Economic Development Commission

AGENDA MUNDELEIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING September 25, 2025 - 7:30 AM Village Hall - Board Room 300 Plaza Circle, Mundelein, IL 60060 I. CALL TO ORDER II. ATTENDANCE III. ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA IV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY V. MINUTES APPROVAL A. Approval of the August 28, 2025 Meeting Minutes VI. NEW BUSINESS A. S.T.A.R. Grant Application — Mount Ara Motion to recommend approval/denial of Mount Ara S.T.A.R. Grant application, 750 Tower Road, Unit B, for an amount not to exceed $4,461.06. B. Fiscal Year 2026 Village Board Report Submit Committee Reports by October 15, 2025. C. 2026 Economic Development Commission Meeting Dates EDC shall confirm the meeting dates for 2026. VII. OLD BUSINESS A. Flyer Campaign All Commissioners should start visiting or emailing businesses with the application. Commissioners from District 1, 2, 3, and 9 should reach out to those in District 5, 6, and 10 for assistance. B. 2026 Business Appreciation Breakfast Page |1 Page 1 of 36  C. Fall Business Mixer VIII. COMMITTEE UPDATES A. Recognize (Robert Kalicki, David Shutan) B. Advise (Michael Decker, Raymond Jackson) C. Attract (Ed Streb, Sarah Mitial) D. Retain (Angela Trillhaase, Miguel Echevarria) E. Educate (Virginia Gibbs, Laurie Lowry) IX. OTHER REPORTS A. LCP Municipal Economic Development Advisory Group Event — October 22, 2025 11:30 AM The EDC should designate members to attend this event. X. VILLAGE PROJECT UPDATES XI. NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING, OCTOBER 23, 2025 XII. ADJOURNMENT The Village of Mundelein, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, requests that persons with disabilities who require certain accommodations to allow them to observe and/or participate in this meeting, or who have questions about the accessibility of the meeting or facilities, to contact the ADA Coordinator at 847-949-3200 to allow the Village to arrange accommodations for those persons. Economic Development Committee Agenda 9/25/2025 Page |2 Page 2 of 36 Mundelein Economic Development August 28, 2025 Commission Meeting Minutes CALL TO ORDER The regularly scheduled meeting of the Economic Development Commission was held on August, 28, 2025. Chairperson Decker called the meeting to order at 7:30 AM. ATTENDANCE Commission Attendance: Present: Chairman Decker, Commissioner Streb, Commissioner Lowry, Commissioner Kalicki, Commissioner Mitial (at 7:40 AM), Commissioner Trillhaase, Commissioner Echeverria, Commissioner Gibbs, Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Shutan (at 7:36 AM) Absent: Also Present: Amanda Orenchuk, Director of Community Development (at 8:22 AM); Isabel Guadarrama, Senior Planner; and Jessica Marvin, Associate Planner ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA There were no additions or deletions to the agenda. PUBLIC COMMENTARY Courtney Combs - Lake County Community Foundation Courtney Combs with the Lake County Community Foundation provided a brief overview of the services they offer to surrounding communities. The Foundation connects donors with local needs by managing charitable funds and supporting nonprofit initiatives throughout the county. Ms. Combs explained that they are currently assisting the Waukegan and North Chicago communities and plan to expand into Zion next year. The Foundation focuses on serving communities considered low to moderate income within Lake County. To be eligible for the program, businesses must be in good standing with the IRS, generate at least $50,000 in annual revenue, and not obtain sales from certain industries (e.g., tobacco, gambling, weapons/ammunition, lenders, or quasi-financial institutions). The Commission expressed support for the program and noted it could be beneficial in Mundelein, but is uncertain whether Mundelein qualifies. E. Streb informed Ms. Combs about the proposed micro shops and expressed interest in continuing the discussion outside of the meeting. Lynne Monroe - Social Media Policy Page 3 of 36  Lynne Monroe, Assistant Village Administrator, informed the Commission about the updated social media policy. All comments on the Village of Mundelein’s social media platforms will remain disabled for the foreseeable future. She also noted that when Commissioners reply to comments online, they should clearly state that they are not speaking on behalf of the Village of Mundelein. Additionally, Commissioners should refer individuals to official Village contacts for any questions or