Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation

In the latest episode of the Dig Deep podcast, we're talking about craft breweries with two members of Downers Grove's thriving craft beer community.

Tom Beckmann, Owner and Brewer of Goldfinger Brewing Company and Ken Henricks, Partner and President of Alter Brewing Company, join our host Bryan Gay to talk about the business of brewing. The conversation covers the ins and outs of brewing beer, what they've learned about local consumers, and why they are both grateful to be in Downers Grove.

Listen to Episode 7: It's All About The Experience on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or follow this link dgedc.com/spark/podcasts/

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Midwestern University will renovate the former Fry's building in Downers Grove to serve as a new College of Veterinary Medicine and a Companion Animal Clinic that will serve the entire community. This new clinic will create a hub of activity in the Butterfield Road corridor and is an example of the many ways the DGEDC can help connect the dots in commercial and industrial real estate.

Read the full story about the new College of Veterinary Medicine and Companion Clinic at https://bit.ly/4fv4hpZ.

New College of Veterinary Medicine at Midwestern University - Downers Grove EDC Midwestern University has received zoning to renovate the former Fry’s building at 3300 Finley Road in Downers Grove to serve as a new College of Veterinary Medicine and a Companion Animal Clinic that will serve the entire community. According to Dr. Kathleen Goeppinger, President and Chief Execut...

BankFinancial, a full-service community bank, is one of our valued investors. BankFinancial is committed to offering superior customer service and innovative banking products to Downers Grove residents.

BankFinancial specializes in equipment financing, commercial real estate lending, healthcare lending, and treasury services. They are ready to assist clients with their business and commercial banking needs, as well as personal banking and wealth management. Whether it be a personal savings account or a business line of credit, BankFinancial has their customers in mind. They believe that is “How Better Banking Starts.”

We were grateful to have Tom Harris from BankFinancial join us on our Dig Deep Podcast. Listen in to learn more about how BankFinancial can help your small business: https://rss.com/podcasts/dgedc-dig-deep/1296504/

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Downers Grove, DGEDC, Downers Grove business, small business loans, DuPage County

Check out the latest news from SPARK! In our July newsletter, we're discussing:
⚡️ New College of Veterinary Medicine at
⚡️ Dig Deep Podcast featuring Classic Cinemas
⚡️ Upcoming Guiding DG Visioning Workshops
⚡️ DGEDC Q1 2024 Key Performance Indicators Report
⚡️ Our Featured Board Member
To view the full SPARK update, visit https://conta.cc/4cLo7vv
SPARK is the Small Business Community Navigator Program focused on retaining and growing small businesses in Downers Grove. Learn more at dgedc.com

If you're wondering how apprenticeships might bring more talent to your small business, the Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation can help!

Companies, in industries from healthcare to IT, are learning more about the benefits of apprenticeships to both the employer and their workforce.

Apprenticeship is a flexible training strategy that can be customized to fit the needs of your business. It can be integrated into current training strategies. Apprentices can be new hires or current employees.

If you are a business in Downers Grove, let us know how we can help! Visit our website at www.dgedc.com. Contact the DGEDC at 630.729.0380 or by email at [email protected].

Beil & Stromberg Insurance has been our neighbor in Downers Grove for more than 80 years! As a DGEDC Investor, this family-owned and operated agency helps our community thrive.

Whether you need auto, home, business or life insurance, Beil & Stromberg Insurance works for you. They will find the best policy for your specific needs. On average, their insurance agents have more than 20 years experience in the field. Their comprehensive plans can ensure your business and belongings remain secure in times of trouble.

Thank you to Beil & Stromberg Insurance for being a DGEDC Investor!
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Downers Grove, DGEDC, Downers Grove business, small business, insurance, DuPage County

In the latest episode of the Dig Deep podcast, learn about the power of personal contact when engaging with customers online.

