Oswego Chamber Newsletter - Winter 2022

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Tis the season for holiday shopping – and you don’t have to travel far to find what you need for gifts, parties and seasonal festivities. You can find everything you need in Oswego and surrounding communities.

The National Retail Federation predicts this year’s November and December retail sales will grow by 6 to 8% over 2021, tallying up to $960 billion nationwide. When planning your holiday gift-buying sprees this year, it’s important to focus dollars locally.

“Local businesses are a part of the fabric of Oswego and the community’s support is vital to their success,” said Angie Hibben, IOM, President/CEO of the Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce. “The businesses in our community are our neighbors and friends. They are the first to gladly sponsor fundraisers, our local sports teams, schools, and not-for-profits.”

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reports local businesses donate 250% more than larger businesses to community causes.

Also, when consumers shop locally and spend $100 at small, independently-owned retailers and restaurants, about $68 stays in the local economy, according to the SBA.

“They make a difference in our community in so many ways,” Hibben said of local businesses. “In fact, their impact is huge.”

The SBA is the organization that sponsors Small Business Saturday, which was observed Saturday, Nov. 26. The date coincides with the largest shopping weekend of the year following Thanksgiving and Black Friday. This special day was established in 2010 to support and boost awareness of the importance and value local businesses have on the local economy.

"Whether it’s any time of the year, or with the holidays coming, why not grab your family and friends and make a day of it to shop and visit our local businesses."

However, supporting small or local business isn’t locked into a single date on the calendar. The Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce is always proud to support and promote local businesses and urges shoppers to visit Oswego businesses throughout the holiday shopping season and beyond.

“Whether it’s any time of the year, or with the holidays coming, why not grab your family and friends and make a day of it to shop and visit our local businesses,” Hibben said. “There are many unique retailers and boutiques in Downtown Oswego to help you choose a perfect gift, find spirited holiday decor, or something chic to wear. After a day of visiting the shops, eat, drink and be merry at our Oswego area restaurants, local breweries, and wineries, too.”

Chamber CEO Letter

73 W Van Buren St Oswego, IL 60543

Phone: (630) 554-3505 Fax: (630) 554-0050 Email: info@oswegochamber�org Check us out online at www�OswegoChamber�org

Ican’t believe that the end of the year is almost upon us. It seems like it was just January 2022 a few weeks ago. Planning and registration has already begun for the 2023 Hometown Expo, the chamber is working on end of the year projects and work has been progressing on our new building, which we will move into in early 2023.

At this time of the year, I like to reflect on all that we have and all that we are thankful for. We are so blessed with amazing members, people who step up and help each other and mentor new businesses and people who help the chamber. Oswego is a great place to live, work, shop, eat and play. I am thankful to the great working relationship with the village, the police and the fire department. When we all work together, we are all stronger and better.

I would like to encourage everyone to continuing to support our Oswego businesses! Because of you, our

ANGIE HIBBEN President/CEO Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce

businesses are still going strong, and we appreciate this. We have new businesses opening every month with more to come. Our downtown has so many great, unique and locally owned businesses – come down and check them out.

If you are looking for that hard-to-find gift for someone, think about buying “downtown dollars.” These are gift certificates that can be used at many of the downtown merchants and are good for one year from purchase. These make great teacher and co-worker gifts.

I hope to see you downtown at one of our fine restaurants, the Brewery, the Winery or newly opened Oak + Bean, or stores. There is something for the smallest person in your family to the oldest person in your family. Soaps, household items, flowers, coffee, pastries, donuts, clothing, purses, jewelry and more.

#SHOPSMALL

#SHOPOSWEGO #SHOPEATPLAYOSWEGO

TREAT YOURSELF TO SPECIALTY COFEE AND WINE AT OAK + BEAN

Brunch items and pastries served as well

Area residents can now enjoy the best of both smooth refreshment worlds in one inviting place at the new Oak + Bean, where specialty coffees and a wine bar meet. Co-owners Kacie Hollenbeck and Connie DiNello are eager to make it the community’s favorite “AM to PM” go-to place.

The coffee shop and wine bar is located in Downtown Oswego on the main floor of the Reserve at Hudson Crossing commercial and apartment building at the corner of 100 W. Washington Street (Route 34) and Harrison Street. The interior provides a cozy atmosphere with a mid-century modern vibe paired with an industrial look.

“We are excited to finally open here and be a part of the growing Oswego community,” said Hollenbeck, who owns Krema Coffee House and Wine and Cheese Co. in Plainfield and a newly opened location in Lockport.

