The Elgin Development Group (EDG), a Division of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, has released its comprehensive 2025 Data @ A Glance informational booklet on the City of Elgin, the 6th most populous city in the State of Illinois. “As a very pro-business community and organization,” said Carol Gieske, President and CEO, Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, “this information is critical to share as it serves as a valuable first path for Elgin businesses interested in expansion and for prospective businesses looking to ope

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

LRS, in partnership with the city of Elgin, will host a community recycling event from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Elgin Public Works Facility, 1900 Holmes Road.

The Central 301 Board of Education has officially launched the process to find our next Superintendent of Schools. Choosing our next superintendent is a critical decision, and we’re committed to keeping our community informed and involved throughout the process.

On June 16, 2025, Governor Pritzker signed House Bill 2755, the FY 2026 Revenue Omnibus Act into law. It’s the only bill in this year’s budget package making permanent, substantive changes to Illinois’ tax code. Most provisions take effect for tax years ending on or after December 31, 2025. Below is a distilled overview of the income-tax provisions with the biggest planning and compliance impacts.

Written By: Mark Gallegos, CPA, MST, Partner & Rachel VonDrasek, CPA, MST, Porte Brown On June 16, 2025, Governor Pritzker signed House Bill 2755, the Fiscal Year 2026 Revenue Omnibus Act, into law. In addition to income-tax updates, HB 2755 enacts several important changes to Illinois’ indirect and sales-tax regime. Most become effective mid-2025 through early 2026. Below is an overview of the headline sales-tax provisions and what they mean for your business.

Families are invited to say farewell to summer at Elgin’s annual End of Summer Bash, set for Saturday, Aug. 9, from 4 to 9 p.m. at Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave.

Our mission is connecting people to greater possibilities in Illinois. That’s why we’re excited to share in Illinois, we invested nearly $4.8 billion in our network infrastructure from 2020-2024. We are proud to make that major investment in Illinois. It demonstrates our commitment to the connectivity needed to power economic growth and create opportunities for people throughout the state. Read more to see some of the highlights of our work across the state:

South Elgin, IL — Bear Family Restaurants President David A. Bear has been selected as a 2025 Marquis Who’s Who Distinguished Leader, an honor recognizing exceptional professionals who have made significant contributions in their fields and communities. The announcement was celebrated with a quarter-page feature in The Wall Street Journal on July 10, 2025.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), enacted on July 4, 2025, as Pub. L. No. 119-21, permanently extends and modifies key provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) while introducing new tax benefits and limitations. The law affects individuals, seniors, children, businesses, and charitable organizations, aiming to simplify long-term tax planning by making many provisions permanent. However, some benefits, such as clean energy credits and senior deductions, have temporary sunsets, and complexities arise wi

Honoring the President of Creative Personnel

This month, Creative Personnel proudly celebrates the 17-year anniversary of our founder and president, Cindy Cruz — a visionary leader who has dedicated nearly two decades to building opportunities, empowering individuals, and strengthening our communities through employment.

Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

Regional Update for Northeast Illinois

Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

Clean Energy Career Pathway Program Description: “The Clean Energy Career Pathway Program will provide funding directly to eligible recipients to support the planning and implementation of a Clean Energy Career Pathway. Programs will include coursework, field experiences, and work-based learning designed to prepare students for entrance into careers focusing on clean energy. To ensure equitable pathways for students, this funding opportunity seeks qualified, eligible entities working with secondary school students in pa

Annual update reinforces commitment to fair wages and a competitive construction industry

The Kane County Board has approved more than $1 million in funding for 26 community-based projects through the Grand Victoria Riverboat Fund. Under a longstanding agreement with the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin, Kane County receives annual contributions to invest in initiatives that strengthen and enrich local communities. For Fiscal Year 2025, the Riverboat Committee was tasked with evaluating proposals from nonprofit organizations and units of local government and recommended $1,066,613 in funding to support a rang

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 $0.60 per share on all issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company and $0.60 per share on all issued and outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company.

We are excited to announce that your Elgin Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Chad Goodman have been recognized for exceptional achievement by the Illinois Council of Orchestras. The ICO today announced the ESO has been chosen as the recipient of its Professional Orchestra of the Year award and that Chad has been named Conductor of the Year.

The tax landscape just shifted, again. On July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the Senate-passed version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) into law, following a narrow 218–214 House vote and a tie-breaking Senate vote cast by Vice President JD Vance. With this new law, sweeping and permanent changes to the tax code are now in effect, impacting virtually every taxpayer, business, and advisor across the country. The OBBB cements many of the core provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and introduce

Funding Opportunities from DCEO Latinx Business Colectivo – Funding Opportunities working group

Andrea Coldwell has been promoted to President of Carter-Hoffmann, with responsibility for the brands Carter-Hoffmann, Nu-Vu and Doyon. In this role she will lead the operations and strategic initiatives for the three award-winning commercial foodservice brands. Carter-Hoffmann is based in Mundelein, Ill.

