HELPING BUSINESSES GROW AND EXPAND Kendall County’s low interest loan program helps businesses grow and expand
NEWSLETTER u Fall 2020 u
Business & Industry United For A Better Community
WHAT’S INSIDE:
10TH YEAR
Healthy Driven Fraidycat Races
I
f the COVID-19 pandemic has derailed your plans to expand your business this year, there might be another option available to help finance your project.
NOW OPEN
Check out some new businesses around Oswego.
OSWEGO IS BUSY GROWING
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Qualifying businesses must demonstrate appropriate collateral to be used for the loan.
The Kendall County Revolving Loan Fund Program offers a low interest rate loan program. These loans can be used to assist small businesses with creating or retaining jobs.
“The program gives businesses the capital they need, and the interest rates are extremely lower than what you’d get from a loan at a bank,” says Matt Prochaska, member of the Kendall County Board and the Kendall County Economic Development.
Loans are available for up to $15,000 per job created or retained. The total amount loaned to businesses can be up to 49% of a project’s cost.
The county received the money to launch this loan fund program back in the 1980s as a state grant. Prochaska says they’ve used the money ever since u Continued on page 3
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apply for a loan by filling out an application on the county website. If pre-approved, the next step is for businesses to complete and submit an application for revolving fund financial assistance to the Kendall County Office of Administrative Services. “We’ve seen several businesses utilize these loans to start up their businesses and become very successful,” says Prochaska.
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to offer these low interest loans and help new or existing businesses start or expand their businesses by creating new jobs or retaining existing ones. Through the years, several businesses have taken advantage of the program, including a bar in Yorkville that used the money to get a project off the ground. Any business in Kendall County can
The program is open to any business in Kendall County. So far most loans have been issued to businesses located in Yorkville, Montgomery and unincorporated Kendall County. Several members of the Oswego Chamber of Commerce also have received loans through the program, Prochaska notes.
A huge thank you to ALL the First Responders/ First Liners out there who have been working non stop since this all started.
“It’s a great program to look into if you’re trying to grow your business,” Prochaska says. To get started, visit www.co.kendall. il.us/departments/economicdevelopment/business-assistance and complete the pre-application. For more information about the program, email kendalledc@ co.kendall.il.us.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Helping businesses grow and expand..............................................1 Chamber CEO Letter............................................................................. 4 #OswegoStrong.................................................................................... 4 10th Anniversary of the Healthy Driven Fraidycat Races............ 5 Oswego Village President................................................................... 6 Oswego is busy growing .....................................................................7 Ribbon Cuttings..................................................................................... 8 2020 Golf Outing................................................................................. 10 New Members....................................................................................... 11 Meet Our Board .................................................................................... 11 www.oswegochamber.org
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Becoming a Member is EASY and Affordable!
Check us out online at www.OswegoChamber.org Call, e-mail, or stop on by! Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce 73 W. Van Buren St. • Oswego, IL 60543 Phone: (630) 554-3505 • Fax: (630) 554-0050 Email: info@oswegochamber.org Oswego Area Chamber Newsletter | Fall 2020 3
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Chamber CEO Letter
E
nd of summer – looking forward to fall
to amp up your marketing, not cut it.
As we wind up summer and go into the fall, a lot still seems unsure. I am so impressed with the businesses in and around the Oswego area who have been creative and resourceful while working through this crazy year we have had. I know you have been working hard to support your staff, support your families and still provide products and services to the Oswego area community.
Be resourceful. Do polls and surveys from your customers to find out what they need or are looking for. Find out what other businesses offer or have and send referrals back and forth. Work together and form power partners. Make sure your website and Facebook are up to date with current hours, policies and procedures. This is especially true for those of you who will have different hours due to e-learning your children as the school year starts.
As we go into the fall, please stay connected with us and the community. Keep your marketing going, keep in touch via email and social media. Stop by or call the chamber office to see how we can help you stay connected. Now is the time
Continue with your brand awareness – check out the Light Up Oswego program through Imagination Print and Design. The next phase is starting soon and it is a great way for your customers to support your business. If you need help with
ANGIE HIBBEN
President/CEO Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce
social media, website or email marketing the chamber has several members who can help you! Watch for Flat Angie to make appearances around Oswego area to announce new businesses opening, new new hours and more! Also watch for #WheresTroy, our Village President on social media while he is out supporting our Oswego businesses. If you are not a member of the Oswego Area chamber, Shayna and I would love to talk with you about becoming a member. Email or call us at anytime and we will get back to you promptly. You can also stop in at the office at 73 W. Van Buren St, in downtown Oswego. We are #OswegoStrong and we are here to help you!