concerns related to Village business. MINUTES APPROVAL Approval of the July 24, 2025 Minutes Motion by E. Streb, seconded by M. Echeverria to approve the July 24, 2025 meeting minutes, as amended. RESULT: Passed [Yes 10, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Commissioner Edward Streb SECONDER: Commissioner Miguel Echeverria AYES: Michael Decker, Edward Streb, Laurel Lowry, Robert Kalicki, Sarah Mitial, Angela Trillhaase, Miguel Echeverria, Virginia Gibbs, Raymond Jackson, David Shutan NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None NEW BUSINESS Fall Business Mixer I. Guadarrama informed the Commission about the upcoming Fall Business Mixer, scheduled for Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Lure of the Local Art Exhibition in the Archer Business Center. The subcommittee for the event includes Laurie, Sarah, and Raymond. Motion by V. Gibbs, seconded by M. Echeverria to approve $1,500 for the Fall Business Mixer Event. RESULT: Passed [Yes 10, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Commissioner Virginia Gibbs SECONDER: Commissioner Miguel Echeverria AYES: Michael Decker, Edward Streb, Laurel Lowry, Robert Kalicki, Sarah Mitial, Angela Trillhaase, Miguel Echeverria, Virginia Gibbs, Raymond Page 4 of 36  Jackson, David Shutan NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None 2026 Business Appreciation Breakfast J. Marvin expressed the importance of starting to plan this event early. The subcommittee for the event includes David, Bob, and Virginia. The Commission selected Thursday, February 26, 2026, as the event date. It will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 AM at the DoubleTree Hotel. J. Marvin asked the Commission to begin brainstorming Gold Star Award nominees and to bring a few business suggestions to the September 25, 2025, EDC meeting. Motion by A. Trillhaase, seconded by L. Lowry to approve $5,000 for the 2026 Business Appreciation Breakfast. RESULT: Passed [Yes 10, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Commissioner Angela Trillhaase SECONDER: Commissioner Laurel Lowry AYES: Michael Decker, Edward Streb, Laurel Lowry, Robert Kalicki, Sarah Mitial, Angela Trillhaase, Miguel Echeverria, Virginia Gibbs, Raymond Jackson, David Shutan NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None OLD BUSINESS Flyer Campaign I. Guadarrama informed the Commission about the flyer campaign for local businesses, which promotes their services and offers discounts to visitors in Mundelein. The Commission expressed interest in moving forward with this program. D. Shutan left at 8:56 AM. S.T.A.R. Grant Application I. Guadarrama informed the Commission that the STAR Grant Application is outdated and needs to be updated. She provided copies of the current application and asked the Commission to review them and submit their edits to her for discussion at the September 25th meeting. Page 5 of 36 COMMITTEE UPDATES Recognize (Robert Kalicki, David Shutan) There were no updates. Advise (Michael Decker, Raymond Jackson) There were no updates. Attract (Ed Streb, Sarah Mitial) E. Streb informed the Commission that he will be presenting the Micro Shops to the Village Board on September 8, 2025. Retain (Angela Trillhaase, Miguel Echevarria) There were no updates. Educate (Virginia Gibbs, Laurie Lowry) The Educate Committee will promote the Fall Business Mixer. OTHER REPORTS There were no other reports. VILLAGE PROJECT UPDATES A. Orenchuk informed the Commission that staff has hired an Economic Development Consultant, whose main focus will be reviewing the Bank Triangle and Courtland Commons sites. She noted that a few zoning text amendments are currently in process for car washes and murals. She also mentioned plans to feature a monthly spotlight on businesses within the community, similar to the Buy Local campaign. Additionally, at Courtland Commons we will be installing a bridge over the creek to connect Courtland Commons to the Mundelein Shopping Center parking lot. NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING, Thursday, September 25, 2025 ADJOURNMENT Motion by M. Echeverria, seconded by R. Kalicki to adjourn the meeting. RESULT: Passed [Yes 9, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Commissioner Miguel Echeverria SECONDER: Commissioner Robert Kalicki Page 6 of 36 AYES: Michael Decker, Edward Streb, Laurel Lowry, Robert Kalicki, Sarah Mitial, Angela Trillhaase, Miguel Echeverria, Virginia Gibbs, Raymond Jackson NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None The meeting was adjourned at 9:13 