Northern Illinois – March 25, 2025 – Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois today announced the appointment of Jodi Dahlke as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective May 2025.

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

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 2025 communications contest.

Funding Opportunities-Illinois Department of Commerce & Equal Opportunity

o Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program (Notice of Funding Opportunity 2160-2940)  Description: “…to businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI) or very small businesses (VSBs)1 to support small business capital improvement projects. This program will offer small business grants across the state to help eligible businesses achieve sustainable growth, improve efficiency, and create and retain jobs.”

In response to the severe storm damage sustained by First United Methodist Church – Elgin, church leadership is urging the congregation and community to prioritize safety as structural evaluations and mitigation efforts continue. The historic church, a pillar of faith and service for 187 years, has sustained structural and electrical damage, and further assessments are ongoing due to the impact of recent rain, snow, and high winds.

Illinois manufacturers… your moment is here. The Made in Illinois Grant Program is a game-changing opportunity for small and mid-sized manufacturers to access up to $50,000 in matching funds to support innovation and strategic technological advancements. Do I Qualify?

At Dogtopia of South Elgin, we believe in the life-changing bond between dogs and people.

At Dogtopia of South Elgin, we believe in the life-changing bond between dogs and people. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce Ram, a Golden Retriever currently in training at K9s for Warriors!

The Importance Of Children’s Dental Health

American Association of Professional Baseball, official MLB Partner League, approved sale last week

REV Entertainment today announced its purchase of the Kane County Cougars, marking an exciting new chapter in the franchise’s storied history. The American Association of Professional Baseball approved the new ownership team last week following approval by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.

Here is the weekly update on funding opportunities per the request of the Latinx Business Colectivo – Funding Opportunities working group.

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

Gold Shield Services Expands Its HVAC Solutions Across Illinois

What you need to know to start your day

U.S. industrial space demand has tapered off in recent quarters after a pandemic-fueled surge in warehousing and e-commerce distribution. That slowdown is expected to continue in the first half of 2025 before demand picks up in the second half, according to a new forecast report from NAIOP

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Federal government cuts pushed the nation’s February job reductions to their highest level in nearly five years, reaching 172,017 for the month, according to the latest tracking from Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

What you need to know to start your day

A group led by global investment firm BlackRock has agreed to purchase controlling interests in ports operating near the Panama Canal, a planned $22.8 billion deal lauded by the Trump administration amid wide-ranging shifts in U.S. trade policy.

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U.S. stock markets posted a second day of steep losses Tuesday, as the U.S. began charging a 25% tariff on products from Mexico and Canada and also doubled a new tariff on Chinese goods to 20%.

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U.S. construction spending for all types of projects topped $2.1 trillion in January, declining about 0.2% from the prior month but rising 3.3% from a year earlier, according to the latest Commerce Department numbers. Some construction trade groups cautioned that spending on new projects could be negatively affected in coming months by newly enacted trade tariffs impacting building supplies coming from Mexico, Canada and China.

Attention municipalities and community organizations in northern Illinois: apply today for grants of up to $10,000 to fund projects that support environmental initiatives, public safety, clean transportation, and arts programs in the communities we serve. Application Deadline: March 28, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. CST

The Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment (OE3), formerly known as Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE), advocates for equitable economic opportunities across the state of Illinois for minorities-, women-, veteran-owned businesses, businesses owned by persons with disabilities, eligible not-for-profit corporations, and other underserved communities. Through targeted programs, resources, and outreach and promotional activities, OE3 aims to create an inclusive and strong business ecosystem for communities that

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Escalating expenses for everyday items like eggs and milk have some consumers trimming back plans for vacations in coming months, a trend potentially exacerbated by concerns that trade tariffs and other government policies could send costs higher.

Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

o Tech Incubator Enhancement Program (Notice of Funding Opportunity 3503-2943)  Description: “The intent of this program is to strengthen the overall Illinois tech network by increasing the resilience of existing tech incubators and encouraging ....

