2026 QUARTERLY REPORT 2ND QUARTER | APRIL - JUNE
3322 S Oak Park Ave, 2nd Fl | Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 788-8100 | info@berwyn.net | Berwyn.net @BerwynDevelopmentCorp @BerwynDevCorp @Berwyn Development Corporation
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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As we close the second quarter of 2026, I am encouraged by the momentum building across Berwyn and the relationships strengthening the BDC’s work. Our focus has been on engaging with businesses, residents, and community partners to better understand needs, connect people with resources, and advance opportunities that move Berwyn forward. At its core, our work is about people. Meaningful progress happens when we listen, collaborate, and turn ideas into results that benefit the community. We have continued to strengthen our business outreach and support while advancing redevelopment opportunities throughout the City. We have also renewed our efforts to celebrate the businesses and people who make Berwyn a great place to live, work, and raise a family. From the launch of the fifth season of the Berwyn Shops to community events like the Mini Golf Pub Crawl and Pride walk, as well as business milestones such as the James and Williams Grand Reopening, we remain focused on creating a welcoming and business-friendly environment. At the BDC, we continue to strengthen our team and operations while expanding our presence in the community. During this reporting period, we engaged with hundreds of businesses and worked to ensure more business owners are aware of the services, resources, and programs available to support their success. We are also seeing stronger partnerships emerge across Berwyn. Progress depends on collaboration among civic and business leaders, residents, nonprofit organizations, and community partners committed to our city’s success. By working together, celebrating achievements, and addressing challenges collectively, we create more opportunities for Berwyn’s people and businesses to thrive. Community remains at the center of our work, and Berwyn moves forward when we move forward together. Much work lies ahead, but the direction is clear. We will continue building relationships, pursuing opportunities, and turning Berwyn’s potential into progress. Sincerely,
Brian Crowe | Executive Director
Berwyn Shops Berwyn Shops officially launched Season 5 on May 1, bringing together community members, elected officials, and alumni to celebrate the opening of 12 small businesses. During the first two months, vendors generated more than $55,000 in sales, with many reporting a direct increase in sales during events on the boardwalk. Vendors have curated events that engage the community through familyfriendly activities, including live music, craft classes, and lemonade-making classes for kids.
2026 TIMELINE APRIL - JUNE
APR
MAY
Finding & Securing a Commercial Space - Business Training NDC Chicago News Feature - Mini Golf Pub Crawl Philanthropic Grant Presentation - The Children’s Center of Cicero Berwyn Mini-Golf Pub Crawl Peppered Table Grand Opening Chamber Preview Day - Berwyn Shops Event BDC Open House Roosevelt Rd Corridor Plan Presented to CoW Route 66 Car Show Committee Meeting Business Budgeting - Berwyn Shops Training Marketing for Business Workshop Women in Business 26th Street Corridor Walk
Berwyn Shops Grand Opening ABC 7 Chicago News Feature – Berwyn Shops Encanto Pizzeria & Bar Grand Opening Culver’s Grand Re-Opening Celebration BDC’s Economic Development Commission Meeting Business Safety and Security– Business Training WGN News Feature – Berwyn Shops Route 66 Car Show Committee Meeting Women in Business Business Financing – Berwyn Shops Training Roosevelt Rd Corridor Walk Ogden Ave Corridor Walk Berwyn Business Bootcamp
JUNE
Cruise Nights Begins (1st & 3rd Monday) Nonprofit Roundtable CBS 2 News Feature – Berwyn Shops Berwyn’s Community-Wide Yard Sale James and Williams Grand Re-Opening Route 66 Car Show Committee Meeting Pride Walk Intro to Storytelling – Berwyn Shops Training Women in Business Depot Corridor Walk Cermak Corridor Walk
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
A public private partnership between the Berwyn Development Corporation and the City of Berwyn
Finish Line Grant The BDC administers the City of Berwyn’s Finish Line Grant Program, which provides financial assistance to eligible businesses and commercial property owners making improvements within Berwyn’s 3 TIF districts. The program helps spur reinvestment, improve storefronts and commercial properties, and strengthen the local business community.