AM. Respectfully submitted, Jessica Marvin, Associate Planner Recording Secretary Page 7 of 36 To: Commission Members From: Isabel Guadarrama, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Economic Development Commission Meeting of September 25, 2025 Subject: S.T.A.R. Grant Application — Mount Ara Attachments: 1. Application 2. Narrative 3. Findings of Fact Background: Mount Ara, 750 Tower Road, Unit B, was established in 2018 and specializes in pet supplements. Its products are sold in over 500 independent pet stores across multiple states. Over time, the company has expanded its operations and now manufactures both private label and branded products for retailers nationwide. To support its continued growth, Mount Ara is pursuing CGMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) Certification, which reflects a commitment to safety, cleanliness, and hazard analysis. Currently, the company meets approximately 75 percent of the certification requirements. The remaining gap is related to infrastructure, specifically the need to properly segregate raw and finished goods in temperature-controlled areas. To meet this requirement, Mount Ara plans to install rubberized floor-to-ceiling commercial curtains to safely separate designated zones within the facility. The total cost of this equipment is $8,922.11. The company is requesting funding for half of this amount, or $4,461.06, through the STAR Grant. Mount Ara anticipates that obtaining the certification will lead to the creation of new jobs, including one full-time batch lead, one support staff member, and two additional line workers. Recommendation: Motion to recommend approval/denial of Mount Ara S.T.A.R. Grant application, 750 Tower Road, Unit B, for an amount not to exceed $4,461.06. Page 8 of 36 Page 9 of 36 Page 10 of 36 Page 11 of 36 Page 12 of 36 Page 13 of 36 Page 14 of 36 Page 15 of 36 Page 16 of 36 Secondary Document to accompany STAR Business Grant Program paperwork as requested by Isabel Guadarrama. The LNH Group, DBA Mount Ara is a pet treat facility located at 750 Tower Rd. in Mundelein IL. Established in 2018, the company initially worked as a small private brand of pet supplements slowly growing from the local Chicago suburbs to becoming a multi-state brand with products in over 500 independent pet stores. The business experienced a good growth over the first few years until the pandemic occurred. During the pandemic, Mount Ara brought all production in house in an attempt to have greater control over production and quality of their pet supplements. While this improvement was a good choice overall, it better positioned the business for what was to come. In 2021, Archer Daniels purchased the 3 largest pet-treat manufacturing companies in the US – 1 of them being local to the Chicago area. These 3 companies were responsible for roughly 70% of all pet-treat copacking and manufacturing with brands as large as Meijer and Walmart all the way down to small local pet-stores looking to brand their own treats for their customers. With this purchase, a vacuum in the industry occurred. Thanks to the decision to bring manufacturing in-house during that time, Mount Ara was able to capitalize on the sudden vacancy of production. In 2022 Mount Ara brought in their first copacking relationship and began manufacturing treats for a mid-size brand with product on many store shelves. Today, Mount Ara manufactures both private label and own-brand products for stores nationwide. Their own brand of treats can be found in Meijer, Menards and 5 Below while their customers’ products can be found on the shelves of every pet retailer nationwide both large and small. To continue growing, Mount Ara needs to get certifications as a manufacturer with a clean and solid record of production know-how. The best demonstration of this is the cGMP process by which a manufacturing company may be certified by a 3rd party to demonstrate their awareness of safety, cleanliness and hazard analysis. Mount Ara is 75% compete with their last gap assessment but is missing a few specific infrastructure requirements. One such gap is the correct and safe segregation of raw and finished goods in temperature controlled areas. To facilitate this correction, Mount Ara has begun planning for a rubberized floor to ceiling commercial curtains that would cleanly and transparently block Page 17 of 36 off certain areas of the facility. This would allow material to be housed independently from finished goods. Once complete, the GMP certification would allow Mount Ara to secure larger contracts