Arlington Economic Alliance

AGENDA ARLINGTON ECONOMIC ALLIANCE Community Room, 3rd Floor Arlington Heights Village Hall, 33 S. Arlington Heights Rd. Arlington Heights IL 60005 June 3, 2026 7:30 AM I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Economic Alliance Meeting Minutes IV. REPORTS V. OLD BUSINESS VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Economic Alliance Input on 2025 Strategic Priorities VII. OTHER BUSINESS VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT Anyone wishing to speak on a subject not on the Agenda may speak at this time. Please limit your comments to three minutes. IX. ADJOURNMENT The Village of Arlington Heights is committed to digital accessibility for all users. Persons with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services, such as an American Sign Language interpreter or written materials in accessible formats, should contact the Health & Human Services Department — located at 33 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 — at 847- 368-5760 or ADA@vah.com. Page 1 of 6  DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE ARLINGTON ECONOMIC ALLIANCE HELD ON March 18, 2026 AT 7:30 A.M. AT THE VILLAGE HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: Andrew Stengren – Chairman Kerri Oots Marc Poulos John Toliopoulos Tony Guido Tonia Etoh Terry Iverson Heather Larson Michael Mulder Brian Roginski Andi Ruhl STAFF PRESENT: Kim Biederman – Economic Development Manager ALSO PRESENT: Mike Driskell, Arlington Heights Memorial Library Keith Moens, Resident I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Andrew Stengren called the meeting to order at 7:30 AM. II. ROLL CALL III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – November 19, 2025 The meeting minutes of November 19, 2025 Arlington Economic Alliance meeting were reviewed. MR. MULDER MOVED AND MR. POULOS SECONDED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE DRAFT NOVEMBER 19, 2025 ARLINGTON ECONOMIC ALLIANCE MEETING MINUTES. ALL ALLIANCE MEMBERS VOTED IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION. IV. PRESENTATION Arlington Heights Memorial Library representative Diane Malik, Business Services Advisor, gave an informative presentation highlighting the wide range of business services and resources available to local businesses and nonprofit organizations. The presentation showcased how the library supports the business community through research tools, professional development resources, networking opportunities, technology access, and educational programming designed to help organizations grow and succeed. V. REPORTS Ms. Biederman updated the commissioners on the following: A. Development Update The Vail Promenade project was discussed, including the recent open house that provided residents with an opportunity to learn more about the proposed development, review project renderings, site plans, and share feedback directly with the project team. The open house Page 1 Page 2 of 6  DRAFT served as an important community engagement opportunity, allowing residents to ask questions, voice comments and concerns, and gain a better understanding of the vision, timeline, and potential impact of the project. Feedback gathered during the event will help inform the ongoing planning and development process as the project continues to move forward. B. Arlington Alfresco Update Agreements have been distributed to businesses participating in the Alfresco program, including those located within the designated Alfresco area as well as businesses participating outside of the zone. New this year, businesses are able to upload all required documents directly through the online portal, creating a more streamlined and efficient process by keeping everything in one convenient location. The Alfresco program will run from Friday, May 1 through September 29. C. State of the Village Update The committee was very pleased with the turnout for the event, noting that it was the highest attendance the event has seen to date. Chairman Stengren mentioned that he would like to see the event recorded next year to allow for broader access and future reference. Ms. Ruhl shared that she would like to see a greater emphasis on economic development incorporated into future presentations. She noted that additional discussion should focus on supporting and growing businesses in Arlington Heights, as well as strategies for attracting new businesses and investment to the Village, particularly prior to discussions related to the Bears project. Mr. Poulos expressed interest in creating more of a town hall-style atmosphere for future events, with increased dialogue surrounding new development opportunities, incoming developers, and the role the Economic Alliance can play in supporting economic growth and community engagement. He also mentioned interest in hosting another breakfast event or potentially developing an ongoing series of similar discussions throughout the year. Additionally, Ms. Ruhl shared that if the Bears project were to move forward, she would like to see an arts center or similar cultural component incorporated into the development as a community amenity. V. OLD BUSINESS A. Manufacturing Trade Show Mr. Iverson presented a proposal to sponsor a career-discovery trip to the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in downtown Chicago, scheduled for September 14– 19, 2026. Recognizing that parents play a critical role in shaping their children’s career paths, and often hold outdated perceptions of advanced