Connie’s Family Restaurant & Cocktails

Secretary | SOLACE Divorce Mediation

Back Row (left to right): Christine Tully Aranza, Melissa Kowalski, Brendan O’Connor, Anthony Belcaster, Scott Lennon, Anthony Griffin, Jennifer Mitchell and Angela Tomassetti.

Front row (left to right): Alba Lovero, Loren Middleton, Gilbert Peña, Jousef Mondragon, Andy Sotiropoulos, Guy Hollis and Mary E. Cleary.

Not pictured: Tony Laureto, Nora Laureto and Dorothy Chiero.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Christine Tully Aranza

Autre Monde Café & Spirits

Dorothy Chiero

A.W.E.S.O.M.E. Pest Service

Alba Lovero

Berwyn Resident

Loren Middleton

Veltway Corporation

Guy Hollis

Treasurer | Culver’s

Front Row (Left to Right): Ryan Adriatico, Bob Hodgetts and Anthony Griffin.

Back Row (Left to Right): Megan Strama, Erika Corona-Owens, Sande Brennan, Amy Crowther, Judy Saraceno-Swenson and Elaina Chastain.

BDC STAFF

Amy M. Crowther

Ryan Adriatico

Anthony Griffin

Project Manager, Economic Development

Sande Brennan

Special Events Coordinator

Elaina Chastain

Mary E. Cleary

Brendan O’Connor

Big Guys Sausage Stand

Project Manager, Communication & Design

Melissa Kowalski

Gilbert Peña

Erika Corona-Owens

Nora Laureto

Angela Tomassetti

MacNeal Hospital Dwellings Real Estate Berwyn Resident

Berwyn Resident

Anthony Griffin

Executive Director | Berwyn Development Corporation

Project Manager, Chamber Services

Deputy Executive Director Executive Director

Bob Hodgetts Accountant

Judy Saraceno-Swenson Program Assistant, Chamber Services

Megan Strama

Administrative Assistant

Fit Club

Tony Laureto

Berwyn Resident

PHILANTHROPIC COMMISSION Met as needed

2017 BDC COMMISSIONS

DEPOT DISTRICT SPECIAL EVENTS AD HOC COMMISSION

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

ROUTE 66 SPECIAL EVENT AD HOC COMMISSION

Met on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 8:30 am

COMMERCIAL LOAN COMMISSION

Met on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 4:00 pm

CHAMBER SERVICES COMMISSION

Met on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1:00 pm

Met on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 6:15 pm Met as needed

ROOSEVELT ROAD SPECIAL EVENTS AD HOC COMMISSION Met on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm

CERMAK ROAD SPECIAL EVENT AD HOC COMMISSION Met as needed

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1. STRIVE 4 FITNESS 6735 W Stanley Ave

2. RAISING CANE’S CHICKEN FINGERS

2514 S Harlem Ave, North Riverside

3. BERWYN TECH ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTER

W ROOSEVELT RD

7

10

2137 S Oak Park Ave

S LOMBARD AVE

4. GOLDILOXX HAIR STUDIO 3214 S Grove Ave

5. MORTON FAMILY DENTAL OF BERWYN 6931 W Cermak Rd

6. BROWS BY LUCY 17

7. FACE2FACE SPA STUDIO

3 5

15 16

11

19

8. VAULT ESCAPE

3234 S Harlem Ave, North Riverside

9. FLAPJACK BREWERY

2

W 26TH ST

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6833 W Stanley Ave

10. HOPE HOUSES WORKSHOP, INC. 11. BROKERAGE RESOURCES, INC.

W W 32

ND

8

ST

18 9

13 6

6903-A W Cermak Rd

6727 W Cermak Rd

13. CONGA CUBAN CAFE 6836 W Windsor Ave

AVE

ETRA

F/M

BNS

W

VE OR A

DS WIN

6805 W Roosevelt Rd

S HARLEM AVE

12. SCELEBRATIONS FASHION

LEY STAN

1

4

S GROVE AVE

6311 W Roosevelt Rd

W CERMAK RD

S OAK PARK

6805 W Roosevelt Rd

12 14

S EAST AVE

6834 W Windsor Ave

W

EN

D OG

AVE

14. LAS VEGAS VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT 6725 W Cermak Rd

15. MATTRESS FIRM

W PERSHING AVE

7112 W Cermak Rd

16. CITY BARBEQUE 7108 W Cermak Rd

17. THE LAW OFFICE OF ANDREW A. BARONE, LLC. 7222 W Cermak Rd Ste 104, North Riverside

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18. AUDREY’S ESTHETICS 6923 W Stanley Ave

19. 35 SPORTS BAR & GRILL 6801 W Cermak Rd

20. FIRST GEAR SKATESHOP 6808 W 26th St

NOT PICTURED: Woof-Tastic Mobile Grooming (Mobile), Escape Factor (Forest Park), Community Bank of Oak Park River Forest (Oak Park)

STRIVE 4 FITNESS 6735 W Stanley Ave

Strive 4 Fitness is an independently owned and operated studio fitness facility offering a variety of classes and personal/partner training.

BERWYN TECH ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTER 2137 S Oak Park Ave

Berwyn Tech Entrepreneurship Center (BTEC) aims to be a hub for providing support services from technical assistance to mentorship at any phase of a business’s life cycle including pre-start, start-up, growth or transition.

