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Friday, May 14, 2021World Trade Month
Illinois Trade Events and Opportunities Below is a list of upcoming international trade events, which our office is organizing or co-sponsoring/supporting. We hope that you will be able to join us for at least one of them. Connect with us on social media @USCommercialSvc for our latest updates and resources. If you have any questions or would like to share helpful resources, please connect with us. We look forward to working with you soon! World Trade Month 5
Friday, May 14, 2021Weyerhaeuser’s Two Major Timberland Deals Show Effects of Surging Lumber Prices
Weyerhaeuser’s Two Major Timberland Deals Show Effects of Surging Lumber PricesMore Sales Expected With Producers’ Increased Cash Flows, Analyst Says Weyerhaeuser sold off timberland containing a mix of Douglas firs in the North Cascades region of Washington state. (Dave Powell, USDA Forest Service/Wikimedia Commons) By Mark Heschmeyer CoStar News Weyerhaeuser's completion of the first two major timberland transactions of 2021 highlights how skyrocketing lumber prices that are driving up
Friday, May 14, 2021I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask…Part 3: Land of the Mask Free and Home of the Brave by smithamundsen's Michael Wong
I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask…Part 3: Land of the Mask Free and Home of the Braveby smithamundsenContributed By Michael Wong, May 14, 2021 Blue medical face masks isolated on whiteOn May 13, 2021, the CDC issued new guidance stating that those who are fully vaccinated can resume activities without wearing a mask or social distancing. Following the CDC’s announcement, President Biden lifted the mask mandate that was required by staff and visitors of the White House. While the CDC has issued this
Thursday, May 13, 2021Hotel Recovery Faces Challenges From Worker Shortage, Rising Labor Costs
Hotel Recovery Faces Challenges From Worker Shortage, Rising Labor CostsNew and Reopening Hotels Compete for Staff To Support Room Demand An employee wears a protective mask while adjusting sunbeds. (Getty Images) By Jan Freitag CoStar Analytics Hotel owners and operators are facing an increasing dilemma during the ongoing recovery. More Americans are vaccinated and traveling again, so demand for hotel rooms is increasing, but qualified staff needed to clean rooms, maintain the property, provide
Thursday, May 13, 2021Top Business Stories
OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP/Getty ImagesREAL ESTATE>CRE WIRE 10 Must Reads for the CRE Industry Today (May 13, 2021) GlobeSt.com looks at how rental assistance from the federal government is being paid out to tenants. Blackstone acquired 66 apartment buildings in San Diego, reports The San Diego Union-Tribune. These are among today’s must reads from around the commercial real estate industry. WMRE Staff New Rental Assistance Guidelines Releases Money Directly to Tenants “In response to industry concerns,
Thursday, May 13, 2021St. John's Lutheran School offers summer classes
St. John's Lutheran School in Elgin will offer a variety of classes and sports camps this summer. Students aged 5 to 13 may sign up, and you need not be registered at St. John's. Registration deadline is May 31st. Sign up for one or all! Class catalog and registration information are on our website www.stjohns-school-elgin.org. Contact the school office at 847-741-7633 with any questions.