Prime Healthcare announced today that it has successfully completed the historic acquisition of eight Ascension Illinois hospitals, four senior living and post-acute care facilities, and physician practices, signaling a new era of service excellence and award-winning healthcare in the Greater Chicago area.

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Previously delayed 25% tariffs on goods coming into the United States from Mexico and Canada are now scheduled to take effect Tuesday, March 4, the Trump administration announced Thursday. President Donald Trump said in a social media post that an additional 10% tariff on products from China would also be enacted on that day.

Now Serving Breakfast at Johnny's Supper Club on Weekends

New Breakfast Place Option for your Weekends at Johnny's Supper Club

Subscriptions on sale Feb. 21 for season that features works by Beethoven, Gershwin, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Dvořák, Mussorgsky, and more

For the 12th straight year, Site Selection Magazine has named the Chicago region the top metropolitan area in the US for business site selection and corporate relocation. Better yet, the magazine cited the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership as one of the main reasons. Now in its third year, GCEP unites Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties, and the City of Chicago, into an alliance to promote regional economic development and enhance our collective participation in the global economy.

Join them at The Hemmens Cultural Center for an incredible lineup featuring Gershwin, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Barber, Faure, and the legendary Beethoven’s 5th! And here’s the best part—subscribe now and get Beethoven’s 5th FREE!

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Walmart remains by far the world’s largest retailer by revenue and the largest U.S. seller of groceries, but the company has joined other firms in lowering 2025 expectations for sales and profits amid economic uncertainties.

14th ANNUAL R-GAMES FOR CHAIR-ITY

R-Games for Chair-ity is a spirited team event of chair volleyball that supports Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley’s Positioning and Mobility Clinic. The clinic provides wheelchair customization and equipment adaptations to help ensure children with disabilities are empowered. Please contact, Kelly Moreland at (630)282-2029

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Analysts cited severe winter weather and California wildfires among factors as January’s U.S. retail sales declined slightly from a month earlier, though restaurants and gas stations fared relatively well in the first month of 2025.

The Illinois Green Business Association (IGBA) has partnered with Intuit, the maker of Quickbooks, and the Green Business Engagement National Network (GBENN) to offer energy efficiency and electrification grants up to $1,000 for 45 businesses in Illinois! There are many qualifying projects, including LED lighting upgrades, EV charging stations, HVAC maintenance ….and much more!

Price 4 Charter Buses & Limos Ready To Tackle Wedding Season in 2025 After Serving Thousands in 2024!

he Kane County Health Department (KCHD) is announcing the launch of Behavioral Health 360, a comprehensive online platform designed to support individuals facing mental health and substance use concerns. This new self-help tool, available today at kanehealth.com, provides 24/7 access to information, strategies, and local resources to help residents take control of their well-being. Behavioral Health 360 offers a three-part approach to support:

Kane County Health Department Collaborates with Rush Copley Medical Center

Kane County Health Department Collaborates with Rush Copley Medical Center and Advocate Sherman Hospital to Increase Naloxone Accessibility Across Kane County

NEWS & UPDATES Happy New Year! Thank you for reading IDOL’s first newsletter of 2025 featuring important updates to labor laws that you should know about. We are committed to keeping you informed as we navigate the year ahead together.

Celebrate women leaders and support the YWCA Elgin's mission at the annual Leader Luncheon. Join us on May 8th at The Seville in Streamwood for an inspiring event that will make a difference in our community.

Caesars Entertainment recognized Marilou Pilman, Advertising & PR Manager at Grand Victoria Casino, as one of twelve companywide regional winners in the inaugural class of Caesars Entertainment’s Extraordinary HEROs.

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

Since 2011, Price 4 Limo has been a leading provider of ground transportation — offering service in every city across the USA and moving more than 1 million happy customers! During that time, we’ve earned over 3,500 five star reviews from our customers building a reputation for providing award-winning transportation at a great price.

