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Dear Downers Grove Businesses,

I'm excited to bring you our July updated from SPARK, your Small Business Community Navigator Program. Focused on retaining and growing small businesses in our Downers Grove community, SPARK exists to keep you informed on businesses thriving and opportunities available to small businesses needing assistance in Downers Grove. I hope you're having a safe and enjoyable summer, taking advantage of all that living and working in DG has to offer!

Respectfully,

Bryan Gay

President & CEO

Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation

Downers Grove Visitors Bureau

New College of Veterinary Medicine Underway at Midwestern University

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.

"The renovation will include an operating clinic, treatment rooms and surgical suites as well as educational space for a projected 125 students per class" according to Dr. Kathleen Goeppinger, President and Chief Executive Officer of Midwestern University.

To serve an eventual 4-year enrollment of 500 students and operate the college, Companion Animal Clinic and other related services, the new College of Veterinary Medicine will employ approximately 80 faculty and staff. Some 1,000 faculty, staff and student tutors are currently employed by Midwestern University operations in Illinois. Work is expected to begin as soon as construction documents are approved by the Village of Downers Grove. The University's goal is to have the building open prior to the first class of students arriving in the Fall of 2026.

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Check Out Our Latest Episode of Dig Deep

The Power of Personal Contact is now live!

In this true "Listen and Learn" exchange, owner Chris Johnson and Marketing Director Jim Toth of Classic Cinemas and Downers Grove's own Tivoli Theatre describe how a personal touch can still drive long-lasting customer relationships.

Listen Now >

Attend a Guiding DG Visioning Workshop

Interested in the future of Downers Grove? Here's your chance to attend a Guiding DG Visioning Workshop that will help identify priorities, issues, opportunities and potential improvements. Mark your calendar and be a part of the planning process here in our great community.

WORKSHOP #1

Date: July 22, 2024

Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Location: Downers Grove South High School

WORKSHOP #2

Date: July 25, 2024

Time: 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Location: Downers Grove Civic Center

WORKSHOP #3

Date: July 25, 2024

Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Location: Downers Grove Recreation Center

Strong KPIs for Q1 2024

The report of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the first quarter of 2024 is now available on the DGEDC website.

Two new projects brought $3.7 million in private investment to Downers Grove in Q1. These projects will occupy 89,140 sq. ft. of space in Downers Grove and create or retain 200 full-time jobs. While Downers Grove experienced an office vacancy rate of 17.87%, only 6.4% of our industrial space was vacant in the first quarter. Overall activity increased nearly 5% in the first quarter as 809,500 total visitors experienced downtown Downers Grove.

View Full Report >

Meet Theresa Schulz

As a commercial property owner and resident of Downers Grove and the Owner and Managing Broker of Schulz Properties, Ltd., Theresa Schulz brings a broad and unique perspective to her participation on the DGEDC Executive Board.

After gaining commercial leasing and sales management experience with other real estate firms, Theresa founded Schulz Properties, Ltd. and acquired her main office in the center of DownersGrove in 2009. Today, along with team member Becky Bossard, she advises and presents property owners and tenants in all aspects of commercial real estate sales, leasing and investment. Having grown up locally, Theresa is proud of her involvement in the local commercial real estate market and the opportunity to give back to her community.

Now More Ways to Connect with DGEDC!

The DGEDC has launched new Facebook and Instagram profiles. Now you can connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram to stay informed about Downers Grove businesses, available resources and DGEDC news and events!