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Sporting goods and hobby retailers were among the bigger beneficiaries as March’s U.S. retail sales grew nearly 0.4% from the prior month and increased 2.7% from a year earlier, according to the latest monthly report from the National Retail Federation and business news network CNBC.

Weekly Update

Multiple Grant Opporunities

The Junkluggers of Chicago NW Suburbs has signed a 12,250-square-foot industrial lease at 425 Airport Road in Elgin. The junk removal, recycling and reuse business is expanding and relocating from another space in Elgin.

Consumer Prices Rose 3.5% in the 12 Months Ended in March

Prices in the United States climbed faster than expected in March, and economists say the increase in housing costs is largely to blame.

Northeast, Mid-Atlantic Benefit From Trend Affecting Commercial Property, JLL Says

Recent college graduates continue to prefer major gateway markets such as New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco over big cities in the fastest-growing U.S. regions such as the Sun Belt, a new study found, a move that's expected to affect the commercial property market.

The Senate was in Springfield for this week's first day of session while the House will not return until tomorrow. The early afternoon was spent on floor action, including the movement of numerous bills to third reading and bill passage. A number of amendments were adopted in committees today as well. The House and Senate will both return tomorrow, April 10th with the Senate beginning floor action at 11 am. Committee hearings will begin at 8 am.

Suburban Owners Face Less Risk, Competition and More Room for Reinvention Than Urban Peers

Chicago’s suburban investment-grade office market is recording lower direct, sublet and total availability rates than its downtown peers — a first since downtown's direct availability rate began its serious ascent in 2023 while its suburban counterpoint remained relatively flat.

Funding Opportunities

Department of Commerce Programs and Opportunities

Please welcome him to our business community with an email of congratulations to Scott@WisdomInvestments.com. Thank you!

What You Need To Know To Start Your Day

Healthcare led industries for growth as the U.S. economy added a better-than-expected 303,000 nonfarm jobs in March and the unemployment rate ticked down to 3.8% from the prior month’s 3.9%, the Labor Department reported.

The award-winning Elgin Area Leadership Academy (EALA) invites the community to attend a thought-provoking free, live performance entitled, “The Crane”, on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at the Elgin Community College Spartan Theatre, Building G, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. The original play, written by playwright and retired Kane County Judge Wiley Edmonson, is a reader’s theatre performance presented by the Elgin Theatre Company (ETC). ETC was founded in 1953 and is now a fully independent non-profit, which produces high-qualit

Following a successful year since the first launch of its BRIDGES Committee for Black and Brown entrepreneurs, the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce group announces it will hold its first Business Expo on Friday, April 19, 2024 from 5:00 to 9:00pm at the Gallery 611, located at 611 East Main St. in East Dundee. “We are pleased to have this opportunity of sharing valuable information and resources to help African American businesses get to the next level,” said Rise Jones, BRIDGES Committee co-chair and a member of the Ch

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced last week that a project to replace the bridge carrying Illinois 31 (State Street) over U.S. 20 in Elgin would begin, weather permitting, Monday, April 1.

Spring Session Update The House returned to Springfield on Tuesday for three busy days of session while today's action was canceled. Nearly 200 bills were moved out of committees over the past few days, plenty of which are relevant to the business community. The House committee deadline is today, Friday April 5th. Expect to see many of those bills that were moved out of committee to return with amendments.

What You Need To Know To Start Your Day

U.S.-based companies announced 90,309 planned job reductions in March, increasing 7% from the prior month as employers responded to an economy delivering mixed signals affecting profits and demand for goods and services.

Forest-headquartered Consumers Credit Union - have announced their intent to pursue a merger later this year, subject to regulatory and member approvals. The companies will continue to operate as Consumers Credit Union, and after merging will be the 5th largest credit union in Illinois, with nearly $4 Billion in total assets and over 260,000 members.

What You Need To Know To Start Your Day

U.S. private-sector companies added a better-than-expected 184,000 jobs during March as worker pay rose at an average annual rate of 5.1%, according to the latest monthly tracking by payroll services provider ADP and Stanford University’s Digital Economy Lab.

The Cicadas are invading Kane County in more ways than one. In honor of the 2024 rare emergence of the Cicadas, the Cougars will be changing their identity for the game on Thursday, June 20 at 6:30 p.m. to become the Kane County Cicadas.

