News

11 Must Reads for the CRE Industry Today (June 1, 2020)

 NREI WIRE11 Must Reads for the CRE Industry Today (June 1, 2020)   Intense protests around the United States against police brutality that featured sporadic looting forced retailers that had been reopening from COVID-19 shutdowns to close back down again, reported Reuters. Meanwhile, a major retail federation has been pushing for governmental aid top help companies survive, according to the Washington Post. And the Wall Street Journal explored how the future of movie theaters is in doubt amid the

14 Steps to Living Your Dream Life: Even If You Were Born A Refugee

14 Steps to Living Your Dream Life: Even If You Were Born A Refugee is a self-help ebook that details the events that transformed Laura Robertson (aka Niphaphone Sanavongsay) from a lost broken refugee, into a successful career woman. In this book, Laura shares her father's escape story from the hands of the communist rule in Laos that led the family to making a life in Elgin, Illinois. She shares her struggles of growing up as a Refugee, the racism that she encountered along the way, the cultural

Gov. Pritzker Issues Disaster Proclamation for Nine Counties in Illinois

Governor JB Pritzker today signed a disaster proclamation for nine counties in Illinois to expedite the use of state resources, personnel and equipment to help municipalities keep residents safe. The counties include: Champaign, Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Macon, Madison, Sangamon and Will. The Governor also activated an additional 250 members of the Illinois National Guard (ILNG) to support various jurisdictions throughout the state in their work to protect communities. "We have to take care of our

City of Elgin Joins Foundations in Donating to Elgin Covid Response Fund

For immediate release, May 28, 2020City of Elgin Joins Foundations in Donating to Elgin Covid Response Fund  Fund seeks to provide support to local nonprofits for the purpose of providing direct financial assistance to individuals and families facing urgent, financial need as a result of the pandemic. Elgin, IL— The City of Elgin and both local and regional funders announce details of the recently established Elgin Covid Response Fund (ECRF). Beginning June 1, eligible nonprofit organizations can apply

Elgin Announces Guidance for Temporary Outdoor Seating Areas for Bars and Restaurants

For immediate release, March 28, 2020Elgin Announces Guidance for Temporary Outdoor Seating Areas for Bars and Restaurants  The City of Elgin releases Quick Guide and Frequently Asked Questions list for bars and restaurants Elgin, IL - The City of Elgin announces guidance for restaurants and bars to create temporary outdoor seating areas during Phase 3 of Governor Pritzker's Restore Illinois Plan.  The City of Elgin is committed to working with restaurants and bars that wish to serve food and

Illinois Chamber Rail Report from Springfield

ILLINOIS CHAMBERRail Report     May 24, 2020  Highlights from Today:  Early this morning, the Illinois General Assembly adjourned the special session. the following pieces of legislation have now passed both the House and Senate.  HB 64 passed the House 74-31-5 and passed the Senate 54-o. This bill is the re-appropriation for capital projects and maintains the  infrastructure funding level.      SB264 passed the House 68-44 and passed the Senate 37-19. This bill is the

EPEL Announces Community Partner Outreach Efforts

Elgin Community Partners Host Drive-Through Event to Serve Families and Encourage Census Participation Food, diapers, and books provided by community partners and 2020 Census information and assistance provided by the Illinois Census Office and Latino Caucus Foundation            Elgin, IL - Elgin Partnership for Early Learning (EPEL), Northern Illinois Food Bank, Illinois Census Office and the Illinois Latino Caucus Foundation are coming together to provide food, a limited supply of diapers and children's

U-46 Honors Districtwide Volunteers With 'Volunteer of the Year' and 'Helping Hands' Recognition

U-46 Honors Districtwide Volunteers  Longtime volunteers recognized ELGIN – School District U-46 annually recognizes many of the volunteers who so generously give their time and talents at the school and District level. For the 2019-20 school year, U-46 names longtime TalentFest volunteer Jeff Grosser as the 2020 Volunteer of the Year, for his extraordinary contribution at the District level “In its tenth year, TalentFest has grown to be an event where students can showcase their many gifts and skills

Gov. Pritzker Release Guidelines for Businesses and Workplaces to Safely Reopen During Phase 3 of Restore Illinois

