Thursday, December 31, 2015

CITY OF MCHENRY 2015 YEAR IN REVIEW!



Community Outreach, Education and Engagement; Business Retention, Expansion and Growth; Infrastructure Improvements and Community Facility Enhancements; Networking and Cultivating Partnerships and Relationships and Celebration of Community (Events, Recognition and Promotion and Celebration of Success)

On Tuesday February 17, 2015 the City of McHenry launched McHenry Market Pulse to reemphasize its ongoing and continued commitment to economic development as well as to educate; engage and provide accurate and consistent information pertaining to economic development.  This is the 33rd and final post for 2015.  In this post it’s my intent not only to convey and reemphasize the same message as the one I did on February 17, 2015 but to provide examples of how the City has done this in 2015 and will continue to do so in 2016!

I will do this by providing examples and using photographs to depict integral components of a successful economic development program, as well as a holistic comprehensive approach to sustaining, revitalizing and enhancing the economic well-being of our City. 

These include:  Community Outreach, Education and Engagement; Business Retention, Expansion and Growth; Infrastructure Improvements and Community Facility Enhancements; Networking and Cultivating Partnerships and Relationships and Celebration of Community (Recognition and Promotion and Celebration of Success).

For this final post of 2015, instead of incorporating photographs and images throughout the text, I will finish the post with more than 30 graphics which will hopefully provide an accurate pictorial representation reinforcing the text and the City of McHenry’s ongoing commitment to quality economic development. 

After reading this post and reflecting on the text and images I hope you will agree the City of McHenry, residents, businesses, visitors, community stakeholders and service organizations alike have a lot to be proud of and thankful for everything accomplished in 2015.  Additionally, a solid foundation has been laid for future endeavors which will continue into 2016 and beyond.  All of which contribute to our local economy and a vibrant community!

Community Outreach, Education and Engagement


The City of McHenry has done several things to advance community outreach, education and engagement of individuals on issues pertaining to economic development.  The first of which was the launch of McHenry Market Pulse.  This has served as an effective social media tool and is a work in progress as I look to enhance the blog in 2016 incorporating new ideas, suggestions and feedback which I am always grateful for and happy to receive.  This is our community blog!

On February 5 and October 9, 2015 I hosted commercial real estate broker open houses.  The purpose of the open houses is to exchange ideas and interact with people with “boots on the ground” about commercial real estate and business in the City of McHenry, McHenry County and surrounding region.  Approximately thirteen people from ten different companies attended the open house on October 9 a sizable increase from the February open house, which will continue to grow in 2016.

It is my goal to hold an open house quarterly.  I maintain a working list of over 50 people, mostly commercial real estate brokers but also others involved with economic development including:  Nicor Gas and Commonwealth Edison Representatives, McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce, McHenry County Economic Development Corporation and representatives from the McHenry County Workforce Network.  These are my power partners and all are instrumental and play key roles in contributing to a successful economic development program. 

Another outreach effort, to promote, educate and facilitate an open dialogue on economic development-related issues which I began in 2015 was drop-in community discussions for anyone interested in coming to listen and/or share ideas how the City of McHenry can further its efforts to attract, retain and promote business expansion, as well as enhance or supplement its economic development efforts.  The first discussion was held at the McHenry Public Library on November 12, 2015 and well-received by those who attended. 

In September 2015 McHenry City Administrator Derik Morefield and I had an opportunity to attend and participate in a McHenry County Real Estate Forum entitled “Advancing Development.”  The event was hosted by the Heartland Real Estate Organization and McHenry County and included many other sponsors. 

It provided an opportunity for real estate brokers, government officials and others who attended to learn about local, State of Illinois and Federal economic development efforts and other programs which promote development being made by:  the State of Illinois, McHenry County, United States Small Business Administration, Home Builders of Greater Chicago, U.S. Green Building Council, Landmarks Illinois, Wells Fargo, McHenry County Economic Development Corporation and many McHenry County municipalities. 

 Business Retention, Expansion and Growth


In 2015, for the sixth consecutive year the City of McHenry exhibited at the International Council of Shopping Center Conference (ICSC) in Las Vegas.  Additionally, we had a new exhibit created for use at this and other conventions staff attends when marketing the City, such as the annual McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo held in February of each year.  The ICSC has been extremely beneficially in marketing the City to prospective businesses, particularly retailers.  It also provides an opportunity to meet one-on-one with retailers and developers.  The convention draws approximately 35,000 to 40,000 attendees annually. 

Each year I prepare flash drives containing numerous informational pieces including:  demographic, socioeconomic data, detailed site inventory lists, traffic counts, census data, zoning maps, plans and policies the City Council has adopted and other pieces which assist in selling the City of McHenry and making a case for why a particular business or developer should locate in our community.  I firmly believe this opportunity to interact face-to-face with individuals consistently year after year is invaluable.  Economic development is based on establishment of and building relationships, trust and connecting with individuals on a regular basis. 

