HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 05/26/2020 - Economic Development CommissionCity of McHenry
Economic Development Commission
Meeting Minutes
May 26, 2020
Chairman Mrachek called the May 26, 2020 regular meeting of the City of McHenry Economic
Development Commission to order at 4:00 p.m. The meeting was held via Zoom Web Conferencing
and all information was announced to the public for attendance via Zoom or by Telephone. In
attendance were the following: Bremer, Jessup, Mrachek, Pfeifer, Rankins, Tenuto, Mayor Jett and
Alderman Schaefer. Absent: Bionda. Also in attendance were: Director of Economic Development
Martin and Economic Development Coordinator Wolf.
Public Comment: There was nobody in attendance who wished to address the Commission.
Economic Development Commission Appointments
Mayor Jett informed the Commission all members were re-appointed for the 2020-2021 term. He
thanked Commissioner Jessup for serving as Chairman the past term, welcomed Steve Rankins as a
new commission member, and confirmed appointment of Commissioner Mrachek as Chairman and
Commissioner Bremer as Vice-Chairwoman.
Transition to Economic Recovery Plan
Director Martin presented an outline of plans to help businesses transition to economic recovery.
Quite a bit of discussion was held and some of the suggested efforts from the Commission were:
• Reach out to Businesses
• Conference call/zoom meeting with small businesses –similar businesses can learn from each
other-peer groups set up
• Advertise Commission as a group-microbusinesses are the highest concern
• Offer loans to building owners-get Commercial Tenant Incentive Program approved
• Send out Resources to businesses
• Beef up social media so more people come to meetings
• Offer mentoring services – in alignment with Strategic Planning Session
• Businesses struggling with cash flow-talk to Steve-deferred payments
• Facebook live with EDC Board Members
• Send out bi-weekly email to commissioners with updates on business happenings in the City
Based on these suggestions, the following immediate actions were recommended to pursue:
• Setup zoom session (see if Darius would take the lead) with a small group of businesses and
the Commission to have an interactive discussion (June)
• Staff to work on beefing up social media and ask each Commissioner to invite one person to
the next meeting (June-July)
• Have each Commissioner write down skills/services they could offer as mentors (July)
• Do Facebook live interviews with each Commissioner (1/week) so people can get to know
Commissioners better (begin in June-July)
Economic Development Commission
May 26, 2020
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• Hold neighborhood meetings around the City to learn from the businesses in each area
(begin in July)
• Each Commissioner should pick a strategic partner and contact them, just to touch base to
have a point person at that organization (July)
• Bi-weekly updates from the Director of Economic Development to begin being emailed to
the Economic Development Commission
Sending out a survey to area businesses was also discussed in order to get an idea of what our
businesses actually need rather than what the Commission thinks they need. It was decided a
survey should be sent from the Economic Development Commission rather than Staff in order to
show their presence in the community and introduce them as a group.
Shop & Dine McHenry Promotion
Coordinator Wolf shared information on a Shop & Dine McHenry website and promotion created to
stimulate economic recovery in McHenry and encourage residents to support our local businesses
and our families and friends who work in McHenry. Sponsors have been obtained for the creation
of the website. Advertising and incentive promotions will be run. Commissioner Jessup shared
ideas his company has used on buying gift cards for rewards and incentives for employees and
utilizing local restaurants for employee and business lunches.
#ReLaunch McHenry Taskforce
Coordinator Wolf presented information on the #ReLaunch McHenry Taskforce started by the
McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce which will celebrate and highlight each phased re-opening of
businesses in McHenry.
Meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
Mike Mrachek, Chairman
Economic Development Commission