Thursday, May 13, 2021City of Elgin Launches Sustainable Community Grant Program
City of Elgin Launches Sustainable Community Grant Program Reimbursement grants are available to individuals and groups implementing projects to make Elgin a more sustainable community. Elgin, IL— The City of Elgin Sustainability Commission (ESC) announces a new grant program⏤the Sustainable Elgin Community Grant Program⏤to provide individuals and groups reimbursement grants on projects that work to achieve a more sustainable community and involve community engagement and/or
Thursday, May 13, 2021Gov. Pritzker Confirms Illinois will Enter Bridge Phase of Reopening Plan on May 14th
Gov. Pritzker Confirms Illinois will Enter Bridge Phase of Reopening Plan on May 14th Illinois Providers Begin Administering COVID-19 Vaccine to Youth 12 Through 15 Years Old CHICAGO –Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) confirmed today the entire state will move into the Bridge Phase of the Restore Illinois reopening plan tomorrow, Friday, May 14th. The Bridge Phase is the final step before the full reopening of Phase 5. Under Bridge Phase, there are expanded capacity
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Thursday, May 13, 2021The latest news from POAH
View as Webpage WebsiteAboutPropertiesTeamNews Anniversary: POAH looks back on 20 years of mission From a small start-up with a powerful idea in 2001, POAH has grown to a robust and mature organization, creating and managing affordable homes for more than 20,000 people. Throughout our history, we have remained mindful of the original mission as we preserved individual properties, pursued complex multi-property transactions, and created new mixed-income,
Wednesday, May 12, 2021Simon Property Group Sees Shoppers Return to Stores, Retailers Expand
Simon Property Group Sees Shoppers Return to Stores, Retailers ExpandCEO David Simon Still Thinks Some Retailers Will Cut Back, but Feels ‘Pretty Good’ Consumers are going to shopping centers and malls again, according to Simon Property Group. (Simon Property Group) By Jennifer Waters CoStar News Consumers are returning to Simon Property Group’s shopping centers and malls across the country as leasing increases in one of the commercial real estate sectors hit hardest by the pandemic. After
Wednesday, May 12, 20212.1 Million Manufacturing Jobs Could Go Unfilled
2.1 Million Manufacturing Jobs Could Go Unfilled by 2030 By NAM News Room Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share Li Print Page The manufacturing skills gap in the U.S. could result in 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030, according to a new study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education partner of the NAM. The cost of those missing jobs could potentially total $1 trillion in 2030 alone. The study’s dramatic findings come from online
Wednesday, May 12, 2021IL Dept of Revenuw to Issue Tax Refunds for Eligible Residents Who Received Unemployment Benefits
Illinois Department of Revenue to Issue Tax Refunds for Eligible Residents Who Received Unemployment Benefits Automatic refunds will be sent to eligible taxpayers who filed electronically before March 15, 2021 Springfield — Governor Pritzker announced today that the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) will begin issuing refunds to eligible taxpayers who filed their 2020 Illinois Individual Income Tax Return prior to a newly enacted federal unemployment tax exemption. The American Rescue Plan Act
Wednesday, May 12, 2021''Rise Above the Bamboo Ceiling'' Book Release
Inspired by Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Beautiful Potential Consulting & iLocal Online Marketing presents “Rise Above the Bamboo Ceiling”, a virtual fashion show and Amazon book launch. "Forty Dollars and A Dream: Breaking Through The Bamboo Ceiling” is a book based on the true story of a Lao Refugee, Niphaphone "Laura" Robertson-Sanavongsay. Niphaphone was born to parents, Seme & Chita Sanavongsay. Born into homelessness and extreme poverty, Niphaphone "Laura" lived with her
Wednesday, May 12, 2021Seeing blue: New EV charging station signs to appear soon along Illinois interstates
Seeing blue: New EV charging station signs to appear soon along Illinois interstates Seven corridors will have the signs directing travelers to alternative fuel locations SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that new signs will start appearing along interstate corridors, guiding motorists to charging stations for electric vehicles. The signs are part of a national effort to promote alternative fuels that will also spark economic activity in Illinois communities and
Tuesday, May 11, 2021Small Business Administration Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program, Restaurant Revitalization Fund
Northeast Region Weekly UpdateMay 9, 2021 This week, DCEO Team RED has been putting the final touches on our celebration for Economic Development Week which is from May 9th to the 15th. We have some great webinars planned for the week. We have also kicked off our celebration of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month. See below for the program details. Also, this week, the SBA began accepting applications for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. Details are listed below and DCEO has set up
Tuesday, May 11, 2021A Disappointing Jobs Report Offers Some Interesting Details
