News

Ace Hardware Looks To Add 160 New Stores This Year

Ace Hardware, a chain of more than 5,600 stores, is crafting an expansion, opening about 160 brick-and-mortar retail sites this year and looking to bring three new warehouses online. Ace, based in Oak Brook, Illinois, this week said it had already debuted 105 new stores in 2022 so far and expects to open at least an additional 60 by year-end. The retailer has added more than 840 new stores in the past five years. To keep pace with the company's growth, Ace is continuing to invest in expanding its

Home Affordability Hits Three-Decade Low, CEO Exits Trend Down, Import Prices Decline

Home Affordability Hits Three-Decade Low Single-family home affordability reached a three-decade low as prices increased by double-digit percentages and hit records in several major U.S. regions, according to the latest numbers from the National Association of Realtors trade group. The group reported Friday that its housing affordability index, gauging families’ ability to buy an existing median-priced, single-family home, fell to 98.5 in June, the lowest number seen since June 1989’s 98.3. A score of 100

Superstores Lead Retail Foot Traffic Gains, Jobless Claims Rise, Producer Prices Slip

Superstores Lead Retail Foot Traffic Gains Some major store chains are generating plenty of foot traffic even as inflation runs near a 40-year high. A report this week from traffic analytics firm Placer.ai shows superstores, generally those spanning more then 100,000 square feet with a mix of general merchandise and groceries, were among the biggest foot traffic winners during July, rising 7.5% from their March levels. Superstores and traditional grocery stores, where visits rose 6.6%, apparently

Consumer Inflation Eases, Worker Wages Rise, Mortgage Applications Rebound

Consumer Inflation Eases Annual inflation stayed around 40-year highs, ending July at 8.5% while offering consumers some relief in the form of declining gas prices, the Labor Department reported. The government reported July prices generally unchanged from June, with a 7.7% drop in the cost of gas helping to offset month-over-month increases of 1.1% for food and 4.6% for energy expenses including electricity. July marked the seventh consecutive monthly increase of 0.9% or more for food, with food at home

Congregation Kneseth Israel to Celebrate 130 Years

Congregation Kneseth Israel to Celebrate 130 Years  Since 1892, Congregation Kneseth Israel has been the heart of the Jewish Community in the Fox River Valley. Congregation Kneseth Israel (CKI) is extremely proud to be celebrating its 130th Anniversary this year with a number of exciting events.   Over the years, the congregation has changed to reflect the needs and demographics of the congregation. "In an age when too many congregations are faltering, it is not enough to survive; we need to create

Prices Are Surging for Land, the Foundation for All Property Sectors

 Land has been one of the strongest-performing commercial real estate sectors in the past year and a half as investors have flocked to the physical foundation for all real estate development. CoStar Group’s U.S. Land Index, a tool used to track the property type, increased 12.6% in the 12-month period that ended in June and is now 33.9% higher than its February 2020 pre-pandemic level. The price increases have been driven by a surge in volume. Land sales approached $100 billion in 2021, up from less

Micron Invests $40 Billion in US Chip Manufacturing, Port Cargo Traffic Predicted To Slow, Office At

Micron Investing $40 Billion in U.S. Chip Manufacturing Micron Technology’s plans to invest $40 billion in U.S. chip manufacturing could signal acceleration of similar projects that increase industrial property demand, as newly enacted legislation promotes more domestic production of vital semiconductors. Boise, Idaho-based Micron, among the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturers, said the investment would play out through the end of the decade, with plans to boost its memory chip manufacturing in

Spirit Halloween, Party City Look To Conjure Up 1,600 Halloween Pop-Ups This Year

More than 2,000 people showed up for the grand opening of Spirit Halloween's flagship store in New Jersey last month, with some camping out up to three days ahead of time for the event as the spooky holiday's popularity grows. "One store open, 1,449 to go!" Greg Parsons, the retailer's senior manager of real estate, said in a post about the holiday season kickoff on LinkedIn. Halloween, celebrated on Oct. 31, means big business in the United States, becoming virtually the only holiday that sparks the

Consumers Expect Lower Inflation, Mall Visits Decline

Consumers Expect Lower Inflation Ahead of this week’s highly anticipated government announcement of July’s inflation rate, a new survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York finds consumers expecting short- and long-term relief from food, gas and other prices that are running at 40-year highs. The New York Fed reported Monday that its July survey of households nationwide shows respondents expect annual inflation, currently at 9.1%, to be at a median of 6.2% a year from now and 3.2% three years from

Senate Passes Climate and Tax Bill, Lottery Mania as Economic Indicator, Mall Shooting Spotlights Co

Senate Passes Climate and Tax Bill The Senate has passed legislation involving climate change, healthcare, taxes and inflation after removing a carried interest tax provision that was opposed by some real estate investors. Sen. Chuck Shumer of New York, who spearheaded the bill, told reporters Friday he had no choice but to drop the carried interest tax measure after Arizona Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema said she would oppose it, which threatened to scuttle the entire package before it even got to the