Guidance Developed by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Department of Public Health with Input from Industry Leaders and Business Owners  Springfield – Governor JB Pritzker today released industry-specific guidelines that allow for the safe re-opening of businesses as the state progresses into the next phase of the Restore Illinois plan. All four regions of the state are on track to advance to Phase 3 of the plan in the coming days, allowing thousands of

State Distributes More Than 13,000 Meals to Local Foodbanks

State Distributes More Than 13,000 Meals to Local Foodbanks SPRINGFIELD – The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is working with the Department of Human Services and our local emergency managers to address an identified need in our communities. To date, the SEOC has received requests for food assistance from more than 40 local emergency management agencies. Since the escalation of the pandemic, the demand for food relief has skyrocketed. Food banks are surging to meet an unprecedented demand.  To

VNA Offers COVID-19 Testing in Elgin and Other Local Sites

TESTING IS AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO: Have COVID-19 Symptoms Including: Difficulty Breathing or Change in Breathing • Fever • Cough • Chills • Repeated Shaking with Chills • Fatigue • Body Aches • Loss of Appetite • Headache • Mucus Production • Confusion • Runny Nose • Sore Throat • Bloody Sputum • Vomiting • Diarrhea • Loss of Smell or Taste IF EXPERIENCING SEVERE SYMPTOMS, INCLUDING DIFFICULTY BREATHING OR CONFUSION, CALL 911. Do Not Have COVID-19 Symptoms, But: ‣ Have had contact with someone

DES Notifying Claimants Whose Information May Have Been Viewed by a Single Individual Due to PUA System Access Issue

Deloitte to Offer Free Credit Monitoring to All Claimants Possibly Impacted SPRINGFIELD – After working with Deloitte to investigate a glitch in the system it built for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today notification will begin to go out to claimants whose information may have been unintentionally viewed by a single claimant. The claimant immediately reported the issue within the PUA system. Computer records confirm that no other

Governor Pritzker Announces Plan to Expand Child Care in Next Phases of Restore Illinois

Governor Pritzker Announces Plan to Expand Child Care in Next Phases of Restore Illinois Chicago – Building on a robust, statewide effort to ensure Illinois can safely reopen and families can return back to work, Governor Pritzker announced the state’s plan for a gradual reopening of child care in Phases 3 and 4 of Restore Illinois. “We can’t have a conversation about going back to work without talking about child care – anything else leaves a large portion of the workforce, especially women who too often

Gov. Pritzker Statement on Passage of SB1863, Expanding Vote by Mail

Gov. Pritzker Statement on Passage of SB1863, Expanding Vote by Mail Springfield, Ill. — Gov. Pritzker issued the following statement on the passage of Senate Bill 1863, ensuring all recent voters receive a vote by mail application for the November election. "The right to vote is the foundational pillar of our democracy -- and, now, as our elected leaders are making some of the most consequential decisions of our lifetimes, it's more important than ever that people have every ability to make their voices

Illinois Unemployment Rate Rises to 16.4% Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Illinois Unemployment Rate Rises to 16.4% Amid COVID-19 Pandemic SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate jumped +12.2 percentage points to 16.4 percent, while nonfarm payrolls shed -762,200 jobs in April, as the COVID-19 pandemic continued to impact Illinois businesses and households, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and released by IDES. The monthly unemployment rate rose to a new record

Lavelle Law's Migala Highlights PPP Forgiveness Application

PPP Loan Forgiveness ApplicationSteven A. Migala • May 20, 2020On May 15, 2020, the U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application. The application and related instructions provide more guidance for borrowers with respect to PPP loan forgiveness. The SBA is also expected to issue soon a new interim final rule to supplement the application, which will provide specific information and guidance

Pritzker Administration Announces 1.8 Million SNAP Recipients Will Be Able to Buy Food Online

Pritzker Administration Announces 1.8 Million SNAP Recipients Will Be Able to Buy Food Online Access will be provided automatically to all existing Link card holders beginning June 2; Customers will not need to call or visit an office; Traditional SNAP purchasing will continueToday, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced the state’s plan to enable 1.8 million SNAP recipients to purchase food from participating grocery retailers online has been approved by the

Governor Pritzker Announces Updates to Phase 3 of Restore Illinois Plan in Consultation with Health Experts

