As always, my office is available to help you access state resources, answer questions on legislation and more. Reach out to my office online or at 847-214-8864. Let’s work together to stay more informed and connected.

Do you know a filmmaker, or are you one yourself? If you have a story to tell, we want to see it!

The Hemmens is thrilled to announce that submissions are now open for the 18th annual Elgin Short Film Festival (ESFF), returning Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. This highly anticipated event brings together filmmakers and film lovers for an unforgettable evening of short films and a premiere-style red carpet experience.

When your pet is in distress, the hardest part is not knowing how serious it is

When your pet is in distress, the hardest part is not knowing how serious it is, and in those moments, where you go can change everything. What may seem minor can escalate quickly, and choosing a hospital equipped to handle conditions that require a deeper level of care, can mean faster answers, fewer delays, and seamless access to advanced care without the stress of a transfer. At Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists – Hoffman Estates, our 24/7 Emergency & Critical Care team, work side by side with specialists under one r

Business funding from IL Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Specialties: •Preventative Care •Weight management •Men’s health •Women’s health •School Physicals •Sports physicals •Chronic disease management •Hypertension disease management •Diabetes disease management

Illinois Department of Commerce

Across the state -from Chicago to Carbondale- training providers, workforce partners, community organizations, and businesses host events highlighting programs in action and sharing what’s working. Events are designed to connect more employers and career seekers to proven, work-based solutions.

After years of dedicated leadership and service to the business community, Carol Gieske, President & CEO of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, has announced her upcoming retirement. “Leaders of organizations should strive to leave them in a better position than what they encountered,” said Steve Migala, chair, Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce. “By any measure of this goal, Carol Gieske has succeeded in accomplishing it as President and CEO of our Elgin Area Chamber. Under her guidance, our Chamber has experienced except

Opus has completed construction on a 52,174-square-foot build-to-suit facility for Elgin Recycling at 58 Center Drive in Gilberts, a far northwest suburb of Chicago. Situated in the Turnberry Lakes Business Park, the facility is blocks away from Elgin Recycling’s headquarters and serves as one of its four Chicago-area recycling scrap yards. Elgin Recycling is a family-owned operation that processes ferrous and non-ferrous metals, exotic alloys and electronics.

Who says weekends get all the fun? This summer, your best plans might fall on a Thursday.

Who says weekends get all the fun? This summer, your best plans might fall on a Thursday. From June 4 through August 13, Elgin’s Concerts in the Park series is returning, and this year’s lineup covers a little bit of everything: funk, Latin rock, youth orchestra, The Beatles-inspired polka (yes, really), and even a silent disco with a unique, pick-your-own-tunes kind of experience! We’ll be rotating between Wing Park Bandshell (1010 Wing St.) and the Pavilion at Lords Park (100 Oakwood Blvd.), so you’ve got two grea

The Middleby Corporation (NASDAQ: MIDD) today announced that it will host an Investor Day on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in New York City. The event will mark a pivotal moment in the company’s transformation as it prepares to separate into two independent, publicly traded companies in the second quarter of 2026.

John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. (NASDAQ: JBSS) (the “Company”) today announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) declared a special cash dividend (the “Special Dividend”) of $1.50 per share on all issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company and $1.50 per share on all issued and outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company. The Special Dividend will return approximately $17.6 million to Company stockholders.

Four local students will attend Elgin Community College (ECC) at no cost this fall as members of the 2026-27 Seigle Scholar program, which covers tuition, fees, and books.

Four local students will attend Elgin Community College (ECC) at no cost this fall as members of the 2026-27 Seigle Scholar program, which covers tuition, fees, and books. The Seigle Scholar program, established in 2024 by District 509 philanthropists Mark and Robin Seigle, supports graduating high school seniors and first-year college students by covering all student expenses for up to 60 credits toward an associate degree at ECC. This year marks the program’s third cohort of scholars.

Opportnities for funding from DCEO

ELGIN, IL (April 14, 2026) — The Elgin Heritage Commission will honor individuals and organizations preserving the city’s history at the Mayor’s Awards for Preservation ceremony at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, at The Lodge Performing Arts Center, 18 Villa Court.

Comcast Business Launches Total Solutions Advantage: Simplified, All-In Plans for Small Businesses Starting at $60 per Month

View as Webpage   What's new this month Happy April! Explore this month’s e-Newsletter to discover the insights, advocacy and resources you need to grow your business. From financial fundamentals to exciting events, we’re proud to support your business’s next steps.

Saint Joseph Hospital, a member of Prime Healthcare, has been recognized as a 4-Star Top Performer for Overall Emergency Department Care by a national healthcare research firm. Professional Research Consultants (PRC) has given the Elgin hospital its Award of Distinction for Excellent Performance and ranking among the Top 25% nationally in the Emergency Department category in the 2026 Excellence in Healthcare Awards, according to a news release.