DGEDC President, CEO and our host Bryan Gay sat down with Chris Johnson, Owner & CEO and Jim Toth, Director of Marketing for Classic Cinemas. Chris and Jim shared their experiences with online reviews and how by promptly and kindly engaging directly with their customers, they were able to grow brand loyalty.

Episodes 6 of the Dig Deep Podcast is out now! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or download from our website: dgedc.com/spark/podcasts/

What is planning and how does it contribute to the health, safety and welfare of every community and especially here in Downers Grove? Our "Community Development 101" episode of Dig Deep answers these questions and more! Tune in today at https://bit.ly/3xk8bB1


Village of Downers Grove, Illinois - Municipal Government

Catch up with news from SPARK - the Small Business Community Navigator Program focused on retaining and growing small businesses in Downers Grove. Our recent issue discussed:
⚡️ Guiding DG Project
⚡️ Dig Deep Podcasts featuring the Village of Downers Grove, Illinois - Municipal Government
⚡️ 2023 Annual Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Report

To view the full SPARK update, visit

May SPARK Update: Guiding DG, New Episodes of Dig Deep, 2023 KPIs & More! DGEDC is focused on retaining and growing small businesses within our community.   Committed to retaining existing business and attracting new businesses to The Village of Downers Grove MAY 2024    

We are so grateful for the support of AT&T Illinois. Through their aggressive fiber-expansion programs, AT&T Illinois has helped connect Downers Grove businesses with the world.

The AT&T fiber network provides the bandwidth that business customers require to operate with more speed and flexibility. The fiber network provides the capabilities needed to support mission-critical business functions both now and in the future.

For DuPage County, this investment in the fiber network is crucial for growth. With businesses competing globally, high-speed internet is not a luxury but an expectation. These investments will help maintain Downers Grove's position as a premier business location in the global marketplace.

Learn more about what AT&T Illinois does for small businesses at att.com

Join our list of incredible investors at dgedc.com
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Downers Grove internet, small business, Chicago suburbs small business, Downers Grove business

Have you missed the Dig Deep Podcast? We're back with two new episodes!

Our host, Bryan Gay, sat down with Jason Zawila and Stan Popovich from the Village of Downers Grove, Illinois - Municipal Government to discuss the importance of community development.

🎤 Community Development 101: discover how planning contributes to the health, safety and welfare of every community and especially here in Downers Grove.

🎤 What to Do Before Signing a Lease: our guests offer a few things you can do to streamline the process of relocating an existing business or starting a new business here in the Village of Downers Grove.

Episodes 4 and 5 of the Dig Deep Podcast are out now! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or download from our website: dgedc.com/spark/podcasts/

Downers Grove is a wonderful place to live and work, thanks in part to our delicious restaurants and craft breweries. We are proud to count Alter Brewing Company among our dedicated DGEDC investors.

Alter's recent growth – including two new taprooms, expanded event space, and a growing beer list – reflects its popularity within the community. These developments enhance the Downers Grove area and provide ample reasons for locals to come together and enjoy Alter's delicious beer.

Alter doesn't consider themselves a beer company: "We’re a beer for company. Let’s raise a glass." Find all the ways to enjoy Alter Brewing Co. at alterbrewing.com

Visit dgedc.com to learn more about our incredible investors.
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Things to do in Downers Grove, local beer, Chicago suburbs beer, Chicago beer, local breweries, Downers Grove small business

The Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation can help connect your small business with local resources, such as workNet DuPage Training Programs.

workNet DuPage Career Center connects businesses and jobseekers building a comprehensive and integrated approach to workforce development. In addition to these training programs, staff can provide access to free internships, job posting boards and employer specific hiring events.

If you are a business in Village of Downers Grove, Illinois - Municipal Government, let us know how we can help! Visit our website at www.dgedc.com. Contact the DGEDC at [email protected].

We would like to introduce you to one of our valued Platinum Investors, the Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc. Inland is an industry leader and one of the largest commercial real estate and financial groups in our country.