Blowout Jobs Report Stuns Wall Street

The economy added 528,000 jobs in July, according to the Labor Department on Friday, the largest monthly gain since February and more than twice the number expected by economists. Employment has now returned to its pre-pandemic levels, with more than 22 million jobs added since May 2021. The gains were broad-based across industries, with the most jobs being added in the leisure and hospitality industries, the two sectors most impacted by the pandemic. Restaurants and bars added 74,100 jobs in July, and

Jobless Claims Rise, Mortgage Rates Drop Below 5%, Factory Orders Beat Expectations

Jobless Claims Rise Initial claims for unemployment insurance rose again last week in what has otherwise been a strong employment market for the past several months, with layoffs remaining muted despite high inflation and other pandemic-spurred dysfunctions. But this week’s news of job cuts at three high-profile companies — Walmart, Geico and Robinhood Markets — don't help the employment picture at a time when analysts and corporate leaders around the country are warning of a recession as soon as this

AMC Theaters Boosts Revenue, Looks to Pay Debt Faster, As Moviegoers Return

AMC Theatres more than doubled its revenue while trimming its net losses in its second quarter, as the world’s largest theater chain announced it would issue new preferred shares that would allow it to pay down debt and possibly pursue more acquisitions as customers head back to the movies. Executives said Thursday that Leawood, Kansas-based AMC Theaters, with 950 locations including 550 in the U.S., still owes about $219 million to its retail landlords for deferred rents, down from $450 million two

CHIPS Act poised to boost U.S. businesses

CHIPS Act poised to boost U.S. businesses  The Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America Act (CHIPS Act) was recently passed by Congress as part of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. President Biden is expected to sign it into law shortly. Among other things, the $52 billion package provides generous tax incentives to increase domestic production of semiconductors, also known as chips. While the incentives themselves are narrowly targeted, the expansion of semiconductor production

Tourism Attractions & Festivals Grants

NEW! Tourism Attractions & Festivals Grant ProgramWhat: The Tourism Attraction and Festivals Grant program will help develop new or enhance existing tourism attractions located across the state – including but not limited to museums, state parks, historical sites, events, performances, and festivals. The funds may be utilized for capital projects, equipment, training, transportation, housing, receptions, entertainment, photography, temporary housing, and interpretive programs.  The goal of the program is to

Mortgage Applications Rise, Walmart Plans Staff Cuts

Mortgage Applications Rise Mortgage applications increased 1.2% for the week ended July 29 from the prior week, the latest fluctuation as applications and home sales have slowed significantly in the face of rising interest rates, the Mortgage Bankers Association trade group reported. A potential reason for the uptick is that the full effect of last week’s 0.75% hike in the Federal Reserve’s key lending rate, the latest in a series, has not yet been reflected in mortgage rates. The trade group said last

Hotel Industry in Recovery: Occupancy, Rates, Revenue and Demand All on the Rise

The second-quarter numbers tell a story of a hospitality industry in recovery, both in terms of room rate growth and occupancy. Room rate, total revenue, demand and supply all reached record highs in the second quarter. While national occupancy is still three points below 2019 levels, that is largely because supply growth is muting the impact of the returning demand. And in addition to the millions of leisure travelers on their summer vacation, midweek demand from corporate travelers and convention

One of the Nation's Largest Apartment Owners Grows Bigger With Midwest Expansion

One of the largest apartment owners in the country had a busy July buying up older properties across the Midwest. King of Prussia, Pennsylvania-based Morgan Properties set a sales record in Indiana in addition to purchasing three properties totaling around 1,000 units in the Chicago suburbs last month. Morgan Properties paid a combined $410 million for the Chicago portfolio and Indiana portfolio, which includes five properties, according to a statement from the company. Morgan Properties didn't reveal

Job Openings Decline, Rental Vacancy Drops Slightly, Office Attendance Ticks Lower

Job Openings Decline U.S. job openings totaled 10.7 million at the end of June, down from 11.3 million in May and potentially signaling a hiring slowdown in what remains a historically strong employment market. Labor Department figures released Tuesday showed June’s figure for total openings was the lowest since September, even as the June unemployment rate came in at a low 3.6% for the fourth consecutive month. July’s jobless rate has yet to be announced. June’s 6.4 million hirings and 5.9 million total

Illinois Tool Works Reports Second Quarter Increase

GLENVIEW — Illinois Tool Works Inc. reported fiscal year second quarter revenue of $4.0 billion, up 9% over the same period last year. The acquisition of MTS contributed 3% to revenue while unfavorable foreign currency translation reduced revenue by 4%, the company said. Six of seven segments delivered positive organic growth in the quarter, led by Food Equipment up 25%, Welding up 22%, Construction Products up 15%, Polymers & Fluids up 10%, Automotive parts up 6%, and Test & Measurement and Electronics up