Economic development takes time and ICSC provides us an opportunity to showcase the City of McHenry but also to meet with individuals and maintain an ongoing conversation.  A consistent presence is paramount because it demonstrates the willingness of your City to invest in the time and resources to attract quality economic development.

Throughout 2015 numerous businesses opened, expanded and relocated to the City of McHenry.  There are many ways the City can foster business growth, retention or expansion and one is by continually evaluating our ordinances, plans and policies.  On August 17, 2015 the City Council approved text amendments to the City’s zoning ordinance to further promote and support business growth and development. 

The amendments include a streamlined procedure to allow outdoor seating in conjunction with a restaurant and permitting restaurants to have indoor entertainment without obtaining a conditional use permit.  Restaurants are now also permitted uses in the O-2 Office Park, I-1 Industrial and BP Business Park zoning districts.  The City of McHenry wants to be “business friendly” and not just state we are “business friendly.”  Please help us accomplish this goal to the greatest extent practical for businesses, residents, visitors and the City!  Text amendments are one tool we can utilize to advance this goal!

Fabrik Molded Plastics is located at 5213 Prime Parkway in the City of McHenry, McHenry Corporate Center and is a leader in the plastics injection molding industry. They employ approximately 400 people and has been located in the McHenry Corporate Center for more than 20 years.  I participated on a conference call in May 2015 with Keith Wagner, CEO of Fabrik, Pam Cumpata, Executive Director of the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation, Scott Dixon of Dixon Companies and Andria Winters, Deputy Director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.  At that time Fabrik has met with multiple states and was very close to deciding whether to expand in the City of McHenry, open an additional facility or potentially move out of state.  

In 2014 the City Council adopted the Underutilized Property Tax Abatement and Incentive Program to encourage reinvestment in existing improved vacant or underutilized properties through a property tax abatement program instituted through multiple taxing bodies.  Over time assessed valuations of vacant or underutilized properties decrease or remain stagnant which hinders tax growth for all governmental bodies, and the intent of this program through intergovernmental cooperation, is to abate a portion or all of the property tax increase over a mutually agreed-upon time period following property redevelopment and/or reoccupation of a previously-vacant building. 

After learning Fabrik was at an impasse with the State of Illinois and close to deciding what to do I drafted a property tax abatement agreement predicted on Fabrik staying in the City of McHenry and purchasing the vacant building at 1515 Miller Parkway to expand their business.   On July 6, 2015 the City Council unanimously approved an Ordinance Authorizing the Mayor’s Execution of a Property Tax Abatement Agreement for Fabrik Industries, Inc., located at 5213 Prime Parkway.  The agreement authorizes abatement on the increase in property taxes if Fabrik purchases the vacant building at 1515 Miller Parkway, expands their business operation and remains in the City of McHenry and State of Illinois. 

Over the next two months Keith Wagner, Pam Cumpata, President of the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation and I attended and spoke before 10 of the 11 taxing bodies to advocate for a property tax abatement from each taxing body, on the increase in property taxes, if Fabrik chose to remain in the City and purchase the building at 1515 Miller Parkway.  Seven taxing bodies, in addition to the City of McHenry, approved the property tax abatement agreement.

In November 2015 the State of Illinois announced an approval of EDGE tax credits for three companies in the State of Illinois, one of which was Fabrik Molded Plastics, based on the creation of new jobs and capital investments, to further incentivize Fabrik to expand in the City of McHenry.  While Fabrik has not made a final decision it’s this type of partnership, effort and cooperation which is required to retain valuable jobs and send a message to companies that there is a viable alternative to moving out of state and that is staying within the City of McHenry and expanding your business.

On Sunday June 7, 2015 the Northwest Herald published their annual Northwest Herald Reader’ Choice Awards for businesses throughout McHenry County.  More than 65 businesses and people in the City of McHenry were recognized!  We have numerous businesses in the City which provide valuable jobs, services and products and we need to ensure as residents and businesses we capitalize on these and help each other succeed which in turn benefits the entire community.

Starbucks, 2210 N Richmond Road, which is located in McHenry Towne Center on north Richmond Road, was granted approval to construct a drive-thru facility at their existing location.  However, since this approval Oberweis closed their store, which was located in the outlot building immediately to the north.  Starbucks has since decided to relocate to the former Oberweis space and offer limited beer and wine service, as they have begun to do specific locations throughout the country.  This will allow Starbucks to remain open while they complete renovations to the Oberweis space which will occur in early 2016.

The City worked diligently in 2015 and will continue to so in 2016 to facilitate the reopening of the downtown McHenry Theater building on Green Street.  I have been working with the broker marketing the site, as well as potential operators and investors to get the theater back open.  Although this is not an easy or quick process the City is doing everything possible to get the theater reopened because it’s a part of the historic fabric of the City and vital to the City’s downtown revitalization efforts.

CVS Pharmacy completed construction of a new 13,225 square feet store with accompanying drive-thru at the northwest corner of Elm and Front Streets.  The store will officially open its doors on January 24, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. and will have a ribbon cutting ceremony on February 6, 2016 at 9:00 a.m.  Please come out and welcome them to the City.