A Disappointing Jobs Report Offers Some Interesting Details “A book read by a thousand different people is a thousand different books.”–Andrei Tarkovsky, filmmakerExpectations were high for the April jobs report. Forecasters anticipated 1 million new jobs created, and that number was added, but only on a non-seasonally adjusted basis. The more commonly reported adjusted number, meanwhile, rose by only 266,000, reversing the rising pace seen from January to March and making headlines. Much like books, jobs
Monday, May 10, 2021Real Estate Brokerage CEOs Bullish as Vaccinated Workers Return to Offices
Real Estate Brokerage CEOs Bullish as Vaccinated Workers Return to OfficesExecutives Expect Office Recovery To Be in Full Swing By Labor Day Two of the world's largest commercial real estate brokerages, JLL and Cushman & Wakefield, both based in Chicago, are anticipating improved demand in coming months. (Chait Goli/Pexels) By Randyl Drummer CoStar News The reopening of the United States economy as the coronavirus vaccination rate increases is proving to be a much-needed shot in the arm for large
Friday, May 07, 2021A Year After Pandemic's First Big Retail Bankruptcy, Department Stores Set New Industry Direction
A Year After Pandemic's First Big Retail Bankruptcy, Department Stores Set New Industry DirectionCoronavirus-Fueled Filings Showed That US Has Too Much Store Space Neiman Marcus ended up closing its retail store at Hudson Yards in Manhattan less than 18 months after it opened. It was one of the real estate leases the luxury department store shed in its bankruptcy process. (Getty Images) By Candace Carlisle CoStar News Luxury retailer Neiman Marcus marked a turning point for the retail industry one
Friday, May 07, 2021J.C. Penney Cuts Hundreds of Jobs After Review From New Owners
J.C. Penney Cuts Hundreds of Jobs After Review From New OwnersDepartment Store Retailer Still Searching for New Headquarters Space J.C. Penney plans to have 672 stores going forward after coming out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings under the ownership of Simon Property Group and Brookfield Asset Management. (Getty Images) By Candace Carlisle CoStar News Department store retailer J.C. Penney, which exited Chapter 11 with new owners after spending nearly seven months in bankruptcy proceedings,
Thursday, May 06, 2021Jobs Recovery Expands, Hotel Occupancy Stays Course, Service Sector Growth Slows
Jobs Recovery Expands, Hotel Occupancy Stays Course, Service Sector Growth SlowsWhat You Need To Know To Start Your Day Leisure and hospitality jobs helped drive job growth in April as travelers keep hotel occupancy steady and above half full. (Getty Images) By Richard Lawson CoStar News Jobs Recovery Expands The leisure and hospitality sector drove another week of strong job gains, payroll company ADP reported. ADP’s monthly report on private payrolls grew by 742,000 in April, mostly in the
Thursday, May 06, 2021Real Estate & Retail News
Marcin Balcerzak/ShutterstockREAL ESTATE>CRE WIRE 11 Must Reads for the CRE Industry Today (May 6, 2021) In the third large REIT merger announced in the past month, Equity Commonwealth has agreed to buy industrial REIT Monmouth for $3.4 billion. A federal judge has struck down the national eviction moratorium, reports CNBC. These are among today’s must reads from around the commercial real estate industry. WMRE Staff Equity Commonwealth to Buy Industrial REIT Monmouth for $3.4B “Under the terms of
Wednesday, May 05, 2021Which State Gained or Lost Residents in the Past Decade
Which State Gained or Lost Residents in the Past DecadeSouth, West Gain as US Population Growth Slows to 1940s Levels By Christine Cooper and Rohit Diwadkar CoStar Analytics The Census Bureau released preliminary results of the 2020 census last week, which counted 331 million people in the U.S., an increase of 7.4% since 2010. This was the slowest growth since the 7.3% reported in 1940, when the economy was recovering from the Great Depression and birthrates were rising. And that was the slowest rate
Wednesday, May 05, 2021Small Business Hiring Jumps, US Office Use Maintains Pace
What You Need To Know To Start Your Day Small business hiring spiked upward in April to just above pre-pandemic levels. (Getty Images) By Richard Lawson CoStar News Small Business Hiring Rockets Up Small business hiring spiked upward in April to just above levels before the pandemic, signaling an economy recovering as more coronavirus restrictions are lifted and an indicator of potentially higher commercial property use. Payroll company Paychex’s monthly index, prepared with data analytics firm IHS
Wednesday, May 05, 2021Fox Valley Orthopedics To Host Blood Drive
Blood is one of the most precious gifts one individual can give another. Every two seconds someone needs blood in the United States, whether it be for an accident victim, cancer patient, surgery patient or those affected by natural disasters. There is currently an urgent need for donors. To ensure the Fox Valley has an adequate blood supply, community residents are invited to participate in Versiti Blood Center of Illinois’ Mobile Blood Drive on May 26, 10 am-3 pm, outside of Fox Valley Orthopedics North
Wednesday, May 05, 2021Economic Development Week
Economic Development Week 2021 - May 9th – 15th “Celebrating Economic Development in Illinois” The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will celebrate Economic Development Week May 9th – 15th. Led by the Offices of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) and Regional Economic Development (RED) and Intersect Illinois, DCEO will celebrate Economic Development successes throughout the state, highlighting projects and Economic Development partners and hosting a series of webinars
Tuesday, May 04, 2021Where Might Growth Find Its Next Leg Up? Watch Real Estate.
