HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 01/10/2018 - Economic Development Commission (2)City of McHenry
Economic Development Commission Minutes
January 10, 2018
Chairwoman Baehne called the regularly scheduled January 10, 2018 meeting of the City of
McHenry Economic Development Commission to order at 4:00 p.m. In attendance were the
following: Arnold, Baehne, Bionda, Jessup, Joern, Mrachek, and Sterwerf. Absent: Alderman
Glab. Also in attendance were: Mayor Wayne Jett, Director of Economic Development Martin,
and Economic Development Coordinator Wolf.
Public Comment: There was nobody in attendance who wished to address the Commission.
1. Education and Economic Development
A video from the Manufacturing and Trade Industry Expo (MTI) was shown. Director Martin
gave an explanation of the event and the need for skilled manufacturing workers in order for
current businesses to continue operating so the City can retain their business.
2. Presentation and Discussion with McHenry School Districts 156 and 15 Regarding Education
and Economic Development
Dr. Hoffman, Superintendent of Elementary District 15 gave a presentation on the STEM and
STEAM programs/innovation centers being incorporated into the school curriculum which is
the catalyst for beginning to address future needs of manufacturing and other employers.
Discussion ensued in regard to the programs. Chairwoman Baehne inquired how the schools
are educating the community on these additions to school curriculum. Dr. Hoffman indicated
they are communicating it through the students, newsletters and website, not so much
through the news media, etc. He added McHenry is a very welcoming and friendly community
and the collaboration within the community is amazing. Tours are available for anyone just
contact the schools or district offices.
Dr. Mctague, Superintendent of High School District 156 led a discussion on what is happening
in the high schools and distributed their annual report which covers much of what is occurring
as they build up a highly competitive school district which starts with the 156 innovation plan
that was implemented last year. Digital environments are necessary to continue to be
competitive, and communication of how they are going to be used to help everyone be
comprehensive and competitive is a key to providing a good workforce. Incubator EDU is also
in the works and coincides perfectly with economic development to better prepare students
for the future. Dr. Mctague opined partnering with feeder schools as well as businesses is
critical and the collaboration is amazing in the McHenry community. Partnership with the
City is particularly needed to make the schools strong and keep things moving toward the
future in the City of McHenry.
Director Martin stated the alignment and collaboration of the City with the High Schools,
Elementary Schools and MCC is very strong and is not the norm in the state ; it is absolutely
necessary and a key to economic development in the City. People will look to other towns if
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January 10, 2018
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we are not prepared. Discussion ensued. It was determined tours of the facilities would
definitely be beneficial for the committee in order to sell/develop our economic advantag e.
3. Presentation by The Bike Haven
Economic Development Coordinator Wolf stated Mr. Arnow’s concept coincides with Active
Communities and Planning and Zoning initiatives presently being worked on by city staff. Mr.
Arnow gave a presentation on a new concept plan for his bike shop on Pearl Street stating
small businesses need to change in order to retain and expand their customer base. He would
like to be the #1 destination bike shop in McHenry County and believes this concept will help
him achieve that goal. The business plan was distributed to everyone and discussion ensued.
Commissioner Mrachek recused himself for the discussion.
Chairwoman Baehne stated creating experiences is a needed change in the economic
community especially for small business. She opined the commission needs to move forward
to help businesses embrace this mentality. Commissioner Bionda stated he thought the
absence of a request for video gaming was an added value for this request. The Co mmission
as a whole Commission was highly supportive of the concept adding comments such as Mr.
Arnow’s concept would add value to other businesses in the area through collaborative
events, etc. and this concept is a great example for other businesses to see what can be done
to remain successful and competitive. The liquor license process would have to be gone
through and the final plan to City Council for approval.
Commissioner Mrachek returned to the meeting.
4. General Discussion on Video Marketing the City
A video done for North Central Illinois Economic Development was shown. Director Martin
stated he wanted to show the video as an idea for the commission to use, explaining making
McHenry a destination city is our goal and including showing our schools as destination
schools is helpful in bringing people and businesses to McHenry. He asked the commission if
they thought a similar video of McHenry would be a helpful promotional tool, adding they
could incorporate transportation, more community features, manufacturing, downtown
district, parks, recreation, schools, etc. Discussion ensued on how to share the video but full
support was given on having a video done to promote the City. Dr. McTague expressed
District 156 would love to partner with the City on a promotional video and/or video series.