Jack Wegener and Austin Ford. Both new construction technicians bring unique experiences and skills that will enhance our capabilities and support our mission to deliver high-quality infrastructure projects

Extension of the Elementary School Day For School District U-46

Scheduled to take effect for the 2025-26 school year. Starting on the first day of school, Aug. 11, 2025, all our elementary school days will be extended by a total of 20 minutes each day. This will result in the following shifts: Elementary schools that currently start at 8 a.m. and dismiss at 2 p.m. will instead start at 7:50 a.m. and dismiss at 2:10 p.m. Elementary schools that currently start at 8:30 a.m. and dismiss at 2:30 p.m. will instead start at 8:20 a.m. and dismiss at 2:40 p.m.

Larry's official start date was March of 1971

Larry's official start date was March of 1971, and has never worked anywhere else. He actually started working part-time for petty cash well before that. Larry's father, Owen Paris was Fox Valley Fire's first serviceman and he recommended his high school son for part-tim work cleaning, washing trucks and other odd jobs on Saturdays.

Representative Suzanne Ness currently serves as the State Representative for Illinois’ 66th House District. Prior to joining the Illinois General Assembly Suzanne served as a McHenry County Board Member for District 2 from 2018-2020. In her role as State Representative, Suzanne has brought in over 34 million dollars to the district, successfully sponsored and passed 11 bills that were signed into law, and consistently advocated for the needs of her constituents.

ComEd & Nicor

The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus is partnering with ComEd and Nicor Gas to promote a Home Energy Savings Program for single-family homes. When residents enroll, a free Home Energy Savings Assessment is conducted on their home. After the assessment, residents receive free energy saving products to help them manage their energy use as well as reduce their monthly utility costs.

The Rotary Club of Elgin has been serving the community for over 100 years

The Rotary Club of Elgin has been serving the community for over 100 years. Rotary’s slogan is “Service Above Self.” Rotary has been changing lives by providing assistance to many students and community service organizations. The Club is especially proud of their history of providing scholarships, which includes:

U-46 Seniors Named Illinois State Scholars Students honored for their academic achievement

The City of Elgin and The Hemmens Cultural Center are proud to announce the first presenting season at The Hemmens in over a decade.

Engineering Enterprises, Inc. (EEI), an award-winning firm in civil engineering and land surveying, is pleased to announce the promotion of Kristen Meehan, PE, to the position of Project Manager. This significant milestone marks the beginning of her fifth year with the company.

Habitat for Humanity of NFV is excited to announce our 2025 Art Sculpture Event, Home Planet Earth! Fiberglass sculptures will be on display on streets, sidewalks and parks in Elgin, Carpentersville, and East and West Dundee all summer bringing a ‘buzz’ to the community and sustainability awareness.

ComEd today announced that municipal and community organizations in northern Illinois can now apply for the 2025 Powering Communities Grant Program, which advances environmental initiatives; accelerates public safety and clean transportation projects; and increases access to arts programs in communities ComEd serves. Organizations are encouraged to apply for one of the three annual grant programs: Green Region, Powering Safe Communities, and Powering the Arts. Qualifying proposals are eligible for grants of up to $10,00

This year's gala will inspire as Dr. Kwane Stewart shares his journey helping animals in need, advocating for vulnerable pet owners and showing us the profound impact compassion can have on lives. His work saves animals, uplifts entire communities, and brings hope to those who may feel overlooked. Join us for a night that promises to touch your heart and motivate us all to make a difference.

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.

OrthoIllinois serves the Northern Illinois region in multi-specialty orthopedics from offices in Rockford, Elgin, McHenry, and Algonquin, Illinois, and offers a full range of bone and joint care including the additional specialties of podiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, occupational health, rheumatology, and chiropractic. OrthoIllinois offers the ancillary services of physical therapy, MRI, and three outpatient surgery centers and three urgent injury centers.

Dr. Orentas specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of rheumatologic conditions, including osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and autoimmune diseases, with particular interests in rheumatoid arthritis and gout. He is dedicated to fostering strong patient-physician relationships based on mutual trust and respect, aiming to help patients achieve more active and symptom-free lifestyles.

