NEWSLETTER u FALL 2025 u
Business & Industry United For A Better Community
What’s in store for the shops at Harrison Street Square
Invite businesses to join the Chamber this fall!
Check out the latest ribbon cuttings and milestones
Oswego’s Economic Development Department is here to help village growth and budding business ventures
By Patricia M. Szpekowski
From local and national developers to budding entrepreneurs eager to open up shop and thrive, the Village of Oswego’s Economic Development Department has all of the tools necessary to help guide businesses for success and growth.
“Our flexible Village Board and staff work behind the scenes to remove barriers, create opportunities, and encourage a business-friendly environment,” said Kevin Leighty, Economic Development Director for the Village of Oswego. “We try to understand business needs and provide creative solutions to make it easy for businesses to be here.”
The multi-faceted goals of the economic development department provide a flourishing local economy through job opportunities and sales tax revenues to benefit all throughout the Village.
“Our growth over the past few years has been phenomenal,” Leighty noted. “We have had an influx of new businesses that has been driven by the explosion of over several hundred new residential units that have annually been built here for the past three years. This has caught the eye of businesses who are eager to follow the rooftops and open in Oswego.”
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• General Contracting
• Home Remodeling
• Kitchen Remodeling
• Bathroom Remodeling
• Basement Remodeling
• Home and Room Additions
• Plumbing
• Windows
• Doors
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To help bring commercial development to town, Leighty’s role is to understand market conditions and the related needs of businesses and developers; actively promote desirable sites to site selectors, which is essential for building trust and respect; and support existing property owners to help market their sites/spaces to prospective businesses and site selectors.
The economic development department also works with businesses to guide them through zoning, licensing and other regulatory processes so their projects can move quickly in an efficient manner.
“We also offer incentives to connect businesses who demonstrate a need with financial assistance including grants, sales tax sharing, or low-interest loan programs,” Leighty said.
The Village of Oswego has multiple programs to provide financial assistance to businesses.
A downtown grant is available for “facade improvements,” both interior and exterior, that is match-based up to $40,000 as well as providing revolving loan funds, which need to be pay backed, at a low 3% interest rate. This loan fund was recently awarded to Bay 54, a high-end cocktail bar, that will be located downtown.
“Bay 54 is a typical example of a business that will fill an important gap and bring added night life to our downtown,” Leighty said.
In addition, sales tax sharing incentives are offered for new construction of retail and/or restaurant businesses.
“We will consider this option when discussing financials to see if this will
make a difference in making the project move forward,” Leighty said.
Businesses that require assistance with support services are connected with information to connect with the Small Business Development Center at Waubonsee Community College and professionals with various skills from Fox Valley Score, which provides free or lost cost assistance for marketing, business development, business plans, hiring, and Quick Books.
“We also have an excellent local Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce that provides businesses with a wide array of networking opportunities,” Leighty said.
If you have any questions regarding bringing a unique or new business to Oswego, contact Leighty at kleighty@ oswegoil.org or 630-551-2334.
Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the cooler temps, crisp fall nights, apple cider, sweatshirts and the amazing fall colors. Fall is a time to reflect on the year so far and look forward to the holidays. School is back in session and favorite family holidays are coming up.
In October, we will have our annual Fall Membership Drive. Our memberships run year-to-date of joining, so when you join you haven’t missed out on more than half of the year. We are still extremely busy with ribbon cuttings, networking events, New Member Networking Night, Fraidycat Races, Fox Fall Fest, Trick or Treating in downtown, Coffee/Cocoa Crawl, Christmas Walk, Holiday Party and Jingle Bell Jog, just to name a few things.
Fall is also a time to look to the future. We have started
ANGIE HIBBEN President/CEO Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce
planning the 2026 Hometown Expo to be held on Feb. 28 at Oswego High School in the fieldhouse. This annual event has been going on for over 25 years and is a great opportunity to put your business in front of the local and surrounding community. Fall is a time to look at your budget and plan for 2026. Are you expanding? Are you hiring? Are you moving? All things to look at. The chamber can help hook you up to resources and people to help you with your future plans.