Suzanne Kotomski, area realtor, added if the video was made available to realtors they could
use it as well to promote the community for home-buyers. Sam Tenuto, Pioneer Center,
suggested presenting a well-rounded community in the videos for families that highlights
social services, medical offerings, parks, businesses, etc. as a whole package so all available
resources are included.
5. Discussion regarding Apprenticeship Week and Workshop and Visit to IN2 at the Illinois
Math and Science Academy
Director Martin informed the commission on national apprenticeship week and the
Workshop and how these programs can help our employers increase their workforce. The
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January 10, 2018
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apprenticeship workshop was the first in a series to help employers. The second one will be
held on February 27 at 8:30 a.m. at the Shah Center highlighting on-the-job training and other
work-based learning opportunities and ways for employers to fund them. Director Martin
and Coordinator Wolf gave a brief review of their visit and tour of IN2 in Aurora at the Illinois
Math and Science Academy and how all the items discussed today can help economic
development in the City of McHenry.
6. General Overview and Discussion and Tours of Manufacturing Facilities
Discussion was held regarding brick and mortar stores vs. internet sales, education, marketing,
public relations and action regarding economic development in the City. It was agreed that
educating the community, parents and students is a key component to helping grow our
community. Discussion also ensued regarding the importance of going out and talking to the
businesses to let them know they are appreciated and the commission and City are invested in
helping retain them in the community. Awards were discussed adding recognition gives
businesses something to strive for, achieve and engage more business owners and will serve to
again remind existing businesses of their value to the community and encourage them to stay
here because they feel a part of something. The commission agreed a list should be made of
businesses to visit and promotion of businesses needs to be done by all members. Suggestions
included a monthly Business Spotlight, including a tour, video, interview, etc. Objectives would
need to be determined.
7. New Business and Items for General Discussion
Discussion ensued regarding setting the 2018 meeting schedule and possibility of meeting
more often and incorporating business tours in the meeting schedule. It was suggested
subcommittees be formed to get more work done between public meetings. Director Martin
stated he would verify whether subcommittees could be formed as long as they had less than
two-thirds of a quorum. The subcommittees suggested would be Business
Awards/Recognition, Tours, and Promotional Video. New tour dates for MCC were given.
All members were asked to email Director Martin or Coordinator Wolf with availability so the
new tour date can be scheduled.
8. Old Business
Liaisons to and Establishment of Reporting Procedures:
a. Riverwalk Foundation
Pat Arnold cannot attend daytime meetings. Mayor Jett stated he attends the
meeting and will report updates to the commission on this.
b. Chamber of Commerce
Chairwoman Baehne introduced David Lammers of the McHenry Chamber of
Commerce. The Chamber dinner is coming up and will include business
recognition. Help is always welcomed for Fiesta Days and committee meetings
are starting. The McHenry-Opoly Business Expo is scheduled for March 10, 2018.
A multi chamber mixer at Pioneer Center and celebrating their 60th anniversary is
set for next Tuesday night, January 16, 2018.
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c. Downtown Business Association
No report.
d. Downtown SuperGroup
McHenry ShamRocks the Fox overview was given.
e. Landmark Commission
Commissioner Jessup will attend the February meeting.
f. Planning & Zoning Commission
January meeting was cancelled. City’s Comprehensive Plan is in the process of
being updated.
OMA Update
Commissioners were asked to complete their OMA training and forward certificates to
city staff.
ACTION ITEMS
Form subcommittees to address Videos, Tours, and Business Awards and bring suggestions to the
commission to discuss at the next meeting. Schedule tour at MCC and local businesses.
Staff Report
The next Economic Development Commission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday March 28,
2018. Director Martin will check on legality of forming small working subcommittees and
report back to the chair and co-chair with direction.
Adjournment
Motioned and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 6:35 p.m.
Voting Aye: Arnold, Baehne, Bionda, Jessup, Joern, Mrachek, Sterwerf, and Jett.
Voting Nay: None.
Not Voting: None.
Abstaining: None.
Absent: Glab.
Motion carried 8-0. The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________________________
Bobbi Baehne, Chairwoman