Construction Spending Declines, Manufacturing Activity Grows, Worker Pay Rises as Fewer Relocate

Construction Spending Declines Construction spending in June was down 1.1% from the prior month, as lingering supply chain disruptions and cost hikes showed signs of slowing residential and nonresidential projects. The approximately $1.76 trillion spent on all types of construction during the month was down from May’s $1.78 trillion, though still 8.3% above the amount for June 2021, the Commerce Department reported Monday. June’s private residential construction tally of $923.7 billion was down 1.6% from

Why Banks’ Good Times in Commercial Real Estate Lending May Be Winding Down

Commercial real estate lending was a key driver of growth at many banks during the first half of the year as investors and landlords took advantage of low interest rates. Those days could soon be over. Many bank executives across the country expect demand for commercial mortgages to slow. The main culprit, they say, is rising rates. Some bankers say they have already begun to see a dwindling number of credit applications in July in their loan pipelines, a term used to describe loans still in the

Governor Pritzker Issues Monkeypox Virus Public Health Emergency Declaration to Coordinate Statewide

Governor Pritzker Issues Monkeypox Virus Public Health Emergency Declaration to Coordinate Statewide ResponseCHICAGO—Governor Pritzker issued a proclamation today declaring the monkeypox virus a public health emergency and declaring the state of Illinois a disaster area regarding the disease. The declaration, which applies to the entire state, will allow the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to utilize resources for coordinating logistics across state agencies, quickly and efficiently aid in the

Illinois Department of Labor Finalizes Domestic Worker Rules

Illinois Department of Labor Finalizes Domestic Worker RulesClarifies compensable hours, record keeping, standards for meals and lodging  SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has finalized rules for the employment of domestic workers to better define pay, record keeping, and other requirements that apply to domestic work.   The rules follow a statutory change that extended the protections of the Minimum Wage Law to domestic workers, who had previously been excluded from

Businesses: Act Now to Make the Most out of Bonus Depreciation

Businesses: Act now to make the most out of bonus depreciation  The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) significantly boosted the potential value of bonus depreciation for taxpayers — but only for a limited duration. The amount of first-year depreciation available as a so-called bonus will begin to drop from 100% after 2022, and businesses should plan accordingly.  Bonus depreciation in a nutshell   Bonus depreciation has been available in varying amounts for some time. Immediately prior to the passage of the

Personal Spending Rises With Prices, Consumer Sentiment Declines, Jobless Claims Drop

Personal Spending Rises With Prices Personal spending and income both grew slightly in June from the prior month, with stubbornly high gas, food and other price inflation eating into those gains. The Commerce Department reported July 29 that consumers in June boosted their spending by $181.1 billion, 1.1% more than they shelled out in May. More than half of that increase, $94.9 billion, was concentrated on goods, with gasoline and other energy-related products accounting for much of the hike. Consumers

Commercial Real Estate Sales Fall in Second Quarter as Investors Turn to Big Cities

The U.S. commercial real estate market in the second quarter was marked by waning investor interest, with new property sale data showing an extended decline. Deal volume is slowing, and buyers are going back to tried and true big cities such as New York, Chicago, Houston and San Francisco, according to the CoStar Commercial Repeat Sale Indices, which monitor price differences in sales of the same property. On the bright side, the indices indicated prices reached new highs again in the second quarter

Amazon To Roll Back Capital Expenditures as Consumer Demand Weakens

Despite better-than-expected sales numbers, online retailer and web services provider Amazon is feeling the heat of shifting consumer demand and says it will be slowing its 2022 and 2023 expansion plans. In a call with investors to discuss second quarter results, in which revenue beat expectations, the company said the shift would be reflected in the company's capital expenditures, with investment in its high-performing cloud services operation Amazon Web Services expanding and spending on

Almost Two-Thirds of Chicago Real Estate Professionals Worried About Rest of 2022

Nearly two-thirds of Chicago real estate professionals have a negative outlook for the remainder of 2022, as the city faces problems such as crime and the national economy grapples with inflation, rising interest rates and fears of a recession. About 65% of the real estate investors, brokers, lenders, academics and other industry professionals who responded to a mid-year sentiment poll described themselves as bearish or “trending toward concern,” about Chicago’s prospects in the second half of 2022. A

Economic Development News from DCEO

          $15 Million in Additional Funding to Support Local Festivals and Tourism Across the State      Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $15 million in additional funding to support tourism sectors across Illinois through the second round of the Tourism Attraction and Festivals Grant Program which is designed

Gov. Pritzker Announces SBA Disaster Declaration Approval for Highland Park Shooting