I look forward to meeting new members, learning more about current members and creating opportunities for people to learn more about Oswego and do business in Oswego. Remember Small Business Saturday is coming! Keep supporting your local businesses, and keep those dollars in Oswego and Kendall County.
My journey with the Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce began long before I was Chairman. For me, this organization has always been a vital part of our community’s fabric, shaping my understanding of local business and connection since my time in high school. It’s a true honor to now serve in this role for a second time, with the added perspective of being a seasoned business owner at Weblinx, Inc. and an Assistant Professor of Business at Waubonsee Community College. I am genuinely excited to continue working alongside all of you to strengthen our business community and build a prosperous future for Oswego.
This is a special time of year, not just because of the changing seasons, but because October is our annual membership drive!
I want to take a moment to talk about why being part of the Chamber is so powerful. It’s more than just a name on a list; it’s about connection. Think of the last time you solved a problem with a quick phone call to a fellow member, or the last time you shook hands with a future client at one of our events. That’s the power of networking in action. It’s the engine that drives our local economy and helps each of our businesses grow.
Over the next few weeks, I encourage you to think about who you know, a new business owner, a colleague, or a friend, who could benefit from being part of our network. Let’s make this the most successful membership drive yet by sharing the value we’ve all found in the Oswego Chamber.
Thank you for everything you do to make our community and our Chamber strong.
Sincerely,
Andrew
(Andy) Clements
Chairman, Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce
Assistant Professor of Business, Waubonsee Community College
President and CEO, Weblinx, Inc.
25 E. Jackson St. Oswego, IL 60543
Phone: (630) 554-3505
Fax: (630) 554-0050
Email: info@oswegochamber.org
Check us out online at www.OswegoChamber.org
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP
Need a refresher on our networking and member benefits? Visit www.oswegochamber.org/ about-us/networking
We’re committed to getting your business where you want it to be. No one-size-fits-all, no handoffs or getting the run around — you’ll get a dedicated team of experts in your industry to support you the whole way through.
Daniel Homan
Vice President, Wintrust Commercial Banking O: 224-523-7072 | M: 608-515-4522
dhoman@wintrust.com Oswego, IL
An exciting new outdoor retail and food service venture, Harrison Street Square, is developing in the Village of Oswego. It includes Harrison Street Stations for business startups to sell their products and services. The entire project is set to re-imagine and redefine Downtown Oswego as a vibrant open-air destination for food, artisans, community and culture.
Set along the scenic Fox River at 174 S. Harrison St., this walkable, open-air retail and culinary promenade will provide an engaging gathering space for friends and families to experience a delightful escape close to home.
USCS, LLC is the owner/developer of
By Patricia M. Szpekowski
Harrison Street Square and construction is being done in two phases.
“Phase 1 has begun with the building’s infrastructure,” says Michael Cardamone, one of the owners of USCS. “As the interior demising of spaces progresses, the exterior renovations will begin. We would like to finalize the building by the end of this year. With the completion collectively with Phase 2, we estimate it to be in the fall of 2026.”
Harrison Street Square is a highly anticipated development. “The Village of Oswego has been exemplary to work with,” notes Cardamone. “They are very supportive of the concept for their downtown community. I personally am investing in the same great town that helped raise
our children for the last 20 years.”
Cardamone notes that Harrison Street Square is more than a development project. “It’s a canvas for local culture, a platform for small businesses, and a celebration of community spirit. From sunrise coffee runs to sunset ice cream breaks, HSQ invites locals and visitors to gather, linger, and connect. Beyond casual recreation, HSQ will also host pet and bike parades, kayak runs, plein air festivals, and other community gatherings along the Fox River.”
Three food truck operators are currently in the outdoor promenade: Mi Kozina Mexican Grill, Vegueros Grill and PeruPollos A La Brasa. Each serves their own style and specialties of authentic bold
Dear Community Members,
We hope this letter finds you well. We are reaching out to provide an important update regarding the continued growth and service demands of the Oswego Fire Protection District (OFPD).