Bars and Restaurants Can Open for Outdoor Seating, All State Parks to Open Chicago – Building on a robust, statewide effort to ensure Illinois can safely reopen and following the data, science, and guidance from public health experts and stakeholders across the state, Governor Pritzker announced updates to Phase 3 of the state’s Restore Illinois plan.   “We are by no means out of the woods, but directionally, things are getting better. And because of these advances, we are able to make some

Governor Pritzker Announces the Illinois Contact Tracing Collaborative: A Locally-Driven Approach to Massively Scale Up Contact Tracing

Launches with Pilot Programs in St. Clair and Lake Counties; Partners in Health Providing Playbook After Implementing the “Massachusetts Model”Chicago – Building on a robust, statewide effort to ensure Illinois can safely reopen, Governor Pritzker announced the Illinois Contact Tracing Collaborative, a locally-driven approach to scale up contact tracing in Illinois. “With Illinois’ daily availability of testing among the best in the nation, we want to grow our voluntary contact tracing so we can further

Elgin Covid Response Fund Established

For immediate release, May 15, 2020Elgin Covid Response Fund Established  Local and Regional Foundations partner with the City of Elgin to establish a fund for nonprofit service providers to support those impacted by COVID-19.  Elgin, IL— The Elgin Covid Response Fund has been established through a powerful partnership between the City of Elgin and local, regional and state foundations. The fund will provide support to nonprofits so they can continue providing critical services to the Elgin

Number of Initial Claims Plateauing While Thousands of Applicants Access PUA Portal

More Than 50,000 PUA Claims Filed in First Three Days of Launch SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) today released new statewide data showing the department processed 72,671 new initial claims for regular unemployment benefits during the week ending May 9. The department has now processed 1,076,461 claims for regular unemployment benefits from March 1 through May 9. This amount is nearly 11.5 times the number of claims the department processed over the same period last year,

U-46 Food and Nutrition Services Department to Recognize Distribution of 1 Million Meals

U-46 Food and Nutrition Services Department to Recognize Distribution of 1 Million Meals  Staff rallies to provide food for children during COVID-19 pandemic    ELGIN - When school doors closed in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 160 School District U-46 employees raised their hands to support meal distribution at 26 sites. On Friday, many of those same dedicated team members will recognize the distribution of a million meals in just two months.   “We’re so proud and honored

Thomas M. Hartwell, Kane County Circuit Clerk Protective Mask Giveaway

Thomas M. Hartwell, Kane County Circuit Clerk along with other political and community leaders are planning to distribute more than 4,000 protective face masks and care packages to people in need this weekend. The free care packages will be available this Saturday, May 16th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the New Life Covenant Church located at Elgin, 2250 W. Highland Ave Elgin, IL 60123 The care package will include protective face masks, hand sanitizer, food items, and fresh Oberweis milk. A maximum of four

Illinois Council of Orchestras names EYSO volunteer Anthony Riani as Volunteer of the Year

The Illinois Council of Orchestras has named Anthony Riani as Volunteer of the Year for his service to the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra during the 2018-19 season, largely focused on his video recording and editing contributions.EYSO staff say Riani’s efforts go above and beyond volunteerism to the point that he has become an invaluable member of the EYSO team, and his dedication to and understanding of EYSO’s core values and mission are reflected in his work and attitude.  Riani’s most recent

Elgin Initiating Third Round of Expenditure Reductions in Response to Coronavirus Pandemic

For immediate release, May 11, 2020Elgin Initiating Third Round of Expenditure Reductions in Response to Coronavirus Pandemic    Elgin, IL - The City of Elgin is initiating its third round of expenditure reductions in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Reductions impact summer parks and recreation facilities, special events, employee wages and employment statuses. Parks and Recreation, Special Events Changes The continuing social distancing limitations in the Governor’s executive order

ADA Implications: I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask….

