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Wednesday, June 16, 2021Popeyes Beats Competitors, Retail Sales Growth Slows, Bitcoin Mining May Shift to US From China
Popeyes Beats Competitors, Retail Sales Growth Slows, Bitcoin Mining May Shift to US From ChinaWhat You Need To Know To Start Your Day Popeyes tops competitors in foot traffic based on data collected from location services on mobile phones. (CoStar) By Richard Lawson CoStar News Popeyes Beats Rivals in Filling Eateries Fast-food chicken chain Popeyes, which spiced up the fast food chicken sandwich wars in 2019, is beating competitors in foot traffic, according to data collected from location
Wednesday, June 16, 2021People Are Returning to Restaurants, Stores and Hotels. But Not Yet the Office
fiphoto/iStock/Getty ImagesREAL ESTATE>CRE WIRE 10 Must Reads for the CRE Industry Today (Jun. 16, 2021) Percentage rents are outlasting the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic for retailers, reports The Wall Street Journal. New York is following California in lifting almost all pandemic restrictions as partial vaccination reaches 70 percent. These are among today’s must reads from around the commercial real estate industry. WMRE StaffCOVID-19 Rent Breaks for Retailers Are Becoming the New Norm “During
Wednesday, June 16, 2021Updats from the SBA - Resources for LGBTQ+ businesses; Webinars for Small Business
Catch up on updates from the SBA's Illinois District Office. Use the table of contents below to view topics most relevant to you!Resources for LGBTQ+ businessesTrainings you don't want to missResources for LGBTQ+ businessesSBA helps entrepreneurs with access to capital, mentorship, and business opportunities. The following items will help you get started.Resources for LGBTQ+ business owners from SBACertify your business with the National LGBT Chamber of CommerceLGBTQ+ Resources in Business and the Workplace
Wednesday, June 16, 2021YWCA Elgin Newsletter
Program UpdatesAdult EducationAs our traditional Adult Education school year came to a close on May 27th we transition to a new and exciting class. The new class being offered is a conversation class for students who were enrolled in our traditional school year. This class is offered online in the morning and both in-person and online in the evening during June. At the beginning of the month, the students were surveyed as to what they would like to discuss during the month-long conversation class some
Tuesday, June 15, 2021The Fed Predicted Rising Prices. It's Getting Them.
The Fed Predicted Rising Prices. It's Getting Them. Consumer price inflation has been in the news recently, and for good reason. Headline inflation in May was up 0.6% over April, higher than expectations and boosting the year-over-year rate to 5%, the fastest rate since 2008. About half of that increase was due to the comparison to last May when prices were broadly falling as the coronavirus begin to spread in the U.S.April’s strong increase included unprecedented gains in prices among reopening-related
Tuesday, June 15, 2021Interesting Commercial Real Estate News
Sophie James/ShutterstockREAL ESTATE>CRE WIRE 10 Must Reads for the CRE Industry Today (June 15, 2021) The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) is considering changes to its real estate investment strategy post-pandemic, reports Pensions & Investments. California will drop distancing requirements in workplaces for vaccinated employees, according to Los Angeles Times. These are among today’s must reads from around the commercial real estate industry. WMRE Staff Homeowners Turn to Sale Leasebacks
Tuesday, June 15, 2021A Summer of Events at South Elgin's New Panton Mill Park
A Summer Of Events At Your New Panton Mill Park Your guide to free concerts, movies, cruise nights, children's programs, food trucks and splash pad hours this summer at Panton Mill Park (10 N Water Street) is right here: www.southelgin.com/pantonmillpark.
Monday, June 14, 2021Commerce Northeast Region Weekly Update
Northeast Region Weekly Update We’ve reached Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois Plan today! This is a great step forward for all of us. While we still need to move forward with the vaccines, enjoy this step. If you want information on Phase 5, please see our website here. You may also notice that DCEO has revamped our website. We hope you find this new layout easy to navigate and informative. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Coming up next week, we have the next
Monday, June 14, 2021'Wall of Capital' Readied for US Hotel Industry Deals
'Wall of Capital' Readied for US Hotel Industry DealsLending Available for Trusted Borrowers, But Patience Could Wear Out for Some Hotel industry experts believe the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates slowly over time, which will allow favorable lending rates for hotel owners to continue. (Getty Images) By Bryan Wroten Hotel News Now The pending recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic poses a number of financial challenges and opportunities for hotel investors. During “The Money Talks:
Monday, June 14, 2021ELGIN ANNOUNCES FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS, FIREWORKS
FOURTH OF JULYFourth of July Fireworks Elgin is presenting a Fourth of July fireworks display at Festival Park on Sunday, July 4. Unlike previous years’ events, this summer’s fireworks display will not have any supporting entertainment or other amenities. This event will simply be an opportunity for persons to gather in Festival Park and other nearby locations for viewing. The fireworks display is scheduled to begin between 9:15-9:30 p.m. and will be lasting 20-30 minutes. Fourth of July Parade There
Monday, June 14, 2021Stay updated with the latest Ecker news!