manufacturing. The initiative aims to engage both District 214 students and their parents. To facilitate active dialogue, participants would receive a copy of the dual-edition book, Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing. This initiative represents a powerful collaboration between local government, education, and industry to cultivate the next generation of the skilled workforce. Preliminary discussions have yielded strong support from School District 214 and the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT). The total projected cost for the initiative ranges from a minimum of $1,700 to a maximum budget of $4,450. During the review, the committee noted that a standard liability waiver would need to be implemented for participating attendees. Page 2 Page 3 of 6  DRAFT A motion was made by Mr. Poulos and seconded by Mr. Roginski to approve the project concept and authorize the use of up to $3,000 from the budget to fund this proposal. On a voice vote the Alliance members all voted in favor of the motion. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Review and Adoption Open Meetings Act and Rules Committee reviewed and adopted the Open Meetings Act and Rules. VII. OTHER BUSINESS Chairman Stengren informed the committee that he will be stepping down from his position and the committee. Reflecting on his tenure, he expressed that serving on the committee for the past seven years, including five years as Chairman. He thanked the other committee members, and shared that it has been an absolute joy. The committee and the Village of Arlington Heights extended their deepest gratitude to Chairman Stengren for his seven years of dedicated volunteer service, outstanding leadership, and steadfast commitment to the community. He leaves behind a legacy of meaningful impact, and his contributions will be greatly missed. VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT Resident Keith Moens suggested that public comments be permitted prior to a formal motion being made, allowing the committee the opportunity to hear and consider community input before a vote is taken. The committee reviewed the suggestion and indicated that adapting the meeting structure to accommodate this practice is something they could do moving forward. Adjournment MS. RUHL MOVED AND MR. POULOS SECONDED THE MOTION TO ADJOURN. ALL ALLIANCE MEMBERS VOTED IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION. The meeting adjourned at 8:46 AM. Andrew Stengren, Chair Arlington Economic Alliance Prepared by Department of Planning & Community Development Page 3 Page 4 of 6  6/3/2026 Item: Economic Alliance Input on 2025 Strategic Priorities Department: Planning & Community Development Item Description: Review Existing 2025 Strategic Priorities and Discuss New Ideas ATTACHMENTS: 1. Economic Alliance Input - 2025 Strategic Priorities Page 5 of 6 April 16, 2025 2025 Village Board Strategic Plan - Arlington Economic Alliance Input As part of the Village Board’s upcoming biennial strategic planning process, the Arlington Economic Alliance respectfully submits the following economic development items for their consideration. These points of focus were initially discussed at the Commission’s March meeting. The Alliance understands that not every item outlined in this letter may be included in the two-year strategic priorities, but appreciates the opportunity to provide the following: Inter-Community Support of School District 214 The Economic Alliance recognizes School District 214 as an asset to the region and wishes for it to maintain its reputation as a high-performing school district. The Commission sees benefit in collaboration among the municipalities that send students to the district’s high schools and specialized schools. Opportunities that could stem from such a partnership include supporting reinvestment in school buildings and facilities. Further, finding ways to involve the business community can be a win-win, such as generating financial support for programs and facility improvements by local businesses, and encouraging the hiring of local contractors. Business Incubation The Economic Alliance continues to look for ways to cultivate growth of Arlington Heights businesses, while trying to put the Village at the forefront of entrepreneurship as well. One opportunity could be investment in a business incubator. Such a facility could be used to support existing industries, such as restaurants or manufacturing, or could be utilized to support start-ups in industries desirable to the Village. Such a facility could also create synergy with, and use of, the Arlington Heights Memorial Library Makerplace, and potentially provide a space for local students to channel their creativity and learn first-hand about operating a business. Development Opportunities The Economic Alliance encourages efforts to develop, or redevelop, key sites in a way that benefits the Village, such as the Arlington Park property. Further encouraged is continued communication and engagement with the real estate community through trade shows, events, and direct outreach, as well as ongoing targeted attraction of businesses to help fill existing commercial and industrial vacancies. Summary The Arlington Economic Alliance welcomes any feedback regarding these items. As the Village’s advisory body for economic development matters in Arlington Heights, the Alliance appreciates the Village Board’s consideration, and looks forward to continuing to help support the local business community. Page 6 of 6