Oswego Businesses Pulling Together #OswegoStrong COVID-19 is having a major impact on Oswego. As a community comprising many small businesses, we are profoundly affected by the current economic circumstances. We also are, and always will be, a community that cares and looks out for one another. We’ve organized a directory of Oswego businesses and organizations facing difficult disruptions. We
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encourage Oswegoans to refer to it and shop locally as we pull through this time together. Your Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce is here to help support you during this challenging period. If you are a Chamber business that is contending with recent developments, please share your announcement or update with us.
www.oswegochamber.org
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10TH ANNIVERSARY Healthy Driven Fraidycat Races
T
his is the 10th year of the Healthy Driven Fraidycat Races. This year features a new route starting at Prairie Point School off of Grove Rd. and features running on the trails and beautiful scenery. Also this year the Ghost Run has switched from a 10K to an 8K race and will not be a double loop but it’s own separate route. The new routes will be USATF certified and will be posted soon. All participants will receive a finisher medal for the 5k & 8k and ribbons for the mile run. To social distance this year we will be doing rolling starts of 50 runners each. When you register it will ask you what time you approximate you will run
the route in and the runners will be grouped in starts of 50 at a time. Also the vendor booths will be spaced more than 10 feet apart and all vendors will be asked to wear masks. There will not be an awards ceremony but the times/awards will be posted on the awards board and the runners can come get their place medals and we will have a back drop for pictures with their awards. Runners can also pick up their shirts/bags and run the race virtually if they choose. For more information go to www.fraidycat.com Also text fraidycat5k to 47711 to join the text messaging system for Fraidycat updates
Janna Misek, Ins Agcy Inc
Janna Misek, Agent 630-554-1540 “Bringing my clients a seamless real estate transaction with my team of professionals.” BROOK HENSCHEN BROKER
Direct: 815.814.5940 brookh@kw.com brookhenschenregroup.com
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CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY! Oswego Area Chamber Newsletter | Fall 2020 5
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GREETINGS OSWEGO CHAMBER MEMBERS!
T
hese past few months have been uncertain, stressful, and trying for our community to say the least. Borrowing terms from my math classroom, I can say what our business community endured was at a magnitude far greater, at times concerns rose exponentially. Webster defines the word endure as “To carry on despite hardships”. Looking a little further, another definition brings even more clarity; “To suffer patiently without yielding.” When we left the State of the Village address in February, we were full of optimism. We welcomed thirty-six new businesses into Oswego during this first year including six new restaurants. Commercial and residential construction was taking off. Then the pandemic changed our perspective, but I’m proud to say not our outlook. The Village and the Chamber worked hand in hand to provide assistance and advice to our business community where we could. I can honestly say I looked forward to reading the daily information and messages from the Chamber as they tirelessly worked for our businesses and also provided inspiration for me. It is very comforting at times like this to know you have a partner you can count on. As we navigate through the new environment once again we see Oswego taking off. We once again see the sunlight on the horizon and the outlook is still optimistic. We have recently had several announcements about more new restaurants, businesses and construction projects. I’m looking forward to the future with the knowledge that in the Chamber and its membership, Oswego has a partner we can count on. I hope you at the Chamber know you can count on us as well. Best regards,
Troy Parlier, Oswego Village President Page 6
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OSWEGO IS BUSY GROWING During a year where many residents are staying home and social distancing. “
W