HIGHLAND PARK – Governor JB Pritzker announced today that the State’s request for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster declaration has been granted for several counties in Northeast Illinois that were affected by the shooting at the Fourth of July parade in Highland Park.  “Thank you to Administrator Guzman and the SBA for making low-interest disaster loans available to our Highland Park community during this time of tragedy and grieving,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With the SBA’s

US Needs 4.3 Million More Apartments by 2035 as Loss of Affordable Units Grows, Industry Groups Say

Apartment developers have to build 4.3 million units across the country over the next dozen years to meet demand, industry groups estimate, with about 40% of that construction needed in California, Florida and Texas. Those three states will require 1.5 million new units by 2035, according to a study released Wednesday from two multifamily advocacy organizations. The expected number of U.S. units needed to meet demand includes an estimated deficit of 600,000 units because of underbuilding in the aftermath

Retail Inventories Rise, Mortgage Applications Hit New Low, Durable Goods Orders Increase

Retail Inventories Rise More products are sitting on retailers’ shelves these days, as consumers trim discretionary spending to deal with rising prices for daily necessities like food and gasoline. Retail inventories were estimated at $723 billion at the end of June, up 2% from May and up 19.9% from June 2021, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday. Wholesale inventories were estimated at $896 billion, up 1.9% from May and an increase of 25.6% from June 2021. In a blog post Wednesday, the National

HAMPTON, LENZINI AND RENWICK, INC. NAMED 2022 A/E/C EMPLOYER OF CHOICE® BY PSMJ RESOURCES, INC.

PSMJ Resources, Inc., the global leader in business management data and guidance for architects and engineers, has named Hampton Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) the number one 2022 A/E/C Employer of Choice®, the industry’s premier recognition of firms that have mastered workforce retention and productivity by achieving the highest level of employee engagement. “Finding and retaining the best talent continues to be a critical path challenge across the industry,” says PSMJ Resources Director, Gregory Hart,

Consumer Confidence Drops, Retail Stocks Slide on Walmart Warning, New Home Sales Fall, Office Atten

Consumer Confidence Drops A widely watched index gauging consumer confidence declined for the third consecutive month in July amid concerns about a pending recession. The New York-based Conference Board, which researches economic trends, said Tuesday its Consumer Confidence Index was 95.7, down 2.7 points from the June figure. The index tracks changes in positive responses to a nationwide survey regarding consumers’ overall outlooks on the economy, using 1985 as a base of 100. “As the Fed raises interest

Congress Edges Forward on CHIPS Act, Bill Seen Boosting US Semiconductor Output and Development

Congress is moving forward on legislation designed to boost domestic manufacturing of semiconductors, an initiative that's seen as encouraging more companies to build or expand multibillion-dollar chipmaking plants in the United States. The Senate voted Tuesday to advance a long-delayed bill that would provide $52 billion in federal subsidies for domestic semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing through the CHIPS Act. It comes as the world is dealing with a shortage of semiconductor chips used

Amazon Buys Up Thousands of Acres as It Eyes Future Real Estate Needs

Amazon, the world's biggest retailer, roiled the real estate world earlier this year when it said it would slow its pace of warehouse leasing and begin to sublet some of the tens of millions of square feet it had committed to as part of its pandemic-era expansion. But the fallout may not be as dire as some initially feared. The pullback could say more about a strategic shift than a retreat from real estate. The company has spent billions of dollars over the past couple of years to buy undeveloped land as

Business Optimism Falls as Costs Rise, Manufacturing Output Contracts, Activity Index Posts Back-to-

Business Optimism Drops As Costs Rise Fewer companies are reporting increasing sales, profits and wages as perceptions rise among business owners that the United States can't avoid falling into a recession, a business trade group reported. Nearly half of the respondents surveyed by the National Association of Business Economics in July said a recession is more likely than not over the next 12 months, compared to 13% who held that view in the April survey, the group's Business Conditions Survey Chair Jan

On the Block: A Discussion on the Proposed ''Labor Rights'' Amendment

On the Block: A Discussion on the Proposed "Labor Rights" Amendment  Recently, Chamber President & CEO Todd Maisch had the opportunity to appear on WCIU-TV in Chicago for an episode of "On the Block" hosted by Brandon Pope. The segment was centered around SJRCA11, a proposed amendment to the state constitution that will appear on ballots this fall. Maisch spoke in opposition. This amendment would permanently enshrine pro-labor legislative desires into the state constitution and says the

Help Prevent Prescription Drug Cost Increases - A Message from President & CEO Maisch

Help Prevent Prescription Drug Cost Increases - A Message from President & CEO Maisch  This past legislative session, Illinois lawmakers came very close to passing legislation that would have increased the cost of prescription drugs, and we need to make sure they don’t try it again. That’s why the Illinois Chamber is leading a new initiative to urge lawmakers to find real solutions to address prescription drug costs, instead of implementing misguided government mandates that do nothing to improve access or

Inflation Squeezes Back-to-School Spending, Outlook Lowered for Global Real Estate Returns, Jobless

