About
The Village of Hampshire Business Development Commission (BDC) is a business advisory board to help attract and retain businesses within the village. The BDC works with the community to identify and attract key businesses and recommends infrastructure and ordinance improvements. The BDC also works with new businesses that approach the village from inception all the way to opening.
The BDC's mission is committed to attracting and retaining quality businesses for the Village in order to diversify the local economy, enhance the community's image, create new employment opportunities and provide additional services and resources for our residents.
Our work will always look to improve the quality of life for our residents, enhance our sense of community and preserve the integrity of our Village’s heritage.
Guiding Principles
- Strive to always be business friendly.
- Letting our principles guide us; establishing and maintaining high standards.
- Always be willing to look for ways to make things happen.
- Always keep all stakeholders best interests in mind.
- Move with a sense of urgency.
- Aligning with all departments, commissions and groups within the Village to maximize the potential for success.
- Engaging the community to always be active and share their perspective as guidance.
Facade Improvement Program
The Facade Improvement Program is a reimbursement / matching grant program led by the BDC and administered by the Village of Hampshire to encourage the rehabilitation and restoration of the exterior of buildings in the downtown area. Up to 75% of approved work will be reimbursable by the Village.
For those interested in applying for the Façade Improvement Program, please view the Hampshire Façade Improvement Program Packet, which contains all necessary information and forms.
Membership
There are seven (7) regular members of the Business Development Commission, appointed by the Village President with advise and consent of the Board of Trustees.
Not less than five (5) members of the commission are appointed on the basis of experience or background in commercial or industrial development, urban design and planning, commercial or industrial business operations, commercial or industrial real estate, retail marketing, or business development organization or association.
Not less than four (4) members shall be electors and residents of the Village for at least one year preceding the date of his or her appointment.
One (1) member of the commission may be appointed absent such basis of experience or background, but that member must be an elector and resident of the Village for at least one year preceding the date of appointment.
One (1) member shall be a member of the Village Board of Trustees.
The Chair shall be a resident and an elector of the Village for at least one year preceding the date of his or her appointment as Chair, and no person shall serve more than two (2) consecutive terms as Chair of the commission.
| Members | |
| Liz Martin | EMartin@hampshireil.org |
| David Pizzolato (vice chair) | DPizzolato@hampshireil.org |
| Aaron Kelly (Village Board representative) | AKelly@hampshireil.org |
| Bill Swalwell | BSwalwell@hampshireil.org |
| Karen Trzaska | KTrzaska@hampshireil.org |
| Jill Van Reit | JVanRiet@hampshireil.org |
Meetings
This commission meets at 6:30pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, normally at Village Hall, 234 S. State Street in Hampshire.
Public comments may be made in-person at a meeting without prior notice to the Village. Additionally, public comments may be made via a remote meeting link. A request for a remote meeting link should be made to the Village Clerk in writing no later than noon (12pm) the day of the meeting. The Commission will allow each person who is properly registered to speak a maximum time of five (5) minutes, provided the Chair may reduce the maximum time to three (3) minutes before public comments begin if more than five (5) persons have registered to speak. Public comment is meant to allow for expression of opinion on, or for inquiry regarding, public affairs but is not meant for debate with the Board or its members. Good order and proper decorum shall always be maintained. Please note that all meetings held via videoconference may be recorded, and all recordings will be made public.
View agendas and minutes for the BDC.