A practical guide to maximizing savings for your small business under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”

The recently enacted “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” includes substantial tax reforms to support the growth of small businesses. Small business owners can take advantage of these tax breaks starting now for expenses dating back to January 20, 2025. This guide outlines the most impactful provisions of the law, including permanent deductions, enhanced credits, and expanded eligibility criteria. It provides clear, step-by-step instructions to help business owners navigate the changes and optimize their tax strategies. Downlo

Poor collaboration is the most underestimated drag on business performance.

Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

Additional Dollars Added to the Capital Ready Regional Site Readiness Program NOFO and Deadline Extended!

At Dogtopia of South Elgin, we believe in the life-changing bond between dogs and people. That’s why we’re proud to introduce Chester.

http://www.stmcentral.org

Patricia M. Szpekowski, APR, president of PR Strategies & Communications, Inc./PmS advertising, inc. in Elgin, has received recognition from the Illinois Woman’s Press Association (IWPA), an affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women (NFPW), in its recent 2026 communications contest. Szpekowski was awarded 8 recognitions for all 8 diverse stories submitted for judging to the IWPA. She has been a member of both organizations since 1995.

bit.ly/ecc_continuing _ed_survey

The Elgin City Council agreed Wednesday to continue its partnership with the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce to provide economic development services for the city.

Groundbreaking ceremonies to mark the start of construction on two projects

The Power of Story: Transforming Classrooms with Dr. Renteria’s Journey

Small businesses across the Elgin area often launch with great energy but limited clarity about how to show up as a recognizable, trusted brand.

https://www.amundsendavislaw.com/labor-employment-law-update/vessas-expanded-recording-protections-what-illinois-employers-must-do-now.

Running a small business can be isolating, but collaboration can multiply strengths that would be hard to build alone.

Braden Business Systems, a leading provider of business technology solutions, is proud to announce its new partnership with local hero and collegiate basketball guard Braden Smith as part of the company’s #TeamBraden campaign. The collaboration highlights shared values of reliability, excellence, and community commitment – core principles that both Braden Business Systems and Braden Smith exemplify in their work. Full press release: https://bradenonline.com/braden-smith-partnership/

Whether you're a local bakery, freelance consultant, or ecommerce store, one truth holds: word-of-mouth is still one of the most powerful marketing tools available.

K9 Resorts Secures Multi-Unit Agreement with Seasoned Chicagoland Entrepreneurial GroupFrom the Golden Arches to Luxury Dog Boarding, Multi-generation McDonald's Franchisees to Bring Eight K9 Resorts to Illinois

Breaking Through: Communicating to Open Minds, Move Hearts, and Change the World

It might sound obvious, but effective business communication is a deal-breaker. No one knows that better than Sally Susman, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Executive Vice President at Pfizer, the world's largest biopharmaceutical company. In Breaking Through, Susman leverages her experience at Pfizer, especially during the exceptionally difficult Covid-19 years, to help business leaders be more effective and persuasive communicators. This is no easy feat! Luckily, Susman is a master communicator and shows us how to

The Unsold Mindset: Redefining What it Means to Sell

Most of us dislike being sold to in a pushy, stereotypical way. I can see it coming from a mile away, and it irritates me to no end! Still, I realize persuasion is an important part of sales, and sometimes white lies, the hard sell, etc., will come into play. There’s no other way, right? With that in mind, I chose The Unsold Mindset as this month’s Business Book of the Month, and honestly, it changed the way I think about sales and salespeople.

Anna Holden, owner of Comfort Keepers Elgin, earned the Quest for Excellence Award for stellar in-home senior care. She helps loved ones thrive in their own homes.

Dream First, Details Later: How to Quit Overthinking and Make It Happen!

Dream First, Details Later is the first book by Ellen Marie Bennet, founder and CEO of Hedley & Bennett, a company that makes kitchen gear and aprons worn by some of the best chefs in the world.

Price 4 Charter Buses & Limos 2024 Year-in-Review — 6,000 Groups Served, 3,600+ Five Star Reviews & 96% Customer Satisfaction!

Since 2011, Price 4 Limo has been a leading provider of ground transportation

Since 2011, Price 4 Limo has been a leading

Price 4 Limo — America's Highest Rated Prom Limousine & Bus Provider — Gears Up For 2025 Prom Season.

Price 4 Limo is the 3rd most reviewed limo & motorcoach company in the United States out of over 200,000 total companies.

Price 4 Limo is very proud to have just served its 6,000th customer in 2024!