Oak + Bean offers the finest fresh roasted coffees and specially selected varietal wines with a menu that has been created to pair and satisfy appetites for whatever patrons crave. Enjoy freshly prepared-to-order brunch items, small plates, salads, and sandwiches, plus charcuterie boards with lavish cheeses and other treats. Fresh pastries are a specialty of

Oak + Bean. They’re made from scratch, right on site.

“We roast our own high-specialty grade coffee beans in Plainfield that come from regions around the world to ensure the best quality and freshness in every cup,” Hollenbeck said.

Patrons winding down at Oak + Bean will taste a wide range of carefully curated wines from a variety of vineyards from the U.S. and across the world. Wine is served by the glass and selected wines are served from kegs.

“We like to call it ‘wine on tap’,” DiNello said. “Wine from kegs is amazing and tastes better. It’s preserved in the keg and when drawn, it aerates to provide the freshest and most optimum taste.”

With a family-friendly atmosphere, Oak + Bean makes sure the kiddos can enjoy cookies, crispy treats, hot chocolates, and crafted lemonade drinks, too.

“Coffee houses are the heart of the community,” Hollenbeck said. “No matter if you visit us to relax, read a book, or meet with family, friends, or business associates, we want Oak + Bean to be your safe and happy place.”

Follow Oak + Bean on Facebook at www.fb.com/OakandBeanCo or visit their website at www.oakandbean.com.

president to

Mark your calendars to be the first to know what is happening in Oswego in 2023 and beyond.

The State of the Village address by Village President Troy Parlier is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023 at the Classic Cinemas Kendall 11 Movie Theatre at 95 Fifth St. in Oswego.

“This will be my fourth State of the Village address, and we have a lot of great news to talk about,” Parlier said. “We have had an unprecedented fouryear period of financial well-being and growth and are making improvements to keep the economic engine steaming forward.”

Sponsored by the Oswego Area Chamber

annual speech in February

of Commerce, this free event provides area residents and businesses the perfect opportunity to mingle and network with each other, while being informed about the latest news in their community.

Parlier Village President

“We highly appreciate our Village President Parlier who has been very supportive of our chamber and local businesses,” said Angie Hibben, IOM, CEO/president, Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce. “He always takes the time to attend most ribbon cuttings we hold to welcome new businesses in the village. It makes a wonderful impression indicating the importance and value of

their presence in our community.”

Parlier addresses a number of issues that are on the minds of all in attendance at the address, including the current status of the Village of Oswego’s taxes and budget; the latest economic development news and village growth issues; a sneak peak at new businesses coming to town; and hopefully a big announcement of interest to all.

“We have had a tremendous relationship with the Chamber and couldn’t achieve what we have without the great synergy we enjoy between the village, the Chamber and our residents,” Parlier said.

Look for more information about Chamber events at www.oswegochamber.org.

Troy

RENOVATIONS CONTINUE FOR NEW CHAMBER OFFICE

The Oswego Area Chamber is on the move. At our annual dinner we announced that we had purchased a building. Updates have been moving along with a stone patio in the backyard, newly painted trim and shutters, new front porch and new front steps. Interior plumbing updates have begun and minor drywall repairs and fresh paint are happening inside.

Watch for information regarding our move-in date. We expect to move in early 2023 and will have a summer grand opening/ribbon cutting ceremony. Thank you to the 2021/2022 board for making this happening and the 2022/2023 board for continuing the process.

We are very excited to make this further commitment to our community and look forward to expanding our events and opportunities at the new office located at 25 E. Jackson St., Oswego.

The 2023 Hometown Expo

“Back to Business” is back at Oswego High School in the fieldhouse on Feb. 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Business and community organizations will have the opportunity to promote their products and services by exhibiting at this spectacular event.

A professional exhibition company has been retained to design and set up the show floor. Booths are 10 feet by 10 feet and include a 6-foot-long table and two chairs.

Again this year we will have our local art show with entries from students in the area and adult entries. The show will be judged by independent judges. The Kiwanis Club of Oswego will host their pancake breakfast in the morning.

We will have electronics recycling, a shred event and Fox Metro will be there collecting expired medications so they can be disposed of properly. Watch the chamber website, the Expo website and Facebook pages for more information.

After a few years of all types of weather, this year’s 12th Annual Fraidy Cat 5K on Sunday, Oct. 30 was a beautiful sunny day for participants to run or walk to the finish line.

This healthy-driven popular Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce event, sponsored by Edward-Elmhurst Hospital since its inception, was a win-win for all concerned for a multitude of reasons.

