Bloomingdale economy still strong, mayor says
Despite the difficult economy, Village President Bob Iden says Bloomingdale is in "very, very great" financial shape due to a mix of conservative budgeting over the past five years, mixed retail space and new businesses coming to town.
During a speech Thursday to the chamber of commerce, Iden said several businesses now expanding or settling in the village will generate jobs for residents and revenue for Bloomingdale.
"I'm very positive that we are proactive at both getting and retaining businesses," Iden said.
In Bloomingdale's Covington Corporate Park, Jasper Meats is relocating from Barrington into a 25,000-square-foot building, Iden said. Pitman, Inc., a graphic arts supplier, which settled into the park's former Mary Kay building, is adding 21,000 square feet to its offices.
"Most businesses that are closing - stores like Circuit City - we have no control over because it's a decision that affects their stores nationwide," Iden said. "But we have a positive viewpoint: we are going to replace those with something."
Iden highlighted another new group coming to Bloomingdale, Scottish Rite. The Masonic organization plans to move its area headquarters from Chicago to a 60,000-square-foot building across from the Medinah Country Club.
And on Glen Ellyn Road, Iden said Now Foods plans to add 27,000 square feet to its facility.
In addition to business growth, Iden said Bloomingdale's current mix of big-box stores and mid-price retailers inside Stratford Square mall make Bloomingdale an attractive place to spend precious dollars during the recession.
"People are actually shopping because we've got stores like Wal-Mart, Costco, Meijer," he said. "They've held up extremely well in their sales receipts and that helps us go through the hills and valleys a little more smoothly."
Later at the chamber meeting, during a panel discussion on leadership, Iden heralded recent changes at Hilton Indian Lakes Resort. He said the re-branding of the resort under the Hilton name within the past year, along with building improvements and hiring a new general manager, Michael Hooper, who has a long history with Hilton, were savvy moves to keep the resort relevant and attractive.
"It was very important to have the Hilton name in the community," he said. "To me it brings identity and a soundness for long-term viability of the resort."
Other issues crucial to Bloomingdale, Iden said, include seeking opportunities to secure open space and finding creative initiatives that stimulate the economy.
He praised the village's second annual B-Card initiative that ended last month, which offers shoppers three weeks of discounts at more than 100 local businesses. Other municipalities, including Itasca, have followed suit with similar programs and Iden said the program will continue next year.