RAISING CANE’S CHICKEN FINGERS

2514 S Harlem Ave, North Riverside Raising Cane’s is a popular Louisiana-based restaurant company known for its ONE LOVE® quality chicken finger meals.

GOLDILOXX HAIR STUDIO 3214 S Grove Ave

Goldiloxx Hair Studio is an independently owned and operated hair studio offering a variety of services, from men’s and women’s cuts to Brazilian blowouts and hair coloring.

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MORTON FAMILY DENTAL OF BERWYN 6931 W Cermak Rd

Morton Family Dental of Berwyn provides an array of personalized dental care services in a convenient, comfortable environment.

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BROWS BY LUCY 6834 W Windsor Ave

Brows by Lucy is a boutique focused on shaping the eyebrows through a variety of services, including threading, waxing and microblading.

FACE2FACE SPA STUDIO 6805 W Roosevelt Rd

WOOF-TASTIC MOBILE GROOMING

Face2Face Spa Studio offers the best in skin care, makeup, microblading, massage, waxing, body sculpting and contouring to achieve beautiful, healthy skin.

Woof-Tastic Mobile Grooming is a Berwyn-based grooming service on wheels that will come to you to provide undivided attention and quality dog grooming to all breeds.

VAULT ESCAPE

3234 S Harlem Ave, North Riverside Vault Escape is an escape room business that tests leadership, communication and teamwork as players tackle mind-bending puzzle adventures.

ESCAPE FACTOR

FLAPJACK BREWERY 6833 W Stanley Ave

Flapjack Brewery is a small-batch brewery also serving a variety of wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas.

COMMUNITY BANK OF OAK PARK RIVER FOREST

7228 Madison St, Forest Park

810 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park

Escape Factor features a variety of themed escape rooms for families, staff outings and beyond.

Community Bank of Oak Park River Forest is a locally owned bank focused on creating financial solutions for individuals, professionals, business owners and nonprofit organizations.

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HOPE HOUSES WORKSHOP, INC.

BROKERAGE RESOURCES, INC.

Hope Houses Workshop, Inc. is a mission-based dollhouse manufacturer and retailer. For each Hope House sold, another is sent to a child through one of their Give Partners.

Brokerage Resources, Inc. is an independent, Illinois-based financial services company offering a range of insurance products catered to both individuals and business owners.

6311 W Roosevelt Rd

SCELEBRATIONS FASHION 6727 W Cermak Rd

Scelebrations Fashion is a boutique specializing in the latest fashions and styles for quinceaĂąeras, weddings, prom or any after-five event.

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6903-A W Cermak Rd

CONGA CUBAN CAFE 6836 W Windsor Ave

Conga Cuban Cafe is a family owned and operated cafe serving up authentic Cuban and Puerto Rican dishes as well as coffee drinks.

LAS VEGAS VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT 6725 W Cermak Rd

Las Vegas Vietnamese Restaurant is a familyowned restaurant serving delicious options for lunch, dinner or a quick bite with over 80 menu items, including Vietnamese-style sandwiches.

CITY BARBEQUE 7108 W Cermak Rd

City Barbeque is an award-winning barbeque joint built on a foundation of “low and slow” smoked meats, made-from-scratch sides, indulgent desserts and a healthy dose of backyard hospitality.

MATTRESS FIRM 7112 W Cermak Rd

Mattress Firm is a mattress retailer focused on improving customers’ lives one night at a time, with over 3,500 locations and an expanded level of service and selection.

THE LAW OFFICE OF ANDREW A. BARONE, LLC. 7222 W Cermak Rd Ste 104, North Riverside

The Law Office of Andrew A. Barone focuses on Social Security disability law for children and adults with disabilities and railroad workers in the Chicagoland community.

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AUDREY’S ESTHETICS 6923 W Stanley Ave

Audrey’s Esthetics offers esthetic services including specialty facials, waxing, lash extensions and 3D permanent makeup.

35 SPORTS BAR & GRILL 6801 W Cermak Rd

35 Sports Bar & Grill is a bar and eatery featuring pub fare and 35 beers on tap, including a variety of local craft selections.

Coming Soon The Berwyn Development Corporation and the City of Berwyn are working with additional commercial tenants that are anticipated to open in 2018 at Berwyn Gateway Plaza. Look for the new openings of Panera Bread, Comcast Xfinity, Legend Tasty House and more.

FIRST GEAR SKATESHOP 6808 W 26th St

First Gear Skateshop is a one-of-a-kind skateboard shop offering the latest in skateboards and accessories as well as related clothing and apparel.

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The BDC serviced 15 small business loans valued at $2.3M in 2017. 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.

This includes the addition of one new microloan in 2017.

BIG GUYS SAUSAGE STAND, located at 7021 W Roosevelt Rd, utilized the program to expand operations and tackle more catering jobs. Big Guys Sausage Stand is a locally owned and operated small business that makes some of the best food in the area. They have been a valuable asset to the Roosevelt Rd corridor since their opening in 2012.

3D COLLISION, located at 6236 W Ogden Ave on historic Route 66 in Berwyn, used the commercial loan program to purchase additional real estate needed for the expanding business. 3D Collision is a locally owned small business that has been operating in Berwyn for over 20 years and is dedicated to their customers’ complete satisfaction.