Ecker News Read about our news and latest updates. We are excited to be moving forward with Phase Five of the Restore Illinois reopen plan, which means increased in-person visits with clients and additional outreach throughout the community. Keep reading for more Ecker news and updates. The Latest & Greatest News Celebrating Merger One-Year Anniversary July of 2021 will mark the one year anniversary of the merger between the former Ecker Center for Mental Health and Renz
Monday, June 14, 2021City of Elgin to Survey Residents
City of Elgin to Survey Residents Random Sample of Residents to Receive Survey in Mail in the Next WeekElgin, IL - The City of Elgin is conducting a community survey to measure resident satisfaction and priorities. A random sample of households will begin receiving invitations to participate this week. “The purpose of the survey is engage with our residents and gather feedback on City services and programs," said City Manager Rick Kozal. "This feedback is a valuable
Monday, June 14, 2021Elgin Parks and Recreation Update Moving to Phase 5
WebsiteRegister OnlineContact Us Elgin Parks and Recreation News The State has officially moved to Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois Plan on Friday, June 11. The Elgin Parks and Recreation Department looks forward to resuming normal business operations. While most areas of the department will no longer have capacity limits, it's important to note that some safety measures and COVID-19 guidelines are still in place in our programs and facilities.We will still continue to follow the guidance from
Thursday, June 10, 2021New Market Intelligence for Your International Business
Illinois Trade Events and Opportunities Below is a list of upcoming international trade events, which our office is organizing or co-sponsoring/supporting. We hope that you will be able to join us for at least one of them. Connect with us on social media @USCommercialSvc for our latest updates and resources. If you have any questions or would like to share helpful resources, please connect with us. We look forward to working with you soon! District Export
Thursday, June 10, 2021‘Overabundance of Spending Power’ Could Fuel Major Retail Sales Jump, Trade Group Says
‘Overabundance of Spending Power’ Could Fuel Major Retail Sales Jump, Trade Group SaysNRF Raises Sales Growth Forecast to Double Digits as Consumers Look To Shake Off Pandemic Blues The National Retail Federation expects shoppers to return to shopping centers and malls in a big way for the rest of the year, driving up retail sales as much as 13.5%. (Getty Images) By Jennifer Waters CoStar News The National Retail Federation substantially boosted its full-year forecast to a 10.5% to 13.5% increase
Thursday, June 10, 2021Construction Costs Cut into Yields for Apartment Developers
Barry Winiker/The Image Bank/Getty ImagesPROPERTY TYPES>MULTIFAMILY Construction Costs Cut into Yields for Apartment Developers Many developers are hoping rising rents will eventually make up for the higher costs to build new projects. Bendix Anderson But these developers are still rushing to build new apartments. If they have already started construction, then they have probably already committed millions of dollars to their plans. Even many who have not yet closed on their financing are still
Thursday, June 10, 2021Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Expanding Economic Opportunity and Workers’ Rights Protections
Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Expanding Economic Opportunity and Workers’ Rights Protections SPRINGFIELD – Building on efforts to expand worker’s rights protections and economic opportunity for communities across Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker today signed legislation requiring casino applicants to enter a project labor agreement when seeking a new or renewed casino license. "Expanding access to economic opportunity through high quality jobs has been priority since day one for this
Thursday, June 10, 2021Elgin Seeking Applicants for Community Task Force on Policing
For immediate release, June 10, 2021Elgin Seeking Applicants for Community Task Force on Policing Elgin, IL - The City of Elgin is seeking community members to serve on the new community task force on policing. Applications are available at cityofelgin.org/taskforceapp now through July 9. Elgin City Council will select and appoint task force members. The task force will begin meeting in September and a final report of task force recommendations is anticipated in March 2022. With the
Tuesday, June 08, 2021Hiring Picks Up, But Many Still Remain Unemployed
Hiring Picks Up, But Many Still Remain Unemployed After a disappointing jobs report in April, May hiring picked back up, with 559,000 new jobs added. The figure was still less than consensus expectations of 650,000, but reflected a needed boost in the pace of hiring as total employment remains 5% lower than February 2020 levels. The unemployment rate fell by a sharp 31 basis points to 5.8%, now within 2.5 percentage points of February 2020’s level. That improvement, however, was due to