The building located at 926 Front Street, which had been vacant for a couple of years and formerly occupied by CarQuest is now home to Principio Auto Group.  The conditional use permit approved by the City Council allows the business to display vehicles and trailers for sale outside and repair vehicles and trailers.

Five Star Pallets relocated their business from Crystal Lake to 3939 Albany Street, which is in the Tonyan Industrial Park on South Illinois Route 31.  This building was also vacant for several years.  Five Star Pallets repairs/remanufactures wooden pallets for their customers and the conditional use permit allows them to store wooden outside pallets at the southern end of the property. 

Chain O’ Lakes Brewing Company, located at 3425 W Pearl Street, was granted approval to allow outdoor seating and entertainment (beer garden atmosphere) as well as host food trucks at their site on a permanent basis.  Red Wing Shoes, 2210 W Illinois Route 120, opened a new location on West Illinois Route 120. 

V3 Gasoline Inc., doing business as Marathon located at the southeast corner of Elm Street and Meadow Lane completed extensive renovations and remodeling and reopened in 2015.  After the Fox, 1406 Riverside Drive, received approval to expand their outdoor seating with food and alcohol service.

The Captain James A. Lovell Veterans Outpatient Clinic, located at 3715 Municipal Drive, was opened and Captain James A. Lovell was the guest speaker at the dedication ceremony.  Furniture by Jason opened at 3314 Pearl Street- in a previously vacant building and Vaportek Inc. opened at 3815 Elm Street in another building which was previously vacant.

The former Sudsy Wash at 3932 Elm was purchased and reopened as Clean N’ Shine Car Wash.  Pavement, striping and other improvements have been completed at the site, and a new sign was also erected.

The former Sullivan’s Grocery Store building located at 3705 Elm was purchased and is being renovated to accommodate a sporting goods retail store and indoor gun range.  Second Amendment Sports will open in 2016.

Big R, a farm and home retailer, purchased the building formerly occupied by Target, which is located in the McHenry Plaza Shopping Center.  McHenry Plaza Shopping Center consists of approximately 194,000 square feet of retail space and the former Target building is 95,420 square feet.  Big R opened in November 2015.

The building located at 920 N Front Street, which was vacant for quite some time and located immediately north of the roller rink was leased and the City Council approved a zoning map amendment and conditional use permit for outdoor storage to allow Sincere Landscaping to conduct business at the site.  Sincere moved to McHenry from Woodstock and operates a landscaping and snowplowing service business.

Door Service Inc. opened at 907 N Front Street (Illinois Route 31), following renovations to the building.  The building is extremely attractive and adds considerable aesthetic appeal heading towards Main Street and Elm Street and is another site along this corridor which has contributed to the on-going revitalization of the area.  If you can drive or walk through it Door Service Inc. can probably help you. 

A Voltage Stabilization Site, south of High Street on the east side of Front Street (302 Front Street), is almost completed.  When finished this will be an electrical voltage stabilization center is tied into the Commonwealth Edison substation on Lillian Street.  The containers house dry cell batteries monitored 24 hours a day/7 days a week/365 days a year and when electrical demand is high this facility will stabilize the electrical grid using the dry cell batteries within the containers on-site.  The batteries will be continuously monitored remotely. 

This is one of three projects being constructed in the State of Illinois of this type and is supported by Commonwealth Edison’s Smart Grid Infrastructure Modernization Initiative.  There is no adverse health, noise, safety or other deleterious impact associated with this project. 

Lucky Poker, a tavern which features craft beers and other beverages, along with video gaming machines is located in the ReMax Plaza Shopping Center at 4005 Kane Avenue Unit L-formerly a chiropractic office and opened this week.  The tavern is new to the City of McHenry but the operator has locations in other counties.

Coming soon to the ReMax Plaza Shopping Center, located at the southwest corner of Kane Avenue and Front Street is Petroons Mexican Restaurant which will open at 4005 Kane Avenue Unit G, formerly a takeout pizza restaurant.  Petroons is new to the City of McHenry but the operator has two other restaurants in nearby cities.  The restaurant will offer dine-in and carry-out options and open in 2016.

European Service at Home Inc. opened at 4606 W Elm Street.  European Service at Home provides an integrated health and human service operation for clients seeking their assistance.

Betty’s Bistro, a video gaming café, opened at 1771 N Richmond Road (McHenry Grounds Shopping Center), center which Panera Bread is located.  Betty’s Bistro is new to the City of McHenry but operates many other locations in other cities

Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW) opened in 2015 in the former Office Max space in the Shops at Fox River Shopping Center!

At their September 22, 2015 meeting the City Council approved plans for a new Dunkin Donuts Restaurant to be constructed at the southwest corner of Oak Avenue and Front Street.  The new restaurant will consist of 2,280 square feet accompanied with a drive-thru facility.  Construction will commence in 2016!

Black Diamond Plumbing and Mechanical purchased the building at 1400 Miller Parkway, located in the City of McHenry Corporate Center.  They bring over 100 new employees and jobs to the City of McHenry and were recognized at the Annual McHenry County Economic Development Corporation dinner as a Business Champion!