Inflation Squeezes Back-to-School Spending More than half of parents plan to cut their back-to-school spending budgets in the face of inflation that's at a 40-year high, a survey by brokerage JLL found. The National Retail Federation trade group projected this month that this year’s total U.S. back-to-school spending would match 2021’s record high of $37 billion. How things actually play out at retail stores will depend on the exent of inflation's effect on any given household. Annual inflation hit 9.1%

Lackluster Renter Demand Cools Off Blistering Apartment Rent Growth

Over the past 90 days, we have seen a significant change in tone for multifamily rent growth. While the record rent growth seen in 2021 was unlikely ever to be repeated, so far this year demand for apartments has performed below somewhat modest expectations. Of particular note has been the plunge in absorption, or the net change in leased and vacated units. While still positive, net absorption totaled only 67,000 units nationwide in the second quarter, the third consecutive quarter in which absorption

Gov. Pritzker Announces Record-Breaking $445 Million in FY 2022 Adult-Use Cannabis Tax Revenue

Gov. Pritzker Announces Record-Breaking $445 Million in FY 2022 Adult-Use Cannabis Tax Revenue50% Increase in Total Tax Reported from Adult-Use Cannabis as Sales Exceed $1.5 Billion CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker announced today that the State of Illinois has seen a 50% increase in total tax reported from adult-use cannabis, from $297.7 million in fiscal year 2021 to $445.3 million in fiscal year 2022. Total adult-use cannabis sales also rose 50%, increasing from $1 billion to $1.5 billion,

Russo Power Equipment is Putting Down Roots in Wisconsin

Russo Power Equipment is Putting Down Roots in Wisconsin New Berlin, WI: Russo Power Equipment, as a top dealer of land maintenance equipment and parts, is bringing more than 50 years of industry expertise to the Greater Milwaukee area later this year. The company’s newest location features a large showroom as well as an extensive warehouse and expert-level service department. This area is the perfect region to expand Russo’s footprint because of its numerous municipalities, impressive Parks & Rec

City of Elgin hosting ''End of Summer Bash” featuring concert, food trucks and fireworks

City of Elgin hosting "End of Summer Bash” featuring concert, food trucks and fireworks  Elgin, IL - The City of Elgin is hosting its "End of Summer Bash" on Friday, August 26 at Festival Park featuring a concert, food trucks and fireworks. These festivities were originally programmed for the City’s Fourth of July event.   The End of Summer Bash is free and open to the public, and it will kick off with a variety of food trucks vending after 4:00 p.m. on Grove Avenue between Prairie Street and Lake

Governor Pritzker Announces $60 Million Competitive Grant Program for Early Childhood Construction i

Governor Pritzker Announces $60 Million Competitive Grant Program for Early Childhood Construction in IllinoisFunding will support the construction, expansion, and renovation of facilities that support early student learning Springfield – Governor JB Pritzker has announced $60 million in capital grant opportunities for Illinois Early Childhood Education providers through the Rebuild Illinois Capital Program. The funding will support the construction, expansion, and renovation of facilities that support

Unemployment Claims Continue to Reach Record Lows, Illinois Labor Market Strengthening

Unemployment Claims Continue to Reach Record Lows, Illinois Labor Market StrengtheningSPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today the state has reached a new historic low of continued claims for regular state unemployment insurance benefits since the beginning of the series in January 1987. Illinois has remained below the previously recorded low of 70,454 continued claims for ten consecutive weeks. The most recent data reflects claims levels below that threshold to a

Illinois expands health care coverage for immigrant adults to include those aged 42 and up

Illinois expands health care coverage for immigrant adults to include those aged 42 and upSPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services is expanding the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program to now provide health care coverage to undocumented immigrant adults and certain legal permanent residents aged 42 and over.   Building on the first-in-the-nation Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors program, Illinois in March launched the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program

Public meeting July 28 on development new statewide electric vehicle infrastructure plan

Public meeting July 28 on development new statewide electric vehicle infrastructure planSPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that it will host a virtual public meeting July 28 to provide information and get feedback on the development of the state’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure plan, the latest in Gov. JB Pritzker’s efforts to have one million electric vehicles registered in Illinois by 2030.   “Illinois has emerged as a leader in embracing electric vehicles

The City of Elgin designates additional parks and green spaces as Pesticide Free Zones

The City of Elgin designates additional parks and green spaces as Pesticide Free Zones   Elgin triples its number of Pesticide Free Zones across the cityElgin, IL - The City of Elgin has expanded its number of sites designated as "Pesticide Free Zones." Synthetic pesticide applications have now been discontinued at total of approximately 26.45 acres of parkland and green space citywide. A site map is available at cityofelgin.org/pesticidefree. “We are always looking for opportunities to offer sustainable