Tuesday, June 08, 2021Conversions Become the Most Likely Option for Hotel Brands Looking To Grow
Conversions Become the Most Likely Option for Hotel Brands Looking To GrowNew Hotel Openings Expected To Slow Further if History Is a Guide By Jan Freitag CoStar Analytics There are two options for franchise-driven hotel brands to grow their stable of hotels. They can either put their flag on new hotels or reflag existing hotels in a so called "conversion." According to the latest data from STR, CoStar's hotel analytics company, the number of new openings and conversion activity is clear: Conversions
Monday, June 07, 2021Homebuilders Face Supply Woes Besides Lumber, Biden Bends on Corporate Tax, CBRE Rises on Fortune 50
Homebuilders Face Supply Woes Besides Lumber, Biden Bends on Corporate Tax, CBRE Rises on Fortune 500What You Need To Know To Start Your Day Framing lumber shortages have been a problem for homebuilders but a shortage of appliances is also troublesome. (Getty Images) By Richard Lawson CoStar News Homebuilders Face Supply Woes Besides Lumber A shortage of framing lumber may be hobbling homebuilders but it’s not the single biggest shortage they face, according to a survey from the National Association
Monday, June 07, 2021Gov. Pritzker Highlights Additional Recovery Funds for Small Businesses & Communities in FY22 Budget
Gov. Pritzker Highlights Additional Recovery Funds for Small Businesses & Communities in FY22 Budget Despite the pandemic, and balanced for the third year in a row, the FY22 budget builds on progress the state has made by passing a fiscally responsible plan that pays down debt, closes loopholes for wealthy corporations, and invests in rebuilding our economy. Building on Illinois’ successful COVID-19 economic support programs, like the historic Business Interruption Grant (BIG) model,
Friday, June 04, 2021Holiday Weekend Boosts Hotels, Punch Bowl Social Founder Buys in Big Easy, Payrolls Grow as Jobless
Holiday Weekend Boosts Hotels, Punch Bowl Social Founder Buys in Big Easy, Payrolls Grow as Jobless Claims FallWhat You Need To Know To Start Your Day Beaches such as those in Miami helped boost hotel occupancy to another pandemic high. (Getty Images) By Richard Lawson CoStar News Holiday Weekend Boosts Hotels The U.S. summer travel season kicked off with hotel occupancy reaching a level not seen since February 2020, before the pandemic hit the hospitality industry. Memorial Day weekend performed
Friday, June 04, 2021US Property Prices Rise for Second Consecutive Month
US Property Prices Rise for Second Consecutive MonthTransactions in 2021 Are up 18% Over Last Year, According to CoStar Data CoStar’s Repeat Sale Indices showed commercial real estate price gains to start the second quarter. (Getty Images) By Mark Heschmeyer CoStar News April marked the second consecutive monthly gain in property prices after declines to start the year, according to the latest monthly CoStar Commercial Repeat Sale Indices. Both the value-weighted U.S. Composite Index, which
Friday, June 04, 2021Wing Park Pool Opens for Season June 5
For immediate release, June 3, 2021Wing Park Pool Opens for Season June 5 Elgin, IL - The City of Elgin Parks and Recreation Department announces the opening of the Wing Park Family Aquatic Center on Saturday, June 5. The pool will be open through Sunday, August 8. Hours of operation Open swim: Sunday-Thursday 12:00-6:00 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 12:00-7:30 p.m. Lap
Friday, June 04, 2021Gov. Pritzker Signs Redistricting Maps that Preserve Minority Representation and Reflect Illinois’ Diversity SPRINGFIELD — After reviewing the General Assembly’s proposed maps to ensure they align w
Gov. Pritzker Signs Redistricting Maps that Preserve Minority Representation and Reflect Illinois’ DiversitySPRINGFIELD — After reviewing the General Assembly’s proposed maps to ensure they align with the landmark Voting Rights Act, Governor JB Pritzker signed three new maps that reflect Illinois’ diversity. The maps outline new districts for the General Assembly, Illinois Supreme Court and Cook County Board of Review and preserve minority representation in Illinois’ government in accordance with the
Friday, June 04, 2021Phase 5 Guidelines for Reopening on June 11 Released
Phase 5 Guidelines Released for June 11 Reopening Following weeks of steady decreases in new positive COVID-19 cases and with over 67% of residents age 18 and older receiving their first vaccine dose, Governor JB Pritzker is releasing guidelines for Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois plan, which will go into effect on June 11 and marks a full reopening of all businesses and activities. This guidance will mean businesses, large-scale events, conventions, amusement parks, and seated-spectator venues,
Thursday, June 03, 2021To See How the US Office Sector Is Changing, Check Out Chicago’s Rising Vacancy Levels
