The Hinsdale Village Board took steps to revitalize the village’s economic development commission earlier this month.
Trustees appointed four new commissioners and agreed on changes designed to improve the meeting schedule and boost membership.
“I’m super excited to have new life in the EDC,” said Jill Sunderson, a three-year EDC member who is taking over as chairman of the commission. “The new commissioners that are on it have a really good balance of marketing and business backgrounds, and many of them are local business owners themselves and, I think, will bring a wealth of knowledge of how to increase awareness of businesses in Hinsdale and drive foot traffic.”
The advisory body’s membership was reduced from nine to seven, and the categories of membership were simplified in an effort to help recruit volunteers. Additionally, the meeting schedule for the EDC was modified from monthly in the evening to quarterly in the morning to better align with merchants’ schedules.
The board appointed new commissioners Richard Eck of Hinsdale Bank and Trust, Mike Merrill of Amita Adventist Medical Center Hinsdale, Sue Tannura of My Sister Kate and Carrie Thangamani of CHT Orthodontics, with Sunderson and Mike Kiyosaki remaining on the EDC as residents-at-large. Thomas Cunningham had been approved as a new resident member, but he moved out of Hinsdale since first agreeing to serve. Trustees Tuesday appointed Vishnu Srinivasan to fill the final opening.
The commission’s first task will be to rework its mission statement and objectives, said Anna Martch, economic development and communications specialist for the village.
“By revamping the mission, we can make sure we’re meeting the goals of the community, and maybe that adds more excitement to what they’re working on,” Martch said.
The commission will continue to brainstorm new programs and events like tonight’s Hinsdale Wine Walk — which sold out in two weeks — in an effort to improve the quality of life for residents, Sunderson and Martch said.
When trustees first discussed the EDC’s future in September, they questioned whether the lack of membership might be related to lack of purpose. They seem confident now that is not the case.
“There are plenty of good things for the commission to be focused on,” Trustee Jerry Hughes said at the Oct. 1 village board meeting. “I think we’ve validated that there is plenty to do, that there is interest in doing it.”
Sunderson said commissioners will stay focused on promoting commercial prosperity in Hinsdale while maintaining the village’s charm.
“I think Hinsdale is such a unique place, and it’s important that we keep our eye on how to keep it healthy and strong,” she said.