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

ECC Offering New Respiratory Care Program

Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of others? Elgin Community College (ECC) will launch a new Respiratory Care Program in the Spring of 2025. This cutting-edge program is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in one of health care's most vital fields, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to make a difference in patients' lives.

In celebrating its recent 120th anniversary, the Atrium at Oak Crest in Elgin recognized the legacy of its history and mission of meeting a community need of providing a dignified home for older adults. Leah Unser has been named as the Community Outreach Director, who will head and coordinate the Club 120 monthly activities.

PACE ReVision Survey

Travel patterns have changed and Pace is changing with them. We are reimagin­ing what our system looks like and we want your input.

Introducing the New IDFPR Licensing System: CORE (Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment) IDFPR launched its modernized CORE system for New Professional Licensure Applications in the following professions:

ECC is currently offering two no-cost programs—Safety Audits and Safety Culture Assessments—designed to help companies enhance workplace safety. Both programs are funded by a state grant and must be completed by March 31, 2025.

Safety Audits & Safety Culture Assessments

Peggy Heinrich, EdD, is appointed the ninth president of Elgin Community College

The Elgin Community College (ECC) Board of Trustees is proud to announce that it unanimously voted on December 19, 2024, to appoint Peggy Heinrich, EdD, as the ninth president of Elgin Community College.

MARTKET MOVES With Epic Real Estate Group

As bilingual realtors serving Elgin & the Fox Valley, we guide you through every step of your real estate journey. We're dedicated to making the process seamless and exciting for all.

Girl Scout Cookies

Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is a premier organization dedicated to inspiring girls of all ages to reach their full potential. Through a variety of programs and activities, Girl Scouts learn essential life skills, build confidence, and make a positive impact on their communities.

December 11, 2024

In an exclusive event for the business community, Mayor David Kaptain celebrated Elgin's achievements while planting seeds for the future.

We mourn the loss of our Board member Dr. Rise' Jones who passed away unexpectedly this weekend. Rise' had been a dedicated Board member for three years, and we were thrilled that she had committed to another term starting January 1.

Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S.

The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes.

Starting a business is a thrilling endeavor

Starting a business is a thrilling endeavor that requires careful planning and strategic decision-making.

Fox Valley SCORE is pleased to recognize Wendy Medina as one of this year's Client Excellence Award winners.

Wendy Medina began developing her plan for a retail bakery/gourmet cupcake shop in March of 2023. After opening its doors eleven months later, Sunshine’s Cupcakery has grown to four employees. Offering cupcakes, smoothies, ice cream, coffee and espresso drinks, the Elgin-based business has routinely exceeded initial sales goals. Sunshine’s Cupcakery was recently recognized for its early success by the Elgin Chamber of Commerce.

Caregiving can be a lonely and difficult road to navigate.

Caregiving can be a lonely and difficult road to navigate. To continue the journey and not feel alone, there is help with tools and tips for those who need support to cope. The Atrium at Oak Crest is pleased to announce it will hold a monthly dementia caregiver support group on the second Tuesday of every month starting November 12, 2024 from noon to 1:00pm at 204 South State St. in Elgin.

Stefanie Rupert will step up to lead $830 million Illinois credit union

Corporate America Family Credit Union (CAFCU) announced today the appointment of Stefanie Rupert as its new president and chief executive officer. Selected by CAFCU’s board of directors, Rupert will lead the Elgin-headquartered institution, which boasts an asset size of approximately $830 million, operates 20 branches, employs over 220 individuals, and serves more than 67,000 members nationwide.

This prestigious award, the highest rating in Deere & Company’s Achieving Excellence program

Elgin Industries, a leading global manufacturer for the automotive, heavy-duty, and industrial markets, has been awarded Deere & Company’s John Deere Partner-Level Supplier status for the 12th consecutive year. This prestigious award, the highest rating in Deere & Company’s Achieving Excellence program, evaluates suppliers on quality, cost management, delivery, technical support, and responsiveness.