Gurnee eyes economic development committee

Gurnee village board members Monday night voiced a desire to start an advisory economic development committee that would assist in attracting new projects and potentially create jobs.

Trustee Steve Park, who championed the idea, said revenue is Gurnee’s top issue. He said an economic development committee made up of volunteers could help the village attract and retain business, as well as identify threats.

Village board trustees and Mayor Kristina Kovarik agreed to have staff assemble research on what other suburbs have economic development committees for specifics on how to form such a panel. The board will hold a formal vote on the proposal at some point.

“There is a huge need for a focus on economic development,” Kovarik said.

Trustee Greg Garner embraced the committee idea and said Gurnee is in danger of becoming “a dinosaur” if the village’s retail sector isn’t upgraded. Garner said he’s been amazed Gurnee has been able to hold its own during the economic downturn.

“I honestly can’t say we’ve got the best shopping around. We’ve got a lot of selection,” said Garner, who raved about a recent visit he made with his wife to the open-air Old Orchard mall in Skokie.

Gurnee derives most of its income from local and state sales tax and doesn’t levy a property tax. Park said the economic development committee not only could attract new projects, but also create job opportunities.

Starting an economic development committee isn’t the only way Gurnee has been looking to boost village revenue.

In April, the village board spent $40,000 on the continuation of a “Gurnee’s Got It!” marketing campaign designed to increase retail sales. Proponents contend it’s a good use of public money because boosting local businesses creates more sales tax.

Village officials said they anticipate about $26,000 in contributions from the Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Gurnee Park District will reduce the $40,000 expense.

Plans are for the latest “Gurnee’s Got It!” campaign to officially launch in August to coincide with back-to-school shopping. The village will control the marketing effort through a contract with Robin Malpass & Associates of downstate Ottawa.