Where Might Growth Find Its Next Leg Up? Watch Real Estate. “The miracle is that, in most cases, he succeeds — for the powers of survival, of the will to survive, and to survive as a unique inalienable individual, are absolutely, the strongest in our being: stronger than any impulses, stronger than disease.”—Oliver Sacks, neurologist and authorThere was so much important data released last week, it’s hard to know where to begin. Let’s start with the big one: GDP.The amount of growth in the gross domestic
Monday, May 03, 2021Lumber Costs Raise Home Prices Further, Fast-Food Franchiser Foresees Growth, Personal Income Surges
Lumber Costs Raise Home Prices Further, Fast-Food Franchiser Foresees Growth, Personal Income SurgesWhat You Need To Know To Start Your Day Rising lumber prices are expected to increase the value of an average new multifamily unit by $13,000, translating to an additional $119 of rent per month for a new apartment. (Getty Images) By Richard Lawson CoStar News Lumber Costs Raise Home Prices Further For months, homebuilders said the rising cost of lumber added $24,000 to the price of a new
Monday, May 03, 2021EIGERlab at NIU
May 1, 2021 NIU EIGERlab serves the region with leading edge business and engineering support services targeting physical and digital product-based initiatives. Whether you're a new or existing entrepreneur, inventor, start-up or an existing company interested in innovation, NIU EIGERlab is a regional resource for commercialization and growth. Land . Launch . Learn . Grow www.EIGERlab.org 3D Printing at NIU
Friday, April 30, 2021Export Services-Illinois Trade Commission
Illinois Trade Events and Opportunities Below is a list of upcoming international trade events, which our office is organizing or co-sponsoring/supporting. We hope that you will be able to join us for at least one of them. Connect with us on social media @USCommercialSvc for our latest updates and resources. If you have any questions or would like to share helpful resources, please connect with us. We look forward to working with you soon! Welcome to Chicago!
Friday, April 30, 2021Federal Aid Set To Help Restaurants, Essential Businesses Attract Buyers, GDP Rises and Jobless Clai
Federal Aid Set To Help Restaurants, Essential Businesses Attract Buyers, GDP Rises and Jobless Claims FallWhat You Need To Know To Start Your Day Restaurants that suffered big revenue losses now can start applying for federal aid that could help with recovery. (Getty Images) By Richard Lawson CoStar News Federal Aid Set To Help Restaurants Restaurants and bars that struggled during the pandemic can start angling for a share of a $28.6 billion fund to help pay their rent and other
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Friday, April 30, 2021EYSO Seeks Student Musicians from Throughout the Region for 46th Season
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR ELGIN YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (EYSO) 2021-22 SEASON; IN-PERSON AUDITIONS SET FOR MAY 27-30 Elgin, IL (April 28, 2021) – After a tumultuous year when many music students have seen their creative programs restricted, moved online, or in some cases suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO) invites music students from 4th grade through college to join one of its highly regarded ensembles. All youth with two or more years of instrumental experience
Thursday, April 29, 2021Pandemic Recovery Dashboard for the US
CoStar’s Pandemic Recovery Dashboard for the USA Look at What’s Happening Across Commercial Real Estate Sectors . By Rohit Diwadkar CoStar News Recovery Tracker Oxford Economics compiles measurements of various parts of the economy to create its Recovery Tracker. The index has been showing steady gains so far this year. Unemployment Claims The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits has been ticking down in recent weeks, U.S. data shows. Mortgage Rates Mortgage rates have fallen
Thursday, April 29, 2021Biden Tax Plan Would Affect Property Gains, Highwoods Sees Some Return to Office, Hotel Occupancy Ho
Biden Tax Plan Would Affect Property Gains, Highwoods Sees Some Return to Office, Hotel Occupancy Holds SteadyWhat You Need To Know To Start Your Day President Biden speaking from the White House north lawn on Tuesday. (Getty Images) By Richard Lawson CoStar News Biden Tax Plan Would Affect Property Gains President Biden unveiled his proposed tax reform on Wednesday to pay for what has been named “The American Families Plan” that could have a major effect on real estate investors if approved. The
Wednesday, April 28, 2021Restaurant Revitalization Fund
Northeast Region Weekly UpdateApril 27, 2021 We’ve come to the end of another week that gave us some snow and cold, but you can still see all the beautiful spring flowers. I hope you can take some time to enjoy them this weekend as the weather continues to warm. This week the SBA has released information on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. Details are listed below. Also, DCEO has set up some webinars on this program. The links are below. The SBA has also announced that the portal for the
