HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 07/28/2020 - Economic Development Commission
City of McHenry
Economic Development Commission
Meeting Minutes
July 28, 2020
Chairman Mrachek called the July 28, 2020 regular meeting of the City of McHenry Economic
Development Commission to order at 4:00 p.m. In attendance were the following: Bionda, Bremer,
Mrachek, Rankins, and Tenuto. Absent: Jessup, Pfeifer, Schaefer and Jett. Also in attendance were:
Director of Economic Development Martin and Economic Development Coordinator Wolf.
Public Comment: There was nobody in attendance for public comment.
Approval of Meeting Minutes dated May 26, 2020
Motion by Bremer, seconded by Rankins, to approve the May 26, 2020 Regular Meeting minutes of
the Economic Development Commission, as presented:
Voting Aye: Bremer, Mrachek, Rankins, and Tenuto.
Voting Nay: None.
Abstaining: Bionda.
Absent: Jessup, Pfeifer, Schaefer and Jett.
Motion carried 4-0.
Commissioner Reports
Chairman Mrachek asked for general discussion and updates on any specific tasks or concerns.
Commissioners are generally looking for direction on how best to help. Personal visits and
discussions with businesses was encouraged.
Economic Development Commission Videos
To date, videos have been received from Commissioners Bremer, Rankins and Tenuto and had a
very good response on social media pages. Others were asked to submit videos.
Commercial Tenant Incentive Program Update
Coordinator Wolf presented the final grant program documents which were revised per Attorney
McArdle’s suggestions and approved at the July 20, 2020 City Council Meeting. Discussion was held
on how to best get information on the program to area businesses. Social media and personal visits
by staff and commissioners will be utilized to spread the word.
Transition to Economic Recovery Plan
Director Martin discussed setting up a Zoom meeting utilizing Nixle 360 for different business
quadrants or neighborhoods in the City to help determine their business needs. West 120 quadrant
suggested to be the first neighborhood invited. Discussion on having two times – possibly late
morning and early evening, to cover availability of most businesses.
Economic Development Commission
July 28, 2020
Page 2
Business Survey Analysis
Director Martin directed a discussion on the results of the survey sent out to 394 businesses with 84
responses. The most prominent comment was help with marketing and advertising which says we
are on the right direction in implementing the ShopNDineMcHenry website and promotions. The
comments given from businesses will be divided among commissioners and personal visits will be
made to each commenting respondee to obtain further direction on how to best help our
businesses moving forward.
Shop & Dine McHenry Promotion
Coordinator Wolf shared information on the Shop & Dine McHenry website promotion that was
done via radio and newspaper advertising. Help is needed in getting more businesses to realize the
potential of the free marketing and advertising opportunities available to them through the website
and encouraging them to add their businesses to the site. Personal visits and discussions have been
most successful and all commissioners were asked to help spread the word.
Site Visits
Vice Chairwoman Bremer directed a discussion on the importance of Commissioners visiting local
businesses and having conversations whenever they are visiting, meeting with or doing business
with any business in the City for any reason.
Business Recognition Program
Discussion ensued regarding the program as it is in place and how to best go about revamping the
program. It was agreed to get recognition awards ordered and printed and set up short visits to the
businesses with small groups to give recognition and share it on all of our various social media
platforms.
Staff Reports
A hotel study was commissioned and results will be shared at a future date. Meeting adjourned at
5:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
Mike Mrachek, Chairman
Economic Development Commission