Over the past year, our department has seen an increase in call volume, reaching almost 7,000 incidents. This is a significant rise, highlighting the expanding needs of our community. We are a Fire Protection District. Our coverage area includes Oswego, portions of Montgomery, Plainfield, Yorkville, and areas within unincorporated Kendall and Will Counties. We remain committed to providing timely and effective services to all residents and businesses within these regions.
The demand for fire, rescue, emergency medical services, and other critical responses continue to grow. This surge in call volume is a direct reflection of both our expanding population and the complexities of modern-day emergencies. Despite these challenges, our dedicated firefighters and paramedics continue to provide high-quality service, and we are actively working to ensure we are prepared to meet these rising demands.
To better serve you, we are making continuous improvements to our operations, staffing, and equipment. Our goal is to maintain efficient response time while ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents. We also encourage community members to take advantage of our prevention programs, educational resources, and safety initiatives.
We greatly appreciate your support and trust in us, and we thank you for being an integral part of this community. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how we’re adapting to these challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can continue to build a safer, stronger community.
Thank you for your continued partnership.
Sincerely,
The Oswego Fire Protection District www.oswegofire.com
flavors from seasoned Tex-Mex tacos to fire roasted meats and chicken. There are discussions with a BBQ and soft serve ice cream business. Cardamone notes that they would be interested in a deli/bakery operator to join their menu.
Several businesses are set to be built inside the building. A 4,000 square foot
Italian restaurant family-style concept will offer wood-fired pizza with banquet and outdoor seating. TermiNader fitness founder Ryan Nader, will tailor fitness programs based on each person’s individual biomechanics and fitness goals. Nader is a kinesiology graduate with a background in exercise science and athletic/geriatric rehabilitation.
Barkville Buddies has committed with an indoor/outdoor facility for pets and a taphouse.
According to Cardamone, “Owner Nicole Niklin believes such establishments not only provide a safe environment for dogs to exercise and socialize, but also fosters community connections among pet owners.
“Lastly at the final stages,” Cardmone adds, “we will collaborate to build ‘Stairway to Heaven of Oswego” – a retro inspired music haven where the crackle of vinyl and the warm glow of nostalgia come together.”
Harrison Street Stations will include eight stations for budding entrepreneurs. Currently there are two nonprofits registered for a 12-by-14-foot Station Shop.
Looks like the dream concept that began in July 2024 with a first architectural sketch drawing is taking off and already making an impact.
The Oswego Area Chamber now offers to our members a members-only benefits including access to group rates on an employee health plan through the United Healthcare Community Chamber Program. The program provides an average savings of 25% on your medical premiums compared to other United Healthcare plans in Illinois. You may also get additional savings of up to 4% when you offer a United Healthcare specialty plan like dental or vision alongside your medical plan
You can see how much your business may save with a noobligation quote at Illinois Community Chamber (uhc.com) or reach out to our insurance members to work through the process. There are numerous plan designs and benefits to choose from, a large local and national network for your employees, rewards for your employees and more. For more details, contact us and we will email you more information.
• Piles everywhere making you want to scream?
• No counter space to prep dinner or entertain?
• Tired of hiding the mess when guests arrive?
• Declutter & Purge: We’ll sort, donate, and recycle so you only keep what truly serves you.
• Smart Systems: We create “homes” for everything — so you know exactly where it belongs.
• Full-Home Support: From kitchen counters to closets, we’ll organize every room together.
“Fall Back Into Order” Sale Bonus: Free donation haul + 1-hour digital declutter session (or “Paper Purge Power Hour”)
Our Fall Membership Drive is the entire month of October. In October, when you join the chamber your investment level stays the same, but your application fee is reduced from $50 to $25. When you join you get a listing on our website with all your contact information including LinkedIn, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook links to your businesses.
You will be announced on Facebook as a new member and can schedule a ribbon cutting with us. Ribbon cuttings aren’t just for new businesses – they are for businesses new to the chamber, anniversaries, new location celebrations and more. We love to celebrate our members. You will have an Ambassador to help mentor you and who serves another person for you to go to with questions about the chamber. We are 530 members strong and excited to continue to grow the chamber.
Follow our Facebook page and website to learn more about the chamber and attend a couple of events. Kelly and I look forward to meeting you.