Wednesday, April 28, 2021US Shipping Imports Stay Elevated As Pandemic Persists
US Shipping Imports Stay Elevated As Pandemic PersistsDip in February Still Exceeds Recent Year Totals By Christine Cooper and Rohit Diwadkar CoStar Analytics A significant impediment to returning to pre-pandemic levels of economic activity has been supply chain disruptions caused by shortages of materials and COVID-related labor challenges. Ports have left ships anchored at sea waiting to offload cargo, delays that further choke supply chains. Port congestion is undoubtedly caused by the sheer amount
Wednesday, April 28, 2021Advocates for Kane County Mental Health to host May 1 forum on mental health boards
Advocates for Kane County Mental Health to host May 1 forum on mental health boards Advocates for Kane County Mental Health, a coalition of concerned citizens, faith communities and nonprofit organizations providing mental health and other social services, will host an in-person event to publicize the ongoing Dundee and Elgin Townships 708 mental health boards dispute on Saturday, May 1. It will begin at 10:30 a.m. at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 Highland Ave. in Elgin. It will be held
Wednesday, April 28, 2021New Playground Open at Lords Park in Elgin
For immediate release, April 28, 2021New Playground Open at Lords Park in Elgin Elgin Parks and Recreation Department Requests User Participation in Playground SurveyElgin, IL - The new playground at Lords Park was recently installed and opened to the public. A first of its kind in Elgin, this playground is a PlayOn! research-based play environment, focused on active play and gathering user data. Elgin
Wednesday, April 28, 2021U-46, Alignment Collaborative for Education to Explore 2021
U-46, Alignment Collaborative for Education to Explore 2021 Virtual event to give 8th graders a window into career options ELGIN - About 2,500 8th graders in School District U-46 will participate on Monday, May 3 in a virtual version of Explore 2021, the District’s annual curriculum and career expo designed to show students the connection between academics and future careers. Traditionally, Explore is held inside a large sports arena, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, it has been transformed into a
Tuesday, April 27, 2021An Uptick in New Business Formation
An Uptick in New Business FormationAcross the Country, People Launch Businesses Again By Rohit Diwadkar CoStar News While many states, counties and cities are still following some level of COVID-19 restrictions, almost every state in the U.S. saw an increase in new business openings in the first quarter compared to the last three months of 2020. States posting the largest increases included Mississippi (up by 39% on a quarterly basis), Alabama (35%), Maine (32%), South Carolina (31%) and Michigan
Tuesday, April 27, 2021Top Commercial Real Estate Articles for Today
Scott Olson/Getty ImagesREAL ESTATE>CRE WIRE Seven Must Reads for the CRE Industry Today (Apr. 27, 2021) The federal government’s emergency rental aid program has been moving too slowly, reports The New York Times. Apple plans a new North Carolina campus, according to MarketWatch. These are among today’s must reads from around the commercial real estate industry. WMRE Staff Federal Aid to Renters Moves Slowly, Leaving Many at Risk “Four months after Congress approved tens of billions of dollars in
Monday, April 26, 2021Your Future Office Could Have Privacy Tents, Portable Nooks and 'Zoom Rooms'
Your Future Office Could Have Privacy Tents, Portable Nooks and 'Zoom Rooms'Lines Blur Between Home and Office in New 'Phygital' Workplace Steelcase reported increased orders of video monitors on wheels and other mobile tools during the pandemic. (Steelcase) By Randyl Drummer CoStar News Some workers coming back to the office at least some of the time could be greeted by work tents, so-called Zoom rooms and plexiglass screens. Other staff could have in-office phone booths, respite rooms to reduce
Monday, April 26, 2021Elgin Announces Temporary Water Bill Assistance Program
Elgin Announces Temporary Water Bill Assistance Program New Program Administered by Salvation Army will Help Those in Need Pay Water BillsElgin, IL — The City of Elgin is partnering with the Salvation Army to offer temporary water bill assistance to qualified residents that have been negatively affected by COVID-19. The Temporary Water Bill Assistance Program will offer a one-time grant of up to $400 to eligible residents to pay toward any previous or
Friday, April 23, 2021Republicans Pitch Their Infrastructure Plan, Wayfair Hires After Big Year, New Jobless Claims Declin