To See How the US Office Sector Is Changing, Check Out Chicago’s Rising Vacancy LevelsSavills’ Goodman Expects Flood of Space To Hit the Market as Tenants Rethink Needs and Fish for Better Deals “Vacancy rates will go up more over the next 12 months,” Savills’ John Goodman said of the downtown Chicago office market. (CoStar) By Jennifer Waters CoStar News Companies in cities across the United States are prepping employees for a return to the office even as corporate workspace is shrinking. Chicago,
Thursday, June 03, 2021Taking Another Look at Inflation
Taking Another Look at InflationPandemic Upends Year-Over-Year Comparisons By Christine Cooper and Rohit Diwadkar CoStar Analytics Commentary on inflation pressures abounds these days, especially after the annual inflation rate in the U.S. soared to 4.2% in April from 2.6% in March, well above market forecasts of 3.6%. The pandemic has upended comparisons based on year-over-year changes because economic conditions a year ago were dire as the economy was shut down to contain the spread of the
Thursday, June 03, 2021June Update from Hopp Acounting
June 2021 Update - 2 More Ways Parents Are Benefitting From the American Rescue Plan Act & Revisiting Worker Classification Rules2 More Ways Parents Are Benefitting From the American Rescue Plan ActWhen you think back on this spring, you may fondly recall a substantial deposit made to your bank account by the federal government (if you were eligible). Economic Impact Payments were a focal point of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), signed into law in March, and the payments were even larger for parents
Wednesday, June 02, 2021Americans Boost Spending for Air Travel, Restaurants and Other Services
Americans Boost Spending for Air Travel, Restaurants and Other ServicesInflation Jumps as Expenditures Tick Up By Rohit Diwadkar CoStar News The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis last Friday released a monthly report showing consumer spending rose by $80.3 billion, or 0.5%, in April, after a $112.6 billion boost for services helped offset a $32.3 billion decrease in expenditures on goods. The spending increase followed a bigger 4.7% jump in March, a surge attributed to the arrival of federal pandemic
Wednesday, June 02, 2021Historic Construction Cost Jump Fuels 'Most Volatile Issues of Our Time' in Apartment Development
Historic Construction Cost Jump Fuels 'Most Volatile Issues of Our Time' in Apartment DevelopmentIn the Past Year, the Cost of Some Goods Has Risen as Much as 140% Pent-up demand for raw materials built up in 2020 is contributing to high construction costs. (Getty Images) By Cara Smith-Tenta CoStar News A shortage of construction materials such as steel and lumber has caused multifamily development costs to inflate to historic levels, pinching the pocketbooks of builders who are beginning to pass
Wednesday, June 02, 2021PPP Closure
SBA Administrator Issues Statement on theClosure of Paycheck Protection ProgramPPP has provided nearly $800 billion to small businesses and nonprofits across the nation, fueling the economy by supporting over 8.5 million small businesses and nonprofitsWASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Small Business Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman issued the following statement on the closure of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to new loan guaranty applications, which has provided over $798 billon in economic relief to
Wednesday, June 02, 2021News from EigerLab
June 1, 2021 NIU EIGERlab serves the region with leading edge business and engineering support services targeting physical and digital product-based initiatives. Whether you're a new or existing entrepreneur, inventor, start-up or an existing company interested in innovation, NIU EIGERlab is a regional resource for commercialization and
Tuesday, June 01, 2021More Oppose Extended Stay America Deal, Big Lots Scores Another Strong Quarter, Personal Income Decl
More Oppose Extended Stay America Deal, Big Lots Scores Another Strong Quarter, Personal Income DeclinesWhat You Need to Know to Start Your Day The investor fight to scuttle a $6 billion sale of Extended Stay of America has gained more support. (CoStar Group) By Richard Lawson CoStar News More Oppose Extended Stay America Deal The investors fighting to stop a $6 billion takeover of hotel chain Extended Stay America have added more punch with a major shareholder advisory firm concluding that the deal
Tuesday, June 01, 2021US Hotel Industry Demand About 300,000 Daily Rooms Off 2019 Pace
US Hotel Industry Demand About 300,000 Daily Rooms Off 2019 PaceMore Than 3.3 Million Rooms Sold Each Day During Week of May 22 Hotel demand gains for the week of May 22 were highest in New York City, despite that market selling less than 50% of the rooms that it did during the same week in 2019. (Getty Images) By Isaac Collazo STR The U.S. hotel industry recorded its best performance in 62 weeks, selling more than 3.3 million rooms each day of the week ending May 22 — a level reminiscent of
Friday, May 28, 2021What Happens if Amazon Stops Leasing More Warehouses? Concern Arises of Inflated Demand.