e’re the only area in Illinois that’s growing,” said Daniel Di Santo, village administrator for Oswego. “Kendall County’s population is increasing and we’re the fastest growing area so businesses see a great return on their investment. They know if they invest now they will only have increased demand going forward.” Oswego’s impressive list of growth includes the 113 Main project, a threestory mixed-use building, Shodeen’s The Reserves at Hudson Crossing, a mixed-use residential and commercial development, and the Orchard Road corridor, which will feature an outdoor entertainment amphitheater among other amenities. New restaurants also are arriving in town, including the Dairy Barn and Raising Cane’s, as are consumerfriendly businesses, including Imagination Print & Design, which relocated, and the country’s largest Delta Sonic car wash so you can keep your vehicle clean while you visit all these new destinations right here in Oswego. “(Village President Troy Parlier) and the Village board have been aggressive with finding developers and attracting them,” Di Santo said. “We’re very business friendly and we’re putting in a lot of hard work out there selling the community to good businesses. It’s been a very deliberate effort.” As for any growth complications from the coronavirus, Di Santo said most of the projects started before the aftereffects of its arrival drastically changed how we go about our daily lives. “Thankfully a lot of the projects started before Covid, and when you look around, now is a great time to be under
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construction,” he said, “You’re not losing any customers.” Raising Cane’s, which is relatively new on the national fast food scene, having been founded in Louisiana just 24 years ago, brings its popular chicken fingers to Oswego. “We couldn’t be more excited to bring Caniacs in Oswego a Raising Cane’s to call their own,” said Dakota Strange, area leader of marketing, fry cook and cashier for Raising Cane’s. “We cannot wait to feed the community and support wherever possible.” Kelley Rice, owner of Imagination Print & Design, moved her business to 68 Main St., in late October, early November, last year, utilizing the additional space to expand its capabilities. “It’s also just a wonderful location to be a part of the downtown,” Rice said. “It’s definitely been a lot of fun seeing it all grow in Oswego, and we work with a lot of small businesses and as they’re coming in they’ve helped us grow.” While growth and change can sometimes make it easy to forget about the past, the Dairy Barn will serve as a great tribute to the former Dairy Hut while allowing folks to celebrate with meals or simply a quick ice cream treat. “The Dairy Hut was an Oswego staple that had been here since the50s and 60s,” Di Santo said. “We’re hoping to see it open in 2021. It’s going to be kind of a tip of the cap to the former Dairy Hut, but now be a full-service restaurant and not just ice cream.” While the coronavirus may have folks itching to get out of the house and about, in Oswego, the growth within town is also piquing their interest.
ABOUT OSWEGO The Village of Oswego, located approximately 50 miles southwest of Chicago, is ideally placed at the southern end of the Fox River Valley. With a population of 30,400, Oswego is the largest community in Kendall County, and has been recognized as one of the fastest growing communities in the country. The Village was founded in 1833 and today provides a rich and expansive history, landscape, activities, events, culture, shopping and dining opportunities for its residents and visitors. - Village of Oswego
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RIBBON CUTTINGS
Recent Celebrations
IMAGINATION PRINT & DESIGN RIBBON CUTTING
NOBLETEC, LLC RIBBON CUTTING
160 DRIVING ACADEMY RIBBON CUTTING
IMAGINATION PRINT & DESIGN 68 Main Street • Oswego, IL 60543 630-636-7474 • imaginationpad.com
NOBLETEC LLC 2804 Centre Circle • Downers Grove, IL 60515 855-504-6988 • nobletecllc.com
160 DRIVING ACADEMY 1250 US-34 • Oswego, IL 60543 630-236-7200 • 160drivingacademy.com
THE DEN COMMUNITY GROUP RIBBON CUTTING THE DEN COMMUNITY GROUP 5462 US Hwy. 34, Suite C, Oswego, IL 60543 skatetheden.com
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FIT4MOM OSWEGO/HARD KNOX FITNESS RIBBON CUTTING FIT4MOM OSWEGO/HARD KNOX FITNESS 168 S. Adams St., Oswego, IL 60543 630-276-8455 • oswego.fit4mom.com
www.oswegochamber.org
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Ten Years
running!
NEW! INFORMATION
Ten Years
running!
www.fraidycat5K.com www.oswegochamber.org www.itsyourrace.com
RACE DIRECTOR
Angie Hibben angie@oswegochamber.org 630 554 3505
TO REGISTER:
NEW!