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 acquisition, build-out, equipment and working capital.

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.

ZONING ORDINANCE The multi-year effort led by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) to modernize the City’s zoning and sign ordinances was finished and adopted by the City Council in 2017. The updated zoning ordinance will help to facilitate the long-term vision established in the Comprehensive Plan—to promote a sustainable environment that enhances the City’s vitality and quality of life.

With a focus on urban design, the ordinance strikes a balance between preservation and the ability to use our community’s property to its full potential. The process began in 2013 and included multiple open house seminars and a public hearing. City Council approved the adoption of the ordinance unanimously on September 12, and it went into effect on September 22. The ordinances and Zoning Map can all be found at berwyn-il.gov under the Government tab.

DEPOT DISTRICT STREETSCAPE

In 2017, the City of Berwyn took the lead role in project planning to include engineering and design along with submittals for permitting. The City is planning to start construction in late 2018 and will be a phased construction project. The project will include new water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure along with streetscaping anticipated to include permeable brick pavers, additional landscaping, street furniture and new lighting.

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BERWYN HOTEL After a multi-year effort to redevelop the Berwyn Hotel and adjacent lot at 3133-3137 Oak Park Avenue, construction for the redevelopment began in November in partnership with the City of Berwyn. The new site will contain 28 new units while maintaining the building’s façade in compliance with state historic preservation standards. The new apartments will offer affordable, quality and maintenance-free housing to our Berwyn seniors. Scheduled for completion in late 2018, the redevelopment is a welcome addition to the Depot District, revitalizing a longstanding structure within the community while diversifying the City’s housing stock and improving the character of Oak Park Avenue.

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HAGUE ARCHITECTURE 418 CLINTON PLACE RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS 60305 708.771.3900

CLIENT:

BERWYN GATEWAY PARTNERS LLC C/O KEYSTONE VENTURES 418 CLINTON PLACE RIVER FOREST, IL 60305

BERWYN GATEWAY PLAZA PHASE II

JONATHON N. HAGUE AR #01-016389 SEAL

HAGUE ARCHITECTURE LICENSE NO. 184.005531

40

12

03 05 MF

MF

FT

FT

07

06

GAS MTR GAS MTR

04

40'-0"

30'-0"

Alarm TEL

7112

7108

30'-0" 80'-0"

TENANT SPACE B2 3,760 SF

20'-0"

78'-0"

7122

07

TENANT SPACE B1 4,050 SF

94'-0"

7124

FT 31'-0"

17'-6" 90'-0"

TENANT SPACE A2 2,400 SF 83'-0"

TENANT SPACE A1 1,973 SF

FT FT

TENANT TENANT TENANT SPACE C1 SPACE C2 SPACE C3 2,418 SF 1,356 SF 2,400 SF 7106

7102

7100

FT FT

10.31.16 09.16.16 08.30.16 06.27.16 06.09.16 06.02.16 05.23.16 05.16.16 02.01.16 12.03.15 11.19.15 11.05.15 10.28.15 10.13.15 09.18.15 09.03.15 08.31.15 04.08.15 02.27.15 02.10.15 01.06.15 12.15.14

06

FT REV

CLIENT: BERWYN GATEWAY PARTNERS

MAPLE AVENUE

WISCONSIN AVENUE

45'-0" 25'-0"

01

BERWYN GATEWAY PLAZA II TENANT B3 BUILD-OUT

Alarm TEL

02

7108 CERMAK RD BERWYN, ILLINOIS 60402

STOP

03

REVISED ELEVATION REVISED SITE PLAN REVISED SITE PLAN REVISED LANDSCAPING REVISED PER TENANT B3 BUILD-OUT ISSUED FOR PERMIT ISSUED FOR TENANT B3 BUILD-OUT REVISED FOR PERMIT REVISED FOR CONSTRUCTION REVISED BUILDING 'A' PER TENANT REVISED BUILDING 'A' PER TENANT REVISED PERMIT & CONSTRUCTION ISSUED FOR TENANT C3 ISSUED FOR TENANT A2 REVISED REVISED REVISED ISSUE FOR PERMIT REVISED ISSUE FOR REVIEW REVISED ISSUE FOR REVIEW REVISED ISSUE FOR REVIEW ISSUE FOR REVIEW DESCRIPTION

10.31.2016 PROJECT NUMBER: 2700.00 DRAWN BY: JZ CHECKED BY: JH

01

SHEET TITLE:

SITE PLAN SCALE: 1/16" = 1'-0"

-

SITE PLAN REVISED 10.31.16

CERMAK

12

ROAD

ASP-B01

SHEET NUMBER:

Construction of Phase II of Berwyn Gateway Plaza, spanning from Maple Avenue to Wisconsin Avenue along Cermak Road, was finished in 2017. With the completion of Phase II, Berwyn saw the openings of Mattress Firm and Illinois’s first City Barbeque, an award-winning barbecue joint that was founded in Ohio. This redevelopment created an additional 18,357 square feet of new retail property within the City of Berwyn, including an additional 2,496 square feet of space that is being actively marketed for lease.

