Economic Development Commission

Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes Date: August 21, 2024 EDC MEMBERS PRESENT: Howard Meyer, Vice-Chair, Maegan Akers, Alexis Barbour, Marc Battista, Barbara Carley, Steve Franklin, Jeremy Gleason, and Nathan Norman EDC MEMBERS ABSENT: Michael Rosen, Chair, Scott Gendell, Brian Levinson, and Trustee Pure-Slovin STAFF PRESENT: Michael Lorge, Corporation Counsel Johanna Nyden, Community Dev. Director, Rodney Tonelli, Economic Vitality Director, and Marlene Bargamian, Administrative Asst. (I) CALL TO ORDER A quorum being present, Vice-Chair Meyer called the meeting to order at 8:32 AM. (II) APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES FROM MAY 15, 2024 A motion was made to accept the draft minutes of the May 15, 2024 meeting. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. (III) INTRODUCTIONS Members gave short introductions and welcomed Maegan Akers and Nathan Norman as the newest members of the commission. Richard Requena, a reporter from Pioneer Press, also attended the meeting. (IV) OLD BUSINESS a. Economic Vitality Strategy Update – Recap update process Rod Tonelli had several 1-on-1 meetings with members to determine what sub- group each commissioner would be linked to. He encouraged those who haven’t completed the worksheet to do so & send it to him. Business attraction is different to each sector and geographic area. If assistance and guidance is needed, refer to workforce stakeholders to join the table. Vice-Chair Meyer suggested Gina Speckman from Chicago North Shore Convention & Visitor Bureau to be added. b. Economic Vitality Strategy Update – Further Scope Discussion Rod will be having a meeting next week with Michael Rosen to finalize section liaisons and put the roundtables together. Last year, this process was outsourced but this year it can be done in-house and save the money for development. The analytical details will be farmed out to a consultant. # 621824 Economic Development Commission meeting minutes August 21, 2024  c. Skokie Green Business Program Update Guided by the Sustainability Plan best practices, the Village has partnered with SEDAC and a checklist has been created. They are in the final stages of assessment for the Skokie businesses that signed up. This is not a time- consuming certification program; even a small interest can get a business recognized. Nathan Norman suggested as the final step, the Sustainable Environmental Advisory Commission and Village Board could recognize participants with a badge that can be placed in a business’s window. It was discussed that ballot boxes could be placed at various locations or something similar to the Business of the Year with voting online. Mr. Gleason added that McGrath Subaru participated and has made many changes especially to their lighting system. (V) NEW BUSINESS a. Out of Space Skokie – recap Originally held in Evanston at Canal Shores, this year’s outdoor event was moved to Skokie’s IS+TP as the Evanston site was not available. It was very successful and well attended by immediate area residents, and visitors from Chicago, Indiana, & Wisconsin. Turnout numbers (9,000) were the same when comparing the 4-day events held in Evanston to this year’s 3-day event in Skokie. Food trucks were added since there was more room to spread out and there was good presence at local area businesses as well as increased transit numbers. Skokie would like to consider the tech park location as an alternative or additional site. Mr. Gleason commented that Subaru would like to partner for a music event with the IS+TP. Mr. Meyer reminded the group that Subaru used to be active with Wednesdays on the Green and maybe they will contemplate involvement again. b. Economic Vitality Division Recent Activity Report An agreement was made to turn the property at Babb Street and Louise into a 51-space parking lot for downtown businesses. A small business downtown merchant’s group to start to help them succeed by offering training sessions on social media and marketing. There are 16 new businesses downtown; 6 opened since the last EDC meeting including Enclave and Slyce. Track the Torch and Tour de Skokie events were aimed to attract foot traffic and engagement to downtown businesses. Re-imagining Main Street for redevelopment kicked-off with Meet Up on Main St. (VI) COMMUNICATIONS a. Village Staff # 621824 Economic Development Commission meeting minutes August 21, 2024  Developing the area around the Swift and Skokie Boulevard re-branding it as “Swift District” including the buildings along Oakton and Searle Parkway. Demo old buildings to make way for new development with residential over retail. Skokie Boulevard is a challenge to move people around. The parking lot by Walgreens could be a micro-transit mobility hub with buses, EV charging stations, bike trail, and vehicle parking; possibly for zip cars too. b. EDC Members Barbara Carley announced that UL had their grand opening at IS+TP and Singerman completed the remodel. The hospital is growing and hiring. The $4M ER remodel project will be done by September 2025. Steve Franklin commented that a traffic count at Old Orchard was listed as 8.7M. Macy’s is investing in an interior remodel now and will be moving forward with exterior improvements. Barbara added there will be a Sip & Shop event in September offering 5 free drinks. New businesses are opening at Old Orchard. Nathan talked to residents at a Devonshire block party to get some perspective from their point of view as he emerges into Skokie. Howard Meyer spoke about the Chamber having a busy calendar this summer. There are grand opening events every week. They are celebrating their 100-year anniversary. Marc offered that SBEC classes will be offered at the Des Plaines campus. New health care classes for radiology and surgical technicians as well as a non- coding AI program. Jeremy spoke about Subaru looking for property to expand their service department. Commissioners wanted an update on the hotel and Annie’s Restaurant property. Litigation is still on-going but getting the hotel back on track is the focus. The Annie’s building is coming down when the site is redeveloped. (V) ADJOURNMENT Vice-Chairman Meyer adjourned the meeting at 9:51 AM. Respectfully submitted, Marlene Bargamian, Administrative Assistant # 621824 Economic Development Commission meeting minutes August 21, 2024