Republicans Pitch Their Infrastructure Plan, Wayfair Hires After Big Year, New Jobless Claims Decline FurtherWhat You Need to Know to Start Your Day West Virginia Sen. Shelley Capito presented the Republican counter to President Biden's infrastructure plan. (Getty Images) By Richard Lawson CoStar News Republicans Pitch Their Infrastructure Plan A group of Senate Republicans countered Democrat President Biden’s $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan with their own idea that carries a far lower price tag,
Friday, April 23, 2021Governor Pritzker Announces $80 Million Utility Disconnection Avoidance Program (UDAP)
Governor Pritzker Announces $80 Million Utility Disconnection Avoidance Program (UDAP) In a critical and timely move to expand safety net measures and provide emergency relief for at-risk Illinois families facing utility shut-off, today Governor Pritzker signed an Executive Order authorizing the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to create the new Utility Disconnection Avoidance Program (UDAP) with an additional $80 million for low-income billing
Friday, April 23, 2021Caesars Entertainment Announces Completion of William Hill PLC Acquisition
LAS VEGAS and RENO, Nev., April 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: CZR) ("Caesars" or "the Company") today announced that it has completed its acquisition of William Hill PLC (LSE: WMH) ("William Hill") for approximately $4.0 billion. The transaction gives Caesars ownership of one of the world's leading betting and gambling companies and gives the Company the ability to maximize the opportunity within sports betting and online gaming in the U.S. "We are thrilled to complete the
Friday, April 23, 2021SBA Launches Supplemental Targeted Advance for Small Businesses Hardest Hit by COVID-19
SBA Launches Supplemental Targeted Advance forSmall Businesses Hardest Hit by COVID-19 WASHINGTON –The U.S. Small Business Administration launched a new round of Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) assistance – called Supplemental Targeted Advances – on April 22, 2021 that will provide $5 billion in additional assistance to 1 million small businesses and nonprofit organizations that have been most severely affected by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Supplemental Targeted Advance program
Thursday, April 22, 2021Unemployment Rates for Many States Declined in March
Unemployment Rates for Many States Declined in MarchThirty Fall Below National Average By Christine Cooper and Rohit Diwadkar CoStar Analytics The U.S. unemployment rate fell to 6.0% in March, its lowest level since April of last year, as the nation shut down in an effort to contain the coronavirus. Unemployment rates have generally been falling since then but remain elevated when compared to days prior to the pandemic. The experience across states has been varied. Thirty states currently register
Thursday, April 22, 2021Hotel Occupancy Slips, Yellen Pitches Climate Plan, Business Openings Rise
Hotel Occupancy Slips, Yellen Pitches Climate Plan, Business Openings RiseWhat You Need to Know to Start Your Day Hotel occupancy slipped some last week but leisure travelers kept it among the best weeks during the pandemic. (Getty Images) By Richard Lawson CoStar News Hotel Occupancy Slips U.S. hotel occupancy reflected the end of spring break season last week, falling back some from the pandemic high but staying among the highest levels over the past year. Average occupancy declined from nearly
Wednesday, April 21, 2021Domino’s at Your Service: Odd-Looking Driverless Vehicle Brings Pizza Home
Domino’s at Your Service: Odd-Looking Driverless Vehicle Brings Pizza HomeRetailers Are Keen To Test Robots for Improving Delivery, Cutting Fulfillment Costs A Domino’s Pizza automated delivery vehicle is being tested in Houston. (Domino’s Pizza) By Jennifer Waters CoStar News Domino’s Pizza, never shy to try new gimmicks that might juice sales, is rolling out a new autonomous delivery robot, a sign of the times as the self-proclaimed world’s largest pizza maker joins legions of brick-and-mortar
Wednesday, April 21, 2021A Variety of Interesting Commercial Real Estate News
Travelers See Pre-Tax Catastrophe Losses More Than Double from Storms “Travelers Cos.’ pretax catastrophe losses more than doubled from a year ago for the company’s first quarter, due in part to winter storms. The property-casualty insurance company logged pretax catastrophe losses of $835 million. A year earlier, those were $333 million. The three-month period was the company’s highest first quarter ever of catastrophe losses, Chairman and Chief Executive Alan Schnitzer said in prepared remarks.” (Wall
Wednesday, April 21, 2021Travel Update from Starship Travel
Find out what we have been up to! Throughout April, we have been busy planning some exciting trips for the summer, and arranging our group trip to Argentina and Patagonia. Contact us if you are interested- there is limited space! In this newsletter, we want to update our readers on some of the changes that are constantly occurring within the travel industry. Visit our
Wednesday, April 21, 2021Middleby Corp. acquires Welbilt Inc.