BERWYN GATEWAY PLAZA PHASE III

96" x 84"

13

96" x 84"

14

TRASH AREA

11

16

7100

20'

15'-6"

15'-0"

FT

BUILDING 'E' 5,600 SF

100'-0"

BUILDING 'D' 4,000 SF RESTAURANT

01

FT FT

56'-0"

92'-0"

03

02

06

DRIVE THRU WINDOW

EXISTING PYLON SIGN w/ PANERA PANEL

0

08 05

04

FT FT

TENANT SPACE C3 2,400 SF

CLEARANCE BAR PREVIEW BOARD & CANOPY/MENU BOARD

75'-0"

30'-0"

PUBLIC WORKS

07

06

TENANT E1 1,125 SF

TENANT E2 4,500 SF

RETAIL 2,000 SF

RETAIL 2,000 SF RETAIL 2,000 SF

43'-0"

JIMMY JOHNS

WENONAH AVENUE

WISCONSIN AVE.

STOP FT

05

ORTHODONTIC OFFICE

CERMAK ROAD

40'

SCALE: 1" = 40'-0"

J+P PROPERTIES

HAGUE ARCHITECTURE 418 CLINTON PLACE RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS 60305 708.771.3900

BEWRYN GATEWAY PLAZA III W. CERMAK ROAD BERWYN, ILLINOIS

SITE PLAN

SK 082216-01 COPYRIGHT 2015 HAGUE ARCHITECTURE

BUDDY BEAR CAR WASH REDEVELOPMENT With the progression of the Buddy Bear Car Wash redevelopment project at 6201 Ogden Avenue, the Route 66 corridor continues to see economic investment. Along with the creation of eight permanent full time positions and 32 temporary construction jobs, the site is forecasted to generate approximately $100,000 in local taxes annually. The redevelopment included demolition, new construction, new equipment, faรงade improvements and civil site improvements.

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THANK YOU TO OUR TIER 6 MEMBERS! At the BDC, we are truly grateful for the opportunity to serve Berwyn’s business community. We proudly recognize the continued support of our Top Tier Sustaining Members. These members have made a notable investment in our economic development initiatives and support the charitable work that we complete through our philanthropic grant program. These CEO Spotlights tell the stories of the leaders that generously support our work.

BERWYN TECH ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTER DIOCELINO “CHICO” RANGEL is a passionate team-builder with over 20 years of experience in solving workforce challenges for both companies and communities. Chico has happily dedicated his life to motivating talented people to continuously improve in the workplace. Chico is often found collaborating and coaching his team on building real impact with customers and communities. Chico is the organizational guru of BTEC who has proudly recruited a high-functioning, cross-collaborative team to execute the vision for BTEC. In his spare time, Chico loves to play golf and spend time with his family.

“WE ARE TRULY HONORED TO SUPPORT THE BDC’S PHILANTHROPIC GRANT PROGRAM. MAKING ACTIVE CONTRIBUTIONS TO BOOST THE ECONOMIC VITALITY OF BERWYN IS AN EXCEPTIONAL WAY TO PROMOTE CONNECTIVITY WITHIN OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY.”

PAISANS PIZZERIA & BAR It’s been over 32 years since the first Paisans Pizza was opened in an 800 sq. ft space in Cicero, Illinois.

PETE FEJZULOSKI began working for his father in Cicero at just 15 years old. Over the years Pete and his father took Paisans Pizza to the next level and opened their second location in Brookfield.

However, Pete wanted to offer more for the guests, so he took the fast casual concept and opened his first full service restaurant in Berwyn. Pete didn’t stop there—he continues to expand Paisans year after year and doesn’t expect to stop anytime soon. Paisans Pizza is a REAL family-owned place and Pete plans to continue the tradition with his own family.

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“THE BDC IS A GREAT TEAM OF PEOPLE THAT HELP OUR COMMUNITY AND SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES. I APPRECIATE ALL OF THEIR HARD WORK AND PARTNERSHIP WITH PAISANS.”

BYLINE BANK ALBERTO PARACCHINI serves as President and CEO for Byline Bank, a role he’s held since 2013. Alberto has spent nearly 20 years in financial services and has held executive positions with numerous companies including Banco Popular North America, BXM Holdings, Inc., Popular Financial Holdings and E-Loan, an internet banking and mortgage company.

Alberto graduated from Marquette University and received his M.B.A., with honors, from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, with a focus on Finance and Business Economics. He currently serves on the board for Junior Achievement of Chicago and is a member of the Cook County Council of Economic Advisors and Economic Club of Chicago. He was born and raised in Puerto Rico and resides in Winnetka with his wife Aimee, where they are raising their three daughters. Alberto has completed seven Ironman triathlons and continues to enjoy swimming, cycling and running.

“BYLINE APPLAUDS THE BDC’S COMMITMENT TO SERVING ITS BUSINESS COMMUNITY THROUGH STRONG PROGRAMMING AND PHILANTHROPIC ENDEAVORS. WE LOOK FORWARD TO PARTICIPATING WITH CONTINUED SUPPORT AND DISCOVERING NEW WAYS TO GROW TOGETHER.”

REPUBLIC BANK OF CHICAGO As the President and Chief Operating Officer at Republic Bank of Chicago, TOM BUGIELSKI has over three decades of experience in executive bank management. With a B.S. in Finance from St. Joseph’s College and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago, Tom also is a graduate from the National Commercial Lending School of Oklahoma.