ADA Implications: I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask…. By Michael Wong – SmithAmundsen LLC – www.salawus.com During the COVID-19 pandemic we have seen multiple shifts in views by the public and employees.  Initially, the issue was what to do if an employee requested a face mask.  However, businesses are now facing different questions: 1.       Can you require employees to wear a face mask?  2.       Can you require customers or members of the public to wear a face mask when coming into your business? What

IRS: Three new credits are available to many businesses hit by COVID-19 WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminds employers affected by COVID-19 about three important new credits availab

IRS: Three new credits are available to many businesses hit by COVID-19WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminds employers affected by COVID-19 about three important new credits available to them.Employee Retention Credit:The employee retention credit is designed to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payroll. The refundable tax credit is 50% of up to $10,000 in wages paid by an eligible employer whose business has been financially impacted by COVID-19.The credit is available to

CHASE is Hiring!

Employment Opportunities at Chase Elgin Credit Card Service Center 2500 Westfield Dr. Elgin, IL 60124 Are you ready to start a career at Chase? Submit your application on our website today!www.chase.com/careers200028578 -Specialist I - Collections - Elgin, IL  We now have full-time opportunities in the Collection’s Group. Our Collections group creates and delivers the right solutions to our customers to resolve account delinquency, directly impacting the risk of loss to the Bank.  We are looking for

What if a Laid Off Worker Refuses to Return to Work under the PPP?

What if a Laid Off Worker Refuses to Return to Work under the PPP?  By Carlos Arévalo – SmithAmundsen LLC – www.salawus.com A couple of weeks ago, we examined two general factors that the Treasury will be examining to determine PPP loan forgiveness, namely whether at least 75% of the borrowed funds have been spent on “payroll costs” and whether employers maintained the same headcount and salary levels for full-time equivalent (FTE) employees. On Sunday May 3rd, the Treasury issued additional guidance

The U-46 Educational Foundation Encourages Families to Honor Teachers Making a Difference

The U-46 Educational Foundation Encourages Families to Honor Teachers Making a Difference Teacher Appreciation Week is May 3-9 ELGIN - In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week — May 3-9, 2020 — the U-46 Educational Foundation invites families to make a donation on behalf of School District U-46 teachers who continue to impact their students despite today’s challenging circumstances. Funds raised will go toward the Foundation’s Teacher Innovation Mini-Grant Program.  “Now, more than ever, we are

IDES Instructs 1099 Workers to Apply for Regular Unemployment Benefits Before PUA Program Goes Live

IDES Instructs 1099 Workers to Apply for Regular Unemployment Benefits Before PUA Program Goes Live PUA Portal to Launch on May 11 SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) today released new instructions for 1099 workers who have lost work due to COVID-19.  Workers who believe they may be eligible for new federal benefits under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, must first apply for regular unemployment insurance before applying for benefits under PUA when a new

Governor Pritzker Announces Restore Illinois: A Public Health Approach To Safely Reopen Our State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, May 5, 2020  CONTACT Gov.Press@illinois.gov Governor Pritzker Announces Restore Illinois: A Public Health Approach To Safely Reopen Our State Restore Illinois is a Five-Phase, Regional Plan for Saving Lives, Livelihoods, and Safely Reopening Illinois Chicago – Building on data, science, and guidance from public health experts and after consulting with stakeholders across the state, Governor JB Pritzker announced Restore Illinois, a five-phase plan focused on saving lives,

Association for Individual Development (AID) to Participate in #GIVINGTUESDAYNOW

#GivingTuesdayNow is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. Help the Association for Individual Development (AID) raise important funds for programs and services on #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving and unity (May 5, 2020).This is a great opportunity to show your support for AID and help us continue to provide the best possible care for the individuals we serve.The Coleman Foundation has partnered with AID to match

EAC's Business Review Newsletter for March 2020

 EAC's Business Review Newsletter for February 2020  

Culver’s Brings ButterBurgers and Fresh Frozen Custard to Elgin

Elgin is getting a delicious addition. Culver’s® of Elgin will officially open on Monday, March 2 at 10 am. Culver’s is known for its ButterBurgers® and Fresh Frozen Custard. The restaurant, located at 1175 N McLean Blvd. serves fast, casual food, cooked to order, meaning guests' food is not made until after they order it. The location will be open 10 am until 10 pm apart from some holidays. "We're excited to open and become an active member of the community," said franchise owner, Ross Thomas. "When

EAC's Business Review Newsletter for February 2020

 EAC's Business Review Newsletter for February 2020

What's in Store for the Local Economy in 2020?

