How Downers Grove’s Economic Development fuels growth and opportunity

BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP STAFF

The Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation (DGEDC) is a driving force behind the village’s continued growth and prosperity. As a public-private partnership and separate 501(c)6 nonprofit, the DGEDC works hand-in-hand with the Village to attract new jobs and investment, fill vacant spaces, and pursue long-term strategic initiatives such as the Ogden Avenue TIF closeout and redevelopment opportunities identified in the new Guiding DG Comprehensive Plan.

For President and CEO Bryan Gay, the mission is straightforward: create opportunities for job growth and investment, and make sure the business and real estate communities know those opportunities exist in Downers Grove. That work takes many forms, from business attraction and site-selection services to retention programs, the DGEDC’s DigDeep podcast, and a strong social media presence. “Economic development is a marathon, not a sprint,” Gay says. “One positive interaction or story might be the reason a business chooses to grow or relocate here.”

Why Businesses Choose Downers Grove

Several key advantages make Downers Grove stand out as a premier destination for business. Its location—just 30 miles west of Chicago at the crossroads of Interstates 88 and 355, with three Metra stations offering daily express service—puts companies within easy reach of both O’Hare and Midway airports. The quality of life is another major draw, with access to outdoor recreation, a vibrant downtown, award-winning schools, world-class healthcare, and a lower cost of living than other major metro areas. Add to that a highly educated, motivated workforce, and it’s clear why employers see opportunity here.

The result is a thriving, diverse local economy. Beyond the corporate headquarters clustered along I-88, Downers Grove is home to robust retail, hospitality, industrial, and service-based businesses. One particularly strong sector is food manufacturing. “In just the past three years, we’ve welcomed three food-based manufacturers, bringing nearly 400 new jobs to Downers Grove,” Gay notes. “That momentum is helping us build a reputation as a hub for food production and distribution.”

“Economic development is a marathon, not a sprint.”

– Bryan Gay, DGEDC President and CEO

Success Stories and Strategic Growth

Recent successes underscore how targeted redevelopment can spark new investment. A notable example is Andy’s Frozen Custard at 816 Ogden Avenue, a project that transformed three long-vacant parcels as part of the Ogden Avenue TIF closeout. “Andy’s is more than a new business—it’s a catalyst for additional redevelopment along Ogden that we expect to see in the coming years,” says Gay. The new location will open just in time for sweater weather this October.

Balancing new development with support for existing businesses is a priority, especially in a mature, mostly built-out community like Downers Grove. Gay points out that existing small businesses generate 83% of all economic activity and are 70% more likely to expand where they’re already established. Programs like SPARK, which connects local businesses to growth resources, and the DigDeep podcast, which shares stories and advice from local entrepreneurs and experts, are central to that approach. In 2023, the State of Illinois named DGEDC a “Community Navigator,” formalizing its business-retention programming. “By supporting our existing businesses, we’re strengthening the foundation of our local economy,” Gay says.

The Backbone of the Local Economy

Small businesses and entrepreneurs, Gay emphasizes, are essential to Downers Grove’s economic vitality. “They’re the backbone of our economy,” he says. “They’re the ones making the majority of investments—whether that’s hiring employees, occupying commercial space, or simply spending locally.” The impact is substantial: for every $1 invested in existing businesses, the average return to the community is $1.40.

Looking to the Future

The next decade promises exciting opportunities. Gay points to the Fairview Avenue corridor as one with transformative potential. Much like downtown Downers Grove 25 years ago, Fairview could redefine itself and serve as an extension of the downtown core. With a Metra station, updated zoning, and planned mobility and streetscape improvements, “the pieces are in place for meaningful change,” he says. Additional catalyst sites along Ogden Avenue, Belmont, and 75th Street also hold potential for significant community wins.

For Gay, the work is more than professional—it’s personal. Living nearby in Darien, with a daughter at Downers Grove South High School and a wife who owns a local business, his family is deeply rooted in the community. “We spend a lot of time here—attending events, volunteering, and connecting with neighbors,” he says. “It’s about giving back to the community where we live, work, and spend our time.”

That deep connection fuels optimism for what lies ahead. “While every community sees businesses come and go, Downers Grove remains one of the top destinations for investment in the western suburbs,” Gay says. “Every closing creates space for new possibilities, and the fact that businesses and residents want to be here means there’s always something to look forward to. The next chapter for Downers Grove is full of potential.”