With deep roots in the Chicago area, Tom has a proven track record of strengthening communities through his dedication and passion to improve our neighborhoods. With over 30 years in executive banking, Tom understands the importance of engaging, educating and empowering our communities to flourish. By focusing on Republic Bank of Chicago’s core values and drawing from his experience as a former chairman of numerous community organizations, Illinois Bankers Association and Northern Illinois Chapter of the American Diabetes Association, Tom is looking forward to partnering with the Berwyn Development Corporation.

“OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE BDC IS A PARTNERSHIP WE TRULY VALUE. WE ARE COMMITTED TO STRENGTHENING THAT CONNECTION AND SUPPORTING THE GREAT COMMUNITY THAT IS BERWYN.” 15

MACNEAL HOSPITAL MARY ELIZABETH (M.E.) CLEARY serves as Chief Executive Officer at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, which is part of Tenet Healthcare’s Chicago Market (formerly Vanguard Health Chicago). A highly qualified healthcare executive, M.E. has more than 30 years of experience in hospital finance and management.

M.E. joined MacNeal in 2008 as Chief Financial Officer. In 2012, she was promoted to Chief Financial Officer for the Chicago Market, which consists of four hospitals – MacNeal Hospital, Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago, West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park and Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park. On November 1, 2016, M.E. was appointed Chief Executive Officer at MacNeal.

M.E. is a CPA with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Delta State University in Mississippi. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Hospital Finance Management Association and the American College of Healthcare Executives.

“COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS WITH THE BDC HAVE ALLOWED US TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES WHILE FULFILLING OUR MISSION TO BUILD AND SUSTAIN A HEALTHY AND VIBRANT COMMUNITY.”

WORLD’S LARGEST LAUNDROMAT TOM BENSON bought The World’s Largest Laundromat in 1999. While he had never operated a laundromat before, he was uniquely positioned for success having been a business broker specializing in the industry for a decade. Under Tom’s leadership, The World’s Largest Laundromat has become the flagship of the laundromat industry, comprised of 25,000 stores. It was recently honored by the Coin Laundry Association for its Community Service; this was the first time the CLA has ever bestowed the honor.

Tom received his M.B.A. from Loyola University Chicago in 1970. He has been active within the BDC since 2000, as a member of the Board of Directors and eventually President from 2002-2006. Tom’s two sons, Eric and Mark, are in the business as managers. He lives with his wife Rhoda in Oak Park.

“WE DON’T MERELY OPERATE IN THIS COMMUNITY, WE’RE PART OF ITS FABRIC. WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON OUR COMMUNITY-BASED PHILANTHROPY AND ACTIVISM.” 16

BDC EDUCATION: MINIMUM WAGE AND PAID SICK LEAVE The past year ushered in new and complex leave laws, including the Cook County Minimum Wage Ordinance, Cook County Earned Sick Leave Ordinance and Illinois Child Bereavement Leave Law. Labor and employment attorneys Julie Proscia and Sara Zorich of SmithAmundsen explained what businesses needed to do to be compliant and how to navigate the complex interaction of laws. The seminar also gave businesses valuable tips on how to modify existing policies.

BDC SEMINAR: FACEBOOK 101 FOR THE BEGINNER BDC Chamber staff presented a basic, hands-on Facebook training seminar for small business owners. This seminar covered the very basics for creating and managing a Facebook page.

In this real time training, businesses learned the difference between a personal profile and a business page, how to create a business handle, how to activate and use various buttons and sections on their page, how to add admins to their page, how to invite friends to like their page and how to effectively post images, videos and links.

THE TOP OF MT. O T GOO G N I GL TT E

Vanessa Jackson-Lopez of The LemonAd Stand led a seminar about strategies to help businesses rank in the world’s most popular search engine—Google! The seminar covered tricks of the trade to get businesses to the top of Google searches. She introduced SEO (Search Engine Optimization), how it works and why it is impactful.

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BDC SEMINAR: GETTING TO THE TOP OF MT. GOOGLE

BDC SEMINAR: SIMPLIFY MULTIPLE SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS WITH HOOTSUITE Stephanie Walters of Blue Top Marketing, Inc. led this seminar about Hootsuite, the leading social media dashboard that allows businesses to manage multiple networks, schedule messages, engage audiences and measure ROI from one place.

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BDC SEMINAR: HOW TO CUT THROUGH THE MARKETING NOISE Valeria Basso of Symphonic Communications Consulting presented an introduction to branding for small business owners, startups and entrepreneurs full of ready to apply takeaways. Learning objectives included understanding what branding really is and the costs of not having a well-defined brand, changing mentality from running a business to being a brand and defining traits of a brilliant brand.

BDC SEMINAR: PUMP UP YOUR FACEBOOK EXPOSURE: FACEBOOK BOOTCAMP FOR BEGINNERS AND INTERMEDIATE USERS In two sessions, Stephanie Walters coached Facebook beginners and intermediate users how to pump up their exposure on the platform.

The Beginner session covered basic mechanics, including choosing a Facebook business page versus a personal profile, knowing Facebook etiquette, finding an audience and how-tos for sharing events, pictures, videos and links. The Intermediate session covered tips around engaging a business’s audience and increasing sales, including developing creative posts that turn online fans into paying customers, deciding when to pay for advertising on Facebook and understanding your ROI with Facebook Analytics.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR BDC MEMBER BENEFITS 101 The BDC hosted free sessions both online and in-office for members to review services and programs offered to them through membership.

