Economic Development Commission

Regular Meeting

Mundelein, IL · January 22, 2026

Minutes

Mundelein Economic Development January 22, 2026 Commission Meeting Minutes CALL TO ORDER The regularly scheduled meeting of the Economic Development Commission was held on January 22, 2026. Chairperson Decker called the meeting to order at 7:31 AM. ATTENDANCE Commission Attendance: Present: Chairman Decker, Commissioner Lowry, Commissioner Kalicki, Commissioner Mitial, Commissioner Trillhaase, Commissioner Echeverria, Commissioner Gibbs, Commissioner Jackson Absent: Commissioner Streb, Commissioner Shutan Also Present: Isabel Guadarrama, Senior Planner; and Jessica Marvin, Associate Planner ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA A. Trillhasse mentioned to staff that there were a few items from the December meeting agenda that were not added under Old Business on this agenda, specifically snow removal and immigration education. I. Guadarrama noted that these topics are currently being reviewed by the Administration Department, and staff cannot add them to an Economic Development Commission agenda until they receive approval. PUBLIC COMMENTARY There was no public commentary. MINUTES APPROVAL Approval of the December 18, 2025 Meeting Minutes Motion by M. Echeverria, seconded by R. Kalicki to approve the December 18, 2025 meeting minutes. RESULT: Passed [Yes 8, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Commissioner Miguel Echeverria SECONDER: Commissioner Robert Kalicki AYES: Michael Decker, Laurel Lowry, Robert Kalicki, Sarah Mitial, Angela Trillhaase, Miguel Echeverria, Virginia Gibbs, Raymond Jackson NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. OLD BUSINESS 2026 Business Appreciation Breakfast The subcommittee (D. Shutan, R. Kalicki, and V. Gibbs) provided an update to the Commission on the Business Appreciation Breakfast scheduled for February 26, 2026. The keynote address will focus on building permits, business registration, Village grants, and ongoing development in town. George Sellas, Director of the Building Department, and Amanda Orenchuk, Director of the Community Development Department, will present on those topics. V. Gibbs also contacted Vartan Seferian of Mount Ara to speak about his experience receiving the STAR Grant and how it has impacted his business. The subcommittee will be inviting Alexander Kapotas to participate in the Elevator Pitches segment to discuss internships and workforce development. The subcommittee reminded the Commission to conduct site visits and to call or email the businesses located within their districts. Event Dates for 2026 I. Guadarrama informed the Commission of the scheduled EDC event dates: Spring Mixer – May 21, 2026; Fall Mixer – September 10, 2026; and Business Appreciation Breakfast – February 25, 2027. She also noted that the Mayor would like the mixer to be less structured and more informal to allow for better mingling. L. Lowry and A. Trillhaase expressed interest in meeting with the Mayor to discuss the possibility of hosting an after-party following the business mixer. The Commission then discussed the pros and cons of holding structured business mixer events. Staff advised the Commission that, due to limited capacity, if the spring business mixer remained in June, staff would be occupied with planning other events and might not be able to provide full support. Staff proposed an alternative date of May 21, 2026. The Commission agreed to move the spring business mixer from June 18, 2026, to May 21, 2026. Flyer Campaign I. Guadarrama provided the Commission with an update on the flyer campaign, noting that it has been advertised since October 2025. To date, two submissions have been received, and the deadline is two months away in March. She also identified the two businesses that submitted applications, noting that one business was outside of Mundelein and therefore