with direct purchasers for major big-box store for the fulfillment of their own-brands and private label opportunities. These talks are already underway, and many are simply waiting for the conclusion of the audit process to move to the next phase. While it is impossible to say what this growth would forecast in terms of employment opportunities, the short answer is it would increase the demand for both skilled and entry labor in the facility. It would also increase the need for in-house safety and production training adding to the skillset of all employees on staff. Page 18 of 36  FINDINGS – EDC STAR BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM BUSINESS NAME Mount Ara BUSINESS ADDRESS 750 Tower Rd. B PROJECT Certification Compliance EDC MEETING DATE September 25, 2025 NAME/DESCRIPTION PROJECT COSTS $ 8922.11 $ 4,461.06 $ 4461.05 (Improvement Costs) (Grant Request) (Total Private Participation) FINDINGS: The Economic Development Commission considered the proposal for assistance, referenced above, through the Village of Mundelein’s S.T.A.R. Business Grant Program. Projects are considered on a case-by-case basis. The findings below are intended to document the Commission’s recommendation and the reasons for which this determination was made. 1 The requested assistance brings value to the Village and/or community: The requested assistance is due to a clearly demonstrated need of the business: The proposal for assistance provides sufficient details to fully explain where the funds requested will be utilized: The proposal for assistance satisfactorily demonstrated that the requested relief does not exceed 50% of the total cost of the project: The proposal for assistance complies with all criteria and requirements of the S.T.A.R. Business Grant Program, in additional to all Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations: Project will be completed within 6 months: Other: RECOMMENDATION: After careful consideration of the proposal for assistance mentioned above, the Commission makes the following recommendation: APPROVAL $_________ DENIAL APPROVAL WITH $_________ CONDITIONS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS (IF APPLICABLE): 1. 2. 3. 1 Recommendations for denial by a 2/3 majority vote of the Economic Development Commission shall not proceed to the Village Board for their consideration. All other recommendations will be placed on the next available Village Board Meeting Agenda. Page 19 of 36 To: Commission Members From: Isabel Guadarrama, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Economic Development Commission Meeting of September 25, 2025 Subject: Fiscal Year 2026 Village Board Report Attachments: None Background: Staff must submit the Economic Development Commission’s annual report to the Village Board by the end of this year. Chairman Decker has requested that the Commissioners compile a list of items to include in this year’s report. In previous years, the report has included the following sections: • Purpose of the EDC • Implementation • Fiscal Year Summary • Highlights of the Year • Accomplishments • Goals for the EDC as a Whole • Goals and Objectives for Next Year (by Committee) • Recommendations to the Village Board (including capital improvements from site visits) Staff will need a list from each Committee outlining contributions for the report, as well as any ideas or input for the other sections listed above. Please submit your Committee’s report to Staff by October 15. Staff will compile the information and circulate a draft report to the Commissioners in November. Please note that last year’s final report was due earlier than usual, so timely submissions are appreciated. Page 20 of 36 The information provided will also support Chairman Decker’s presentation to the Village Board early next year. Recommendation: Submit Committee Reports by October 15, 2025. Page 21 of 36 To: Commission Members From: Isabel Guadarrama, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Economic Development Commission Meeting of September 25, 2025 Subject: 2026 Economic Development Commission Meeting Dates Attachments: 1. 