How Hinsdale’s EDC blends progress with charm

Hinsdale Magazine Group gathered insights from Economic Development Commission Chair Jill Sunderson, Village President Greg Hart, Assistant Village Manager Adrianna Peterson, and Senior Management Analyst Alex Snyder on how the Village is strengthening its business community, supporting growth, and preserving the timeless charm that defines downtown Hinsdale.

Guiding Principles for Economic Vitality

The mission of the Hinsdale Economic Development Commission (EDC) is to recommend plans and actions that encourage the establishment, growth, and longevity of various businesses, resulting in a robust village economy and an enhanced quality of life for residents. This work is grounded in four key objectives:

• CREATE – Create and increase awareness of Hinsdale businesses
• DRIVE – Drive local foot traffic to increase business demand
• ENGAGE – Engage and link local businesses, residents, and charities
• MEASURE – Measure key market metrics to identify strategic opportunities

These pillars guide everything the EDC does, from determining how and when to hold Restaurant Week to attract diners from Hinsdale and beyond, to launching campaigns designed to draw holiday shoppers downtown instead of to nearby Oak Brook. The Commission also collaborates with the Chamber of Commerce on events such as the annual July sidewalk sale and the October Wine Walk, all aimed at boosting business visibility and activity.

“The EDC’s mission is not only to preserve what makes Hinsdale special, but also to ensure that our business community continues to evolve and thrive,” said Jill Sunderson, Chair of the EDC. “Everything we do is about balancing that timeless village character with smart growth that supports residents and draws in visitors.”

Village President Greg Hart agrees that the EDC plays a crucial role in shaping Hinsdale’s future. “Hinsdale is defined by its small-town feel and vibrant local businesses,” he said. “Our goal is to strengthen that identity while creating new opportunities for growth and investment. We want Hinsdale to remain a place where people choose to live, shop, dine, and gather — not just today, but for generations to come.”

The EDC’s scope primarily includes more than 300 small, retail-facing businesses — from restaurants and shops to beauty and wellness establishments — that shape the character and economy of Hinsdale.

Strengths and Challenges in a Thriving Downtown

Hinsdale’s downtown consistently boasts one of the region’s lowest vacancy rates — around 3.5%, according to Choose DuPage. While this reflects a healthy business environment, it also presents a unique challenge: new businesses often have to wait for the right space to become available.

“The Village is very proactive about cultivating relationships with restaurant groups and retailers,” said Adrianna Peterson, Assistant Village Manager. “So, when space does open up, we’re able to pick up the phone and let them know Hinsdale is ready for them. Our ongoing outreach efforts help keep Hinsdale top of mind for businesses that align with the character of our downtown.”

Hart noted that this proactive approach is intentional. “We work hard to make sure Hinsdale is always part of the conversation for business owners looking to expand or relocate,” he said. “Even when space is limited, we want those decision-makers to know that Hinsdale offers a welcoming environment, strong community support, and a customer base that values local business.”

Another defining factor is the Village’s proximity to Oak Brook Mall. National retailers often avoid clustering locations in nearby suburbs, meaning some brands are unlikely to open in Hinsdale. Yet this creates an opportunity to focus on attracting smaller, independent businesses that thrive in the Village’s walkable, community-oriented downtown.

“This delineation actually helps define our path,” Sunderson noted. “It allows us to double down on the kinds of charming, small businesses that flourish here while still benefiting from the halo effect of being so close to a major retail destination.”

Hart added that this dynamic aligns with Hinsdale’s character. “We’re not trying to be Oak Brook,” he said. “We’re proud of our scale and charm. Our focus is on cultivating a unique mix of businesses that reflects the personality of Hinsdale and enhances the experience for everyone who spends time here.”

 

“The EDC’s mission is not only to preserve what makes Hinsdale special, but also to ensure that our business community continues to evolve and thrive.”

— Jill Sunderson, Chair of the EDC

Enhancing the Shopper Experience

When evaluating potential additions to the business landscape, the EDC looks beyond individual storefronts and considers the overall customer journey. The goal is to enhance the downtown experience and encourage visitors to spend more time in Hinsdale.

“We ask questions like: If someone comes in for a haircut, is there a coffee shop nearby where they can stop afterward? If they’re shopping for a birthday gift, where can they grab lunch next?” said Alex Snyder, Senior Management Analyst. “The idea is to turn a single errand or outing into multiple stops. We want to make it easy and appealing for people to linger and explore.”

This approach helps ensure that new businesses complement — rather than compete with — existing ones and that Hinsdale’s downtown continues to offer a mix that meets a range of community needs. As Sunderson put it, “In an ideal non-Amazon world, I’d love to see a bookstore and a toy store in Hinsdale’s future.”