Session highlights included 24/7 on-demand access through the membership portal, how to post jobs to the BDC’s free local job board, events to their community calendar and member-to-member discounts and hot deals for residents and visitors. Other benefits covered included educational seminars and networking events, advertising in the Berwyn Magazine, mailing labels and much more!

SCORE BUSINESS COUNSELING SCORE Chicago provides FREE one-on-one business counseling on-site at the BDC on various topics from getting a business loan to effective marketing to writing a business plan. SCORE mentors can cover any question businesses may have. Businesses can communicate their needs at the time of registration, and SCORE will match them to the right counselor. Spanish speakers are also available.

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Repeat appointments are encouraged as mentors will counsel businesses through short- and long-term issues. One-hour appointments are available the 4th Tuesdays of the month at the BDC office at 9AM, 10AM and 11AM.

The BDC Board of Directors established a Philanthropic Commission to coordinate charitable contributions to causes within the community. The BDC commission gives awards to local not-for-profit public charities, giving priority to those efforts that positively impact economic vitality, provide services directly to beneficiaries, address root problems and serve disenfranchised groups. Berwyn headquartered not-for-profits can apply based upon available BDC funding.

NORTH BERWYN PARK DISTRICT BEST OF BERWYN

LINCOLN MIDDLE SCHOOL BERWYN PARK DISTRICT

SHADOW CREEK DISC GOLF COURSE Berwyn Park District was presented with a BDC philanthropic grant for the Shadow Creek Disc Golf Course at Proksa Park. The grant provided Berwyn Park District with funds to create a 9-hole disc golf course. The project brings a unique activity to Berwyn that the community didn’t have before, one that is designed to increase physical activity, create a socially inclusive environment for all ages and encourage visitors to utilize Berwyn’s parks, stores and restaurants.

YOUTH CROSSROADS

COMMUNITY MURAL PROJECT A BDC philanthropic grant was awarded to Youth Crossroads, Inc. for their Community Mural Project. The project engaged local teens and middle school youth by providing them with the opportunity to get involved with the beautification of Heritage Middle School.

BERWYN, A CITY OF INQUIRY

Lincoln Middle School was awarded a BDC philanthropic grant to help fund the purchasing of equipment to support video-enhanced professional development, allowing them to record and reflect on lessons that show teachers engaged in teaching inquiry in social studies. These videos will position Lincoln Middle School to be a model of the new Illinois Standards for Social Science.

HERITAGE MIDDLE SCHOOL VEX ROBOTICS TEAM

Heritage Middle School was awarded a BDC philanthropic grant to help fund their robotics team in the VEX Robotics in the Zone 2017-2018 competition in collaboration with schools in the surrounding area. This program helps students recognize and develop their potential to excel in math and science and encourages them to pursue further education and careers in STEM.

A BDC philanthropic grant was awarded to the three finalists of the North Berwyn Park District’s 2017 Best of Berwyn Junior Citizen Recognition Program. The program recognizes the top 8th grade students in the City of Berwyn. Nominated by educators, community leaders and elected officials, the students are individually interviewed and go through a judging process that narrows the candidates down to three winners. The Best of Berwyn program recognizes the top students in the area based not only on academics but also on participation in the community. The BDC’s philanthropic grant helps to fund educational expenses.

BERWYN ARTS & MUSIC BAMFEST

Berwyn Arts & Music (BAM) was awarded a BDC philanthropic grant for BAMfest 2017 held at Proksa Park in partnership with the Berwyn Park District. The annual festival offers youth of all ages a wide array of engaging learning activities that incorporate different areas of the arts along with entertainment, food and fun.

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Berwyn After Hours (BAH)

MULTI-CHAMBER BAH AT KREW ROCK LOUNGE

Four local chambers (Berwyn, Brookfield, Forest Park and Riverside) participated in a Multi-Chamber Berwyn After Hours (BAH) hosted by the Wednesday Journal at Krew Rock Lounge.

Attendees were invited to maximize their local network while enjoying small bites catered by Big Guys Sausage Stand, drinks and live music

by Anthony Andrews.

BDC HOLIDAY AFTER HOURS

The Berwyn Development Corporation invited the business community for an evening of holiday merriment and networking with other local business owners. The event was hosted at 35 Sports Bar & Grill and included small bites, dessert and drinks.

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MULTI-CHAMBER BAH AT AUTRE MONDE CAFÉ & SPIRITS

Five local chambers (Austin, Berwyn, Brookfield, Riverside and West Suburban) participated in a Multi-Chamber Berwyn After Hours (BAH) on the garden patio of Autre Monde CafĂŠ & Spirits. The event allowed members and non-members alike to meet people from the larger community.

MULTI-CHAMBER BAH IN FOREST PARK

The Forest Park Chamber of Commerce hosted a Multi-Chamber After Hours event in Forest Park with Austin, BDC, Grand Corridor and Oak Park River Forest chambers. Attendees networked while enjoying food and beverages from over 15 chamber businesses. The event also featured drawings from local businesses and local musical talent.

FOOD & BEVERAGE ROUNDTABLE

The Food and Beverage Roundtable group provides timely and proactive information for the hospitality industry.