At their December 7, 2015 meeting the City Council paved the way for Sunnyside Chrysler Dodge Ram to complete a building expansion at 4810 W Elm Street which will accommodate a Jeep Franchise.  The proposed building addition (3,870 square feet) will be to the east side of the existing building on the north side of Elm Street.  Sunnyside has been operating a new and used car sales and repair business on the north and sides of West Elm Streets for over half a century and is the anchor of the West Elm Street.  

Building Summary


On April 9, 2015 a significant weather event occurred in McHenry County and this one event had a substantial impact on our Community and Economic Development Department.  The event produced high winds and an incredible amount of hail which damaged myriad homes and businesses throughout the City.  The Community and Economic Development Department was inundated with roofing and siding permits for several months following this one event. 

Roofing and siding are minor building permits.  To put this into perspective between January and November 2014 the City issued 822 minor residential building permits. In comparison, between January and November 2015, the City issued 2,745 residential minor building permits an increase of 234%.  Over the same time period minor commercial building permits have increased 16% and new single-family attached dwelling until construction has increased by 87% between November 2014 and November 2015.

Building during 2015 was very steady and many projects were undertaken, in addition to the permits I previously referenced.  Following the fire which occurred at the Polish Legion of American Veterans building at 1304 Park Street, restorative work is nearing completion.  The construction of the Voltage Stabilization Site at 302 Front Street is almost finished.

Superior Felt and Filtration, located at 1150 Ridgeview Drive, is putting the final touches on a 70,000 square foot building expansion.  The CVS Pharmacy building has also been completed, as well as the McHenry Recreation Center located directly west of the Municipal Center.

Renovations to the building located at 903 Front Street are ongoing and nearly complete.  Habitat for Humanity will be opening a Habitat Restore at that location early 2016.  Interior renovations are also occurring at Centegra Hospital to provide overnight accommodations for doctors, as well as additional renovations on the second floor of the hospital where the patient assessment area is located. 

Plans for a new restaurant and bar were received for the building at 2815 W Illinois Route 120.  First Midwest Bank is vacating the building at the northwest corner of Green Street and Elm Street and relocating to 1308 N Richmond Road, which is adjacent, the bank’s existing drive-thru facility.  Interior remodeling to accommodate walk-in and drive-thru customers continues.

The retail space located at 400 South Illinois Route 31 is being remodeled for a new restaurant, Meat and Potatoes Restaurant (former location of Blue Cherry Yogurt).  An adjacent tenant space, 404 South Illinois Route 31, is undergoing interior alterations to accommodate Aesthetics Boutique, which is relocating from The Fountain Shoppes.  The former Whispering Oaks Community Center, 4513 Front Royal Drive, was purchased and being remodeled for an assembly use (religious institution). 

The Chapel, which currently holds worship services at McHenry High School West Campus, and purchased approximately 12 acres on Crystal Lake Road just north of Bull Valley Road (formerly the Koehn Farm), annexed to the City of McHenry and planned to construct a new building.  The Chapel has since evaluated another alternative and annexed the building at 1809 S Illinois Route 31 to the City of McHenry, located immediately south of the Waste Management facility, and plans to remodel this building to accommodate their needs.  A permit was submitted and issued and alterations are underway at 1809 S Illinois Route 31.  The Chapel has since placed the property on Crystal Lake Road on the market.

Spring 2016 will see the commencement of the construction of White Oaks Memory Care at 4605 W Crystal Lake Road, a facility which can accommodate a maximum of 48 individuals who suffer from Alzheimer’s or other form of Dementia.  The developer of the project, Barron Development, is the same developer which constructed the Heritage Woods Independent and Assisted Living Facility immediately to the south.

Infrastructure Improvements and Community Facility Enhancements


Numerous infrastructure projects were completed and others began during 2015.  One of which was improvement to the intersection of Richmond Road and Elm Street, as well as roadway widening on Elm Street and north Richmond Road.  The City received grant funding to install new lighting along Elm Street and Richmond Road.  For the scope, size, complexity and number of vehicles which pass through this intersection on a daily basis the project was well managed and completed in a very timely manner.  This was the result of a cooperative effort between:  the contractor, City of McHenry and consulting engineer, the Illinois Department of Transportation, residents and local businesses.

Another major project which is nearing completion and is the second phase of a larger improvement is roadway enhancements to Charles Miller/Bull Valley Road and Front Street/South Illinois Route 31.  This project is being managed by the McHenry County Division of Transportation in cooperation with their contractor, engineer and the City of McHenry and will be completed in 2016.

Knox Drive was recently extended from its terminus at Municipal Drive south to Charles Miller Road.  The new Know Drive extension is a right-in/right-out only to and from Charles Miller Road but provides a much needed secondary access for businesses fronting on South Illinois Route 31 north of Bull Valley Road. 

