Arlington Economic Alliance

Regular Meeting

Arlington Heights, IL · March 19, 2025

Minutes

APPROVED MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE ARLINGTON ECONOMIC ALLIANCE HELD ON MARCH 19 AT 7:30 A.M. AT THE VILLAGE HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: Andrew Stengren – Chairman Tony Guido Tonia Etoh Ellen Para Terry Iverson John Toliopoulos Heather Larson Andi Ruhl Michael Mulder Kerri Oots Marc Poulos Brian Roginski STAFF PRESENT: Michael Mertes – Business Development Manager ALSO PRESENT: Keith Moens, Resident Patrick Mogge, High School District 214 Dr. Scott Rowe, High School District 214 Call to Order Chairman Andrew Stengren called the meeting to order at 7:33 AM. Approval of Minutes – January 15, 2025 The meeting minutes of January 15, 2025 Arlington Economic Alliance meeting were reviewed. MICHAEL MULDER MOVED AND MARC POULOS SECONDED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE DRAFT JANUARY 15, 2025 ARLINGTON ECONOMIC ALLIANCE MEETING MINUTES. ALL ALLIANCE MEMBERS VOTED IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION. Development Update Urban Air, a children’s entertainment center, was approved for a Special Use at Arlington Plaza. A $25,000 small business zero interest loan was approved for Bitter & Sweet Cocktail Boutique to assist with their build-out and shelving. The Village Board approved a resolution in March authorizing commencement of engineering and traffic studies at Arlington Park. Additionally, Ellen Para will not be renewing her term on the Alliance when it expires in April. The Commission thanked her for her service. Economic Alliance Work Plan – 2025 The approved 2025 Economic Alliance work plan was submitted to the Village Manager following the Commission’s meeting in January. The “State of the Village” Alliance Breakfast program, with Mayor Hayes as keynote speaker, was held at the Metropolis Ballroom on March 13th. Approximately 80 people attended. Discussion of ideas for another Alliance- sponsored program is planned for the next regularly-scheduled Commission meeting. Mr. Mertes also plans to brings notecards to sign “Notes of Appreciation” at a future meeting. Ms. Larson complimented the breakfast program and suggested a similar program once the new mayor has taken office, following the April election. Chair Stengren thanked the Commissioners who were in attendance, and acknowledged the Mayor’s service to the Village and support of local businesses. He would like to see the Alliance build on this particular event and do it on an annual basis. Mr. Mulder suggested “Vision of the Village” as a potential theme moving forward. Page 1 APPROVED High School District 214 Update Mr. Mertes introduced Dr. Scott Rowe, Superintendent of High School District 214, and Patrick Mogge, the District’s Director of Community Outreach and Engagement. Dr. Rowe discussed implementation of the school district’s strategic plan, it’s first since 1987, that will be presented to the School Board in a few months for approval. Dr. Rowe provided an overview of District 214, including its facilities, staff, and student body. He also summarized programs that each of the six high schools puts on annually. Additionally, Dr. Rowe provided the Alliance with an outline of the goals of the strategic plan. Chair Stengren is impressed with the school district’s well-rounded focus and inquired about planned improvements to buildings. Dr. Rowe referenced the Facilities Maintenance Plan that identifies where these properties are in terms of their life cycle, and prioritizes which sites have the most immediate needs. Many of the improvements are limited to the summer months, when students are not in session. Mr. Iverson praised the school district regarding their footprint in terms of promoting the manufacturing sector, and is an advocate for their efforts. Chair Stengren asked how the business community can further partner with the School District, and provide work experience opportunities to their students. Dr. Rowe’s recommendation is to continue supporting economic development efforts. Many people move to the area for the schools, and the school district can custom-build a program for businesses looking to work with local students. Mr. Mogge also referenced District 214’s apprenticeship program and asked how D214 can broaden and grow its outreach to the business community. Mr. Mulder identified the value of STEM programming. He sees value in expanding STEM learning opportunities across the entire community while looking for ways to tie in other local resources such as the Library’s Makerplace. Ms. Larson mentioned District 214’s hospitality program, and offered to discuss career opportunities with students participating in that program. Village Board Strategic Priorities The Village Manager has requested feedback from advisory commissions for the Village Board’s upcoming biennial strategic planning meeting. This would involve issues that the Commission feels are important, and that the Board should consider as part of the strategic planning process. For reference, Mr. Mertes provided the letter sent from the Alliance to the Mayor and Trustees in 2023, and asked that the Commission meet in April to approve an updated letter based upon the discussion from this meeting. Ms. Larson asked how real estate brokers are made aware of significant development sites in Arlington Heights. Mr. Mertes said that information is shared via CoStar data, direct discussions with brokers, and meetings at trade shows. Mr. Iverson suggested an event that brings in real estate representatives to learn about site opportunities in the Village. Mr. Poulos asked about business attraction efforts, and Mr. Mertes said that this is done by staff and often targets specific sites or areas in the Village, such as the Northwest Gateway Center for industrial development. Mr. Iverson asked if a business incubator has been contemplated, and referenced such a use in another community, on a property that was owned by the municipality. An incubator could support start-up businesses, such as manufacturers. The Library’s Makerplace could be a synergistic use, and be greater utilized by the incubator’s tenants. Page 2 APPROVED Chair Stengren asked if the Alliance could partner with other municipalities that are also within High School District 214’s boundaries. The business communities could collaborate and set goals to fundraise for improvements to the schools’ facilities. In short, how can the communities partner together, and how can the respective business communities support that endeavor? Ms. Larson suggested that the District 214 Education Foundation could be such a channel for that effort. Mr. Mulder sees this as a potential win-win by encouraging working with local contractors. Supporting local businesses will generate greater buy-in from the community. Ms. Larson also added encouraging development of the Arlington Park property as another priority for the Village Board to consider as part of the strategic planning process. Other Business The Village is conducting a survey, and feedback will inform how the Village budgets its federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocations over the next several years. Mr. Mertes asked the Alliance members to consider taking the survey and forwarding it along to their local contacts. Public Comment There was no public comment. Adjournment HEATHER LARSON MOVED AND KERRI OOTS SECONDED A MOTION TO ADJOURN. ALL ALLIANCE MEMBERS VOTED IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION. The meeting adjourned at 8:57 AM. Andrew Stengren, Chair Arlington Economic Alliance Prepared by Department of Planning & Community Development Page 3