    The U.S. economy is in its 126th month of expansion that dates to July 2009, and Elgin businesses have been riding the wave. The question everyone has been asking themselves is how long can the longest expansion in U.S. history continue? Will the economy contract, continue expanding, fall or flatten is anyone’s guess? Here are a few quotes from Elgin’s business leaders on what 2020 has in store:     “Ziegler’s Ace customers continue to invest in new Weber and Traeger grills, Ego mowers and snowblowers,

EAC'S Business Review Newsletter for January 2020

Welcome New Chamber Members!

Welcome to these new Chamber members in January!   Culver's of Elgin Ross Thomas 1175 N. McLean Boulevard Elgin IL 60123 OPENING SOON!!www.culvers.com Food & Beverages/Restaurants   H.B. Fuller Lesandro Gonzalez 1575 Executive Drive Elgin IL 60123 (847) 841-7002www.hbfuller.com Industrial/Adhesive – Manufacturer   Innerspire, Inc Nate Lindquist 164 Division Street, Suite 406 Elgin IL 60120 (904) 385-9017www.TheMinimalistCEO.com Business Services/Consulting   Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers,

Darwin Realty Arranges Sale of 90,000 SF Industrial Building in Elgin, Illinois

Darwin Realty has arranged the sale of a 90,000-square-foot industrial building located at 501 Davis Road in Elgin. Consideration for the sale was in excess of $5 million. The property features seven loading docks, three drive-in doors, 5,000 square feet of office space and a clear height of 24 feet. Noel Liston of Darwin brokered the transaction. Chicago Logistic Service owned and occupied the building. Navis Industries, which provides plastic packaging films, purchased the building and plans to relocate

Conor Commercial expands in Elgin with two new buildings

Conor Commercial Real Estate recently held a grand opening ceremony for Northwest Pointe III, 2801 Galvin Drive in Elgin. The two new, speculative industrial buildings will be ready for occupancy by the end of the year and together measure over 349,000 square feet. The two new buildings sit on 20.54 acres, have a clear height of 32 feet, 20-28 truck docks per building, over 400 parking spaces and column spacing of 50 feet by 52 feet allowing for vast open areas inside the building.Read More

Welcome to our new Elgin Area Chamber members!

Welcome to our new Chamber members in July! Calpine Energy Solutions Kyle Warford 1901 Esplande Drive, Suite 660 Downers Grove IL 60515  (630) 797-0736 www.calpinesolutions.com Utilities & Service Providers/Electric Service El Taco Alegre Mexican Grill Cristina Leon 154 E Chicago Street  Elgin IL 60120  (224) 434-7431 www.facebook.com/El-Taco-Alegre-Mexican-Grill-357267711666276 Food & Beverages/Restaurants HFRI, LLC Carly Guerra 2500 Westfield Drive, Suite 2-300 Elgin IL 60124  (847)

EAC's Business Review Newsletter for July 2019

This is the monthly newsletter of the Elgin Area Chamber for July, 2019 

EAC's Business Review Newsletter for May 2019

Here is the May monthly newsletter from the Elgin Area Chamber.

Happy Anniversary to our Elgin Area Chamber members

Thank you to these Elgin Area Chamber members who are celebrating an anniversary with our organization:  Celebrating 60 - 69 YearsCity of ElginElgin AcademyGolden Corridor Family YMCALaird Funeral HomeLundstrom Insurance Agency, Inc Celebrating 30 - 39 YearsBurnidge Properties, Ltd.Daily Herald Media GroupSenior Services AssociatesShales McNutt ConstructionThe Learning Tree Child Care CenterThe Literacy Connection Celebrating 20 - 29 YearsAmerican NTN Bearing Manufacturing Corp.Rotary Club of Elgin

Welcome to our new Elgin Area Chamber members

Welcome to our new Elgin Area Chamber Members in May: Allstate Insurance - Chavez Insurance Group Inc Jose Chavez 48 S McLean Boulevard  South Elgin IL 60177  (630) 908-5200 www.agents.allstate.com/jose-chavez-south-elgin-il Financial & Insurance Services/Insurance & Investments B & C Enterprises Inc Erik Bauer 2482 Technology Drive  Elgin IL 60124  (847) 930-5859 www.bcentinc.com Business Services/General Contractors Caffé Mariani - Java and Gelato Randy & Lisa Mariani 3145 West, Highway