Dear Members:
On Friday, November 11, at 10:30 a.m., Elmhurst American Legion THB Post 187, City of Elmhurst, Elmhurst Park District and our Chamber will commemorate Elmhurst’s Veterans Day during their annual ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in Willd Park, followed by a luncheon in the Legion’s Normandy Banquet Room.
As is now tradition, yours truly will have the distinct honor and privilege of reading the names of Elmhurst’s military veterans who have passed away since Elmhurst’s 104th Annual Memorial Day Parade’s Post-Parade Military Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial last May 30.
Small Business Saturday
Holiday shoppers alienated with the traditional bedlam of Black Friday should support Small Business Saturday by shopping locally on November 26—whether done in person or online. You can find an amazing mix of unique gifts and exceptional services to purchase for family and friends, while contributing to the well-being of your community’s economy.
Since its 2010 inception by American Express, Small Business Saturday has generated some $163 billion in consumer spending. In 2021—the program’s 12th Anniversary year—an estimated 110 million consumers shopped and/or dined on Small Business Saturday, generating a record $23.3 billion in spending, an increase of 18 percent from 2020 ($19.8 billion), according to the Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, which was conducted by Teneo on behalf of American Express and the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB).
Survey responses from 2021 indicated that 64 percent of consumers who shopped or dined on Small Business Saturday did so with the mindset of supporting underrepresented-owned businesses within their communities. The survey also revealed that online shopping—a source of small business revenue growth during the Coronavirus Pandemic—increased slightly in 2021, with 58 percent of shoppers making a purchase online, compared to 2020 (56 percent) and 2019 (43 percent). Nearly four out of every five Small Business Saturday consumers (79 percent) understood the importance of supporting the small businesses in their community and two out of every three (66 percent) reported that the day makes them want to “Shop Small” all year long.
Today, small businesses (500 employees or less) account for nearly 33.2 million U.S. businesses, employ 46.4 percent of those working in the private sector and create two out of every three new jobs.
This holiday season is projected to generate up to $695 billion in sales for U.S. small businesses. More importantly, 68 percent of every $1 spent at a local small business stays in the community, as compared to 44 percent from a big box retailer. Nearly four out of every five independent retails (78 percent) stated that holiday sales are critical in order for them to stay in business.
For many communities, sales taxes account for a municipality’s largest source of operating budget revenue, often offsetting any need for a property tax increase. Home-rule municipalities like Elmhurst benefit more from local taxes on food and beverage, retail, lodging, motor fuel, etc., than from their residential and commercial property taxpayers.
Nashville Songwriter Benefit
“Stories Behind The Songs,” the Third Annual Military Benefit featuring a trio of Nashville country singers/songwriters, will return to the Normandy Banquet Room at Elmhurst American Legion THB Post 187 on Saturday, November 12, from 7 to 9 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Ticket cost of $125 includes an open bar and hors d’ouevres.
Outdoor Dining Downtown
Following two years of pandemic-initiated expanded outdoor dining in downtown Elmhurst, the Elmhurst City Council’s Development, Planning and Zoning (DP&Z) Committee at its October 24 meeting continued review of sidewalk, curbside parking space and street closure options for City Centre restaurants and bars come 2023.
Elmhurst City Centre will host one-hour informational sessions for downtown businesses in Conference Room 2 at Elmhurst City Hall on November 1 at 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Economic Development Projects
The City of Elmhurst’s Zoning and Planning (Z&P) Commission at its November 15 meeting will continue its review of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) application for a developer to construct a 28-unit condominium at 196 to 202 North York Street.
The DP&Z Committee also is reviewing a PUD application for a developer to build 30 townhomes along West Lake Street’s frontage road. The developer also is seeking nearly $1.7 million in Tax-Increment Financing (TIF-2) funding assistance.
New Members
Our Chamber welcomed three new members in October as follows: America’s Best Contact & Eyeglasses, Maharaj Indian Grill, Mosaic Counseling and Wellness.
Reactivated Member
All Chicagoland Moving & Storage reactivated as a Chamber member under new ownership.
Happy Anniversary
Five members are celebrating Chamber anniversaries in November as follows: 35 years—City of Elmhurst and Sal’s Beverage World; and 5 years—Christopher Glass and Aluminum, Doc’s Victory Pub, Millenia Investments, Sherwin-Williams and Victory Meat and Seafood.
Dropped Members
The Chamber said goodbye to the following five members in October: Beerhead Bar & Eatery Elmhurst Food & Liquor, Mack’s Golden Pheasant, NuCara Pharmacy on Vallette and The Silverado Grill.