was denied participation, as the campaign is limited to Mundelein businesses. The Commission discussed the possibility of extending the deadline and suggested promoting the campaign at the Business Appreciation Breakfast in February. Staff noted that if the deadline is extended, due to capacity constraints, the final flyer would likely not be published until later in the fall. COMMITTEE UPDATES Recognize (Robert Kalicki, David Shutan) R. Kalicki mentioned that, following the Business Appreciation Breakfast, he and D. Shutan will begin developing a social media campaign for the Made in Mundelein initiative. Advise (Michael Decker, Raymond Jackson) There were no updates. Attract (Ed Streb, Sarah Mitial) I. Guadarrama informed the Commission that the Microshop Advisory Group interviews were held last week, with one interview remaining. She noted that, due to the high skill level of all applicants, none will be rejected. Since the number of participants desired for the working group exceeds what the Village Board initially approved, additional approval from the Village Board will be required. The first phase of the working group is to determine the feasibility of the project. The group is divided into four subgroups: Operations, Outreach, Design and Construction, and Fundraising. Once this phase is complete, the working group will present their findings to the Village Board. At that point, the Board will decide whether the working group should proceed to phase two, which involves fundraising, construction of the shops, tenant selection, and providing additional support for marketing and interior design. Retain (Angela Trillhaase, Miguel Echevarria) A. Trillhaase informed the Commission that she is working on a snow removal email to send to Mundelein businesses. I. Guadarrama noted that she had some edits, as the Village does not have an ordinance requiring businesses to clear their walkways and drive aisles. I. Guadarrama will provide these edits to A. Trillhaase, adjusting the language to make more general statements that strongly recommend snow removal and emphasize its benefits. Educate (Virginia Gibbs, Laurie Lowry) There were no updates. OTHER REPORTS STAR Grant Report There were no reports. V. Gibbs left at 8:40 AM. VILLAGE PROJECT UPDATES The Commission had a detailed discussion regarding updates to the Village’s business registration process. This included how the Commission can assist the Village in informing the business community about the registration period, which runs from March through the end of April 2026. The Commission requested that staff clarify the rationale behind the fee increases and what value businesses receive in return for registering annually. The registration fee has increased from $25 to $35, and now to $75. Additionally, businesses that register after May 1 are subject to a $75 late fee, bringing the total to $150. Staff explained that all businesses operating in Mundelein are required to register with the Village. Staff also noted that registered businesses receive certain benefits, such as being included in the Village’s online business directory. Additionally, the information collected through registrations helps staff keep the Commission informed on key updates, including new business ownership and contact information. NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING, Thursday, March 26, 2026 ADJOURNMENT Motion by R. Jackson, seconded by M. Echeverria to adjourn the meeting. RESULT: Passed [Yes 7, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Commissioner Raymond Jackson SECONDER: Commissioner Miguel Echeverria AYES: Michael Decker, Laurel Lowry, Robert Kalicki, Sarah Mitial, Angela Trillhaase, Miguel Echeverria, Raymond Jackson NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None Meeting adjourned at 8:47 AM Respectfully submitted, Jessica Marvin, Associate Planner Recording Secretary

