Three Initiatives from the Economic Development Commission

The Economic Development Commission (EDC) is comprised of Morton Grove business owners and residents who volunteer their time to promote our business community. We work closely with the Director of Community Development John Said, Village Trustee liaison Dan Di Maria, and representatives from the Morton Grove Chamber of Commerce and the Morton Grove Public Library. Our primary missions are to retain existing businesses and to attract new businesses to the village.

This effort has been a challenge due to the struggling economy but we are making progress. We anticipate a positive effect on our local business climate as the economy slowly improves.

Increasing awareness with newsletter

One example of our promotional efforts has been to feature local businesses in the Morton Grove newsletter that is mailed to residents every quarter. The businesses are chosen at random by EDC members. We also invite business owners to submit their businesses for consideration. The goal is to increase awareness of the fine products and services available right here in the village and to encourage our residents to shop locally. As a result, business owners who have been featured in the newsletter report said they have experienced a definite increase in traffic to their stores.

The business profiles focus on independent privately owned businesses that do not have the benefit of corporate marketing support. There are many businesses that have served Morton Grove residents for decades, some of which have been included in previous newsletters and others that will be featured this year. This is one method of thanking them for their long-term commitment to our community.

Improving outlooks with storefront art

 The EDC is in the process of implementing a storefront art program by working with local schools and property owners to display student artwork in several vacant storefronts along Dempster Street. The goal is to involve property owners and students in a joint effort to make Dempster Street more attractive during the reconstruction process and to help make the storefronts more attractive to potential new tenants.

Awarding community business leaders

Currently in progress is the planning of a community business awards program that will honor local business owners who take special pride in the appearance of their establishments. The awards program will include a nomination and selection process that will begin in the spring of this year and continue into the summer.

My fellow commissioners have consistently demonstrated their commitment to our village’s business community. I am fortunate to be surrounded by a group of very talented people who give freely of their own time. The EDC meets on the third Monday of the month at 5:30 pm at Village Hall in the second floor conference room.

Our meetings are open to Morton Grove residents, and we welcome their ideas and suggestions.

If you would like to learn more about the EDC, please contact John Said at (847) 663-3061 or by email at jsaid@mortongroveil.org