Each January, BDC members and community leaders gather together to attend our annual membership meeting. Attendees enjoy a complimentary breakfast and have an opportunity to meet and greet fellow members and elected officials. The meeting's agenda includes Installation of newly elected board members and distribution of the organization's Annual Report. Additionally, the President's Award, the George W. Ashby Award for Businesses Excellence and recognition awards for business owners who contributed to the Berwyn business community by improving their businesses or properties through the TIF program are given.

 

The President's Award
Each year this award id given to an individual whose hard work and accomplishments exemplify the mission and spirit of the BDC and contribute to the Berwyn Community. This year's award was given to two recipients, John Aranza and Christine Tully Aranza, who have both been instrumental to the revitalization of Roosevelt Road. Their belief in the viability of the corridor is evident in the opening of their second business, the critically-acclaimed Autre Monde Cafe & Spirits.

 

 

George W. Ashby Award for Business Excellence
This award, named after one of Berwyn's early architects, is given to a Berwyn-based business that presents a professional and favorable image to Berwyn, provides quality of goods or services, maintains a visually appealing space and practices high quality customer service to its patrons. James & Williams Jewelers received this year's award because of their reputation of having a knowledgeable and courteous staff that gives each customer personal attention. Along with high quality products, they maintain excellent upkeep of their premises. They have been family owned since 1962 and will be celebration their 50th anniversary this year.

 

TIF Recognition
Eleven recognition plaques were given to business owners who invested in their properties with the assistance of TIF in 2011. These businesses included:

• 12th Street Rag
• Automated Lifestyles
• Autre Monde Cafe & Spirits
• Berwyn Kia
• Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar
• Culver's
• Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins
• La Z de Oro
• The Math Spot
• Padgett Business Services
• Paisans Pizzeria & Bar