2026 Mundelein Meeting Dates Background: Administration requests that the EDC confirm the meeting dates for 2026. Historically, the November and December meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of the month, rather than the 4th. Recommendation: EDC shall confirm the meeting dates for 2026. Page 22 of 36 Page 23 of 36 To: Commission Members From: Isabel Guadarrama, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Economic Development Commission Meeting of September 25, 2025 Subject: Flyer Campaign Attachments: 1. Application Background: Staff did not receive any edits from the EDC Commissioners. The final application is attached to this report for reference. Initially, staff discussed dividing the commercial districts equally among Commissioners. However, upon further consideration, it would be more effective for Commissioners to focus on their assigned districts. This approach helps maintain existing relationships between EDC representatives and the businesses they serve. Staff recommends that Commissioners from Districts 5, 6, and 10 assist Districts 1, 2, 3, and 9, as those districts have the highest concentration of commercial units. A list of businesses by district was sent to Commissioners on August 4, 2025. Commissioners who did not receive the list should contact staff. Recommendation: All Commissioners should start visiting or emailing businesses with the application. Commissioners from District 1, 2, 3, and 9 should reach out to those in District 5, 6, and 10 for assistance. Page 24 of 36 Local Attractions for Visitors | Flyer Campaign Sign-Up Form Join Our Community Flyer! Promote Your Business & Offer Discounts The Mundelein Economic Development Commission (EDC) is launching a promotional campaign to highlight local businesses to visitors staying at our partner hotels and lodging. Through this initiative, hotel guests will receive a flyer featuring our Mundelein gems such as our local restaurants, shops, services, and attractions worth visiting. This is your opportunity to have your business featured on our flyer, promoting any special offers or discounts to new potential customers. This is part of the EDC’s broader effort to highlight local businesses to visitors, and the materials developed may also be adapted for use in future promotional campaigns. While we cannot guarantee an increase in sales or foot traffic, we can draw attention to the wonderful eateries, products, and services available in Mundelein. Please note: The final design and layout of the flyer has not determined. Completing the form with the requested information will ensure we have the details needed to represent your business effectively. If you would like to participate, please complete the attached form and return it by 03/01/2026 to your EDC District Member or email it to iguadarrama@mundelein.org. Online form can be found through the QR code below: Page 1 of 3 Page 25 of 36 Business Information • Business Name: • Contact Person: • Email: • Phone Number: • Website / Social Media: Business Description Please include any business description, tagline, or featured product/service: What type of discount would You Like to Offer? Please describe your discount (e.g., “10% off all orders,” “Buy 1 Get 1 Free,” etc.): Please specify the method of redemption: (e.g., bring flyer, mention flyer, code) If there are any limits (e.g., “one per customer,” “not valid with other offers”), please clearly list them below. Valid date (if any). You may extend it at your own discretion but agree to honor the discount at least during that time frame. Your Logo (optional) Include a high-resolution logo or design you’d like us to feature. Please email all logos (preferably in JPG file) to iguadarrama@mundelein.org Page 2 of 3 Page 26 of 36 Agreement By signing below, you agree to have your business included on the flyer and grant us permission to use your logo, description, and any discount information provided. You are responsible for fulfilling the discount as advertised. If any changes occur, please inform us immediately. Please note: The materials provided may also be used in future promotional campaigns by the EDC to support and showcase local businesses. Signature: ___________________________________Title: ____________________ Date: _____________________ Please return this form by 03/01/2026. Send to: iguadarrama@mundelein.org OR drop off at Village Hall, 300 Plaza Circle, Mundelein, IL 60060 Questions? Contact your EDC District Member or email iguadarrama@mundelein.org. Page 3 of 3 Page 27 of 36 To: Commission Members From: Jessica Marvin, Associate Planner For: Mundelein Economic Development Commission Meeting of September 25, 2025 Subject: 2026 Business Appreciation Breakfast Attachments: 1. 