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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJPZ - 06/01/1983 - ECNOMIC DEVELOPMENT MINUTES RFCF�V�D VILLAGE OF ELK GROVE VILLAGE JJN JUDICIARY, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE 6 1983Wednesday, June 1, 1983 V'l��f�ZERR'$OF., The meeting of the Judiciary, Planning & Zoning Committee, as called by Chairman James Petri at the regular Village Board Meeting on May 24, 1983, convened at 7:00 P.M., June 1, 1983 in the Trustees Conference Room of the Municipal Building, 901 Wellington Avenue. Members Present: James Petri, Chairman Edward Hauser, Trustee Staff Present: George C. Coney, Director of Finance Leonard J. Flood, Asst Director of Finance Others Present: Stan Klyber, Greater O'Hare Association of Industry and Commerce The following Topic was discussed: Economic Development At the request of the JP Z Committee, Mr. Stan Klyber of the Greater O'Hare Association of Industry and Commerce was invited to speak to the Committee and discuss his ideas as they relate to economic development in the Village of Elk Grove. Mr. Klyber began his remarks by stating that the first concern of the Village should be retaining existing firms. He noted that Elk Grove Village is the warehousing and printing center of the Chicago Metropolitan area. The Village has the resources such as schools and training programs to support hi-tech industry and has the facilities to support "low-tech" industries as well. The Village has excellent accessibility to transportation, a good school system, excellent police and fire protection and nice parks but has not "sold" these amenities in the past. Trustee Hauser asked Mr. Klyber to elaborate on how we could retain existing businesses. . Mr. Klyber suggested that the Village survey current industrial park tenants to determine what is good and bad about Elk Grove Village. The survey should include a question regarding each business' major suppliers. If a pattern can be found for a supplier not currently located in Elk Grove Village, that company should be approached regarding relocation or expansion to the Village. Mr. Klyber stated that Economic Development is an expensive proposition and is a long term not short term project. An Economic Development Council per se may not be necessary. Rather, Mr. Klyber felt an advisory group may be of assistance in deciding what information should be included in an economic development packet. Page 2 Mr. Klyber further suggested that the Village develop a "puff piece", that is a small informational publication or flyer on the Village that could be distributed through State of Illinois overseas offices and would also be included in information packets distributed by the Association. This flyer would provide a contact for further information. At the time further contact was made the quality of life booklet and detailed statistical infor- mation could be sent to the interested party. Another suggestion by Mr. Klyber was to distribute these materials to all foreign consulates in Chicago in order to tap inquiries from foreign markets. Mr. Klyber noted that most of the inquiries received by the Association come from parties out of state or out of the country. The Association is still working on developing sister city programs in the Far East, South America and Europe. Mr. Klyber concluded his remarks by stating that about 25-3 years ago the Association was working on a project to develop a free trade zone around the O'Hare Airport area. Currently the Port of Chicago is the only free trade zone in the Chicago Metropolitan area. Under the free trade zone concept, goods from overseas can be shipped into the country without paying import duties until such time as the goods are distributed. By not paying duty until the goods are shipped out, importers would enjoy an improved cash flow. When the project was attempted before, the City of Chicago strongly opposed the establishment of another Free Trade zone in the Chicago area, citing the fact that the facilities at the Port of Chicago are underutilized. Mr. Klyber noted, however, that few goods are shipped through the Great Lakes anymore and a free trade zone around O'Hare would be more practical. The matter has not been pursued. Mr, Klyber concluded by saying that we will rarely know the direct benefits of our economic development program and noted that it is important to co- ordinate our work with that of the Association. Those in attendance thanked Mr. Klyber for his comments and insights. At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr. Coney and Mr. Flood were directed to: 1. Contact Congressman Henry Hyde regarding the free trade zone concept and its feasibility in Elk Grove Village. 2. Contact the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs to obtain copies of: a. The Prairie 2000 Report and b. State Representative Michael Madigan's Economic Development Report. 3. Prepare a step by step outline and time table for a pro- posed economic development program for the Village. Page 3 Mr. Coney noted that he is still attempting to arrange a meeting for June 7 or 9 with a representative from the State of Illinois, Department of Business and Economic Development to further discuss the question of economic development. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Leonard J. 'Flood Assistant Director of Finance WF/el CC: President 6 Board of Trustees Village Manager Ass't Village Manager Village Attorney Village Clerk Directorof Finance