Alignment Welcomes Adriana Armstrong as Executive Assistant

Adriana Armstrong joined the Alignment team as its executive assistant in June. Previously, she worked as the Director of Athletic Operations and Middle School Administrative Assistant for Westminster Christian School in Elgin. Her experience there included mentoring students and teachers along with facilitating communications to parents. She also coordinated event planning, athletic schedules, and departmental budgeting.    Adriana is actively involved in the community serving on the Streamwood Park

'Block Party in a Box'' rolled out to Elgin residents

‘Block Party in a Box’ rolled out to Elgin residents  Reservations available on a first-come, first-served basisElgin, IL - The City of Elgin announces its ‘Block Party in a Box’ is available for reservations. The ‘Block Party in a Box’ (BPB) is a trailer filled with all things necessary to host a block party and get to know your neighbors: tables, chairs, pop-up tents, entertainment and yard games, barricades and safety signs. The BPB is free to reserve, and City staff will handle drop-off and pick-up.

Are You Eligible For Federal & State Fuel Tax Credits?

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Coming to Illinois

Pritzker Administration Announces Opening of Electric Vehicle Rebate Program for Illinois Residents

Pritzker Administration Announces Opening of Electric Vehicle Rebate Program for Illinois ResidentsProgram offers $4,000 rebate for purchase of an electric passenger vehicle or $1,500 rebate for purchase of an electric motorcycle  SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Director John J. Kim today announced the opening of Illinois’ Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate Program. The program was created under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) passed by the General Assembly and signed by

Illinois Family Relief Plan to Begin July 1

Illinois Family Relief Plan to Begin July 1   Residents will save on gas, groceries, property taxes, and school supplies with tax holidays. Nearly $2 billion in relief was provided to residents through tax cuts and direct payments. Comptroller plans to roll out tax rebates in September CHICAGO — Beginning tomorrow, the Illinois Family Relief Plan will go into effect, making good on the promise by Governor Pritzker and the General Assembly to provide relief on the grocery tax, gas tax, and property

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Appoints Dr. Kari Rockwell as New CEO

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Appoints Dr. Kari Rockwell as New CEO Northern Illinois – Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois (GSNI) announced today that Dr. Kari Rockwell has been appointed new CEO of the organization. Dr. Rockwell will succeed current CEO Fiona Cummings and assume responsibilities on August 1, 2022. Cummings has served as the organization’s CEO since 2013 and will be retiring on June 30, 2022.   Dr. Rockwell brings decades of educational leadership to her new position at GSNI. Formerly

U-46 Board of Education to Honor Financial Services Department

U-46 Board of Education to Honor Financial Services Department  Department recognized for its clear and transparent financial reports    ELGIN - School District U-46’s Financial Services department will be honored with an “Accent on Achievement” during Monday night’s Board of Education meeting. The department recently earned two awards for producing clear and transparent financial reports.   The Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) awarded the District with a Certificate of

Statewide Unemployment Rate Stable, Payroll Jobs Up in May

Statewide Unemployment Rate Stable, Payroll Jobs Up in May   SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.6 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased by +12,800 in May, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and released by IDES. The April monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +9,300 to +6,400 jobs. The April unemployment rate was unchanged from

Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation to Modernize Infrastructure Improvement Process

Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation to Modernize Infrastructure Improvement ProcessDesign-build project delivery method bolsters Gov. Pritzker’s historic capital program, improving infrastructure throughout Illinois  CHICAGO – Gov. JB Pritzker today signed into law legislation allowing for the implementation of design-build project delivery, an efficient, alternative method for completing the state’s infrastructure improvements.   Senate Bill 2981 creates the Innovations for Transportation Infrastructure

Gov. Pritzker Announces Nation-Leading Investments in Early Childhood

Gov. Pritzker Announces Nation-Leading Investments in Early ChildhoodOver $175 million in funding to support child care providers & families   CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) today announced new investments that strengthen and grow Illinois’ early childhood education and care field. These investments continue advancing Illinois as a leading state in the nation for children, families, and the early childhood workforce that support them.   The changes

Governor Pritzker Signs Family Bereavement Leave Act Into Law

Governor Pritzker Signs Family Bereavement Leave Act Into LawSB3120 requires paid leave for pregnancy loss or other situations impacting fertility, adoption, or pregnancy Chicago—Governor JB Pritzker today signed the Family Bereavement Act, an amendment to the Child Bereavement Leave Act that expands leave time requirements to cover pregnancy loss, failed adoptions, unsuccessful reproductive procedures, and other diagnoses or events impacting pregnancy and fertility. SB3120 also mandates leave after the

Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation to Expand Access to Higher Education

Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation to Expand Access to Higher EducationBills aimed at increasing education equity across Illinois CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker today signed legislation designed to increase access to Illinois’ higher education system, close equity gaps, and improve student protections and operational effectiveness. The bills expand resources available to students and build on the administration’s efforts to expand equitable access to public universities and community colleges.  House Bill

