Working with Business

As your Mayor I will make sure the village works together with our business community to grow and expand our economic base. How?

Reinvestment. At the most recent goal-setting meeting held by the Mayor and Board of Trustees, I believe the figure quoted was about two million dollars available for reinvestment. We will look to put this money to work in one or more ways as quickly as possible. Some options may include the following:

• Facade/signage improvements. A 50/50 program where the Village and business/landlord each contribute 50% towards the cost of improvements.

• Low-cost loan program for businesses looking to expand/remodel their space, emphasizing projects that will add employees.

• Marketing/branding program promoting existing Woodridge businesses/attracting new business.

• Working even more closely with the Chamber of Commerce as another resource for our businesses.

All-Inclusive. All of the businesses throughout our community contribute to the well-being of Woodridge, not just a few in certain locations. The home rule sales tax has been collecting dollars for a number of years. I’d like to utilize some of those funds by developing programs to assist those areas that are aging. We want ALL of our businesses to be as successful as possible. Innovative. New. Different. I’d like to hear ideas as to how we reinvest this money for results. The only option that won’t be on the table is letting the money sit there. We’re going to put that money to work.

If you have any ideas you’d like to share regarding this topic please let me know. Thanks.