Go to fraidycat5k.com and click on the Register Now link
73 W. Van Buren St. • Oswego, IL 60543 Phone: 630 554 3505 Fax: 630 554 0050
10.25.20
E-mail: info@oswegochamber.org
www.oswegochamber.org
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Oswego Chamber of Commerce
2020 GOLF OUTING
T
he Annual Golf Outing was held at Fox Bend Golf Course, 3516 Route 34, Oswego on July 30th. We had a beautiful day after a morning shower and got to network, golf and have some relaxing fun followed by fantastic food.
We would like to thank our Event Sponsor – Weblinx Inc. and all our sponsors for a wonderful event. Thank you to everyone who came out to golf, sponsored, volunteer and who donated items for our raes. Jeannie LaMarre was our Fairway to Heaven winner!
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www.oswegochamber.org
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Chamber BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Meet Our Newest Members DUPAGE HOME SERVICE, INC. Aurora, IL 60504 630-638-8651 dupagehomesvc@gmail.com
CB MARKETING PROS Oswego, IL 60543 PH: 630-636-0490 cbmarketingpros@gmail.com
LAW OFFICES OF EDWARD P. GRAHAM Naperville, IL 60504 630-357-2333 rwwarner@graham-law.com www.graham-law.com
BLACK ANGEL COMPANIES, LLC Oswego, IL 60543 Ph: 312-298-9497 cortney@blackangeldesigns.com
NOBLETEC LLC Downers Grove, IL 60515 Ph: 630-974-5651 chris.engelman@nobletecllc.com ESSENTIAL SANITIZING SERVICES Oswego, IL 560543 Ph: 630-301-8192 essentialsanitizing@gmail.com AZZA SALON AND DAY SPA Oswego, IL 60543 Ph: 630-551-7887 azzasalon@yahoo.com ELE HOMES COMPANY, INC. Oswego, IL 60543 Ph: 630-892-3457 rocky@elehomesco.com JUSTICE AUTOMOTIVE AND COLLISION CENTER Naperville, IL 60504 Ph: 630-514-8480 justicecollisionshop@gmail.com RELEVANT ELEPHANT Winfield, IL 60190 Ph: 630-973-8922 james@relevantelephant.net
KEITH MOORE CHAIRMAN Black Dog Distillery keith@blackdogdistillery.com
BROOK HENSCHEN VICE CHAIRMAN Brook Henschen Real Estate Group BrookH@kw.com
THREE75 COOKIES Oswego, IL 60543 Ph: 630-669-8248 therese@three75cookies.com
SUE BILL TREASURER First National Bank sbill@fnni.com
URBANE HEMP CO. Oswego, IL 6054 Ph: 630-296-6560 tmartin@urbanehemp.com RV’S HOME OF THE HOAGY Oswego, IL 60543 Ph: 888-414-6249 nholpuch@yarbroughrestaurantgroup.com
ANITA PATEL
Best Western Oswego bwoswego@gmail.com
JASON KAPUS
BOOMER T’S *Bronze Elite Member* Oswego, IL 60543 Ph: 630-851-0000 boomer@boomerts.com
Aquaduct Plumbing Services jk.aquaductplumbing@gmail.com
JAVAN BONHAM
NM Tripp Insurance Javan@nmtrippins.net
THE EMPEROR’S MEDICINE, LLC Oswego, IL 60543 Ph: 630-428-9001 info@theempmed.com
TAMMY SARTAIN
The Sartain Team - Keller Williams Innovate tammysartainteam@gmail.com
MCALISTER’S DELI Montgomery, IL 60538 Ph: 630-381-0338 L.Howard@theharigroup.com
BRANDON POLASKEY
Impact Sports Rehab & Chiropractic impactsportsrehab@gmail.com
DOMINIQUE’S DOG GROOMING Oswego, IL 60453 Ph: 630-465-4041 dcgroomer88@yahoo.com
JONATHAN HENDERSON
CTS Fire and Safety jhenderson@ctsfireandsafety.com
KELLEY RICE
Becoming a Member is EASY and Affordable!
Imagination Print & Design kelley@imaginationpad.com
Check us out online at
OswegoChamber.org Call, e-mail, or stop on by! Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce 73 W. Van Buren St. • Oswego, IL 60543 Phone: (630) 554-3505 Email: info@oswegochamber.org www.oswegochamber.org
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