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Friday, September 17, 2021International Trade Opportunities
Business Opportunities in Central America Webinar SeriesDoing Business in Costa RicaDoing Business in El SalvadorDoing Business in HondurasDoing Business in GuatemalaDoing Business in BelizeDoing Business in Nicaragua Trade Mission to Central America and Business Conference The U.S. Commercial Service has organized a Central America webinar series focused on highlighting business opportunities and key projects in the region's best prospect sectors including agriculture, food processing and packaging
Friday, September 17, 2021Retail Sales Climb, SpaceX Launches
By Richard Lawson CoStar News Retail Sales Climb Retail sales rose in August, surprising experts who had projected a drop given the surging delta coronavirus variant. The Commerce Department reported that sales increased by 0.7% from July’s revised decline of 1.8%, which was worse than the 1.1% originally reported. Wall Street expected sales to decline by 0.8% in August. General merchandise stores, furniture and home furnishings were the biggest gainers on the brick-and-mortar side. But the internet
Thursday, September 16, 2021Hotel Investors: 'Now Not Time to Play Hero'
From left, Cody Bradshaw of Starwood Capital; Benjamin Habbel of Limestone Capital; Brian Kaufman of Blackstone; and Dominic Seyrling of Archer Hotel Capital participate in a panel at the International Hotel Investment Forum in Berlin. (Terence Baker) By Terence Baker Hotel News Now Usually deemed to be bedrocks of nerve and insight, investors also have been on a rocky road through the COVID-19 crisis, but success in real-estate investment in the hotel industry continues to rely on flexibility,
Thursday, September 16, 2021Industrial Production Increases, Hotel Occupancy Drops
Factory activity in the New York region jumped in September. (CoStar) By Richard Lawson CoStar News US Hotel Occupancy Drops U.S. hotel occupancy’s weekly decline resumed while weekend travelers helped soften the dip.Occupancy for the week that ended Sept. 11 fell a percentage point to 60%, according to hotel industry research firm STR, which is owned by CoStar Group. Hotels had dealt with Labor Day and Rosh Hashanah holidays over the past couple of weeks. Weekend occupancy averaged about 70%.
Wednesday, September 15, 2021The Urban Exodus Begins To Turn
The Urban Exodus Begins To TurnNew Analysis Finds People Moving Back to Cities, Close-In SuburbsCoStar Group, www.costar.com By Rohit Diwadkar CoStar News The COVID pandemic resulted in hundreds of thousands of Americans leaving urban centers for small towns and other places far outside major cities, many seeking less dense spaces to minimize their exposure to the infectious coronavirus and to take advantage of work-from-home policies. That migration now appears to be slowing. A new analysis finds
Wednesday, September 15, 2021Holiday Retail Sales Predicted To Rise, Top Areas for Rental Demand Potential, Inflation Growth Slow
Holiday Retail Sales Predicted To Rise, Top Areas for Rental Demand Potential, Inflation Growth SlowsWhat You Need To Know To Start Your Day Holiday sales are projected to be better this year than last. (Getty Images) By Richard Lawson CoStar News Holiday Retail Sales Seen Rising Despite a surge in coronavirus cases, consulting firm Deloitte is projecting that retail sales rise from last year in both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce.In its annual holiday forecast, Deloitte’s retail team forecast
Wednesday, September 15, 2021Elgin Covid Response Fund to Launch Fourth Round of COVID-19 Funding
For immediate release, September 14, 2021Elgin Covid Response Fund to Launch Fourth Round of COVID-19 Funding ECRF Announces Additional Funding Focused on Mental HealthElgin, IL – The City of Elgin, along with local and regional funders, announce details of an additional round of grant funding for the Elgin Covid Response Fund (ECRF). Thanks to a generous grant from United Way of Metro Chicago, the
Tuesday, September 14, 2021Eighteen Months Into the Pandemic
Eighteen Months Into the Pandemic, Delta Slows MomentumEarlier this year, as vaccinations became widely available, hopes abounded for a quick recovery from the economic ruin visited upon us by the coronavirus pandemic and the efforts to contain it. It has now been 18 months since COVID-19 was declared a national emergency in the U.S. And unfortunately, cases are rising again in many parts of the country, driving governments and businesses to take additional measures. Social
Tuesday, September 14, 2021Democrats Propose Tax Increases, Office Use Down, Consumers Brace for Inflation
Democrats Propose Tax Increases, Office Use Down, Consumers Brace for InflationWhat You Need To Know To Start Your Day Democrats have proposed tax increases to help pay for President Biden's proposal for soft infrastructure. (Getty Images) By Richard Lawson CoStar News Democrats Propose Tax Increases Lawmakers have started tackling how to pay for President Biden’s proposed $3.5 trillion spending bill on what’s been described as “soft infrastructure,” often considered services needed to preserve a
Tuesday, September 14, 2021Greater Family Health Community Connect - Receiving Multiple National Awards for Quality of Care, Addressing Health Care Barriers for Seniors, Trusting Your Referral to Greater Family Health, and More