Agenda

Packet

AGENDA ARLINGTON ECONOMIC ALLIANCE Community Room, 3rd Floor Arlington Heights Village Hall, 33 S. Arlington Heights Rd. Arlington Heights IL 60005 March 19, 2025 7:30 AM I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. January 15, 2025 IV. REPORTS A. Development Update V. OLD BUSINESS A. Economic Alliance Work Plan - 2025 VI. NEW BUSINESS A. High School District 214 Update B. Village Board Strategic Priorities VII. OTHER BUSINESS VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT Anyone wishing to speak on a subject not on the Agenda may speak at this time. Please limit your comments to three minutes. IX. ADJOURNMENT Persons with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services, such as an American Sign Language interpreter or written materials in accessible formats, should contact the Health & Human Services Department, at 33 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, healthmail@vah.com or 847/368-5760. Page 1 of 8 DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE ARLINGTON ECONOMIC ALLIANCE HELD ON JANUARY 15, 2025 AT 7:30 A.M. AT THE VILLAGE HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: Andrew Stengren – Chairman Tonia Etoh Tony Guido Terry Iverson Heather Larson Ellen Para Michael Mulder John Toliopoulos Kerri Oots Andi Ruhl Marc Poulos Brian Roginski STAFF PRESENT: Michael Mertes – Business Development Manager ALSO PRESENT: Martin Bauer, Resident Mary Ellen Graf, Township High School District 214 Keith Moens, Resident Call to Order Chairman Andrew Stengren called the meeting to order at 7:33 AM. Approval of Minutes – November 20, 2024 The meeting minutes of November 20, 2024 Arlington Economic Alliance meeting were reviewed. MARC POULOS MOVED AND HEATHER LARSON SECONDED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE DRAFT NOVEMBER 20, 2024 ARLINGTON ECONOMIC ALLIANCE MEETING MINUTES. ALL ALLIANCE MEMBERS VOTED IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION. Development Update The Village Board approved continuing the Sounds of Summer concert series on Thursday evenings only, from June through August. A community survey, with nearly 500 responses, favored keeping the Sounds of Summer dates on Thursday evenings only. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was approved between taxing districts and ownership of the Arlington Park property. The MOU can be accessed on the Village website. Mr. Roginski asked about the Alfresco start date for 2025, and Mr. Mertes confirmed that it would be May 2. Chair Stengren asked that the Alliance be informed regarding significant developments in the Village. Ms. Larson asked about the status of the Arlington Gateway project, Mr. Mertes said that construction is underway on the first phase of the project, which includes approximately 300 residential units and 25,000 square feet of commercial space. Regarding Mr. Mulder’s inquiry about the status of Arlington 425, Mr. Mertes replied that the Village Board approved an extension of the developer’s zoning entitlements until May, and that the developer has submitted for permits Economic Alliance Work Plan – 2025 Mr. Mertes introduced a draft work plan for the Economic Alliance, based on Commissioners’ suggestions from previous meetings. The two key items focused on were continuing “notes of appreciation” to existing businesses, and holding multiple events in support of small businesses including a “State of the Village” address by the Mayor. Chair Stengren supports the “notes of appreciation” effort, while Ms. Larson added that some communities call new businesses. Mr. Mertes explained that he provides a welcome packet to new businesses. Page 1 Page 2 of 8 DRAFT Ribbon cuttings are typically done through the Chamber, but businesses can also do a ribbon cutting on their own volition. Chair Stengren suggested media coverage and asked about live broadcasting of the “State of the Village” address. Mr. Mertes explained that an invite to the program would be sent out to the Village’s business contacts, and that he would look into a live broadcasting option. While the Village has equipment to record meetings in the Board room, it’s likely that the room wouldn’t be large enough to hold the full audience for such an event. Mr. Poulos noted that addresses to the Rotary are usually well-attended. Mr. Mulder asked if other speakers are being considered, and Ms. Larson recommended just having the Mayor as the featured speaker, in line with similar engagements in other communities. Also, breakfast or lunch programs are typical for a “State of the Village” address. Chair Stengren anticipates the program growing and evolving in the future. KERRI OOTS MOVED AND HEATHER LARSON SECONDED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED 2025 ARLINGTON ECONOMIC ALLIANCE WORK PLAN. ALL ALLIANCE MEMBERS VOTED IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION. Other Business and