PROUDLY SERVING ALL RESIDENTS IN OSWEGO AND SURROUNDING AREAS
The Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce promotes the growth and prosperity of our members by connecting them to resources, relationships, and value-added benefits to foster a successful business community. Join us in welcoming these new members to the Chamber!
Adam Westell
500 E. Ogden Ave., Ste. 204 Naperville, IL 60563 630-637-3360
Adam.westell@homeinstead.com
SERVICE TECH HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
Joe White
75 Ingleshire Rd. Montogomery, IL 60538 630-465-8530
Joe.white.servicetechhvac.com
OHS VOCAL MUSIC BOOSTERS
Kim Holstein 4250 Route 71 Oswego, IL 60543 630-518-1910
308ovmdboosters@gmail.com
BLUE INDIGO DESIGNS
Jody Jones 15 Iroquois Ct. Oswego, IL 60543 630-306-7525
jody@blueindigodesigns.net
WOODIES WINGS
Kate Gueorguieva 1060 Orchard Rd. Oswego, IL 60543 312-874-7422 kgueorguieva@bigonioninc.com
CRUISE PLANNERS
David Dawson Oswego, IL 630-733-2102
David.dawson@cruiseplanners.com
CATHOLIC CHARITES, DIOCESE OF JOLIET
Stephanie Hook 16555 Weber Rd. Crest Hill, IL 60403 815-724-1146 shook@cc-doj.org
ATK FINANCIAL PROSPERITY
Alex Koynoff Oswego, IL 630-740-0495 Alex@atkfp.com
KELLER WILLIAMS INNOVATE REALTOR
Miguel Castillo Oswego, IL 630-777-5176 miguel@sellmeanewhouse.com
WELA FINANCIAL
Colin Powers 1419 Cannonball Trl. Yorkville, IL 60560 815-271-2575 cpowers@financialguide.com
BEAUTY ABOVE MOST
Veronica Perez 2685 Route 34 Oswego, IL 60543 815-790-8767 beautyabovemost@gmail.com
VOICE DRAGONS
Todd Pierson
279 Morgan Valley Dr. Oswego, IL 60543 630-362-3280 todd@piersonstudios.com
GLOW PROMOTIONAL SERVICES
Yolanda Armalis 301 Cascade Ln. Oswego, IL 60543 708-785-1916 yolandaarmalis@ glowpromotionalservices.com
SMOOTH SKIN STUDIO
Mariam Gulamhusan 1510 Douglas Rd. Oswego, IL 60543 630-937-9753 info@smoothsolutionmedspa.com
HOMEMADE WITH LOVE INC
Pedro Pimentel 1581 Douglas Rd. Montgomery, IL 60538 331-295-0911 orders@homemadewith-love.com
CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLF ASSOCIATION
Mile Gilligan 11855 Archer Ave. Lemont, IL 60439
630-685-2331 mgilligan@cdga.org
D.R HORTON SONOMA TRAILS
Katie Hobson
1423 Vintage Dr. Oswego, IL 60543 847-450-3322 kshobson@drhorton.com
SOUTHBANK ORIGINAL BBQ
Samantha Manteufel 129 E. Hydraulic Ave. Yorkville, IL 60560 630-385-2477
Sam.m@southbankoriginalbbq.com
FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL PLAINFIELD
Karen & Matt Ferguson 23915 Aero Ct., Unit 6 Plainfield, IL 60585
630-888-0911
Karen.ferguson@fcifloors.com
HOLISTICALLY DIVINE COUNSELING
Sherri S Wick
123 W. Washington St., # 220 Oswego, IL 60543 312-668-0261
sherri@holisticallydivine.org
MONTESSORI CHILDREN’S GARDEN
Malita Gardner 2300 Montgomery Rd. Aurora, IL 60504 630-820-1010 mcgschoolaurora@gmail.com
UNITED HEALTHCARE
Alexa Agoranos
200 W. Madison St., Ste. 2600 Chicago, IL 60606 312-348-3827
Alexa_agoranos@uhc.com
THE BARBER BATTALION
Joe Martinez