Elgin announces Parks and Recreation Master Plan process

Elgin announces Parks and Recreation Master Plan process   June 15 public meeting will kick off the Elgin Parks and Recreation Master Plan development processElgin, IL - The City of Elgin Parks and Recreation Department will kick off its master plan development process with a public meeting on Wednesday, June 15 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Heritage Ballroom in the Edward Schock Centre of Elgin, located at 100 Symphony Way in Elgin. The meeting will be held in an open house format, so the public can

City of Elgin to Participate in National ‘Arts & Economic Prosperity 6’ Study

  City of Elgin to participate in the national ‘Arts & Economic Prosperity 6’ study       Ishti is performing in the Going Dutch Festival presented by Side Street Studio Arts at the Elgin Art Showcase. Photo by Roberto Martinez, 2017.       Data collection for a most comprehensive study of the economic impact of nonprofit arts and culture industry underwayElgin, IL - The City of Elgin is pleased to announce its

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Announce 2022 Gold Award Girl Scouts and Scholarship Recipients at

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Announce 2022 Gold Award Girl Scouts and Scholarship Recipients at Annual Meeting Northern Illinois - Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois (GSNI) announced the 2022 class of Gold Award Girl Scouts and scholarship recipients at its Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 30, at the NIU Barsema Alumni Visitors Center in DeKalb.   Earning the Gold Award is the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. Gold Award Girl Scouts are recognized leaders in their communities. As they partner

Elgin YWCA recognizes 2022 Leader Luncheon recipients

Elgin YWCA recognizes 2022 Leader Luncheon recipients    Over 350 community members attended the 38th annual YWCA Elgin Leader Luncheon Awards at The Seville in Streamwood on Thursday, May 12, 2022.     As the luncheon began, Leader Luncheon general chair Jennifer Rakow expressed appreciation to the event’s major sponsors for their support with congratulations to past recipients and all 2022 nominees. Following an invocation by Captain Linnea Forney of the Salvation Army in Elgin, keynote speaker Sharon

ComEd/Exelon Racial Equity Capital Fund Update

Exelon-FUNDED $36 Million Racial equity Capital fund, administered by rockcreek, ACCEPTING applications from minority-Owned Businesses in SERVICE AREAS  RockCreek-managed fund, in partnership with minority banks and community-based lending institutions, will provide needed capital to help minority-owned businesses grow, create jobs, and expand in underserved and under-resourced communities served by Exelon. Chicago, Ill. (May 4, 2022) – Exelon announced today that RockCreek, one of the world’s largest

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Announce Top 10 Girl Scout Cookie Entrepreneurs for 2022

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Announce Top 10 Girl Scout Cookie Entrepreneurs for 2022   Northern Illinois – From December 13, 2021–March 27, 2022, local Girl Scouts sold Girl Scout Cookies in innovative ways while dealing with unprecedented cookie inventory challenges. Girl Scouts sold cookies virtually on their cookie business websites, hosted pop-up cookie booths in their neighborhoods, worked with DoorDash through a new national partnership, and sold cookies safely in-person door-to-door or at

Judson University Celebrates 188 Graduates During Spring Commencement 2022

Judson University Celebrates 188 Graduates During Spring Commencement 2022               (ELGIN, IL – May 7, 2022) Judson University celebrated188 graduates during the 87th commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 7.  Three-time Olympian Tracy Evans Land gave the keynote address to graduates in ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in Herrick Chapel (1151 N. State St., Elgin).   National Champion and Olympian Tracy Evans Land invited Judson’s graduates to create a masterpiece of their lives by focusing

ECKER CENTER SPRING FUNDRAISER “SELF CARE FOR MENTAL HEALTH”

ECKER CENTER SPRING FUNDRAISER “SELF CARE FOR MENTAL HEALTH” ELGIN, IL, April 2022 – Ecker Center for Behavioral Health will be offering the community a new means of supporting their cause this spring by kicking off Mental Health Awareness Month with a virtual event themed “Self-Care for Mental Health.”  There are a variety of ways in which supporters may participate in this event, as follows:  Order a May Day Basket filled with fresh flowers and other goodies just in time for May Day.Join a Self-Care

The Wizard of Oz Educational Exhibit Opens April 29 at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N Grove,

FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD TO GAIL BORDEN LIBRARY   THE WIZARD OF OZ CHILDREN’S EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITION IS  Open April 29 – August 29!  We’re off to see The Wizard of Oz, as Miami Children’s Museum and Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment launches a fun-filled educational exhibit based on the beloved movie classic at Gail Borden Library.  Featuring an interactive fantasy-adventure that takes families and children somewhere over the rainbow, the Wizard of Oz Children’s Educational Exhibit will open April 29

Elgin Community College launching grant-funded recovery support specialist programs this fall