Required Annual Income Jumps 46% in Four Years According to Bankrate Analysis

A new study has analyzed what high home prices mean for buyers — and their incomes. In short: Aspiring homeowners need to make a lot more to afford a house in 2024 than before the pandemic, according to analysis by the personal finance website Bankrate.

Fox Valley Orthopedics is pleased to announce Total Joint Surgeon Kenneth S. Chakour, MD, is now a key partner in the practice.

In the heart of downtown West Dundee, The Village Squire (https://www.villagesquire.com/) is celebrating a remarkable milestone. Established in 1974 by immigrant brothers Paul and George Karas, this once dimly lit, old English Pub with a modest menu of nine items has grown into a Fox Valley institution known for good food, drinks, outdoor dining, and entertainment.

What You Need To Know To Start Your Day

U.S. construction spending decreased in February by a slight 0.3% from the prior month, even as overall residential and commercial investment gained 10.7% from a year earlier, led in large part by a boost in single-family housing, the Commerce Department reported Monday.

As part of its commitment to increasing access to early learning opportunities for young children, the Elgin Partnership for Early Learning (EPEL) will celebrate the Week of the Young Child by joining community partners to co-host playgroups, storytimes, music classes, vision screenings, a swim session, outdoor activities, and more, all free to area families.

Attend the 2nd annual Elgin Earth Summit, a community fair event to promote sustainability and foster community engagement during Earth Month. The event will be held Saturday, April 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Heritage Ballroom, at the Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way.

Attend the 2nd annual Elgin Earth Summit, a community fair event to promote sustainability and foster community engagement during Earth Month.

What You Need To Know To Start Your Day

A challenging business climate spurred 248 CEO departures at U.S. companies during February, up 49% from a year earlier and the highest monthly total in two decades of tracking by outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

Illinois Department of Transportation Begins Work On Illinois 31 Over U.S. 20 Bridge On April 1

From the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity: Funding Opportunities:

FANFARE GALA!

The Kane County Health Department is monitoring the measles outbreak in Cook County and additional cases in Lake and Will counties.

Run or Walk for PADS of Elgin

The Kane County Health Department is monitoring the measles outbreak in Cook County and additional cases in Lake and Will counties. While there are currently no reported cases in Kane County, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of measles and to protect yourself and your children with a safe and effective vaccine.

In a testament to their continued excellence and commitment to customer satisfaction, Starship Travel, located in South Elgin, has proudly received the prestigious All-Star Award for the ninth year, among 205 travel agency members of the MAST Travel Network, at an awards ceremony held recently in Addison, Illinois. This esteemed award recognizes the agency's outstanding achievement in having the highest sales in 2023 with the most growth over the year, solidifying their position as a leader in the travel industry. With

March 22, 2024

Please join the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) as we celebrate and honor HER, Illinois women-owned businesses, during national Women’s HERstory Month. Throughout March, DCEO is hosting events and elevating resources to advance women-owned businesses throughout the state. We’ll also spotlight businesses owned by women in Illinois – learn more about how to get involved and support women-owned businesses throughout Illinois below!

The new customer-focused store showcases Xfinity’s and Comcast Business’ innovative technology, provides a convenient location for Kane County residents to address service needs

Express Employment Professionals of West Dundee took home honors at the staffing agency’s annual International Leadership Conference (ILC) in Denver, Colorado, according to Terri Greeno, North Kane Express franchisee.

Northeast Regional Economic Development Newsletter

Numerous opportunities available to businesses and individuals through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Dr. Zachary Goldstein, MD, a Fellowship Trained Orthopedic Surgeon with OrthoIllinois in Elgin, IL recently became one of the first surgeons to perform a lumbar Disc Replacement in the NW suburbs of Chicago using Centinel Spine’s prodisc® L Total Disc Replacement (TDR) technology.

The program was brought to Elgin through the efforts of the Elgin Housing Authority but is open to any qualified young person residing in the Elgin community.

www.illinois.gov/dceo

Elgin Symphony Orchestra has unveiled the first in its line-up of extraordinary programming to commemorate the Orchestra’s 75th anniversary. The ESO’s Classics Series was announced today, with subscription sales for the entire six-concert series going on sale Tuesday, Feb. 20.