2025 BAB Feedback 2. Gold Star Awards 2011-2024 Background: We are five months away from the 2026 Business Appreciation Breakfast (BAB). At last month’s meeting, the Commission selected Thursday, February 26, 2026, as the event date. The event will be held from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM at the DoubleTree Hotel. The subcommittee for the event includes David, Bob, and Virginia. Staff has not yet received any Gold Star Award nominations or keynote address topics. It is important to begin brainstorming both so that we are not making last-minute selections. You will be voting for Gold Star Award nominations starting on Monday, September 29th. Staff will only be responsible for handling required contracts and covering expenses. Below is the tentative schedule for the 2026 Business Appreciation Breakfast. Timeline for the 2026 Business Appreciation Breakfast October 23rd, 2025 EDC Meeting • Reach out to Double Tree Hotel to reserve a date • Vote for the Gold Star Award Nominees November 20th, 2025 EDC Meeting • Create Invite • Vote for the final 4 Gold Star Award Winners • Finalize Keynote Speaker(s) and Topic Page 28 of 36 December 19th, 2025 EDC Meeting/Early January • Order and distribute BAB invites • Create Eventbrite page • Start Promoting the BAB • Recognize Committee to contact the Gold Star Winners • Organize and record the BAB Gold Star Video January 22nd, 2026 EDC Meeting • Promote the event through EDC members, social media, word of mouth, and emails. EDC members should visit businesses in their districts to help promote this event. • Prepare the Gold Star Awards – Signed by the Chair February 2026: Event Month • Continue to promote the BAB • Finalize any items that are left Recommendation: Page 29 of 36  Was this your first time Why have you been unable to Did Mundelein's Business Are there any topics you How would you rate the What was your favorite Do you have any other attending the Mundelein attend a Mundelein Business How did you hear Other - How did you Appreciation Breakfast would like future speakers Mundelein Business part of the Business suggestions or comments What business do you represent? Business Appreciation Breakfast? Appreciation Event in the past? about the event? hear about the event? event meet your expectations? to focus on? Appreciation Breakfast? Appreciation Breakfast? to help us improve the event? People Architectural Group No Schedule Conflict Email Invitation Yes AI and marketing in today's world 10 Network and keynote Start 730. Ran little long Cap the speaker at 20 minutes, Huntington bank No Not Aware of Event Word of Mouth Yes Everything so far has been great 10 Networking started to lose the room I believe a hands on demonstration of the benefits of AI would be useful. I know I believe the events have been Angela Trilhausse have a presentation well-organized with pertinent topics. last year but I don’t believe it was I enjoyed networking and Bobbi Double Tree has been a good interactive. It was more of a “don’t be Boehme’s presentation. location and selfishly, I prefer the Mundelein Community Bank No other Village Newsletter Yes afraid of it, embrace it” message. 10 Very engaging speaker. morning time slot. Schedule Conflict, Speaker was a bit long this Not Aware of Event, morning and pushed up against MGN No Not Interested in the Event Email Invitation Yes How to be made aware of to village 8 Gold Star Awards other meetings Business building marketing ideas and Just to continue to offer other Tupperware Yes Email Invitation Yes venues available to market your business 10 Networking and Business Training networking events Mingling worth other businesses was nice and to get that info out there (networking) but seriously that Mundelein Massage Yes Email Invitation Yes No 10 breakfast was amazing! No Hairstylist No other Email Invitation Yes More speakers for education us 10 The all events Bring more education Networking with the other attendees. The speaker was also very informative Carmel Catholic HS Yes other GLMV notice Yes No 9 and presented the topic well. No The keynote speaker was excellent! The DoubleTree Hotel is fantastic Meaningful ways to maximize your I love seeing the businesses receive and the food was delicious. Mundelein Park & Recreation District No other Print Invitation (Mailer) Yes brand's presence in your community. 9 the Gold Star Awards too. I really enjoy this event! Love the social media talk Visit Lake County Yes Email Invitation Yes more of that would be great 9 Seeing the award winning businesses NA Shorten or streamline the elevator pitches. Have a Bobbi's presentation and the Business clock to make sure they are People Architectural Group No Schedule Conflict Email Invitation Yes Employment Trends 10 Award recipients. 