Public Comment Ms. Larson discussed Restaurant Week for which Meet Chicago Northwest is conducting a $50,000 marketing campaign. There is no cost for restaurants to take part. Last year, 25 Arlington Heights restaurants participated. The event runs from February 28 through March 9. Chair Stengren suggested that the Alliance could help promote Restaurant Week in the future. Mr. Guido discussed the Chicago Auto Show which runs from February 8-17 at McCormick Place. Chair Stengren asked the Commission to think of ways to promote or assist various segments of the Arlington Heights business community, and asked the Commissioners to think about ways the Alliance can help promote their respective industries. Mr. Mulder suggested having various industry weeks or events, and video recording segments (such as interviews with business owners) then putting the content on social media. During public comment, Mr. Bauer stated that he has been attending various Village Commission meetings and mentioned his appreciation for the involvement by community residents and business representatives. Adjournment HEATHER LARSON MOVED AND MICHAEL MULDER SECONDED A MOTION TO ADJOURN. ALL ALLIANCE MEMBERS VOTED IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION. The meeting adjourned at 8:10 AM. Andrew Stengren, Chair Arlington Economic Alliance Prepared by Department of Planning & Community Development Page 2 Page 3 of 8 Arlington Economic Alliance 2025 Work Plan – January 2025 Overview In 2024, the Arlington Economic Alliance made substantive efforts to assist businesses within the Village. A summary of key accomplishments includes: • Hosting The Economy in Focus, a small business breakfast program at the Metropolis Ballroom that featured Jason Turner, economist for Wintrust, as the keynote speaker; approximately 60 people attended • Recommending, to the Village Board, modifications to the small business Zero Interest Loan Program by creating the Microloan and Mega Loan options; these changes were unanimously approved by the Board • Supporting Advanced CNC Manufacturing, an educational program that provided tours of two Arlington Heights manufacturers to High School District 214 students; in addition, the students were presented with information on manufacturing as a potential viable career path, especially for those not seeking a traditional four-year college degree • Mailing handwritten notes of appreciation to businesses celebrating the five-year or ten- year anniversary of their opening in Arlington Heights For the Commission’s 2025 work plan, the Economic Alliance would like to focus on business retention and has outlined the following initiatives to help support existing businesses in Arlington Heights:  Small Business Programs and Events The Arlington Economic Alliance intends to continue informing and educating small business owners through multiple programs in 2025. These could be in the form of seminars and forums, or could be in the form of supporting existing events and programs currently being undertaken by community partners. The first of these would be a “State of the Village” address, hosted by the Alliance. Additional programs and events will be discussed and formulated by the Commission throughout the year. These programs may be used as channels to promote resources available to small businesses, provide industry-specific content, and offer pathways for students to connect with local employers in order to discover potential career opportunities.  Notes of Appreciation to Businesses The Alliance again plans to handwrite notes with uniform messaging to businesses that are celebrating their five-year and ten-year anniversaries in Arlington Heights. In 2024, 69 such notes were sent out, which expressed gratitude for the business and offered the Alliance’s assistance. Included with each message was a reference card that summaries the intent, purpose, and responsibilities of the Commission, as well as the names of the current commissioners. The list of recipients would again be provided by Village staff, based upon approved business licenses from 2015 and 2020. Summary The Arlington Economic Alliance continues to seek ways to support the small business community, and this work plan serves as a guide for 2025. The Alliance may also consider other projects, not identified in this plan, as the year progresses. Furthermore, the Commission offers its assistance to provide advisement and recommendations to the Village Board at their request, and to discuss any economic development matters as needed. Page 4 of 8 3/19/2025 Item: High School District 214 Update Department: Planning & Community Development Item Description: ATTACHMENTS: None Page 5 of 8 3/19/2025 Item: Village Board Strategic Priorities Department: Planning & Community Development Item Description: ATTACHMENTS: 1. Economic Alliance Letter to Village Board - 2023 Page 6 of 8 Page 7 of 8 Page 8 of 8