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.

Santiago Kibby was first in line Wednesday to receive one of 200 refurbished laptop computers being distributed by AT&T at the Boys & Girls Club of North Central Illinois in Elgin. The event was part of the company’s Connectivity Week, held in partnership with Compudopt, a nonprofit that overhauls computers and loads them with software to be given to those in need, and Santiago was excited to be part of it, he said.

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.

Here are funding opportunities from DCEO

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.

Several Chicago suburbs earned their place among U.S. News & World Report’s list of the 250 Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2025-26. To make the list, the magazine said, a community had to “have good value, be a desirable place to live, have a strong job market and a high quality of life.”

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.”

X1 Sports is an indoor complex located in South Elgin, IL. We host indoor soccer leagues, tournaments, and pick-up games and practices. Our goal is to make you fall in love with sport, but above all, enjoy it and have fun.

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.

Chamber Letter Outlines Three Ways Administration Can Help Businesses of All Sizes, Workers, and Consumers While Trade Deals Are Negotiated

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

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.

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

Now Serving Breakfast at Johnny's Supper Club on Weekends

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

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!

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.