1 minute or less. Maybe a new business to highlight that year to give a opportunity to promote Not at the moment but when Out Of This World Embroidery Yes Email Invitation Yes their growth 1 Elevator Pitch I do I will share with you all. Speak more about small Meeting new small business business grants and loan By Design Event Decorations, Inc Yes Print Invitation (Mailer) Yes Social media 10 owners/connections opportunities. Page 30 of 36  Gold Star Award Recipients 2011-2024 2011 2016 Caboose Restaurant MacLean-Fogg Debbie's Floral Mundelein Automotive Lake County Health and Pain Rehabilitation K-9 Playtime Center Tiemart McDonald's of Mundelein Medline Industries 2017 Greg’s Frozen Custard 2012 Lakeside Recreation Center Flatout Group Mambo Italiano Hong Kong Chop Suey Ruprecht 2018 Utopia, Inc. Gustafson’s Body Shop Karina’s Bakery 2013 Los Magueyes Commercial Plastics, Inc. Paterson Galss Party Fantasy Tighthead Brewing Company 2019 Shear Paradise 2014 The Office Clubhouse Alef Sausage Tina G’s Elly’s Pancake House Hitz Pizza and Sport Bar 2020 Luke’s of Mundelein Prime Beef Center for Wellness 2015 AREA Coffee Bill’s Pizza and Pub Dziadus Development Butterfield Bodyworks CarStar DoubleTree Sysmex Taste of Paris Page 31 of 36 2021 Jewel Osco Lakes Apothecary Kristan Funeral Home Nana’s Rum Cakes *Dr. Markiewicz of Markiewicz Dental *Brian Cansuelo of McDonald (*Special Recognition) 2023 Business Investment/Expansion: • Oak Trail Taphouse • CFI – Components for Industry Community Involvement: • Youthage Culinary Specialist • Tax Lady 1040 Customer Service: • Taco Burrito Express • Gale Street Inn Mundy Pride: • Tony Cannoli • Park Street Restaurant 2024 Business Investment/Expansion: • Smokin BBQ on 45 Community Involvement: • Tonality Brewing Company Customer Service: • MGN Lock & Key Mundy Pride: • Ultimate Screening Printing Page 32 of 36 To: Commission Members From: Isabel Guadarrama, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Economic Development Commission Meeting of September 25, 2025 Subject: Fall Business Mixer Attachments: None Background: The 2025 Fall Business Mixer is scheduled for November 18 at 5:30 PM. The event will be held at The Lure of the Local Art Exhibition Space, located at 175 North Archer Avenue. Commissioner Lowry visited the exhibition space and agreed it would be a suitable venue. A stage and seating will already be in place, and since the art event concludes on November 16, the EDC will have the opportunity to rearrange some of the exhibits to accommodate tables for the mixer. Page 33 of 36 Art pickup begins November 17, but the Arts Commission will inform participating artists about the mixer and encourage them to keep their artwork on display for the event. While we weren’t able to officially extend the pickup dates due to the value of some pieces and artist preferences, we anticipate that the majority of the artwork will remain in place for the mixer. Although the Committee has not yet met to finalize the event details, staff has been preparing the invitation and has created an Eventbrite page where businesses can RSVP. Page 34 of 36 Recommendation: Page 35 of 36 To: Commission Members From: Isabel Guadarrama, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Economic Development Commission Meeting of September 25, 2025 Subject: LCP Municipal Economic Development Advisory Group Event — October 22, 2025 11:30 AM Attachments: None Background: Lake County Partners is hosting a free event on Tuesday, October 22 at 11:30 AM to share insights on the latest trends in economic development. The event will take place at Mickey Finn’s Brewery in Libertyville, with lunch provided. This event will bring together leaders from across the county to discuss current economic trends and small business support. There will be three featured speakers: • Chris Brewer, Vice President, AECOM Economics • Dr. Joseph Schwieterman, Director of Sustainable Urban Development, DePaul University • Courtney Combs, Director of Strategy & Community Impact, Lake County Community Foundation Mr. Brewer and Dr. Schwieterman will present on topics including job creation, housing, resilient industry sectors, transportation, and development five years post-COVID.Ms. Combs, who previously spoke at our last EDC meeting, will discuss how public sector leaders can effectively attract, support, and retain small businesses. While staff will be in attendance, we encourage up to three EDC members to attend and share key takeaways with the rest of the committee. Recommendation: The EDC should designate members to attend this event. Page 36 of 36