The City also completed a local street program, improvements to McCullom Lake Road, which the City received partial grant funding, and a traffic control signal was approved and is currently being installed at the intersection of Crystal Lake Road and Dartmoor Drive.  The City Council also authorized a roadway improvement project for the intersection of Curran Road and Bull Valley Road, which will include the installation of a traffic control signal.  The City received more than $1,000,000 in grant funding for this project.

The construction of the first phase of the City’s 18,200 square-foot Recreation Center begun in 2015 and is located directly west of the Municipal Center and north of Municipal Drive.  The Recreation Center will open in early spring 2016!  Please visit the Municipal Center or call 815.363.2100 for membership information. 

This first phase will consist of space for programming, fitness needs and multi-purpose rooms.  This is the first of a multi-phased recreation and aquatic campus which will be located immediately west of the Municipal Center, north of Municipal Drive and east of Knox Drive.  The facility is being constructed on City-owned property, using funds the City had saved since 1999 and received through developer donations/park impact fees.  Staffing and operational expenses for the recreation center will be paid through user fees, and the facility will be financially self-sustaining without the use of taxpayer dollars!

The City of McHenry, with the assistance of its engineer HR Green, was awarded $358,840 in grant funding to construct a bike path which will connect the existing bike path on Municipal Drive to the City’s Recreation Center and extend through Knox Park to Green Street.  It will provide a non-vehicular path incorporating the Municipal and Recreation Center, Knox Park Ball Fields and Tennis Courts, Knox Park Barn and Skate Park and Peter J. Merkel Aquatic Center in addition to the Parks and Recreation/Downtown Maintenance Facility and Water Treatment Plant Two on Green Street.

The City Council approved the largest public works project in the City’s history, which includes the consolidation of the Central and South Wastewater Treatment Plants.  This project has been in the planning stages for many years and is required due to the age, deterioration and lack of functionality and obsolescence of the Central Plant.  Working with the City’s Engineer, HR Green, the City was able to secure a low-interest loan to fund the over $30-million-dollar construction project. 

While residents and businesses will see an increase in water and sewer rates and debt service charges the improvements are required in order to comply with standards and regulations set forth by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.  This project will take approximately three years after which the City will have a very marketable site with frontage on the Fox River, which is a key component and has been for many years, in the City’s downtown revitalization efforts.

McHenry Elementary District 15 received zoning approval to construct building additions which will replace mobile classrooms at Chauncey H. Duker Middle School, Hilltop, Edgebrook and Valley View Elementary Schools.  It’s District 15’s intent to replace mobile classrooms at all its facilities over the next several years.

In 2015 the City Council approved a Professional Services Agreement with FGM Architects to complete design and facilitate construction administration at the City’s Municipal Center in an effort to make the Municipal Center more customer-friendly and provide a consolidated one-stop shop point of service contact for multiple City services.  This work will be completed in 2016.  The City also completed a major renovation to Fort McHenry in Whispering Oaks Park as well as to the tennis courts at Knox Park.  Additionally, a new sound system was installed at Veterans Memorial Park.

City staff also provided assistance to facilitate construction of a right-hand turn lane from Illinois Route 31 to property north of McHenry Savings Bank (north of Bank Drive and south of Park Place) at the request of McHenry Savings Bank.  This project will be completed in 2016.

  Networking and Establishing and Cultivating Partnerships and Relationships
 
The City has established many partnerships and cultivated numerous relationships with entities such as:  McHenry County College Shah Center, McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce, McHenry County Economic Development Corporation, McHenry County Workforce Network, McHenry County Visitors and Tourism Bureau, United States Small Business Administration, Nicor, Commonwealth Edison and the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and The Indonesian Trade Promotion Center.

These relationships are mutually beneficial to the City of McHenry as well as the other entities promoting the retention, attraction and expansion of businesses, not just in the City but in McHenry County and larger region outside of the County.  As previously explained earlier in this post the City has partnered with other taxing bodies throughout McHenry County, McHenry County Economic Development Corporation, the State of Illinois and Fabrik Molded Plastics in an effort to retain Fabrik in the City of McHenry and facilitate an expansion.  It’s these types of partnerships which are crucial to a successful economic development program.

“THE DOLLARS ARE REAL DOLLARS. EVERY DOLLAR IS A DOLLAR FOR BOTH SIDES. THAT’S IMPORTANT,” WAGNER SAID. “BUT THERE IS ALSO THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND THE COMMUNITY ENERGY BEING PUT INTO  HOW IMPORTANT IS THIS. WE ARE A COMPANY THAT TAKES THAT IN CONSIDERATION. WE ARE NOT JUST A SPREADSHEET.”



KEITH WAGNER—PRESIDENT, FABRIK MOLDED PLASTICS

I attended a roundtable discussion, hosted by the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation, and representatives from Metro Chicago Exports which gave an invigorating vibrant presentation about global consumption, painted a clear picture of the tremendous value, importance and need to do business internationally.

On April 24 and on November 6, 2015 I attended Business Network Scrambles sponsored by the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce to assist small business development and matching businesses with resources and other businesses which may complement or supplement their efforts.  These are held biannually and provide an ideal opportunity to network and meet new people and businesses which they are engaged.  It provides me the same opportunity to market and promote the City of McHenry.