What Happens if Amazon Stops Leasing More Warehouses? Concern Arises of Inflated Demand.‘Artificial Demand,’ Overbuilding Issues Regarding Industrial Properties Are Discussed in New Jersey E-commerce juggernaut Amazon is a big player in New Jersey’s industrial market, but some question if it will always drive so much demand in that sector. (Amazon) By Linda Moss CoStar News The industrial market in New Jersey keeps surging, but at least one veteran logistics developer is expressing caution about
Friday, May 28, 2021Doing Business in Other Countries
Illinois Trade Events and Opportunities Below is a list of upcoming international trade events, which our office is organizing or co-sponsoring/supporting. We hope that you will be able to join us for at least one of them. Connect with us on social media @USCommercialSvc for our latest updates and resources. If you have any questions or would like to share helpful resources, please connect with us. We look forward to working with you soon! 5 Steps to an
Thursday, May 27, 2021Hotel Occupancy Hits a High, Office Elevator Use Rises, Consumers Worry About Inflation
Hotel Occupancy Hits a High, Office Elevator Use Rises, Consumers Worry About InflationWhat You Need To Know To Start Your Day An aerial view of Miami Beach hotels and condominiums on Ocean Drive, an area that had the highest hotel occupancy among the largest U.S. tourism markets. (Getty Images) By Richard Lawson CoStar News Hotel Occupancy Hits a High U.S. hotels set a new occupancy record for the pandemic last week just ahead of the Memorial Day weekend start of the traditional summer travel
Thursday, May 27, 2021Return to Fitness Fuels Dick’s Sporting Goods Expansion Plans
Return to Fitness Fuels Dick’s Sporting Goods Expansion PlansAfter 73 Years in Business, Retailer Calls Itself a ‘Growth Company’ as It Rolls Out New Concepts Dick’s Sporting Goods sees offering experiences such as high-tech batting cages in stores as the future of retail. (Dick’s Sporting Goods) By Jennifer Waters CoStar News Record sales and profits at Dick’s Sporting Goods are helping to drive new concepts and store openings for the nation’s largest seller of sports equipment, apparel and
Thursday, May 27, 2021Advice & More from Blackhawk Bank
Advice & More from Blackhawk Bank | May 2021 What’s the Difference Between Home Improvement Loans, Home Equity Loans, and Home Equity Lines of Credit?Keeping up with home improvement projects can feel overwhelming, and can get quite costly. Our latest blog discusses options to help pay for household projects, and which one is best for you. Click here to learn more! What is Treasury
Wednesday, May 26, 2021What It Takes To Buy a House in 2021
What It Takes To Buy a House in 2021A State-by-State Look at Income and Home Prices By Christine Cooper and Rohit Diwadkar CoStar Analytics A National Association of Home Builders report shows the percentage of the population of each state that could afford the mortgage payment of a median-priced new home, with about 40% of the 125.4 million U.S. households able to make the $346,757 purchase in 2021. The data also show that 25 basis points added to the mortgage rate at a 30-year fixed rate of 2.8% would
Wednesday, May 26, 2021Office of Trade and Investment-Illinois Department of Commerce
Dear Illinois Exporters, The Office of Trade & Investment (OTI) continues to offer Illinois businesses virtual services to support export promotion and international sales growth. OTI’s team of Chicago-based international trade specialists and our six foreign trade offices in: Belgium, Canada, China, Israel, Japan, and Mexico are ready to support businesses across the state looking to expand in international markets. Please see attached list of webinars about exporting for June and
Wednesday, May 26, 2021How ComEd Powers Equity: 2020 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report
At ComEd, we hold ourselves accountable by documenting the actions we take to advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and celebrate employees who do the same in their communities. We make good on that commitment by publishing a report for our customers and stakeholders. This year the theme of our report is “Powering Equity”. To us, powering equity means giving everyone the tools they need to have the same opportunity to succeed. At ComEd, we continue to create pathways to eliminate inequities in
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
Tuesday, May 25, 2021Small Business Community Navigator Program
