City of McHenry Economic Development Commmission Formed

Mayor Jett and the McHenry City Council passed an ordinance creating The City of McHenry Economic Development Commission.    The primary functions of the Commission are:  business communication, business attraction, and business retention and expansion.   The Economic Development Commission website can be found at http://www.ci.mchenry.il.us/index.asp?SEC=0BE2B11E-7B38-4DF8-8C56-48BF7E917152&Type=B_BASIC

The Commission, consists of nine members:  Chairwoman Bobbi Baehne, Vice Chairman Rob Jessup, Pat Arnold, Nick Bionda, Eric Joern, Mike Mrachek, Jason Sterwerf, Alderman Andrew Glab and Mayor Wayne Jett and it endeavors to attract business and industry to the City, which will reflect credit to the City, serves as an advisory body to the City Council on matters related to the business community and shall have such additional powers and duties as may be assigned to it from time to time by the Mayor and City Council of the City.  

In order to carry out the primary functions the Economic Development Commission prepares an annual work plan/outline, which varies annually but generally includes the following projects:

• Reviews; provides advice to improve business section on website as well as other forms of marketing which could assist the City in carrying out the primary functions of the Economic Development Commission;
• Discusses opportunities to carryout primary  functions through use of focus groups; business retention visits; and other potential gatherings with a designated sector of the business community;
• Performs an annual review and updates business information and new business welcome letter or other materials;
• Mails recognition letters to noted business successes and/or other forms of business recognition;
• Provides annual report to the City Council and goals for upcoming year, to be completed at end of City’s fiscal year;
• Annually, conducts additional special projects as needed.  Examples may include surveys, business recognition events, seminars and/or newsletter, etc. 

NEXT CITY OF MCHENRY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING DATE:  MARCH 28, 2018 4-6 PM CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS.

ALL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND AND PUBLIC COMMENT AND PARTICIPATION IS WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED AS WELL!!

THANK YOU TO ALL BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS, WHICH HAVE MADE A COMMITMENT TO GIVE BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY, SUPPORT/VOLUNTEER AT A LOCAL EVENT, AND/OR LOCATE THEIR BUSINESS AND/OR EXPAND IN THE CITY OF MCHENRY…EVERY ONE CONTRIBUTES!!!!!

PLEASE HELP US KEEP OUR COMMUNITY VIBRANT AND STRONG TO THE GREATEST EXTENT PRACTICAL FOR BUSINESSES, RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ALIKE! 

THE CITY COUNCIL IS CONTINUALLY EVALUATING WAYS TO ASSIST IN PROMOTING BUSINESS, TOURISM, COMMUNITY EVENTS AND SERVICE! 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS AN ONGOING EFFORT THE CITY IS COMMITTED TO AND IS A COMMUNITY-WIDE EFFORT.  AT THE END OF THE DAY THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY AND EVERYONE WHO IS A PART OF IT BENEFITS!

Douglas P. Martin AICP ICMA-CM ARM

Director of Economic Development

City of McHenry

333 S Green Street

McHenry, IL 60050

815.363.2110 (d)

815.363.2173 (f)

815.790.4752 (c)

@mchmarketpulse

mchmarketpulse@gmail.com

dmartin@ci.mchenry.il.us

www.ci.mchenry.il.us

CITY OF MCHENRY PARTNERS WITH MCHENRY TOWNSHIP TO CONTINUE OFFERING FREE DIAL-A-RIDE VOUCHERS

The City of McHenry is partnering with McHenry Township to continue to offer free bus vouchers for City of McHenry residents living in McHenry and Nunda Townships, 60 years of age and better.  While the City of McHenry will no longer be providing free bus vouchers through MCRide Dial-A-Ride MCRide will remain available to all City of McHenry residents. However, residents will need to pay the appropriate fare to utilize the MCRide service. 

Anyone wishing to use the McHenry Township Bus Service must first register by calling McHenry Township at 815-385-5605 and telling them that you are a resident of the City of McHenry. You must register with the Township even if you have already provided proof of residency with the City of McHenry.

To schedule a ride for either McHenry Township or MCRide Dial-A-Ride, simply call 800-451-4599.  Dispatching for McHenry Township and Pace Dial-A-Ride is done through the Pace call center.

The City of McHenry will continue to offer up to forty free McHenry Township bus vouchers per month to City of McHenry residents 60 of years of age and better.  McHenry Township buses offer door-to-door service between the hours of 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM Monday through Friday. 

Outside of these hours residents can utilize MCRide Dial-A-Ride. However McHenry Township Bus vouchers can only be utilized on McHenry Township buses and free vouchers are only available for qualified City of McHenry residents. 

McHenry Township and MCRide bus drivers will no longer accept any other type of free bus vouchers issued by the City of McHenry in the past.  Newly issued free McHenry Township bus vouchers will not be accepted on MCRide buses.

Thank you for your patience during this transition!

THANK YOU TO ALL BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS, WHICH HAVE MADE A COMMITMENT TO GIVE BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY, SUPPORT/VOLUNTEER AT A LOCAL EVENT, AND/OR LOCATE THEIR BUSINESS AND/OR EXPAND IN THE CITY OF MCHENRY…EVERY ONE, CONTRIBUTES!!!!!