In April I attended the Illinois Economic Development Association and Commonwealth Edison “Meet the Director Reception” for Economic Development Professionals throughout the Chicagoland Region.  The State of Illinois’ economic development agency, Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), is undertaking organizational changes, one of which was the hiring of a new Director. 

The reception was held in Chicago and at the reception I was able to speak with both the Director and Deputy Director about the City of McHenry and concerns we, as a City have, specifically with large employers seeking to expand or potentially relocate out of the State of Illinois.

On May 5, 2015 I attended a forum on behalf of the City of McHenry sponsored by The State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Illinois Community College Board and Illinois Community College Council of Presidents in cooperation with regional workforce investment board.  The forums are part of a statewide effort which will result in a Five-Year Workforce Investment Strategic Plan. 

I was invited by the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center to an event at their offices in Chicago.  The purpose was to showcase Indonesian Coffee through a documentary filmed in Indonesia and the importance of coffee to their culture and economy.  While at the event I spoke with the Indonesian Consulate General to promote the City of McHenry and contemporaneously become more educated about the opportunities available for businesses in the City of McHenry to import/export with businesses in Indonesia.  The State of Illinois is Indonesia’s fifth largest trading partner within the United States. 

On August 12, 2015 Mayor Low and the City of McHenry in partnership with the McHenry County College Shah Center, had the pleasure of hosting Indonesian Consul General Mr. Andriana Supandy; Consul for Economic Affairs Mr. Alberd Pardede, Director of the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center in Chicago Mr. Wijayanto, as well as other staff members of the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center. 

This provided an opportunity to have an interactive conversation and exchange of ideas between the City of McHenry, McHenry County College Small Business Development Center as well as other leaders from McHenry County College, McHenry County Economic Development Corporation, State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and others on how we can work together to foster business growth and development, importing and exporting and investment between the City of McHenry, McHenry County, State of Illinois and Indonesia. 

Following Director of Public Works Jon Schmitt, Water Superintendent Mike Palmer and Wastewater Superintendent Russell Ruzicka led tours of the City of McHenry Water Treatment Plant Number Two and the South Wastewater Treatment Plant. 

The day we spent exchanging ideas and learning about how we can work together for the benefit of the City of McHenry, McHenry County and State of Illinois and Indonesia was another step forward in continuing to cultivate that relationship and economic development partnership!  Consul General Mr. Andriana Supandy expressed significant interest in fostering relationships with companies in the City of McHenry and beyond and his office can assist with licensing; identification of investment opportunities and serving as a direct conduit between businesses in McHenry with those in Indonesia. 

On October 23, 2015 I attended an event entitled:  THIRD ANNUAL SUMMIT ON REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS:  A WAY FORWARD:  STAKEHOLDER LEADERSHIP UNLOCKING THE ECONOMIC POTENTIAL OF THE TRI-STATE REGION.  The event was sponsored by many organizations but hosted and organized by the Alliance for Regional Development and was held at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. 

“The Alliance for Regional Development is a groundbreaking coalition of high-level leaders in business, government, and academia working together to strengthen the economic competitiveness of Chicago’s tri-state region, including northeast Illinois, northwest Indiana, and southeast Wisconsin.  Our common goal is to provide a cross-jurisdictional, multi-sector response to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Territorial Review of the tri-state region that recommended specific and coordinated improvements in four key areas–workforce development, innovation, transportation and logistics, and green growth–to overcome growth and job-creation rates well below national and international averages for large metropolitan areas similar to our own.”

At the September 14th City Council Meeting Mayor Low proclaimed Saturday October 2, 2015 as National Manufacturing Day.  The City of McHenry is home to numerous national and international manufacturers in industrial and business parks across the City.  Often these businesses are not at the forefront in a community due to being located and segregated in industrial and business parks, which you may never see if you don’t work at a particular business within that park.  However, these businesses are primary employers and provide numerous jobs to residents and people outside the City.  If you have time, take a drive or walk thru one or all of the industrial or business parks and note the businesses within such parks.

Celebration of Community Events, Recognition and Promotion and Celebration of Success



EVENTS



Fiesta Days, an annual event which commenced on July 10, 2015 and culminated with a parade on July 19, transformed the City of McHenry into a place of continuous entertainment, events and activities and destination for many outside of the City, McHenry County and State of Illinois. 

Another community event, “Keep the Spirit of 45 Alive,” held annually in the City of McHenry and has received national notoriety in large part due to the efforts of Ron Bykowski, a local businessman, who was also the 2015 Fiesta Days Parade Marshal.  This was the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII and the event held on August 9, 2015 was spectacular and included an helicopter flyover by the United States Military.

