Carpentersville hires new economic development director

Patrick Burke believes Carpentersville has a lot to offer: A diverse population, two new tax increment financing districts and a river that runs through the center of town.

As its new economic development director, Burke wants to play on the village's strengths by attracting and retaining businesses and revitalizing Carpentersville's image.

“It's really tough to break through and differentiate yourself from other communities,” the Naperville resident said. “I really want to be the liaison to the business community.”

Hiring an economic development director was one of Carpentersville's several goals for this year.

After starting the new position Dec. 21, Burke, 45, has already been tasked with creating a business retention program, which will focus on helping business owners expand or stay in business.

“I'm going to be meeting with businesses individually, really to get a better understanding of their needs and to try to be more proactive if there are opportunities or issues that the village can address,” Burke said.

In addition to assisting with the issues businesses may have, he said, he also wants to better recognize those with outstanding accomplishments or milestones.

Another goal, Burke added, is to determine how the village's businesses can serve, employ and appeal to all members of the community.

“Carpentersville has a very large Hispanic population,” he said. “I see that as an opportunity.”

Community Development Director Marc Huber said Burke will also oversee projects within two new recently approved TIF districts, in addition to working on another of the village's goals: Developing a marketing and social media strategy for the village.

Burke has been involved in economic development for 10 years, nine of which were spent in the city of Moline. There, he served as the economic development manager and the TIF administrator, he said, noting his familiarity with incentive and loan financing programs.

Deciding he wanted to return to the Chicago area where he grew up, Burke said, he got a job about a year ago at Invest Aurora, which is Aurora's economic development partnership organization.

Now, he said he's excited to serve another community.

“We were impressed with his enthusiasm and overall knowledge of economic development. ... He's generally interested in helping people, helping the businesses,” Huber said. “I think he'll fit in well with the village.”