Headquartered in nearby Oak Brook, Illinois, Inland is a trusted partner in our community. With an exceptional track record of integrity, expertise, and innovation, Inland member companies employ over 1,000 people across the country and invests more than $48 billion in commercial real estate. They hold the distinction of being the recipient of the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics in the Marketplace in 2009, 2014, and 2017.

Visit dgedc.com to learn more about the benefits of becoming a DGEDC Investor!

The Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation can help reduce the costs of running your business through access to programs like EDGE.

The Illinois Economic Development for a Growing Economy Program (EDGE) offers special tax incentives for companies to locate or expand their operations in Illinois. EDGE allows companies to reduce their costs of doing business compared to related costs in other states.

The non-refundable income tax credit is equal to 50% of the income tax withholdings of new jobs created in the state. Additional credits are also available as reimbursement for qualifying training costs. Ten percent of eligible training costs of newly hired full-time employees positions at the project may also be included as part of annual credits.

If you are a business in Downers Grove, let us know how we can help! Visit us at www.dgedc.com.

economic development, business tax incentives, tax credits, Illinois Economic Development, Illinois EDGE

The DGEDC is very grateful for the support of our investors! Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, one of our Platinum Investors, both strengthens our impact on the community and takes care of the health and welfare of our residents.

Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, renowned for its exceptional healthcare services, serves Downers Grove and our neighbors. Holding the distinction of a Level I Trauma Center and a certified Level III neonatal intensive care unit, the hospital is at the forefront of medical advancements.

With a wide network of primary care physicians and convenient locations throughout the western suburbs, Good Samaritan ensures continuous, comprehensive, and coordinated care for both outpatient and inpatient settings

To learn more about the benefits of becoming an Investor in the DGEDC, visit dgedc.com today!

A new episode of our Dig Deep podcast is now available! Tune in at https://bit.ly/3TRiq8h

Our panel of local experts is back to discuss turnover, loyalty and other important workforce trends in Village of Downers Grove, Illinois - Municipal Government and DuPage County.

Listen in as Jeff Shay, Executive Vice President on Jones Lang Lasalle Suburban Leasing Team, Mary Lynn Fayoumi, President & CEO of HR Source and Lisa Schvach, Executive Director of workNet DuPage Career Center join Bryan Gay, President & CEO of the Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation.

We’re excited to share that the Vulcan Rocket Thruster Launchers, made right here in Downers Grove by Chemring Energetic Devices, are a Top 8 finalist in the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association’s 2024 “Makers Madness” competition! Help Chemring's very cool thing become The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois! Visit makersmadnessil.com/cast-your-vote/ and vote for Chemring once a day now through March 31.

In our latest episode of the Dig Deep podcast, we're talking about returning to the office! Our team of experts considers the future of remote work, the benefits of being back in the office and how offices can best serve employees.

Listen here 🔗 https://rss.com/podcasts/dgedc-dig-deep/1386026/

Listen and subscribe through Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Dig Deep - Dig Deep: Returning to the Office in DuPage County | RSS.com Hosted by Bryan Gay, President & CEO of the Downers Grove EDC and Downers Grove Visitors Bureau, Part One of our Dig Deep podcast on Workforce features Jeff Shay, Executive Vice President on the Jones Lang LaSalle's (JJL) Suburban Leasing team, Mary Lynn Fayoumi, President & CEO of HR Source...

Congratulations to manufacturer Bales Metal Surface Solutions on a couple BIG accomplishments over the past week.

First, a special shoutout to Stacey Bales and Sara Bales on the ribbon cutting of their 2 new nickel plating lines! This project was 17 years in the making.

Second, on their first ever for culture at last week's Valley Industrial Association' Spark Awards.

Congratulations!!! We can't wait to see what you do next.

Congratulations to investor Oak Trace on their grand opening of their senior living community expansion here in .

This expansion provides modern sophistication across Oak Trace’s newly expanded commons areas, resident corridors, and independent living residences. These upgrades also extend to their fitness center, dining venues, clubhouse, health center, and overall services and amenities.