Additionally, there are many other community events which were held throughout 2015 sponsored by numerous community organizations including:

Rotary Club
Lions Club
Knights of Columbus
Kiwanis Club
McHenry Area Downtown Business Association
McHenry VFW
Polish Legion of American Veterans
American Legion
McHenry School Districts 15 and 156
McHenry High School Key Clubs
McHenry Public Library District
McHenry Township
McHenry Township Fire Protection  District
Masonic Lodge
City of McHenry
McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce
Numerous Local Businesses

Special events and tourism are vital components to a community’s economic well-being.  They bring people together, enhance and contribute to quality of life and provide opportunities for businesses to showcase themselves and their products and services.  The City of McHenry which plays a large supporting role along with other stakeholders and countless volunteers collaborate, for the benefit of the entire community on numerous events which everyone in the community can enjoy including: 

Thursday Night Summer Concert Series in Veterans Memorial Park and Farmers Market
Spring Taste Fest
Lions Club Carnival
Green Street Cruise Night
Back to Family Outdoor Movie Night
Combined Veterans Memorial Day Ceremony
A Day at Petersen Farm held at Historic Petersen Farm
Rotary Blues, Brews and BBQ
Kiwanis Soap Box Derby
 McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Honor’s Event
 City of McHenry/Jaycees Independence Day Fireworks
9/11 Ceremony
Jaycees Haunted House
Wonder Lake Ski Team Haunted Hayride
McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce Country Meadows Craft Show and Wine and Beer Tasting
Combined Veterans Day Ceremony
McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce Radical River Road Rally
McHenry Area Downtown Business Association Flavors of Fall Taste Fest

RECOGNITION


The City Council has approved more than fifteen honorary street sign applications since the inception of the program in 2005.  To be considered, the proposed honoree is required to meet the following criteria:  historical/cultural influence on the city, significant lineage or family ties to the city, clear geographical relationship of street to the area of interest of the applicant, known to be of good moral character, and a clearly defined community or public contribution made by the honoree. 

One such sign was for Joseph B. Stanek, who served as Mayor of the City of McHenry from 1973-1985 and was instrumental in acquiring Petersen Park, developing Knox Park and the City pool at that location, as well as assisting in the development of the Northern Illinois Medical Center/Centegra Hospital.  He has lived in the City for half a century.  An honorary street sign dedication ceremony was held on April 16, 2015 to honor and recognize Mr. Stanek and his family for the aforementioned contributions and service. 

The City of McHenry Police Department was successful in their reaccreditation assessment from The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Reaccreditation (CALEA).  The City of McHenry Police Department was the first law enforcement agency in McHenry County to attain CALEA Accreditation 12 years ago and must undergo an extensive reaccreditation process every three years.  This is quite an accomplishment and a great deal of work is required to even be considered for accreditation and intensive training, ongoing procedure review, community outreach, policy formation and implementation is necessary from the moment an agency receives its initial accreditation in order to maintain receive reaccreditation. 

In 2015 the City of McHenry was recognized as a Tree City USA, an achievement the City has maintained for more than 20 consecutive years!!!  The Tree City USA program is administered by the Arbor Day Foundation.  The City must apply annually to receive this designation and specific criteria are utilized to qualify and be considered for this designation.  The City of McHenry held its annual Arbor Day Celebration on April 24, 2015.

At the September 14th City Council Meeting Mayor Low proclaimed Saturday September 19, 2015 as National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.  Although we may not see everything that goes into day-to-day police work there is a great deal of comfort knowing we live in a very safe City which contributes to a high quality of life.  People who put their lives on the line every day ensure this is the case and although it is not always obvious a great deal of effort is placed into proactively protecting our community, educating residents and businesses; interacting with our schools on a daily and working in conjunction with other agencies including the McHenry Township Fire Protection District. 

At the September 14th City Council Meeting Mayor Low proclaimed Sunday September 20, 2015 as Marya Dixon Day.  Marya Dixon served on the City of McHenry Landmark Commission for over 30 years!!!  This is the definition of community service. 

Another individual and family who has served our community for decades and given back in some many ways is Tom Sullivan and his family, former owners of Sullivan Foods.  Tom and his family graciously donated the antique clock tower which was located at 3705 W Elm.  This was an extremely generous gesture which the City greatly appreciates.  With the assistance of local businesses and our Parks and Recreation Department the clock and its functionality were restored and placed in Green Street Park, located at the northeast corner of Green and Elm Streets.  It is quite an attractive amenity at that very visible location and provides a great historical landmark for our community!

Promotion and Celebration of Successes


One of the most important roles members of a community can play is promoting the place they live, work and play!  It’s free and in today’s digital technological environment it’s easier to spread the word to a large number of people very quickly.  In the business world a personal reference by a customer is one of the most valuable and free forms of advertisement.  The same rational translates to communities.  Businesses want to locate where they are welcomed, are valued and appreciated.  People want to live, work and visit places that are family-oriented, community and civic-minded.

In 2015 City of McHenry was chosen by the WATERCON2015 attendees to appear in the third annual Illinois Section American Water Works Water Tank Photo Calendar.  The 2015-2016 calendar was unveiled for the first time at the 8th Annual Water Distribution Conference on April 28, 2015. 

