Hampshire to consider establishing business development commission

Hampshire might create a special committee to focus on retaining, expanding and attracting businesses in the village.

The proposed business development commission, which would serve as an advisory group to the village board, would be tasked with strengthening relationships with local businesses and developing new public-private partnerships, Village President Jeff Magnussen said.

"There's always a need to expand your business base at the village," he said. "We're just trying to tackle it from a different angle."

Trustee Mike Armato introduced the concept to the village board after recognizing the success of a similar commission in Carpentersville, where he owns his business, Sign-A-Rama.

"It's a good idea, and I think it's one we'll move forward with," Magnussen said, noting trustees will likely vote next month on establishing the commission. "It's great to get different perspectives and different ideas from the (village) board on how we can make the village better."

Unlike an existing economic development committee, which works with the Hampshire Area Chamber of Commerce to market the village, the business development commission would focus more heavily on helping local businesses - and the village's economic state - flourish, Magnussen said.

Eventually, Hampshire may also create an economic development plan and consider hiring a full-time staff member devoted to economic growth - objectives in which the commission could have a hand, according to village documents.

The commission would likely consist of one trustee, who would serve as chairman, and a handful of local business owners and community stakeholders with experience in leadership, expansion and other related skills, Magnussen said. He and Trustee George Brust, chairman of the economic development committee, would serve as ex officio members.

"If you can tap into the expertise of people who have gone through it," Magnussen said, "we'd be silly not to try and utilize the talents we have in the village."