Please help us keep our community vibrant and strong to the greatest extent practical for businesses, residents and visitors alike!  The City Council is continually evaluating ways to assist in promoting business, tourism, community events and service!  Economic development is an ongoing effort the City is committed to and is a community-wide effort.  At the end of the day the entire community and everyone who is a part of it benefits!

Douglas P. Martin

Director of Economic Development

City of McHenry

333 S Green Street

McHenry, IL 60050

815.363.2110 (d)

815.363.2173 (f)

815.790.4752 (c)

@mchmarketpulse

mchmarketpulse@gmail.com

dmartin@ci.mchenry.il.us

www.ci.mchenry.il.us

MANUFACTURING TRADE AND INDUSTRY EXPO; BRAKE PARTS AND MILLER FORMLESS:  2017 BUSINESS CHAMPIONS; NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK; TOYS FOR TOTS COLLECTION CONTINUES

SEPTEMBER 27, 2017 MANUFACTURING TRADE AND INDUSTRY (MTI) EXPO HUGE SUCCESS!!!!

McHenry High School District #156, along with the City of McHenry, McHenry County College, McHenry County Workforce Network, McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of McHenry Sunrise, which sponsored three $1,000 technical scholarships, and Jett’s Heating and Air, which donated autographed Bears and Blackhawks memorabilia, hosted the Second Annual Manufacturing Trade and Industry (MTI) Expo at McHenry High School East Campus on September 27. 

More than forty-five exhibitors, including manufacturers, industries, educators and trades highlighted their companies and other opportunities available to students following high school.   Several hundred students and parents attended to learn about the various options.  The following video was paid for the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation Educational Foundation and produced and edited by Joe Nanez captures the true essence of the MTI Expo https://vimeo.com/239891852! 

Thank you Pam Cumpata for everything you have done for this event and economic development in our County and beyond and good luck in your new position!

NOVEMBER 13, 2017 CITY OF MCHENRY BUSINESS CHAMPIONS:  BRAKE PARTS AND MILLER FORMLESS

The City of McHenry is privileged to have two 2017 Business Champions, honored at the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation Annual Dinner on November 13:  Miller Formless and Brake Parts.  Miller Formless is located at 1805 Dot Street, near the gravel pit off west Route 120 and Brake Parts is located in the McHenry Corporate Center at 4400 Prime Parkway.  Each company has a fascinating history and gives back to the community immensely. 

I would encourage you to read the following, taken directly from each company's website, and visit  each company’s website to learn more about what sets them apart and why the City of McHenry is very lucky to have these companies located within its corporate limits! 

BRAKE PARTS

“’We are greatly honored to have been recognized by MCEDC as a 2017 McHenry County Business Champion,” said Overbeeke. “This recognition means a lot, since BPI has been an integral part of the McHenry County community for decades and many of our employees call the area home. It takes a Team to make this happen, and I am extremely proud of our global associates for their excellence in process, products, customer and community service as they are all clearly reflected in this award. We look forward to the future as a member of the McHenry County community.’”   

Brake Parts (2017 Business Champion)

“Brake Parts Inc (BPI), https://www.brakepartsinc.com/, is committed to leading the global automotive aftermarket as the premier manufacturer and supplier of brake system components, including its respected flagship Raybestos® brand. The company’s primary focus is the growth and profitability of its customers through a collaborative platform of quality, innovation, dedication and integrity. A supplier to major auto parts organizations, BPI has a demonstrated commitment to research, development and testing of its entire product offering, including friction, rotors, drums, calipers and hydraulic products, ensuring that they meet or exceed original equipment fit, form and function requirements. For more information, visit www.brakepartsinc.com.”

MILLER FORMLESS

“Miller Formless was founded in 1970 as a leading provider of mid-sized automated paving systems and other products.  Located in McHenry, Illinois, the company operates out of an 80,000+ square foot manufacturing facility and continues to provide the same quality product and service it pioneered in the 1960’s.  Its machines are currently in use throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Central America, Asia, and Australia http://www.millerformless.com/.”

Miller Formless (2017 Business Champion)

CITY OF MCHENRY CELEBRATES NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK NOVEMBER 13-19, 2017

The City of McHenry celebrated National Apprenticeship Week by erecting two banners one of which was placed on west Route 120 and one on south Route 31.  The City’s Public Works Department set up the banners to help draw attention to apprenticeships and their importance to the business community.

TOYS FOR TOTS

Put a smile on a child’s face by donating to Toys for Tots!  In partnership with Sunrise Rotary, we are collecting new, unwrapped toys appropriate for children newborn through 12 years of age. Toys must be in original package.  Donation box is located on first floor of the Municipal Center until December 14. Most needed toys are for newborns, age 2 and ages 10 -12. Thank you for being so generous with the various organizations we support throughout the year!

THANK YOU TO ALL BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS, WHICH HAVE MADE A COMMITMENT TO GIVE BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY, SUPPORT/VOLUNTEER AT A LOCAL EVENT, AND/OR LOCATE THEIR BUSINESS AND/OR EXPAND IN THE CITY OF MCHENRY…EVERY ONE, CONTRIBUTES!!!!!