ANNUAL MEETING & BAABS AWARDS

WOMEN IN BUSINESS GROUP

The BDC’s Women in Business Group is founded on the belief that we are better together than alone. This is Berwyn’s first and only forum for women in all levels of business. The group met the third Tuesday of the month from 12pm to 1pm. The Women in Business group uses the LEAN IN model and TED talks to frame out conversations around leadership and overall empowerment.

In 2017, two major events were reformatted.

The Annual Meeting transitioned from a breakfast event to an after hours event. The 2017 Annual Meeting took place at Wire, where BDC members and community leaders gathered to review the City’s economic successes over the past year and newly elected board members were installed. The Piper and Ashby award presentations were combined to create Berwyn Above and Beyond (BAABs). Vesecky’s Bakery took home the George W. Ashby Award for Business Excellence, while John Aranza of Horrorbles and Autre Monde Café and Spirits took home to Charles E. Piper Award. Recipients were celebrated at Paisans Pizzeria and Bar.

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DEPOT DISTRICT CLEAN SWEEP GARAGE SALE JUNE 3

DEPOT DISTRICT MINI-GOLF PUB CRAWL APRIL 22

One person’s junk was another’s treasure at the 9th Annual Depot District Clean Sweep Garage Sale. Residents browsed five stories of good finds and left knowing that they lived the spirit of the word “recycle.”

TASTE OF CERMAK ROAD JULY 27

The 13th Annual Mini-Golf Pub Crawl brought together participants looking to meet new friends and tour the Depot District’s repertoire of taverns and restaurants. Each venue displayed a handmade mini-golf green to challenge the event’s spirited crowds.

CRUISE NITES

JUN 6 & 20, JUL 18, AUG 1 & 15

Foodies of all ages enjoyed the 6th Annual Taste of Cermak Road presented by Mayor Robert J. Lovero, a tradition with an eclectic mix of small plates and sweets from Cermak Road establishments!

OKTOBERFEST

SEPTEMBER 15 & 16

Cruise Nites made a comeback in the Depot District with five themed nights: Pony Cars, Orphan Cars, Muscle Cars, Bike Nite and Jeep/Truck Nite. Sponsored by Paisans Pizzeria & Bar, Cruise Nites attracted everyone from families to car enthusiasts to come unwind, mingle and soak up Berwyn’s proud classic car culture!

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September means Oktoberfest in Berwyn! The 17th Annual Oktoberfest’s mid-September kick-off coincided with the original Munich Oktoberfest. The event boasted live music, an international food court, carnival and amusement rides, family entertainment pavilion, crafters and vendors. And let’s not forget the Beer Garden, which featured special Oktoberfest seasonal selections!

BERWYN RT66 CAR SHOW AUGUST 26

ROOSEVELT ROAD ZOMBIE WALK & PUB CRAWL

OCTOBER 28

The 27th Annual WeatherTech® Berwyn Rt66 Car Show, sponsored by Paisans Pizzeria & Bar, was held on Ogden Avenue in Berwyn. Berwyn has always been a great Route 66 town with a thriving, dynamic and fast-growing community at its heart. The Rt66 Car Show is the area’s best and biggest car show, attracting more than 20,000 visitors.

The dead rose once more to feed their instincts for a cult-classic zombie fest at the 8th Annual Roosevelt Road Zombie Walk & Pub Crawl. The event featured zombie makeup, a pub crawl and feeding frenzy designed to rival even your fondest memories of Thriller.

HOMES FOR A CHANGING REGION TOOLKIT Since 2007, the City of Berwyn and the BDC have actively promoted its rich history and forward momentum through the Why Berwyn? Integrated Marketing Campaign. The campaign was recently showcased as a best practice in the Homes for a Changing Region Toolkit, which was created by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, Metropolitan Planning Council and the Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University. The toolkit is an online guide to help communities plan for their current and future residents. Berwyn was selected as a case study in affirmative community marketing due to our success in stimulating investment and building brand awareness for the community.

BERWYN RETAIL DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTED IN ULI CHICAGO’S BUILDING HEALTHY RETAIL IN SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES REPORT The redevelopment work of the City of Berwyn in partnership with the BDC since 2008 was highlighted in a recent publication of the Urban Land Institute. The mission of the Urban Land Institute is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. The report summarized findings from a 2-day workshop completed as a part of ULI Chicago’s Retail Initiative.

Attracting and maintaining vibrant commercial centers is a challenge that has become significantly greater in the past decade largely due to dramatic shifts in consumer behavior and retail delivery trends. ULI Chicago’s Retail Initiative is a multi-year initiative to bring best practices and policies in retail development directly to community leaders, and to help foster an environment where they can work collaboratively to build stronger, sustainable retail as an integral part of their communities. Berwyn’s accomplishments were highlighted and illustrated for best management practices to tackle retail redevelopment.

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Started in 2015, the BDC coordinated three new Berwyn’s Best competitions in 2017!