The City of McHenry South Wastewater Treatment Plant was selected as one of seven out of a possible 180 facilities statewide as “Best Operated Wastewater Treatment Works”.  It was nominated for the award by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s (IEPA) Division of Water Pollution Control, Field Operations Section.  This award is presented in five categories, with the categories being separated according to facility size and treatment process type.  The purpose of the annual awards is to emphasize the relationship between adequate wastewater treatment and clean receiving waters and to give public recognition and encouragement to communities, their officials and the operating personnel who have operated their wastewater facilities in an especially effective manner.

In 2015 the City of McHenry received a Distinguished Budget Award by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).  The award is based on specific guidelines and reviewed by staff members of GFOA in addition to outside reviewers with expertise in public sector budgeting.  In November 2015 the City of McHenry and Carolyn Lynch, Director of Finance for the City of McHenry were presented with GFOA Distinguished Budget Awards.  This is a testament to hours spent preparing the City’s comprehensive budget document by the City Council and staff and the City Council’s continued effort and commitment to fiscal transparency, responsibility and accountability!

As I stated at the beginning of this post I hope you will agree the City of McHenry, residents, businesses, visitors, community stakeholders and service organizations alike have a lot to be proud of and thankful for everything accomplished in 2015.  Additionally, a solid foundation has been laid for future endeavors which will continue into 2016 and beyond. 

Economic development encompasses numerous things, many of which have been outlined in this post however this is by no means an exhaustive list of everything which occurred and was accomplished by the City of McHenry in 2015.  It is intended however to provide examples, testaments and continued efforts, advocacy, commitment and dedication to the City of McHenry by residents, businesses, community stakeholders and service organization which in turn produces vast community benefits.   

Community service, events, tourism, history and myriad other factors are considered when people and businesses are deciding where to locate, reside or visit.  Public safety, infrastructure, schools, libraries, parks, open space, hospitals and other institutions play a pivotal role in a holistic approach to economic development and are extremely integral to a community’s vitality.  All of which contribute to our local economy and a vibrant community.  The City of McHenry is proud to have a community which includes all of these and a place people are proud to live, visit and do business.  Please help us accomplish this goal to the greatest extent practical for businesses, residents, visitors and the City!  Happy New Year and let’s do this again in 2016! 

PLEASE ENJOY THE FOLLOWING IMAGES FROM 2015!

 


Design of the new City of McHenry Exhibit utilized at the International Council of Shopping Centers Conference in Las Vegas, McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo and other conferences and events


Big R-located in former Target building on North Richmond Road

DSW located in former Office Max building at Shops at Fox River on North Richmond Road

furniture by jason Downtown McHenry

Chain O' Lakes Brewing located at southeast corner of Pearl and Green Streets in Downtown McHenry

New CVS Pharmacy located at northwest corner of Elm and Front Streets

Rendering of Third Dunkin Donuts Building to be located at the southwest corner of Oak  Avenue and Front Street

Door Services Inc. located at 907 N Front Steet

Rendering of south building elevation for Sunnyside Dodge following building addition to be completed in 2016

Award winning photograph which is featured  in 2015-2016 Illinois Section American Water Works Water Tower Tank Photo Calendar

Former Mayor Joseph Stanek and his wife at their Honorary Street Sign Dedication Ceremony at the entrance to Petersen Park

Postcard advertising opening of new McHenry Recreation Center

City of McHenry Recreation Center

Looking south from Municipal Drive at Knox Drive Extension to Charles Miller Road





Hailstorm April 9, 2015

Mayor Low and Indonesian Consul General Andriana Supandy

Kim Hankins-McHenry County College Director of Sustainability explaining the functionality of how the photovoltaic array at the Shah Center is monitored

Water Superintendent Mike Palmer explaining features of City Water Treatment Plant Two to members of the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center


Funeral Procession for McHenry County Sheriff's Deputy Dwight Maness, who died as a result of a shooting in the line-of-duty (Over 100 police vehicles from Chicago, LaSalle County to Kenosha, WI and various points in between-procession is heading west on Pearl Street just east of Veterans Memorial Park in Downtown McHenry

Funeral Procession for McHenry County Sheriff's Deputy Dwight Maness (Funeral Procession on Pearl Street at Veterans Memorial Park)

Veterans Memorial Park Tribute to our Fallen Heroes-Each flag represents an individual from Illinois who was killed while serving our country since 1991 (150 flags and 7 individuals from McHenry County)

A Vietnam Memorial donated by the McHenry High School Class of 1964 paying tribute to three classmates who lost their lives during the Vietnam War.  Monument is located in Veterans Memorial Park

Dedication Ceremony of Captain James A. Lovell Veterans Outpatient Clinic-located on Municipal Drive, south west of City Hall



Funeral Procession of Farmers throughout McHenryu County paying tribute to Tom King, longtime member of the McHenry farming community, procession is heading north on Richmond Road to St. Mary's Church

St. Mary's parking lot during Funeral Services held for Tom King

Antique Clock Tower donated to the City of McHenry by Tom Sullivan and his family-clock is located in Green Street Park at the northeast corner of Green and Elm Streets in Downtown McHenry