To view in browser click here. On August 30th, 2021, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) recognized Greater Family Health with 6 National Awards!Health Center Quality Leader – SilverAccess EnhancerHealth Disparities ReducerAdvancing Health Information Technology for QualityPatient Centered Medical HomeCOVID-19 ReporterGreater Family Health’s clinical outcomes ranked in the top 15% of the Country’s 1,375 reporting
Friday, September 10, 2021Export Opportunities
Dear Illinois Exporters, The Office of Trade & Investment (OTI) continues to offer services to Illinois businesses to support export promotion and international sales growth. Below is a list of upcoming webinars that will provide the opportunity to learn about OTI’s services and planned trade missions, including available resources for Illinois firms. OTI’s team of Chicago-based International Trade Specialists and our six foreign trade offices in Belgium, Canada,
Friday, September 10, 2021Biden Pushes Vaccine Mandates, Jobless Claims Drop Again, Microsoft Scuttles Return to Office
Biden Pushes Vaccine Mandates, Jobless Claims Drop Again, Microsoft Scuttles Return to OfficeWhat You Need To Know To Start Your Day President Biden is requiring federal employees to be vaccinated and plans to require some businesses to mandate shots. (Getty Images) By Richard Lawson CoStar News September 9, 2021 | 7:36 P.M. Biden Pushes Vaccine Mandates President Biden took the biggest step yet toward mandating vaccines for millions of Americans, saying the delta variant of the coronavirus
Thursday, September 09, 2021The New Direction of Apartment Construction
Source: CoStar Group, www.costar.comThe New Direction of Apartment ConstructionBuilders Follow Renters as Populations Shift in the Pandemic By Rohit Diwadkar CoStar News The National Association of Home Builder's latest update to its Home Building Geography Index showed a sizable jump in construction in small towns and suburban markets, and a marked shift away from work in big cities and other urban areas. The index attempts to measure construction across the country by looking at local building
Thursday, September 09, 2021Employees' Individual Needs, Broken Trust Complicate Hotel Labor Shortage
Employees' Individual Needs, Broken Trust Complicate Hotel Labor ShortageShortage Has Led to Staff Burnout and Guests Unhappy Hoteliers continue to struggle hiring and retaining quality employees, resulting in tougher working conditions for those already on the job and less-than-satisfied guests. Pictured here is a job fair held by Zislis Group job fair at The Brew Hall on June 23 in Torrance, California. (Getty Images) By Bryan Wroten Hotel News Now NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The leisure demand and
Thursday, September 09, 2021Girl Scout Entrepreneurs Overcome COVID Challenges & Open Online Businesses for 2021 Fall Product Program!
Many future business owners take their first steps toward becoming successful entrepreneurs—both online and in-person—through the Girl Scout Fall Product Program. Northern Illinois – Beginning September 14, thousands of local Girl Scouts will click “Open!” on their own small businesses. These entrepreneurs are kicking off the start of the 2021 Fall Product Program with online sales offering gourmet nuts, candies, and magazines to Girl Scout supporters. The delicious 2021 lineup includes fan favorites like
Thursday, September 09, 2021Centro Hosting Annual Benefit Gala Virtually Sept. 30
Centro de Información is hosting its annual benefit gala on Thursday, September 30, from 6PM to 8PM. Out of an abundance of caution, Centro has once again planned for the event to take place in virtual format via Zoom and Facebook live. Sponsorship information and tickets are now available at Centro21.GiveSmart.com. State Representative Anna Moeller will serve as honorary chair; other award recipients include Gail Borden Public Library and Elgin Fresh Markets. Pillar of Hope will offer attendees the
Wednesday, September 08, 2021Labor Shortages Are Disrupting Many Parts of the Economy
Labor Shortages Are Disrupting Many Parts of the Economy Recent economic reports have shown the impact of rising COVID cases as the delta variant spreads across many regions of the nation, disrupting business operations and hiring, and slowing economic momentum as the summer comes to an end. Citing the health crisis, many workers have fallen out of the labor force either to retire or to limit exposure to themselves or their loved ones. Labor shortages, as
Wednesday, September 08, 2021Declining US Hotel Occupancy a Clear Sign of Leisure Season Reaching Its End
Declining US Hotel Occupancy a Clear Sign of Leisure Season Reaching Its EndHotel Room Night Demand at Lowest Level Since Early June During the week of Aug. 22-28, six U.S. states saw demand grow week over week, led by Massachusetts. Pictured is the Fort Point Channel in Boston. (The Boston Globe/Getty Images) By Isaac Collazo STR September 3, 2021 | 8:00 A.M. U.S. hotel performance for the week ending Aug. 28 reflected seasonal trends as well as the continued impact of the pandemic on business
Tuesday, September 07, 2021Here's How Long It Could Take States To Recover Lost Jobs