Elgin Community College launching grant-funded recovery support specialist programs this fall   Elgin Community College is among a select few Illinois colleges to be awarded a state grant by the Illinois Department of Human Services to support a new program for Certified Recovery Support Specialists and Certified Peer Recovery Specialists, according to a news release from the college. The program will begin accepting applications this spring, with classes launching in the fall. ECC is one of only

TraducciónNow Language Service Provider EARNS BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU ACCREDITATION

TraducciónNow Language Service Provider EARNS BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU ACCREDITATION  Elgin, IL – April 9, 2022 - Becoming an Accredited Business with the Better Business Bureau is an honor not accorded to all businesses; because not all businesses meet eligibility standards. TraducciónNow Language Service Provider is pleased to announce today that it has met all BBB standards and is now an Accredited Business. “Accreditation in the BBB is by invitation only” says Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the

Kane County Health Department Celebrates One Year Anniversary of IRIS

Kane County Health Department Celebrates One Year Anniversary of IRISApril 7, 2022- The Kane County Health Department’s (KCHD) Integrated Referral & Intake System (IRIS) celebrated its first year of providing Kane County individuals and families access to services they need. This free, web-based communication tool created by the University of Kansas helps organizations connect the families they serve to the right resources in the community, providing transparency to the organizations and a closed loop for

HIGHWAY 20 DESIGNATED AS MEDAL OF HONOR HIGHWAY

HIGHWAY 20 DESIGNATED AS MEDAL OF HONOR HIGHWAYIllinois passes SJR 28 to honor Illinois’ Medal of Honor recipients  Senate Joint Resolution 28 designating U.S. Highway 20 as Medal of Honor Highway unanimously passed today as Illinois joins the effort to rename the 3,365 miles of Highway 20 spanning the nation from the Pacific to Atlantic Oceans. “This partnership of states honoring their Medal of Honor recipients amplifies our deep appreciation and recognition of their heroism,” said IDVA Director Terry

Following ICC Request, Largest Regulated Electric and Gas Utilities Offer Consumer Protections to Pr

Following ICC Request, Largest Regulated Electric and Gas Utilities Offer Consumer Protections to Prevent DisconnectionsChicago, IL - At the request of the ICC and consumer advocate groups, Illinois’ largest investor-owned electric and gas companies have agreed to make available more flexible, and generous deferred payment arrangements for low-income customers unable to pay utility bills fully or on time due to COVID 19 and inflation. Partners in this effort include the Office of the Illinois Attorney

Elgin Symphony Orchestra announces 2022-23 season schedule

Elgin Symphony Orchestra announces 2022-23 season schedule  New family-friendly pricing allows a family of 4 to attend for $40  (March 25, 2022 -- Elgin, Ill.) The award-winning Elgin Symphony Orchestra (ESO) announced its 2022-23 season schedule at its Prelude Reception Thursday, March 24, at Highland Lofts in Elgin, Illinois. The ESO’s 73rd season is filled with masterpieces by both contemporary and historic composers, as well as holiday concerts. Tickets are now on sale at www.ElginSymphony.org, or

Elgin Symphony Orchestra announces finalists in music director search

Elgin Symphony Orchestra announces finalists in music director search  (March 25, 2022 -- Elgin, Ill.) Eight notable music conductors have been named finalists in the music director search by the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. The two-year search process kicked off last year when Andrew Grams announced he would depart at the end of the 2020-21 season. The new music director will be announced at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season. One of the finalists was a guest conductor in the ESO’s 2021-22 season.

City of Elgin launches community solar program

 Community solar subscriptions now available to Elgin residents and small businessesElgin, IL - Elgin residents and small businesses can save money on electric bills and help develop the solar industry in Illinois thanks to a new City-sponsored community solar program. Community solar program subscribers receive credits on their ComEd accounts, reducing the energy supply charges on their monthly bills by $100 per year on average. There are no credit checks, enrollment fees or termination

COMCAST RISE APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN TO ALL WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES

In its first year alone, Comcast RISE has provided over $60 million in grants, marketing and technology services to support more than 6,700 small businesses owned by people of color in Comcast’s national footprint – including nearly 550 in the company’s Greater Chicago Region  With the expansion to all women-owned small businesses, the program is on track to support 13,000 businesses by the end of 2022. CHICAGO (January 19, 2022) – Comcast announced today that its Comcast RISE program is open to all

This Elgin-based business is hitting a milestone that most small businesses dream of accomplishing

Meet brothers Kurt (right) and Keith (left) Claussner of Modern Business Computing (MBC). This Elgin-based business is hitting a milestone that most small businesses dream of accomplishing!  Owner Kurt Claussner founded Modern Business Computing (MBC) in 1992 with the concept when you consistently proving clients with quality products and dedicated service, they will come back time and time again. He was right. Not only did clients come back but MBC retained customers long-term AND obtained valuable