Dear Community Partner, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) recently announced a significant expansion of DCEO's community navigator program, an outreach model leveraging community partners to help small, minority owned businesses connect with emergency resources during the pandemic. Illinois' community navigator model has been recognized by the Biden-Harris administration, which is using this approach nationally through the
Tuesday, May 25, 2021Sharp Uptick in Bank Activity Could Signal Better Times for Property Sales
Sharp Uptick in Bank Activity Could Signal Better Times for Property Sales As the recovery finds its footing, banks are indicating greater demand for loans and an easing of credit standards in almost all types of loans. Each quarter, the Federal Reserve asks bank loan officers about changes to both demand for and supply of different loan types. The "Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey" forms one of the best indicators of stabilizing conditions and is typically a reliable leading indicator for gross domestic
Tuesday, May 25, 2021Illinois Office of Tourism Promotes New ‘Time for Me to Drive’ Road Trip Itineraries in Advance of National Road Trip Day
Illinois Office of Tourism Promotes New ‘Time for Me to Drive’ Road Trip Itineraries in Advance of National Road Trip DayNew Tourism Ad Features Route 66 and Great River Road DestinationsCHICAGO - Just in time for National Road Trip Day (May 28), the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism (IOT) is showcasing more than 60 new road trip itineraries, as part of the State of Illinois’s summer tourism campaign, “Time For Me to Drive,” to promote the return of travel across
Tuesday, May 25, 2021New Name Reflects Commitment to Mission, High-Quality Care and Better Health
New Name Reflects Commitment to Mission, High-Quality Care and Better Health Today, Greater Elgin Family Care Center announces a new name: Greater Family Health, which “reflects a commitment to broad-based services, high-quality care, and better health for the patients, families and communities we serve,” says President/CEO Bob Tanner. In support of this unifying name, Greater Family Health is also launching a new website and a streamlined Call Center to make it easier for patients to find the care and
Monday, May 24, 2021Existing Home Sales Fall, Biden Counters Republicans on Infrastructure, Rail Merger Alters Course
Existing Home Sales Fall, Biden Counters Republicans on Infrastructure, Rail Merger Alters CourseWhat You Need To Know To Start Your Day Existing home sales fell for the third consecutive month because of tight supply. (Getty Images) By Richard Lawson CoStar News Existing Home Sales Decline Existing home sales fell for the third consecutive month while the median price rose to a record high in April. The National Association of Realtors reported that sales were down 2.7% from March, another decline
Monday, May 24, 2021U.S. Sales of Previously Owned Homes Fall for a Third Month
Drew Angerer/Getty ImagesPROPERTY TYPES>SFR U.S. Sales of Previously Owned Homes Fall for a Third Month Contract closings decreased by 2.7 percent in April, to an annualized 5.85 million. Bloomberg Contract closings decreased 2.7% from the prior month to an annualized 5.85 million, the slowest pace since June, according to Friday data from the National Association of Realtors. The median forecast in a Bloomberg survey of economists called for a 6.07 million rate in April.(Bloomberg)—Sales of
Friday, May 21, 2021NEW: $1.5 Billion in Emergency Rental Programs Announced
NEW: $1.5 Billion in Emergency Rental Programs Announced As part of continued efforts to assist Illinoisans facing economic hardships during to the pandemic, this week, Governor JB Pritzker announced the opening of the Illinois Rental Payment Program (ILRPP). This new program will deploy multiple rounds of funding – with the first assistance made available to landlords to prevent evictions. Visit ILRPP.IHDA.org to learn how to access ongoing rental and mortgage assistance available
Friday, May 21, 2021Trade Mission with the State of Illinois
Dear Illinois Exporters, We invite Illinois small businesses to participate in two upcoming Virtual Trade Missions in June and July: the China Aid Trade Show and Catalog Show on June 9-11 and the Multi-sector Virtual Trade Mission to India on July 27-28. China Aid, supported by the Office of Trade & Investment’s Shanghai office, will engage Illinois businesses to identify opportunities in China’s rapidly growing Senior Care market, expected to reach $1.85 trillion by 2030. The
Thursday, May 20, 2021Here’s another big picture look at the current industrial market in Chicago