The House and Senate both returned to Springfield on Tuesday to kick off the second week of the Spring session. Business for the week concluded early on Thursday. No action of note was taken on the floor in either chamber over the past three days aside from resolutions and the first reading of bills. There was limited committee action of note

Elgin, IL - The Illinois Water Environment Association has recognized Mayor Dave Kaptain with the 2024 (IWEA) Public Official Award. He will be honored on Monday, March 18 during the IWEA Awards Committee Banquet in East Peoria.

Today, Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle joined small-business owners, Business Support Organizations and other partners at The Hatchery to celebrate the distribution of the 2023 Source Grant. The program represents a historic $50 million investment in both city neighborhoods and suburban communities through the Cook County Small Business Source.  “Cook County’s small businesses have faced uncha

ELGIN, IL. – Mariah Madson (Chicago, IL.), Assistant Professor and Department Chair of Early Childhood Education at National Louis University, Chicago, IL., has been named executive director of the Winston Knolls Education Group and the Winston Knolls Foundation, it was announced today. Madson will replace Val Belmonte, President / CEO, who announced earlier this year his plan to retire July 1, 2024.

The School District U-46 Board of Education Monday approved a new four-year contract for more than 2,500 members of the Elgin Teachers Association (ETA).

Check out th erefreshed website at elgindevelopment. com

The Elgin Development Group (EDG), a division of the Elgin Area Chamber (EAC), has officially launched its redesigned website, elgindevelopment.com. The new and inspiring website took months of dedicated work and commitment to become a comprehensive tool kit for new and existing businesses. Terry Gajewski, VP of Operations, and creator behind the website said, “We are thrilled to unveil this revitalized website that serves as a one-stop shop for navigating the business landscape in Elgin.” The new website provides e

See t Kane County has been awarded $25 million in funding to improve rail safety near the intersection of Randall Road and Hopps Road on the borders of the City of Elgin and Village of South Elgin. he animated flyover

The Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its executive committee board leadership and new board members for 2024. The 2024 chamber board chair is ReJena (Jeni) Lyon, Hampton, Lenzini & Renwick, Inc. (HLR); vice chair, membership -Yvonne Irving, KCT Credit Union; chair-elect - Rolando Guerrero, Grand Victoria Casino; past chair - Yaneth Medina, Elgin State Bank & secretary, Carol Gieske, EAC. New board members include Leslie Maloney, Managing Dir, Chase Card Services, & Kerry Klein, President, Flender.

The Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated two ribbon cuttings in support of Hampton, Lenzini, and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) in Elgin. HLR is an employee-owned professional services firm in Illinois that specializes in providing high-quality transportation engineering, environmental, and surveying services. It currently has five locations: two in Elgin, plus Crystal Lake, Springfield, and Mt. Carmel.

Banking and Business Monthly – October 2023

The Governing Board of Directors of Family Service Association of Elgin (FSA) is thrilled to announce that they unanimously voted to appoint Janeth Barba, LCSW as our next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective December 30, 2023. The executive search was led by the Executive Committee of the Governing Board of Directors who were seeking a candidate who possesses a broad set of traits such as collaborative, inspirational, strategic mindset, and industry knowledge. They also prioritized candidates who would fit within a

Cherry Bekaert has acquired PKF Mueller, a full-service certified public accounting and business advisory firm in the metropolitan Chicago area.

The Enhancing Elgin Committee of the Elgin Area Chamber's Elgin Development Group is pleased to recognize people and organizations on October 18 as they present the valuable 2023 Elgin Image Awards. These awards recognize outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations who are making a powerful difference in the City of Elgin by promoting the positives of why Elgin is a great place to live, work, learn, do business, get involved, visit and enjoy!

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) announces that the Elgin Development Group (EDG), a program of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, has been recognized by IEDC as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO).

John B. Sanfilippo & Son will take over the million-square-foot facility, Treehouse Foods' only remaining manufacturing plant in Minnesota.

Superintendent Johnson announces new Cabinet members, school principals for the 2023-24 school year

Letter from Raul Anaya, President of Business Banking

Three siblings. Three generations. And now, three CEOs. If good things come in threes, as the saying goes, Hoffer Plastics, a leading provider of custom injection molding solutions, definitely has a good thing going. The company’s board of directors has promoted Gretchen Hoffer Farb, Charlotte Hoffer Canning and Alex Hoffer to co-CEO’s following their successful sharing of the company’s leadership after taking the helm in January 2020.