Voting is now open for the Top 16 products remaining in the Illinois Manufacturers' Association's 2024 “Makers Madness” contest, presented by Comcast Business, to decide what product is The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois. Be sure to vote daily for 's very own Chemring Energetic Device's Vulcan Rocket Thruster Launchers through March 24 and help them make it through to the Top 8! makersmadnessil.com

Tune into our latest Dig Deep podcast as Brian Gay discusses the ins and outs of returning to the office in DuPage County with our group of experts! Thank you to Jeff Shay from JLL, Mary Lynn Fayoumi from HR Source and Lisa Schvach from
workNet DuPage Career Center for providing their thoughtful insight.

In fact, we had so much to discuss when it comes to workforce, that we will keep chatting with this group in part 2 coming soon!

Listen at https://bit.ly/3Pm3KeR or subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you don't miss an episode.

The Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation relies on the support of our investors. These distinguished business and civic leaders serve diligently on our Board of Directors. They help spread the word about our services and connect businesses in to make our community even stronger.

The Village of Downers Grove, Illinois is our founding investor and partner from our creation in 2006. The DGEDC is the official agency for and for the Village of Downers Grove.

Blending the charm of a small town with proximity to one of the country's largest metropolitan areas, Downers Grove is a highly desirable place to live and work. As a business-friendly environment, we are home to many corporate and regional headquarters.

To learn more about being an Investor in the DGEDC, visit dgedc.com today!

The DGEDC can help you strengthen and retain your workforce through programs such as On-the-Job Training & Incumbent Worker Training.

On-the-Job Training (OJT) provides employers with a way to have new employees gain specific skills and employment competencies through supervised experience. Workers learn the processes, work tasks, tools and methods of a specific job or group of jobs in an actual work setting, with employers being reimbursed up to 75% of employee wage expenses.

Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) can help qualifying companies up-skill current workers to be more competitive. IWT improves productivity, creates new revenue streams, and improves retention of valued employees.

If you are a business in Downers Grove, let us know how we can help! Visit our website at www.dgedc.com. Contact the DGEDC at 630.729.0380 or by email at [email protected].

If you are wondering what the Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation can do to help your business, we have a series of posts just for you! Over the next few weeks, we will highlight the resources that we provide to assist small business owners.

First up is C-Pace! C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) offers the potential of 100% private equity financing of energy efficiency projects repaid through the property tax bill at fixed interest rates.

Financing is available to eligible commercial and industrial property owners in Downers Grove. Eligible properties include both existing and newly constructed commercial and industrial buildings, and multifamily apartment buildings consisting of five or more dwelling units.

C-PACE financing is available to property owners for equipment replacement, retrofits, new construction and value-add or adaptive-reuse projects. Additionally, property owners may refinance eligible improvements that were completed within the last three (3) years.

If you are a new business in Downers Grove, let us know how we can help! Visit our website at www.dgedc.com/ Contact the DGEDC at 630.729.0380 or [email protected].

what the Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation can do to help your business? Over the coming weeks, we will highlight the various resources we provide to assist small business owners.

First up is C-Pace! C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) offers the potential of 100% private equity financing of energy efficiency projects repaid through the property tax bill at fixed interest rates.

Financing is available to eligible commercial and industrial property owners in Downers Grove. Eligible properties include both existing and newly constructed commercial and industrial buildings, and multifamily apartment buildings consisting of five or more dwelling units.

C-PACE financing is available to property owners for equipment replacement, retrofits, new construction and value-add or adaptive-reuse projects. Additionally, property owners may refinance eligible improvements that were completed within the last three (3) years.

If you are a business in Downers Grove, let us know how we can help! Visit our website at www.dgedc.com. Contact the DGEDC at 630.729.0380 or by email at [email protected].

Congratulations to Downers Grove Park District on their 1st place award!