An idea to create a new downtown organization is getting mixed reviews from members of the Glen Ellyn business community.

Earlier this month the village board continued its discussion on creating a new organization that would help provide support to downtown stores through marketing, retention and recruitment efforts.

Critics of the plan say it would create unhealthy competition among already present organizations, particularly the Economic Development Corporation, as well as generate unnecessary overlap.

Some of these same concerns were echoed by local shop owners who believe Glen Ellyn’s current model is enough, and any other changes to the current business climate is more determined by the economy rather than a new organization’s effort.

“We do our business and we go on (but) we just see the stores coming and going,” said Becky Klug, owner of Flour Barrel Bakery, which has been in Glen Ellyn since 1932.

Bringing in businesses that are needed, not just to fill empty storefronts, is something Klug said could greatly benefit the downtown and help make it a one-stop shop for downtown visitors.

However, because the business climate is so poor, she said the village might not be able to afford being particular.

And that isn’t going to change simply by forming a new organization.

Anjum Khan, owner of Florist on Forest, sees the potential for a new group to help bring more shoppers to the area, but believes it might not make a difference because people don’t have money to spend.

Instead, Klug suggested the village focus on streamlining the efforts of groups already present in town.

“There are so many different organizations in town,” she said. “Not everyone works together.”

In addition to the Economic Development Corporation, the Downtown Glen Ellyn Alliance that helps host a handful of events throughout the year and the Chamber of Commerce provide support to local merchants.

As part of creating the downtown organization, the alliance would be dissolved with all of its responsibilities rolled into the new organization.

EDC President Neil Dishman spoke with the board earlier this month about his concerns that the organization would take on responsibilities already handled by the corporation, forcing the two to compete against each other.

It also would create confusion among future business owners, who may be recruited by both organizations to move into town, he said.

 “The EDC has a tremendous about of experience and institutional knowledge in performing this function,” he said.

And some board members agreed, noting that they need to refine some of the responsibilities as well as ensure any money put into creating the organization is money well spent before moving forward.

A committee charged with looking into the issue recommended a minimum budget of $182,000, which would be supported through a variety of funding sources such as membership dues, diverting special service funds, increasing a tax levy or pulling from the village’s special service fund.

“We shouldn’t jump into anything. We should transition into something,” Village Manager Steve Jones cautioned the board at the start of this month’s meeting. 

And there are benefits to be gained. Dishman as well as members of the board a new downtown organization could help manage events, organize marketing campaigns and address complaints voiced by current business owners. It also a key goal mentioned in the village’s strategic plan.

Diane Kafka, manager of Saret Treasures of Hope, which is a nonprofit resale shop that helps support a local charity, also said it could provide yet another level of support to businesses like hers that don’t have money to pay for their own marketing.

“The store has to keep the charity going,” she said.