Agenda

Packet

AGENDA MUNDELEIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING January 22, 2026 - 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 December 18, 2025 Meeting Minutes VI. NEW BUSINESS VII. OLD BUSINESS A. 2026 Business Appreciation Breakfast The EDC should help promote the event through email outreach, phone calls, and site visits. B. Event Dates for 2026 C. Flyer Campaign EDC members are encouraged to reach out to businesses to promote awareness of the flyer. VIII. COMMITTEE UPDATES A. Recognize (Robert Kalicki, David Shutan) B. Advise (Michael Decker, Raymond Jackson) Page |1 Page 1 of 11 C. Attract (Ed Streb, Sarah Mitial) D. Retain (Angela Trillhaase, Miguel Echevarria) E. Educate (Virginia Gibbs, Laurie Lowry) IX. OTHER REPORTS A. STAR Grant Report X. VILLAGE PROJECT UPDATES XI. NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING, THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2026 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 1/22/2026 Page |2 Page 2 of 11 Mundelein Economic Development December 18, 2025 Commission Meeting Minutes CALL TO ORDER The regularly scheduled meeting of the Economic Development Commission was held on December 18, 2025. Chairperson Decker called the meeting to order at 7:34 AM. ATTENDANCE Commission Attendance: Present: Chairman Decker, Commissioner Streb, Commissioner Lowry, Commissioner Kalicki, Commissioner Trillhaase, Commissioner Echeverria, Commissioner Gibbs, Commissioner Shutan Absent: Commissioner Mitial, Commissioner Jackson Also Present: Eric Guenther, Village Administrator; Amanda Orenchuk, Director of Community Development; 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 There was no public commentary. MINUTES APPROVAL Approval of the November 20, 2025 Minutes Motion by L. Lowry, seconded by R. Kalicki to approve the November 20, 2025 meeting minutes. RESULT: Passed [Yes 8, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Commissioner Laurel Lowry SECONDER: Commissioner Robert Kalicki AYES: Michael Decker, Edward Streb, Laurel Lowry, Robert Kalicki, Angela Trillhaase, Miguel Echeverria, Virginia Gibbs, David Shutan NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None NEW BUSINESS OLD BUSINESS Page 3 of 11 Fiscal Year 2026 Village Board Report I. Guadarrama informed the Commission that annual reports are due today, December 18, 2025, and noted that minor additions can still be incorporated. She reported that the Village received the highest number of new businesses this year and highlighted notable closings, including Tonality, which is expected to soon be replaced by a brewery. She also explained that she revised the sections of the report covering goals and achievement highlights so they accurately reflected recent changes and clarified which goals each item corresponded to. The Commissioners agreed that the report was well done and well put together. The Commission then asked staff for updates on specific properties and projects, and Mr. Guenther provided the status of those items. 2026 Business Appreciation Breakfast The subcommittee (D. Shutan, R. Kalicki, and V. Gibbs) provided an update to the Commission on the Business Appreciation Breakfast scheduled for February 26, 2026. The keynote address will focus on building permits, business registration, Village grants, and ongoing development in town. George Sellas, Director of the Building Department, and Amanda Orenchuk, Director of the Community Development Department, will present on those topics. V. Gibbs also contacted Vartan Seferian of Mount Ara to speak about his experience receiving the STAR Grant and how it has impacted his business. The subcommittee will be inviting Alexander Kapotas and Michael Darling to participate in the Elevator Pitches segment to discuss internships and workforce development. The subcommittee reached out to the Gold Star Award winners and informed them that staff will follow up to coordinate the Gold Star Award video interviews, which will be showcased at the breakfast. Kevin Quinn with KTR Media will be hired to record the interviews. Each subcommittee member will curate one raffle basket, with a maximum value of fifty dollars. Our 2025 Gold Star Award Winners are: • Business Investment/Expansion: Advantage Material Handling, Inc • Community Involvement: AREA Coffee • Customer Service: TieMart • Mundelein Pride: Out of This World Embroidery Event Dates for 2026 Page 4 of 11 I. Guadarrama reminded the Commission to submit their survey responses so that event dates for 2026 can be scheduled. COMMITTEE UPDATES Recognize (Robert Kalicki, David Shutan) The Recognize committee provided the Commission with an update on their Made in Mundelein project, highlighting local manufacturing companies. They are currently drafting several social media posts for staff to publish at a future date. Advise (Michael Decker, Raymond Jackson) A. Trillhaase mentioned to the Commission that at a recent Village Board meeting, two businesses were seeking liquor licenses. She asked if the Economic Development Commission could pre-screen businesses applying for liquor licenses. Staff noted that while the Commission can meet with these applicants, the businesses may proceed even if staff advises against it. Additionally, staff emphasized avoiding duplication of efforts, as these businesses are already consulted by staff before appearing before the Village Board. L. Lowry left at 8:12 AM. Attract (Ed Streb, Sarah Mitial) E. Streb mentioned that he will continue to advertise the Mundelein Micro Shops application, as the deadline is at the end of this year. Staff will begin scheduling interviews in early January. Retain (Angela Trillhaase, Miguel Echevarria) A. Trillhaase mentioned that snow removal in the downtown area and other specific areas around Mundelein is becoming an issue, as these walkways are becoming dangerous for pedestrians. Mr. Guenther explained why having the