BERWYN’S BEST BURRITO WINNER: Zacatacos Cermak

BERWYN’S BEST SOUP WINNER: Tacos Y Salsa SPECIALTY: Caldo de Camaron

BERWYN’S BEST EGG DISH

SPECIALTY: Steak Burrito

WINNER: Lavergne’s Tavern

FINALISTS: Lalo’s Restaurant, Los

SPECIALTY: Avocado Toast FINALISTS: Connie’s Family

Restaurant, MacNeal Hospital Café, Mission House Cafe and Tacos Y Salsa

FINALISTS: Connie’s Family

Restaurant, Czech Plaza Restaurant, Lalo’s Restaurant and MacNeal Hospital Café

BERWYN.NET BERWYN MAGAZINE & HOT DEALS Berwyn Magazine is a quarterly publication that is mailed to all Berwyn households and businesses in English with an additional mailing of the Spanish edition to the City’s Spanish-preferred households. A new pilot ad design program was introduced free of charge. The magazine includes “Hot Deals” discount coupons and ads reserved for members only. Hot deals are also available online.

COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE Our annual community resource guide is designed to orient new residents and provide a reference to established locals looking for something new to do in the city. This guide is an extended edition of Berwyn Magazine Issue 2.

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The BDC’s organizational website is better than ever! Now including a member portal, Berwyn.net allows BDC members to perform a slew of helpful tasks, such as post job openings, RSVP to BDC events and more. Log on to the member portal to access your tools now!

SOCIAL MEDIA & E-BLASTS The BDC can be found via social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. We also created a branded geo-filter on Snapchat. On these platforms, we spread a myriad of news from grand opening coverage to business features to social media spotlights.

News also circulates through our e-blasts in a new weekly format.

BDC SUGGESTION BOX The BDC values your opinions and invites you to let us know how we can serve Berwyn! Visit our Suggestion Box on Berwyn.net.

Corrales Taqueria & Restaurant, Tacos Y Salsa and Taqueria El Meson Express

Berwyn is #NothingLikeASuburb. The City of Berwyn’s Integrated Marketing Campaign is designed to pique the curiosity of Chicago area residents and to create a driving desire to visit and live in Berwyn. For the past 11 years, the BDC has partnered with the City of Berwyn to position our community as a top choice destination for first time and move-up homebuyers as well as business entrepreneurs and visitors.

This year’s outdoor advertising, digital media and outreach at events like Northalsted Market Days focused on two messages, Full of Character(s) and Handcrafted Community, emphasizing Berwyn’s individuality and genuine community among our assets.

WILD BERWYN For the second time, Ben Hollis, Emmy Award-Winning Host of WTTW’s long-running hit show Wild Chicago, brought online viewers into the wonderful work of Berwyn and all of its amazing treasures. WILD Berwyn videos focus on what makes each business unique through an engaging and playful approach. Videos can be seen on WhyBerwyn.com, Facebook and YouTube.

GOOGLE STREET VIEW AFFINITY PROGRAM The BDC provided the Google Street View Affinity Program to members.

The high-tech program helped drive customers to BDC member businesses.

Google Street View Indoor used 360 virtual tour technologies inside local businesses to provide viewers with a virtual walk-through of the business.

BUY BERWYN The Buy Berwyn/Compre en Berwyn shop local program featured a new design and was branded on bilingual window signs to encourage residents to #KeepItLocal. Keep watch for signs at your favorite Berwyn stores! The BDC also introduced a brand new member logo.

SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHTS & PROMOTIONS A unique benefit for members at Tiers 3 and up, Social Media Spotlights use original storytelling to tell the Berwyn community about you and your business through our WhyBerwyn. com blog and social media platforms.

Our social platforms also featured an expanded calendar of promotions, from holiday features to special interest lists.

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CHAMBER SERVICES STRATEGIC PLAN Our chamber services 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 focuses on the following priorities:

ORGANIZATIONAL STABILITY

PROMOTE OUR MEMBERS

Increase the capacity of the Chamber Services Division to serve Berwyn businesses more effectively.

GROW SMALL BUSINESSES

Give our members a competitive edge in the market.

DEVELOP LEADERSHIP FOR BERWYN

Provide education, support and resources to help emerging business members.

Develop the next generation of community and business leaders.

SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHTS This popular social media feature is structured to let our audience hear the stories of our local entrepreneurs, creatives and next generations. We share their stories with our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram audiences.

26 were completed in 2017!

7,862

TOP POST REACH

330 AVERAGE

1,055 TOP

REACTIONS, COMMENTS & SHARES

742

AVERAGE POST CLICKS

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24,440

AVERAGE POST REACH

ENGAGEMENT

3,373 TOP POST CLICKS

OUR SOCIAL PLATFORMS HIT NEW HIGHS IN 2017

+17%

+26%

+23%

+38%

to 4,285 contacts

to 10,161 likes

10,161

(+2,062 since 2016)

1,448

(+252 since 2016)

to 1,448 followers

to 1,580 followers

1,580

(+425 since 2016)

MEMBERS ONLY GROUP

WOMEN IN BUSINESS GROUP

184 Members

97 Members

TOTAL INVESTMENT

BY CORRIDOR

In 2017, 227 building permits were issued, which resulted in $4.5 million in total investment within the commercial corridors.

146,741 PAGEVIEWS ON WHYBERWYN.COM

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OUR EVENTS PAGE IS THE SECOND MOST VISITED, BEHIND THE LANDING PAGE.

%

CHICAGO

%

ARE NEW VISITORS

%

BERWYN

%

OTHER

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FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL! @whyberwyn

3322 S. Oak Park Ave Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 788 8100 info@berwyn.net berwyn.net whyberwyn.com