Source: CoStar Group, www.costar.com Here's How Long It Could Take States To Recover Lost JobsSome Could Be Back to Pre-Pandemic Employment Levels in Months. Others Might Take Years. By Rohit Diwadkar CoStar News Unemployment spiked in the early days of the pandemic, no more so than in April of 2020 when many communities and workplaces went into lockdown for all but essential services. Ever since then, it's been a slow slog to rehire workers and return to the employment levels that predated the public
Tuesday, September 07, 2021US Apartment Market Evades Late Summer Slowdown As Rents Keep Rising
US Apartment Market Evades Late Summer Slowdown As Rents Keep RisingSteady Demand Pushes Vacancies Lower and Contributes to Skyrocketing Rent Growth San Francisco has seen one of the sharper turnarounds, with asking rents now up nearly 5% year over year. (Alexander Spatari/Getty Images) By Jay Lybik and David Kahn CoStar Market Analytics The U.S. multifamily sector headed into the third quarter of 2021 on the upswing, as record-setting demand pushed vacancy rates lower in the first half of the year.
Thursday, September 02, 2021Five Below Hits Record Expansion Pace, ADP Payroll Numbers Disappoint, Construction Spending Rises
Five Below Hits Record Expansion Pace, ADP Payroll Numbers Disappoint, Construction Spending RisesWhat You Need To Start Your Day Source: CoStar Group, www.costar.com A Five Below store in Pickerington, Ohio. The company had strong sales in its latest quarter. (CoStar) By Richard Lawson CoStar News Five Below Hits Record Expansion Pace Discount retailer Five Below opened so many new stores in its recent quarter that it put the chain on a record expansion pace for its fiscal year. The
Thursday, September 02, 2021US Takes Steps To Boost Affordable Housing Supply
US Takes Steps To Boost Affordable Housing SupplyWhite House Says the Move Is in Response to an Investor Surge in Single-Family Rental Homes Source: CoStar Group, www.costar.com New federal steps would boost financing for affordable housing such as mobile homes. (iStock) By Mark Heschmeyer CoStar News The Biden administration, in an attempt to increase affordable multifamily housing across the United States, plans to offer more attractive financing for investors, raise Fannie Mae and Freddie
Wednesday, September 01, 2021The Evictions That Didn't Happen
The Evictions That Didn't HappenSource: CoStar Group, www.costar.comWhile Evictions Dropped Nationwide, Las Vegas and Parts of Florida Were Still Near Historical Levels By Rohit Diwadkar CoStar News The Supreme Court recently blocked the latest extension of a federal eviction moratorium, bringing to a close a period that saw 1.55 million families stay in their homes a little longer. Princeton University's Eviction Lab offered up that estimate by analyzing eviction filings reported by 31 cities and six
Wednesday, September 01, 2021Small Business Hiring Hits New High, Ida Damage Estimated Less Than Katrina, Another Consumer Survey
Small Business Hiring Hits New High, Ida Damage Estimated Less Than Katrina, Another Consumer Survey Shows DeclineWhat You Need To Know To Start Your DaySource: CoStar Group, www.costar.com Rising coronavirus cases doesn't seem to be affecting small business hiring. (Getty Images) By Richard Lawson CoStar NewsSmall Business Hiring Hits New High Small businesses appear to be defying some of the economic fallout the spreading coronavirus delta variant is having on the country. Hiring rose in
Tuesday, August 31, 2021Beacon Academy of Media & Digital Arts Receives National Certification
The Beacon Academy of Media & Digital Arts, one of School District U-46’s five specialized high school academies, has been recognized as a nationally certified magnet school for providing high-quality, innovative educational options to families and students that promote choice, diversity and academic excellence. The certification comes as U-46 continues to strengthen its high school programming to ensure every student is prepared to succeed in college and careers. The District is investing in facility
Tuesday, August 31, 2021Final Countdown Begins
After 17 months of government support to ameliorate the impacts of the pandemic, programs are starting to wind down or end altogether, leaving the economy to stand on its own. Next up is the end of two unemployment benefit programs: the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program, which adds an extra $300 per week in federal benefits to existing state benefits, and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, which has expanded benefit eligibility to many who previously did not qualify for
Tuesday, August 31, 2021CoStar’s Pandemic Recovery Dashboard for the US
CoStar’s Pandemic Recovery Dashboard for the USSource: CoStar Group, www.costar.com A Look at What’s Happening Across the Nation's Economy . By Rohit Diwadkar CoStar News Recovery Tracker Oxford Economics compiles measurements of various parts of the economy to create its "Recovery Tracker." The index has been showing steady gains so far this year. Covid-19 Stringency The index is developed by University of Oxford and Blavatnik School of Government to analyze policies that restrict people’s
Monday, August 30, 2021Federal Funding for Extended Benefits Ending September 11