Here’s another big picture look at the current industrial market in ChicagoAJ LATRACEShare on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare via emailA 1.1 MILLION SQUARE-FOOT LEASE AT CENTERPOINT'S JOLIET INTERMODAL CENTER WAS SIGNED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2021. Demand for industrial real estate has been the focus of much discussion about the current conversation of the market, and yet another report offers a comprehensive look at exactly how the Chicagoland region fared during the first quarter of the
Thursday, May 20, 2021Target To Accelerate Real Estate Expansion Plans Amid Sales Growth
Target To Accelerate Real Estate Expansion Plans Amid Sales GrowthRetailer Says It Needs New Sortation Centers, More Major Distribution Hubs and Stores More than 95% of Target's first quarter sales were fulfilled by its stores, a total that includes the majority of its burgeoning e-commerce business, via its drive-up and in-store pick-up services. (Target Corp.) By Clare Kennedy CoStar News Target Corp. said it is planning to keep its strong sales momentum going by upping the ante on building out
Wednesday, May 19, 2021U.S. Bankruptcy Tracker: Filings Slide to Zero as Pandemic Eases
skakyn/iStock/Getty ImagesINVESTMENT STRATEGIES>DISTRESSED U.S. Bankruptcy Tracker: Filings Slide to Zero as Pandemic Eases Just 56 large firms have sought bankruptcy protection in the U.S. year-to-date as of May 17. Last week, the number was zero. Bloomberg The halt in filings by companies with at least $50 million of liabilities comes as re-openings and vaccinations pick up steam. Bankruptcies and restructuring in the lodging sector and others related to leisure and travel should continue to
Wednesday, May 19, 2021The State of Manufacturing in 2021
Business OperationsThe State of Manufacturing in 2021 By NAM News Room Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share Lin NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons delivered his 2021 State of Manufacturing Address today, focusing on key priorities for manufacturers as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. Marlin Steel Wire Products, a Baltimore-based wire and sheet metal fabricator, hosted the event at its facility. How manufacturers adapted: Timmons lauded the ways in which manufacturers
Tuesday, May 18, 2021Inflation Jumped in April. Why That Should Be OK.
Inflation Jumped in April. Why That Should Be OK. Inflation beat expectations last week, with data for April revealing a stunning 0.9% increase in the core consumer price index (which strips out volatile food and energy prices) over March. This was the single largest monthly increase since the early 1980s when inflation was a much bigger concern than today. But on the other hand, such an increase shouldn’t be all too surprising, especially in light of last week’s jobs report in which apparent labor
Tuesday, May 18, 2021Weekly Commerce Update
Northeast Region Weekly UpdateMay 17, 2021 Happy Economic Development Week! I hope you have been able to catch some of the webinars that have been hosted this week. There is a wealth of information out there and I want to extend a thank you to all who have participated. This week, Governor Pritzker and DCEO announced the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the expansion of our Community Navigator Program. This program is an outreach model leveraging community partners to help small and minority owned
Tuesday, May 18, 2021I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask…Part 3: Land of the Mask Free and Home of the Brave
On May 13, 2021, the CDC issued new guidance stating that those who are fully vaccinated can resume activities without wearing a mask or social distancing. Following the CDC’s announcement, President Biden lifted the mask mandate that was required by staff and visitors of the White House. While the CDC has issued this guidance, a patchwork of state and local policies or rules are popping up making clear that we are not going to be mask-free quite yet. More importantly, the CDC’s announcement contained
Tuesday, May 18, 2021The Biden administration proposes far-reaching tax overhaul
The Biden administration proposes far-reaching tax overhaul President Biden recently announced his $1.8 trillion American Families Plan (AFP), the third step in his Build Back Better policy initiative. The announcement followed the previous releases of the proposed $2.3 trillion American Jobs Plan and the Made in America Tax Plan. These plans propose major investments in various domestic initiatives, such as expanded tax credits for families, offset with tax increases on high-income individual
Tuesday, May 18, 2021I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask…Part 4: OSHA Weighs In!