“To mark the start of the race, Trinity sang the National Anthem to set the tone for a perfect day,” said Angie Hibben, IOM, CEO/president, Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce.

A large group of 351 runners participated in their choice of a Mile, 5K, or 8K. They consisted of beginners and hardcore,

experienced runners across a wide age category from 4 to 70 years old. The Fraidy Cat 5K had something for everyone to get involved and to just keep moving at a moderate or competitive pace.

“What a great way for our community to get out and breathe the fresh air while running or walking along the bike trail at Prairie Point Community Park and maneuvering the curves, hills, and challenges ahead of them,” Hibben said.

The event was a success, too, because of the enthusiasm and support of many volunteers, as well as members of the Oswego Police and Fire Departments.

Trophies were awarded to the top overall male and female finishers. In addition, awards were given to the top three male

and female finishers in each age group. However, no one was left out for taking part in the Fraidy Cat 5K, as all mile participants received a ribbon and all 5K/8K runners received a finisher medal for their efforts.

A special medal was awarded to the top finishers who participated in all three of the Healthy-Driven races that took place in Plainfield, Naperville, and Oswego.

To cap off the festivities, it was announced that once again the Healthy Driven Fraidy Cat scholarships will be awarded for both Oswego and Oswego East High Schools and area graduating seniors who give back to the community for their volunteerism. Scholarship applications will come out on Dec. 1 and will be due back to the Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce by April 1, 2023.

Mike

Debbie

Paul

Meet Our Newest Members

OSWEGO HIGH SCHOOL BAND BOOSTERS 630-310-0125 www.ohsbandboosters

WINDY CITY GAME THEATER

Oswego, IL 60543 630-327-6573 Lock250@gmail.com www.windycitygametheater

HELLS BBQ INC. 1019 Station Dr. Oswego, IL 60543 847-804-4217 keith@hells-bbq.com www.hells-bbq.com

CAROLYN ALZUETA - CHARLES RUTENBERG AGENCY

Oswego, IL 60543 630-244-0062 carolyn@carolyn-homes.com carolynandhillaryhomes.com

SENATOR SUE REZIN 350 5th St., #269 Peru, IL 61354 815-220-8720 rabraham@ilsenategop.org

KENDALL COUNTY HEALTH SERVICES 811 W. John St. Yorkville, IL 60560 630-553-9100 RVanGundy@kendallcountyil.gov www.kendallhealth.org

GRACIOUSLY MADE

Oswego, IL 60543 630-277-1607 info@graciouslymadellc.com www.graciouslymadellc.com

CHIROPLUS FAMILY HEALTH & WELLNESS, SC 44 Monroe St., 2nd Floor Oswego, IL 60543 847-683-0077 rfosterdc7777@yahoo.com www.ChiroPlusil.com

INDIVIDUAL ADVOCACY GROUP (IAG)

101 Theodore Dr., Ste. D Oswego, IL 60543 773-273-8778 aalmodovar@iaginc.org www.iagcares.org

ORANGE TREE HEALTH AND WELLNESS 4531 Rt. 71 Oswego, IL 60543 630-551-8994 katieannrichards@ orangetreehealthandwellness.com www.orangetree.health

BOZNOS LAW, P.C. 1700 Park St., Ste. 203 Naperville, IL 60563 630-375-1958 bill@boznoslawoffice.com www.boznoslawoffice.com

LZEEDOODLE DESIGNS Oswego, IL 60543 904-881-5555 mary@lzeedoodle.com www.LZeeDoodle.com

LARSON ENGINEERING, INC. 1488 Bond St., Ste. 100 Naperville, IL 60560 630-357-0540 dloebach@larsonengr.com www.larsonengr.com

OSWEGO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1976 Rt. 25 Oswego, IL 60543 630-554-8194 office@opchurch.org www.opchurch.org

PRIMOS TACOS INC. 2970 Rt. 34 Oswego, IL 60543 630-849-0485 info@primostacos.com www.primostacos.us

THE JOINT 1480 N. Orchard Rd. Aurora, IL 60506 630-907-9097 drkellylally@gmail.com www.thejoint.com

CHILDREN OF AMERICA MONTGOMERY 2141 Orchard Rd. Montgomery, IL 60538 331-269-3955 Coamontgomeryil@ childrenofamerica.com www.childrenofamerica.com

OVERMARCH IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY Oswego, IL 60543 815-786-4125 shannon@overmarchimages.me www.overmarchimages.me