Hart echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful growth. “We want to curate a business mix that builds on itself. Where every new store or restaurant adds value to the overall downtown experience,” he said. “It’s about creating a place where residents and visitors alike want to stay a little longer, shop a little more, and keep coming back.”

Events That Drive Engagement

Community events are powerful tools for boosting economic activity. The Village and EDC partner closely with the Chamber of Commerce on initiatives that bring residents and visitors downtown, from the annual Holiday Walk and festive carriage rides to farmers’ markets, summer festivals, and Restaurant Week.

“The holiday season accounts for roughly 25% to 40% of small business retail revenue,” Hart said. “We work hard to make that time of year magical — not just with decorations and events, but with campaigns that draw shoppers and diners into our businesses.”

Sunderson highlighted the importance of these shared experiences. “Events help create memories and build connections,” she said. “When families come downtown for a holiday stroll or neighbors meet up for Restaurant Week, they’re not just enjoying an event. They’re investing in the local businesses that make Hinsdale special.”

Restaurant Week has become a highlight of the year, with 12 participating restaurants in 2025 and a promotional video that garnered approximately 28,000 views. It’s just one example of how thoughtful programming and marketing can expand the Village’s reach and strengthen its local economy.

Preserving Charm While Embracing Growth

Hinsdale’s historic character is one of its greatest assets, and maintaining that charm is central to the EDC’s work. Outdoor dining, which the Commission helped make possible, has been met with overwhelming community support and has become a beloved feature of the downtown experience.

“Parking is always part of the conversation — how to make it easier, how to prevent violators, how to make it more accessible,” Hart noted. “Growth and vibrancy are good problems to have, and we’re always looking for ways to support both.”

An enhanced pedestrian walkway linking the parking structure to First Street is one such improvement, designed to make parking more convenient and increase awareness of available spaces. Meanwhile, the Historic Preservation Commission plays a vital role in ensuring that new businesses respect the Village’s architectural legacy.

“There’s nothing more exciting than seeing a new business breathe new life into a historic building,” Sunderson said. “The transformation of Hartley’s Bike Shop into Burdi Clothing is a perfect example of how modernization and preservation can coexist beautifully.”

Hart emphasized that this balance is key to Hinsdale’s continued success. “Our charm is part of our competitive advantage,” he said. “We want to embrace innovation and growth, but never at the expense of what makes Hinsdale feel like home.”

Looking Toward the Future

The EDC’s long-term vision for Hinsdale centers on inclusivity, community, and vibrancy. Sunderson envisions a thriving downtown that serves every stage of life and remains a cherished gathering place for residents and visitors alike.

“This community is social, kind, and deeply values small-town charm,” she said. “I want every new parent to shop here for their baby, every retiree to walk to coffee every morning, every college kid to meet friends for breakfast when they’re home, and every sports team to celebrate with ice cream. My hope is that Hinsdale remains a place people want to spend their time and money because it’s simply a lovely place to enjoy life.”

Hart shares that vision and sees Hinsdale’s next decade as an opportunity to build on a strong foundation. “Our goal is to create a business environment that not only meets the needs of today but anticipates the needs of tomorrow,” he said. “We’re focused on sustaining a vibrant, diverse, and resilient downtown that continues to serve as the heart of our community.”

A Sweet Success Story

Among the EDC’s proudest accomplishments is helping bring an ice cream shop to downtown — a longstanding community wish. Today, Every Day’s a Sundae is a summer staple, drawing families, kids, and cyclists to its doors and creating the kind of joyful, community-centered experience the EDC strives to foster.

“It’s a small thing, but it’s exactly the kind of small thing that makes Hinsdale special,” Peterson reflected. “Those families gathered outside, those kids with ice cream cones — that’s what all our work is really about.”

Hart agreed. “It’s about creating moments,” he said. “When you see kids laughing with ice cream or families spending a Saturday afternoon downtown, you’re witnessing the real impact of our work. That’s the Hinsdale we want to nurture — one small, meaningful experience at a time.”

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Meet the EDC

The EDC is a mix of Hinsdale residents and business owners who advise our Village administration on how best to support economic growth in Hinsdale. The business owners are a mix of small and large businesses, with the hospital having representation as the largest employer.

• Rick Eck – President of Hinsdale Bank
• Lyn Burgess – Representing (Hinsdale Hospital) UChicago Medicine AdventHealth
• Angela Lavelli – Café La Fortuna (Business Owner)
• Carrie Thangamani – CHT Orthodontics (Business Owner)
• Sam Vlahos – Fuller House (Business Owner)
• Rino Burdi – Burdi Clothing (Business Owner)
• Jill Sunderson – Resident, Chair
• Mike Kiyosaki – Resident
• Natalie Scheid – Resident