Village enforce snow removal may not be feasible, due to limited staff and increased costs. He suggested that the best approach is to draft an email to businesses, kindly requesting that they remove snow within a certain number of days after a snowfall. A. Trillhaase mentioned that she will draft the email. Educate (Virginia Gibbs, Laurie Lowry) A. Trillhaase mentioned that several Mundelein businesses are concerned about immigration laws and would like training from an employment attorney on how to Page 5 of 11 proceed. I. Guadarrama noted the organization Mano a Mano Family Resource Center in Waukegan, which provides culturally and linguistically relevant health, education, legal, and community support services to immigrant families and vulnerable individuals. A. Trillhaase will prepare a proposal to present to Mayor Meier regarding bringing in an employment attorney for this training for Mundelein Businesses. OTHER REPORTS STAR Grant Report There were no updates. VILLAGE PROJECT UPDATES The Village is currently in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance. Staff is revising the growth area within the Comprehensive Plan to better reflect the community’s vision for neighborhood design, transportation, mobility, and future development. Additionally, staff is proposing multiple text amendments throughout the Zoning Ordinance to streamline regulations, improve clarity, and ensure the code reflects current development practices and community priorities. A. Orenchuk provided the Commission with an update on the status of all residential projects and their current occupancy percentages. NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING, Thursday January 22, 2026 ADJOURNMENT Motion by M. Echeverria, seconded by V. Gibbs to adjourn the meeting. RESULT: Passed [Yes 7, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Commissioner Miguel Echeverria SECONDER: Commissioner Virginia Gibbs AYES: Michael Decker, Edward Streb, Robert Kalicki, Angela Trillhaase, Miguel Echeverria, Virginia Gibbs, David Shutan NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None Meeting adjourned at 8:57 AM Respectfully submitted, Jessica Marvin, Associate Planner Recording Secretary Page 6 of 11 To: Commission Members From: Jessica Marvin, Associate Planner Isabel Guadarrama, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Economic Development Commission Meeting of January 22, 2026 Subject: 2026 Business Appreciation Breakfast Attachments: 1. 2026 Business Appreciation Breakfast Invitation Background: The 2026 Business Appreciation Breakfast will be held on February 26, 2026 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Mundelein. The subcommittee will provide an update on this event. Below is the remaining tentative schedule for the 2026 Business Appreciation Breakfast. Timeline for the 2026 Business Appreciation Breakfast January 22nd, 2026 EDC Meeting • Record the BAB Gold Star Video • 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: The EDC should help promote the event through email outreach, phone calls, and site visits. Page 7 of 11 YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO THE 11 TH ANNUAL BUSINESS APPRECIATION BREAKFAST BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE MUNDELEIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION feb 26 2026 7:30 - 9:30 AM doubletree hotel VILLAGE OF 510 E IL ROUTE 83, MUNDELEIN, IL Page 8 of 11 eVENT DETAILS EVENT PROGRAM: FOR: ANY MUNDELEIN BUSINESS EXPO 7:30-8:15 AM BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVES BREAKFAST SERVED 8:15 AM PROGRAM 8:30-9:30 AM EXPO BOOTHS AVAILABLE TO MUNDELEIN BUSINESSES KEYNOTE ADDRESSES BY: AMANDA ORENCHUK RSVP BY FEB. 23 VIA EVENTBRITE DIRECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY VISIT: WWW.MUNDELEIN.ORG/EDC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OR SCAN QR CODE BELOW GEORGE SELLAS DIRECTOR OF THE BUILDING SCAN TO RSVP DEPARTMENT VARTAN SEFERIAN CEO OF MOUNT ARA THE KEYNOTE ADDRESS WILL FOCUS ON BUSINESS REGISTRATION, VILLAGE GRANTS, BUILDING PERMITS, AND ONGOING DEVELOPMENT IN OUR TOWN. VILLAGE OF Page 9 of 11 To: Commission Members From: Isabel Guadarrama, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Economic Development Commission Meeting of January 22, 2026 Subject: Event Dates for 2026 Attachments: None Background: At the November 20, 2025, EDC meeting, the Commission was informed of the Chairman’s proposal to schedule event dates in advance to ensure full Commission attendance and increase participation from the business community. This approach would also allow additional time for planning and advertising. Following the meeting, staff distributed a survey based on previously considered days of the week. Based on the survey results, the events will be held on the following dates: Spring Mixer: June 18, 2026 Fall Mixer: September 10, 2026 Breakfast: February 25, 2027 Staff will forward these dates to the Marketing Team for advertising. Recommendation: Page 10 of 11 To: Commission Members From: Isabel Guadarrama, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Economic Development Commission Meeting of January 22, 2026 Subject: Flyer Campaign Attachments: None Background: In October of last year, staff finalized the flyer application that allows Mundelein businesses to submit discounts to be featured in a Village flyer. The flyer is intended to be displayed in several locations and targeted toward visitors to Mundelein. As of the date of this report, staff received two submissions. To ensure the success of this initiative, Commissioners are encouraged to outreach to local businesses and inform them of the campaign. If sufficient content is not received, the project may be discontinued. The deadline to submit applications for the first round is March 1, 2026. Recommendation: EDC members are encouraged to reach out to businesses to promote awareness of the flyer. Page 11 of 11