Oswego Economic Development Commission Meeting

Date: February 5, 2025, 6:00 PM
Location: Village Hall, 100 Parkers Mill, Oswego, Illinois

The Economic Development Commission (EDC) convened to approve prior minutes, introduce two new student commissioners, review recent financial incentive grants, outline 2025 initiatives, and receive updates on Oswego's business climate, developments, and upcoming projects. The meeting concluded without a public forum and adjourned by consensus.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The December 4, 2024 EDC meeting minutes were approved unanimously via roll call (6-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke.

Introduction of New Student Commissioners

• Ryan Wilson – A senior at Oswego High School, plans to attend the United States Naval Academy and pursue a military career. He is a member of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps. He stated interest in supporting local businesses and Oswego’s economic growth.
• Brady Travis – A junior at Oswego High School, plays volleyball and aspires to own a business. He expressed interest in understanding how villages foster economic growth and how businesses act as catalysts for community development.
• Both were welcomed by the commission, and existing commissioners introduced themselves and their affiliations.

Discussion Items

Financial Incentive Requests (C.2)

• 76–78 Main Street (Hudson Design House): Owner Greg Dady received a grant of just under $40,000 for substantial renovations (roof, brickwork, awning). Unanimously approved; work to begin when weather permits.
• 19 East Jackson: Received approximately $38,000 to upgrade a shared sanitary sewer line, also benefiting the adjacent Chamber of Commerce building. Unanimously approved.
• Budget Status: The EDC had $80,000 budgeted for 2025 incentives. With these two grants, only about $5,000 remains. Additional funding may be discussed at the March 4 Committee of the Whole. Staff indicated that highly desirable projects could still be brought forward for board consideration.
• Downtown Awnings: Commissioner noted that the same awning spans three buildings; adjacent property owners are considering grant applications. A suggestion was made to consider a joint downtown beautification effort.
• CBD Store Building (code enforcement): The landlord has received repeated fines (most recent $500) for a deteriorating parapet and brick facade. Work is expected in spring; fines will resume if not completed. The tenant has no village recourse.

EDC Initiatives for 2025 (C.3)

• Real Estate Broker Open House / Fam Tour: Proposed for summer or early fall to showcase available spaces, vacant lots, and development opportunities. Budget around $1,000. Commissioners offered planning assistance; a subcommittee may be formed. Kevin to coordinate with staff and volunteers.
• Collaboration with Cultural Arts Commission: Staff presented to that commission regarding public art’s role in economic development; further collaboration to be explored.
• Student Business Pitch Competition: An initiative to engage high school and/or Waubonsee Community College students in developing business pitches, possibly modeled after NIU Business Olympics. Two new student commissioners and Andy Clements will form a work group to propose a program structure, targeting school business clubs rather than classroom assignments. Angie will reach out to Oswego High School teacher Elizabeth Augustine to gauge interest.
• Business Retention & Expansion Survey: The survey is complete but not yet deployed. Commissioners emphasized making it a 2025 priority; the survey may include questions gleaned from recent Village Board inquiries about why businesses choose (or avoid) Oswego. A subcommittee will refine the survey and interview questions for business owners and C-suite leaders.

Business of the Month Award Nominations (D.1)

• Current nominations extend through June (Meyer’s, Pam’s Boutique, Old Second Bank, Prairie Pals).
• A motion was made and seconded to add Imagination Print in July (15th anniversary in business) – approved.
• Commissioners encouraged broader participation in award presentations.

2025 Illinois Real Estate Journal Chicago Forecast Recap (D.3)

• Kevin, Angie, and Terry Anderson attended the January 24 event in Rosemont (approx. 400 attendees). Oswego exhibited and sponsored; Kevin spoke on a regional economic development panel.
• Feedback: The back-to-back panel format limited networking. Kevin provided feedback to organizers; attendance likely to be reevaluated next year.

Economic Development Director’s Report (E.1)

• New Openings / Recent: School of Rock, Smart Beginnings Academy (daycare), DISO (10,000 sq ft, opening Feb 8), Skechers (future, in Petco center), Nori Sushi (behind Starbucks), Candy Cloud (boba tea shop).
• Under Construction / Planned: Brayborn (spring start), HomeGoods (permit plans submitted, awaiting board date), Starbucks and Valvoline on Orchard Road now open, Gooseneck gas station/wash (vertical construction), Shodeen Building II (100 residential units with parking garage, spring start).
• Vacant Spaces/Updates: TGI Fridays (multiple showings), old Arby’s (inquiries for liquor license), old LA Fitness (45,000 sq ft, single-tenant layout), Dairy Barn/5 South Madison (high interest, rent/lease terms issue), Freddie’s (opening soon – staff confirmed nearly ready).
• Competitive Disadvantages: Kevin will present to Village Board on Feb 18 regarding why Oswego’s side of Route 34 (near 30/34) lags in development; factors include anchor tenants, traffic access, and private decisions.
• Other: Pop-up business concept raised; Kevin indicated it’s possible with landlord approval and temporary permits.
• Noted: Denelli’s restaurant space has had offers below asking; Big Life Community Church across the street is under contract to another church.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved unanimously.
• Two incentive grants approved (76–78 Main St. and 19 E. Jackson), nearly exhausting the $80,000 budget. Additional funding to be discussed March 4.
• Student business pitch work group formed (Andy Clements + two student commissioners) to propose a program.
• Imagination Print added as July Business of the Month.
• Subcommittee to finalize Business Retention & Expansion Survey and develop questions for local business owners who do not operate in Oswego.
• No public forum; meeting adjourned without further action.