Please help us keep our community vibrant and strong to the greatest extent practical for businesses, residents and visitors alike!  The City Council is continually evaluating ways to assist in promoting business, tourism, community events and service!  Economic development is an ongoing effort the City is committed to and is a community-wide effort.  At the end of the day the entire community and everyone who is a part of it benefits!

Douglas P. Martin

Director of Economic Development

City of McHenry

333 S Green Street

McHenry, IL 60050

815.363.2110 (d)

815.363.2173 (f)

815.790.4752 (c)

@mchmarketpulse

mchmarketpulse@gmail.com

dmartin@ci.mchenry.il.us

www.ci.mchenry.il.us

TOYS FOR TOTS; SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY; HAPPY THANKSGIVING;

HELP MAKE A CHILD’S HOLIDAY BRIGHTER BY DONATING TO TOYS FOR TOTS!!!

Put a smile on a child’s face by donating to Toys for Tots!  In partnership with Sunrise Rotary, the City is serving as a collection site for new, unwrapped toys appropriate for children, newborn  through 12 years of age.  Toys must be in original package.  A donation box is in the Municipal Center lobby until December 14.  The most needed toys are for newborns through age 2 and children ages 10-12.  Thank you for being so generous with the various organizations we support throughout the year!  Thank you in advance for your generosity!  We certainly appreciate it!

GET READY SET…..SHOP LOCAL (#SHOPSMALL)!!! HOLIDAY SEASON 2017 IS IN FULL SWING!!!!  SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2017

Over the next several weeks, many will be out enjoying family and friends as the Holiday Season commences.  Further, a lot of shopping will occur over the next several weeks, and this is a time as a community we can really support local businesses. 

NOVEMBER 25, 2017 IS SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY. 

Small Business Saturday is between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  It was first promoted nationally in 2010 and is a trademark of American Express (#shopsmall).  You can visit the following site to learn more about the evolution of Small Business Saturday and how communities have embraced this as an opportunity to promote their local businesses: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/.  

Although Small Business Saturday, #shopsmall, is marketed as a retail opportunity it’s important to remember retail is but one component of a vibrant and diverse economy.  Please don't forget about service, manufacturing, healthcare and the various subsets of all these sectors which makeup a vibrant diverse healthy economy!

Resolution passed by the McHenry City Council Designating November 25, 2017 as Small Business Saturday in the City of McHenry

Please help us keep our community vibrant and strong to the greatest extent practical for businesses, residents and visitors alike!  The City Council is continually evaluating ways to assist in promoting business, tourism, community events and service!  Economic development is an ongoing effort the City is committed to and is a community-wide effort.  At the end of the day the entire community and everyone who is a part of it benefits!

 

Douglas P. Martin

Director of Economic Development

City of McHenry

333 S Green Street

McHenry, IL 60050

815.363.2110 (d)

815.363.2173 (f)

815.790.4752 (c)

@mchmarketpulse

mchmarketpulse@gmail.com

dmartin@ci.mchenry.il.us

www.ci.mchenry.il.us

 

POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA; MCHENRY EVENTS; I LOVE MCHENRY; #MCHENRYMATTERS

SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media is a double-edged sword.   That being said at the City of McHenry we are trying to accentuate the positive but cannot do this without your assistance.  If you see something on social media which is negative, particularly if it is inaccurate-don’t add to it.  In fact, change the topic, alter the conversation, accentuate the positive.  Is there negative?  Of course?  Is everything perfect?  No.  However,  power is in numbers so the more people who counter the negative with something positive the better off everyone will be.   A couple of suggestions:  A Facebook Page called I Love McHenry was started as one way to promote  the positive.  Additionally, utilizing the hashtag #mchenrymatters is another way to promote the positive activities in our community.   Thank you for your assistance!

MCHENRY EVENTS

There are many exciting events this time of year and its often these events which bring a community closer together and I would really encourage you to participate in one or more of these if you have the opportunity.   Community events, holiday activities and helping others often brings a community closer together and following are a few suggestions: 

·        30^th Annual McHenry Downtown Christmas Walk

12:30 to 6 p.m. Nov. 18, Downtown McHenry

·        Binny’s Beverage Depot Wine Tour

1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Nov 18, 4610 W Elm Street

·        Tree Lighting Ceremony

5:30 p.m. Nov. 18, Veterans Park

·        11^th Annual Shop with a Cop

6:00 p.m. to Midnight Nov. 18, McHenry VFW

·        Toys for Tots Parade

1:00 p.m. Nov. 19

·       McHenry County Holiday Fest

      November 19 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. D’Andrea Banquets & Conference       Center in Crystal Lake

 

     

Douglas P. Martin

Director of Economic Development

City of McHenry

333 S Green Street

McHenry, IL 60050

815.363.2110 (d)

815.363.2173 (f)

815.790.4752 (c)

@mchmarketpulse

mchmarketpulse@gmail.com

dmartin@ci.mchenry.il.us

www.ci.mchenry.il.us