The Elgin City Council gave initial approval to plans for the Illinois Youth Soccer Association to build a new headquarters and training facility at 909 S. McLean Blvd. The vote came during the council’s July 10 meeting.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes permanent, pro-growth tax reforms designed to boost American small businesses.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which President Trump signed into law on July 4, will avert the largest automatic tax increase in American history at the end of this year, when many of the historic reforms from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) were set to expire.

The House and Senate wrapped up the Spring session in the early hours of June 1st. Both chambers have adjourned until the call of the Speaker and the Senate President. Veto session will take place October 14th-16th and 28th-30th. You can view the calendar here. While Speaker Welch and President Harmon had both indicated a willingness to return to Springfield before the fall veto session, that appears increasingly unlikely.

South Elgin’s own Fox River Trolley Association received $3,561 to complete exterior restoration of Soo Line caboose No. 130!

The National Railroad Historical Society announced in June that it had awarded $150,000 in grants to 31 organizations across the country as part of its annual Heritage Grants program.

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.

Service center extension to feature an expansive warehouse, in-house gear regrinding, and consolidated storage. Official groundbreaking ceremony held with local government representatives. Start of operations scheduled for February 2026.

June 16, 2025 – Braden Business Systems proudly announces that its proprietary IT operations platform, SmartOps, has been named a 2025 MSP Today Product of the Year Award winner by TMC. This prestigious award recognizes cutting-edge managed service solutions that empower organizations to enhance IT productivity, boost operational efficiency, and adapt to evolving technology demands.

Cherry Bekaert (the Firm) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Spicer Jeffries LLP (Spicer Jeffries), a leading CPA firm specializing in providing audit, tax, accounting and consulting services to the securities industry.

No matter your lifestyle or life stage, TBK Bank is here to support your financial future. Reach your savings goals and access the everyday banking services you need at TBK Bank.

Refer friends and family for a new checking account and earn a $75 Mastercard Reward Card for each new account opened that meets the qualifying criteria, up to $500 per year.

Nine shows have been scheduled so far at The Hemmens Cultural Center as the 56-year-old Elgin venue moves into its full first season following the completion of its $14.4 million expansion and renovation.

Gail Borden Public Library District’s South Elgin branch, closed since August 2024 for renovation and expansion, reopens Saturday in grand fashion, with live music, giveaways, a scavenger hunt and other activities planned.

The Kane County Division of Transportation (KDOT) is launching an update to its Comprehensive Road Improvement Plan (CRIP), a critical component of the County's Road Impact Fee Program. Required by Illinois state law every five years, the CRIP update ensures the County can meet the infrastructure demands of growth while maintaining compliance with state statutes.

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.

Pre-register now for YWCA Elgin’s free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Morning, evening, online, and in-person options available at Elgin and Dundee locations. Placement testing required

Elgin Area Chamber recognizes healthcare members Family Service Association and Unique Health Now of Elgin provide an array of services.

Today Middleby announced the grand opening of the Middleby Innovation Kitchens (MIK) located in Munich, Germany. The launch of the MIK Munich will expand the reach of Middleby innovative commercial foodservice solutions and culinary expertise throughout Europe.

New Health & Wellness Series

YWCA Elgin is excited to announce a new Community Health & Wellness series focused on mind/body movement practices, designed to help participants reconnect with themselves and improve their overall well-being. These free classes will run twice a week from June 12 through August 8, 2025, on Thursdays and Fridays from 12:05 to 12:55 pm at YWCA Elgin, 220 E. Chicago St., Elgin, IL 60120.

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.

Call or Text: 833-743-7676 support@unitysolargroup.com www.unitysolargroup.com

Elgin has been named one of the best places to live in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, ranking No. 5 among cities in Illinois and earning the No. 122 spot nationally on the publication’s 2025-2026 list of the “250 Best Places to Live in the U.S.”

Unique Health Now provides patients with longer visits, direct physician access, and personalized care plans that support long-term health and quality of life. Whether your goals are prevention, weight management, or strength optimization, our clinic delivers the tools and guidance to help you feel your best.

Flender is expanding and has open positions available for immediate employment, This is an excellent opportunity for job seekers interested in the mechanical engineering and industrial sectors

Police Chief Ana Lalley has been honored with the prestigious Axon Visionary Leadership Award—a national recognition for law enforcement leaders who are driving innovation and community-first policing

Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't

Leaders Eat Last is the second book by Simon Sinek, author, inspirational speaker, and business leadership expert. Following the success of his extremely popular TED Talk (“How Great Leaders Inspire Action”) and first book (Start with Why),

Five teachers, three administrators, and a coordinator for Elgin Area School District U-46’s homeless education program were recognized recently in the Illinois State Board of Education’s annual Those Who Excel program. In addition, a high school Career and Technical Education teacher was among the finalists for the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching.

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference

“Look at the world around you. It may seem like an immovable, implacable place. It is not. With the slightest push—in just the right place—it can be tipped.”

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.

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

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

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!

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

Since 2011, Price 4 Limo has been a leading

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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.

Starting a business is a thrilling endeavor

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

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.