Economic Development Commission Meeting - October 1, 2025

The Economic Development Commission met on October 1, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Village Hall. The meeting covered financial incentive grants, planning for a community open house, business of the month awards, retention visits, a business survey, and updates on new and existing businesses in Oswego.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the August 6, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously by roll call vote (all members present voted yes).

Discussion Items

• Financial Incentive Requests: Director reported that two parking lot grants of $5,000 each were awarded under updated criteria to Speed Area Chamber and Try to Insurance. Work is expected to start in the coming month. The commission discussed the budget: started with $80,000, received an additional $40,000 (with $20,000 earmarked for another project), for a total of $100,000 plus $20,000 for price operation. The $5,000 limit was well received by recipients.
• EDC Open House: Scheduled for November 5, 2025, from 6 to 8 PM at Whitetail Ridge Golf Dome. The event aims to educate the public about economic development and site selection. Marketing has begun, and food and activities are planned. Commissioners encouraged attendance and resharing of social media posts.
• Business of the Month Award Nominations: The commission discussed nominations for upcoming months. After discussion, they voted unanimously to approve:
  • Ace Hardware for October
  • Church of the Good Shepherd for November
  • Floral Expressions for December
  • Hudson Design House for January Commissioners volunteered to conduct interviews for each business.
• Business Retention & Expansion Visits: Commissioners shared recaps of recent visits to local businesses including Chili’s, More Wave, Asidora’s, and Takamoto. Key concerns raised included limited signage visibility (e.g., trees blocking views on Route 34) and the need for better wayfinding. Businesses reported low turnover, strong community ties, and appreciation for the village’s support.
• Business Retention & Expansion Survey: A draft survey was reviewed. Commissioners suggested sending it in late January 2026 to avoid the holiday season. The final survey will be presented at the December meeting before distribution.
• Updated EDC Talking Points: The director proposed updating the talking points sheet for commissioners to use when discussing economic development. Commissioners praised the current version and suggested adding information on new programs and resources. No formal vote was taken; the update will proceed.
• Reports:
  • Economic Development Director: Attending ICSC retail trade show in Chicago next week. Proposed 2026 meeting dates: first Wednesday of every other month (Feb 4, Apr 1, Jun 3, Aug 5, Oct 7, Dec 2). Commissioners asked to check calendars and confirm later. Noted that safety measures for followers and protecting measures will be discussed at the Committee of the Whole meeting on October 7. Provided updates on new businesses: Sketchers opened in August, Petco opened, Scooter’s Coffee opened on Orchard Road, Wood and Dunkin’ opening soon, and a grocery project on Route 34 is moving forward with foundation work.
  • EDC Members: Comments included Chamber membership reaching 539 (pre-COVID levels), interest in a franchise fair similar to last year, and the Dairy Barn property no longer being listed for sale.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Minutes from August 6, 2025 meeting.
• Approved: Business of the Month nominations for Ace Hardware (Oct), Church of the Good Shepherd (Nov), Floral Expressions (Dec), and Hudson Design House (Jan) via roll call votes (all yes).
• Discussed: Financial incentive grants awarded; EDC Open House planning; business retention visits and survey; talking points update; 2026 meeting dates (to be confirmed).
• No public comments were made during the public forum.