Remaining Federal Unemployment Programs, PUA, FPUC, PEUC Ending September 4 SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) today announced federal funding under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for extended benefits (EB) will end the week ending September 11, 2021. The remaining federal unemployment programs, including Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), will expire on
Monday, August 30, 2021Competition Drives Property Prices to Record Highs
CoStar, a real estate data base, recently published its latest monthly CoStar Commercial Repeat - Sale Indices that shows an upswing in the sale-price-to-asking-price ratio. According to them, the competition for commercial real estate has heating up....to ream more about the article, please link
Monday, August 30, 2021FEMA's National Preparedness Month Spotlights the Importance of Understanding and Managing Risk
Local SERVPRO disaster mitigation specialist urges residents to create a disaster management and recovery plan before the unexpected happens Sycamore, IL (Grassroots Newswire) August 20, 2021 - September is National Preparedness Month, part of the ongoing "Ready"1 initiative of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). According to FEMA's "Are You Ready"2 guide, the first step in effective disaster preparedness is to understand your specific risks - first by identifying the hazards that could
Thursday, August 26, 2021Gov. Pritzker Issues New Covid 19 Requirements Effective Monday, August 30
Governor Pritzker Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement for Healthcare Workers, Pre-K-12 Teachers and Staff, Higher Education Personnel and Students to Slow Spread of Delta VariantAll Illinois Residents Required to Wear Masks Indoors, Regardless of Vaccination Status Downstate Communities with Lower Vaccination Rates Experiencing Sharp Increase in COVID-19 Hospitalizations CHICAGO – As COVID-19 infection and hospitalization rates across the state continue to increase, particularly in downstate communities
Monday, August 23, 2021U-46 Financial Operations Department to be Honored for Achievement
U-46 Financial Operations Department to be Honored for AchievementDepartment recognized for its clear and transparent financial reports ELGIN - School District U-46’s Financial Operations 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
Monday, August 23, 2021John B. Sanfilippo & Son names new CFO
John B. Sanfilippo & Son names new CFO Elgin-based John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. has appointed Frank S. Pellegrino, Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration, and Treasurer of the Company, as the new chief financial officer to replace Michael J. Valentine, effective immediately. Valentine remains the Group President and Secretary of the company and will continue as a director. Pellegrino, 47, has been employed by John B. Sanfilippo & Son since January 2007. Prior to that, Pellegrino was
Friday, July 02, 2021More Tweaks to the IL Equal Pay Act
March 2021 Amendments (Recap) As outlined in our March 23, 2021 blog article, Will Employers Have to Give 1% of their Total Gross Profits to the State of Illinois? Gov. Pritzker Signs into Law Unprecedented Changes to IL Equal Pay and Corporate Laws, the March amendments to the Act require businesses with 100 or more employees to obtain certification of compliance with the Equal Pay Act from the IL Department of Labor (IDOL). The certification process requires employers to submit an application that
Monday, June 28, 2021Increase to Chicago Minimum Wage
July 1, 2021 Increase to Chicago Minimum Wage….But No Change to Cook County Minimum Wage Despite Written Notices By Michael Wong and Sara Zorich – SmithAmundsen LLC – www.salawus.com It’s that time of year (again) for increases in minimum wage. However, this year is slightly different! In spite of the Cook County written notices that some employers may have received, the Cook County Minimum Wage for non-tipped employees is NOT increasing, as the unemployment rate for Cook County during the prior year
Wednesday, May 26, 2021What Employers Need to Know About the American Rescue Plan Act
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), also referred to as the COVID-19 Stimulus Package, is commonly known for providing a third round of stimulus payments to eligible adults. However, the American Rescue Plan Act also has implications for employers and their employees regarding workforce management and the implementation of COVID-19 workplace policies and procedures. As your HR experts, we’ve reviewed the law and what it means for you, your business, and your employees. Here’s our breakdown of the key
Wednesday, May 12, 2021Seeing blue: New EV charging station signs to appear soon along Illinois interstates
Seeing blue: New EV charging station signs to appear soon along Illinois interstates Seven corridors will have the signs directing travelers to alternative fuel locations SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that new signs will start appearing along interstate corridors, guiding motorists to charging stations for electric vehicles. The signs are part of a national effort to promote alternative fuels that will also spark economic activity in Illinois communities and