123 W. Washington St. Oswego, IL 60543 317-757-9734 thebarberbattalion@gmail.com
GRUNDY-KENDALL REGIONAL OFFICE OF EDUCATION
Hallie Brenczewski 1320 Union St. Morris, IL 60450
815-790-3702
hbrenczewski@roe24.org
AUTO TRENDZ INC
Naveed Karim 5498 Route 34 Oswego, IL 60543 331-717-2200
LECLERCQ INSURANCE SERVICES
Dayton LeClercq P.O. Box 609 Oswego, IL 630-863-4148
TUFFY AUTO SERVICE CENTER
Kyle Suffoletto 1555 Route 34 Oswego, IL 60543 630-898-6220
ANDY CLEMENTS
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Waubonsee Community College
RICK WARNER
PAST CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Attorney at Law
KEN HOLMSTROM
VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Byline Bank
JODI TAPP TREASURER Old Second National Bank
KAREN KULZER SECRETARY Fox River Academy of Music & Art
LESLIE HILDERBRANT Hudson Design House
DAN DISANTO Village of Oswego Administrator
CAROL GUIST Baird & Warner Real Estate
JIM BAILEY Bailey Accounting Inc
KRIS KEARNS EXP Realty – The Kearns Team
JENNIFER JONES – SINNOTT Brian Feltes & Associates
TRAVIS KINLEY Pillar Heating & Air
TL WEISBERG, REALTOR ONPATH REALTY INC
Tina Lira-Weisberg 808 N. Lake St. Aurora, IL 60506 815-258-1540 tliraweisberg@onpathrealty.com
PRONTO MS – GOLD ELITE
Antonio Cabrera 1901 Selmarten Rd. Aurora, IL 60543 312-909-1888 acabrera@prontoms.com
CANDY CLOUD
AmyCarol Bedows 2832 S. Route 34 Oswego, IL 60543 331-209-8887
NITRO-TECH SOLUTIONS
Nicholas Lesser 24014 W. Renwick Rd. Plainfield, IL 60544 815-768-3620
TRAVEL A LATTE
Nikki Spitzer P.O Box 751 Geneva, IL 60134 331-248-1896 nikki@travelalatteltd.com
BOBBY RICHARDSON 4 SHERIFF
Bobby Richardson P.O. Box 52 Oswego, IL 60543 Bobbyrichardson4sherrif@gmail.com
NEAT KITCHEN & BAR 1031 Station Dr. Oswego, IL 60543 630-636-0680 anthonybonamo@outlook.com
KELLOGG FOR KENDALL
Matt Kellogg 9750 Schlapp Rd. Yorkville, IL 60560 630-546-3559 matt@mattkellogg.com
MCGROGAN INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES
Zac McGrogan 72 W. Washington St. Oswego, IL 60543 630-554-8800 Zac@sfmcgrogan.com
FOXY’S ICE CREAM
Robyn Sutcliff 131 E. Hydraulic St. Yorkville, IL 60560 630-385-2726 foxysgourmeticecream@gmail.com
ESSENCE OF REIKI
Maya Angel 14 Washington St. Oswego, IL 60543 773-899-6602 Essenceofreiki@yahoo.com
PROFOUND BIRTH PLLC
Dr. Raya Williams 155 Chicago Rd., First Floor Oswego, IL 60543 630-724-5620 hello@profoundbirth.com
TACO DALE CANTINA
Ilda Rodriguez 123 W. Washington St. Oswego, IL 60543 773-744-5177 essenceofreiki@yahoo.com
I & T AUTOMOTIVE
Johnny/Irene 18 W. Merchants Oswego, IL 60543 630-966-9274 ijsplashauto@gmail.com
Becoming a Member is EASY and Affordable!
Check us out at www.OswegoChamber.org | Call, e-mail, or stop on by! Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce 25 E. Jackson St. • Oswego, IL 60543 • (630) 554-3505 Fax: (630) 554-0050 • Email: info@oswegochamber.org
Janna Misek, Agent
1136 Douglas Road
Oswego, IL 60543-9040
Bus: 630-554-1540
janna@jannamisek.net
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