● Spent: $209K ● Committed: $161K ● Remaining: $614K FY2026 funding totals $984K, including carryover funding from 2024 & 2025 projects and the $250K allocations for each TIF.
Q1 & Q2 Business Assistance The BDC helps small businesses Other Real Estate 6.2% thrive by providing personalized 5.4% advising, business education, funding General and incentive assistance, market 7.1% resources, and connections to key partners. From startups to established companies, the BDC offers the tools, expertise, and Funding & Incentives support needed to launch, grow, and 13.3% succeed in Berwyn.
676 448
Marketing 37.8%
One-on-One Business Assistance Sessions Hours of Personalized Business Support
Berwyn Shops 30.1%
Q1 & Q2 Events
3/6
20
491
Business Training Sessions
Total Business Events
Total Attendees
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CHAMBER
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247
82%
TOTAL MEMBERS
RETENTION
During the second quarter, the BDC remained focused on advancing membership engagement and community connectivity. Chamber membership totaled 247 members, bolstered by twelve new memberships and an 82% retention rate.
150
EVENT ATTENDANCE
Retention & Outreach In Q2, the BDC launched business canvassing through its corridor ambassador program, completing walks along Roosevelt, Ogden, and Cermak and engaging 30+ businesses to gather feedback and connect resources.
Attraction & Recruitment
Engagement across events and outreach efforts reached 150 attendees, highlighting continued scucess in building relationships, celebrating local businesses, and strengthingin the business community.
In Q2, the BDC supported a prospective business exploring Berwyn through site visits, community tours, and resource sharing. These efforts showcased local opportunities and reinforced Berwyn’s appeal for investment. La Casa del Pueblo is anticipated to open this year.
MARKETING Newsletter Performance
2,918
47% Open Rate
(11% above industry avg)
Subscribers
3% Click Rate
↑ +202 in Q2
(1% above industry avg)
The newsletter is a highperforming communications channel for sharing resources, events, and updates.
Social Media Reach +1,254 New Followers
Impressions Apr May
Facebook: 29,592 (+531)
Instagram: 12,940 (+227)
LinkedIn: 1,121 (+73)
High impressions = strong reach & awareness
Jun
116,690 205,008 245,555 impressions in June
May & June provided significant visibility through key campaigns like Cruise Nites & Berwyn Shops.
SPECIAL EVENTS
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Depot District Mini-Golf Pub Crawl The 22nd Annual Depot District Mini-Golf Pub Crawl brought hundreds of participants to the Depot District on August 18, 2026, for a day of friendly competition and local fun. More than 350 attendees made their way through the corridor, putting their skills to the test at creative mini-golf holes hosted by 14 participating businesses. The event was made possible with support from five sponsors and the enthusiasm of participating businesses and attendees alike.
Pride Walk
The 2026 Berwyn Pride Walk brought more than 200 community members together on June 27 for a celebration of pride, inclusion, and community. The event welcomed several community organizations and partners, including the Berwyn Public Library, Berwyn Public Art Initiative, BUNGALO+, and other key organizations that provide a variety of resources and support throughout Berwyn.
350+
200+
ATTENDEES
ATTENDEES
CRUISE NITES
The 2026 Berwyn Cruise Nites series kicked off in June, welcoming more than 150 classic and custom vehicles during its first month. Held on the first and third Mondays from June through August, Cruise Nites bring car enthusiasts and community members to Berwyn for an evening of classic cars, local bites, and community fun.
2 NITES IN Q2 PRESENTED BY WEATHERTECH
150+
PARTICIPANTS
COMMUNITY QUOTES Great time in our community!! Thank you @berwyndevcorp !! - @Terryoz63
Proud of my town- @spacefrowns
Love that we’re taking care of the community - @_ninasaurus
Great job Berwyn need more great events like this to get the community together- @Ricardo Gonzalez
2ND QUARTER | APRIL - JUNE
2026
QUARTERLY REPORT
3322 S Oak Park Ave, 2nd Fl | Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 788-8100 | info@berwyn.net | Berwyn.net @BerwynDevelopmentCorp @BerwynDevCorp @Berwyn Development Corporation