On May 17, 2021, OSHA updated its web page regarding “Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace” to state the following: “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new guidance relating to recommended precautions for people who are fully vaccinated, which is applicable to activities outside of healthcare and a few other environments. OSHA is reviewing the recent CDC guidance and will update our materials on this website
Monday, May 17, 2021Five Commercial Real Estate Articles of Interest
Michael Anthony/iStock/Getty ImagesREAL ESTATE>CRE WIRE Five Must Reads for the CRE Industry Today Businesses are trying to assess how to roll back mask rules based on the most recent CDC guidance, reports The New York Times. Green Street reports that the volume of distressed debt has doubled. These are among today’s must reads from around the commercial real estate industry. WMRE StaffNew Mask Rules Are Tricky for Business “Retailers like Macy’s and the Gap said they were reviewing the new guidance,
Monday, May 17, 2021American Apartment Dwellers Owe Their Landlords an Estimated $35 Billion
American Apartment Dwellers Owe Their Landlords an Estimated $35 BillionMultifamily Industry’s Recovery Faces 'Some Hiccups’ American home and apartment renters have racked up billions of dollars in owed rent throughout the pandemic. (Getty Images) By Cara Smith-Tenta CoStar News Since the start of the pandemic, Americans have fallen behind on their rent payments by a total of at least $35 billion — and that figure is still growing, according to a new report. The report published this month by the
Monday, May 17, 2021Gov. Pritzker Announces $1.5 Billion in Housing Assistance for Illinois Renters and Landlords Hit Hardest by COVID-19
Gov. Pritzker Announces $1.5 Billion in Housing Assistance for Illinois Renters and Landlords Hit Hardest by COVID-19 State to Provide an Additional $400 Million in Mortgage Assistance; Governor Signs HB 2877 Reaffirming Administration’s Commitment to Housing Stability CHICAGO – After leading the nation in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, in ensuring the state’s most vulnerable residents had a roof over their head, Governor JB Pritzker today announced that applications for the second round of
Monday, May 17, 2021Gov. Pritzker Aligns Illinois Mask Guidance with CDC for Fully Vaccinated People
Gov. Pritzker Aligns Illinois Mask Guidance with CDC for Fully Vaccinated People Administration to Rescind Emergency Public Health Rules Following New CDC Guidance; CDC: Fully Vaccinated People No Longer Need to Wear a Mask in Most Instances or Practice Social Distancing SPRINGFIELD – Following guidance from the CDC that fully vaccinated people can stop wearing a mask and practicing social distancing in most indoor and outdoor settings, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health
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
Tuesday, April 20, 2021Sanfilippo Helps Prepare Summit Students for the Workforce
COVID restrictions prevented Summit School’s students from interning onsite at John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. (JBSS) this school year. It did not, however, prevent the company from continuing its partnership to help prepare students for the world of employment. LaSalle Crosby, an HR Generalist in JBSS’ corporate office, teamed up with Summit School to provide a virtual, four-week intensive employment preparation seminar series for Summit's seniors. Crosby, who is also a part-time adjunct professor at
Tuesday, February 16, 2021Illinois Set to Enact New Law Limiting Criminal Convictions in Employment Decisions
Illinois has long limited employers from considering the criminal history of an applicant or employee in making employment decisions. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits employers from considering an employee’s arrest history, for example. In recent years, Illinois’ “Ban the Box” law disallows employers from asking about criminal convictions prior to a job offer or before a candidate is selected for an interview and, therefore, assumed to be otherwise qualified for the position in question. Now,
Wednesday, January 20, 2021DOL Clarifies that Not All Travel Time is Compensable in the Era of Telework
By Carlos Arévalo – SmithAmundsen – www.salawus.com On the last day of 2020, the US Department of Labor (DOL) issued an opinion letter impacting employers using telework arrangements in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. While a vaccine is now rolling out and we will hopefully get the pandemic under control in 2021, this opinion letter provides guidance to employers that have had to institute remote and hybrid work policies and/or arrangements with their workforce. Specifically, the opinion letter
Monday, January 18, 2021Telemedicine Appointments Can Be Used To Establish Serious Health Conditions Under the FMLA
Recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reiterates that the DOL will allow telemedicine visits—generally speaking, health care appointments held via video conference—to qualify as in-person visits to a health care provider under certain circumstances. As our readers know, the FMLA provides certain employees up to 12 workweeks of leave for, among other things, a “serious health condition.” An employee can show the existence of a serious health condition by several methods that include