ELGIN -- Middleby Corp. said it has agreed to acquire Welbilt Inc., a maker of culinary equipment and solutions, in an all-stock transaction. Under the terms of the agreement, Welbilt shareholders will receive a fixed exchange ratio of 0.124 shares of Middleby common stock for each share of Welbilt common stock, with an implied enterprise value of $4.3 billion. The transaction will bring together two complementary businesses, enhancing the Middleby Commercial Foodservice platform with an attractive
Tuesday, April 20, 2021Wisconsin Reworks Foxconn Tax Breaks, Office Use Rises, GameStop CEO To Leave
Wisconsin Reworks Foxconn Tax Breaks, Office Use Rises, GameStop CEO To LeaveWhat You Need to Know to Start Your Day A groundbreaking ceremony was held in 2018 for Foxconn at the Wisconsin Valley Science and Technology Park in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin. From left, an unidentified official, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, then-President Donald Trump, Foxconn Chairman Terry Gou, and then-Speaker of the House Paul Ryan. (Getty Images) By Richard Lawson CoStar News Wisconsin Reworks Foxconn Tax
Tuesday, April 20, 2021Restore Illinois Plan, 2021 SBA Economic Relief Overview, Upcoming Webinars
Northeast Region Weekly UpdateApril 19, 2021 I hope this message finds you safe and well. This week there has been a couple of updates to guidance issues under the Restore Illinois Plan. IDPH updated the Places of Worship Guidance. That guidance can be found here. The All Sports Guidance has also been updated and can be found here. Please remember to wear your mask and keep your distance. We’re All In Illinois! Just a reminder, the PPP has been extended to May 31, 2021. DCEO Team RED has set
Tuesday, April 20, 2021How the Latest Retail Sales Figures Just Might Be a Microcosm of the Recovery
INSIGHTS ON DATA POINTS AND ECONOMIC POLICY How the Latest Retail Sales Figures Just Might Be a Microcosm of the Recovery “The future is a hundred thousand threads, but the past is a fabric that can never be rewoven.”—Orson Scott Card, science fiction authorThere have been few clearer signs that things are getting back to normal than March’s retail sales report released last week. In fact, not only have retail sales easily cleared pre-pandemic levels, but they are now up a staggering 17% from that point.As
Tuesday, April 20, 2021Sanfilippo Helps Prepare Summit Students for the Workforce
COVID restrictions prevented Summit School’s students from interning onsite at John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. (JBSS) this school year. It did not, however, prevent the company from continuing its partnership to help prepare students for the world of employment. LaSalle Crosby, an HR Generalist in JBSS’ corporate office, teamed up with Summit School to provide a virtual, four-week intensive employment preparation seminar series for Summit's seniors. Crosby, who is also a part-time adjunct professor at
Tuesday, April 20, 2021Cross Kicks Fitness Opens in South Elgin
Cross Kicks Fitness USA Press Releaseview in browser Cross Kicks Fitness to open a NEW LOCATION!Cross Kicks Fitness is a passion led, grit inspired community driven by people that genuinely love the industry. We tie a well-rounded functional strength and conditioning program with supporting nutritional guidance. Founded in 2013, Cross Kicks Fitness entered the market space with a cutting-edge concept and one of the hottest new fitness brands. There is never a lack of energy
Monday, April 19, 2021What Households Are Doing With Their Stimulus Payment
What Households Are Doing With Their Stimulus PaymentPeople Appear To Be Spending Less and Saving More By Christine Cooper and Rohit Diwadkar CoStar Analytics Payments authorized under the federal coronavirus relief act in March of last year, a second aid bill in December and stimulus legislation in February sent billions of dollars to households to prop up incomes that had been devastated by job losses. How were these funds spent? Using data from the Survey of Consumer Expectation, researchers at the
Monday, April 19, 2021Lee & Associates Negotiates 45,112 SF Industrial Lease in Elgin, Illinois
Lee & Associates Negotiates 45,112 SF Industrial Lease in Elgin, IllinoisPosted on April 16, 2021 by Kristin Hiller in Illinois, Industrial, Leasing Activity, Lee & Associates, Midwest Hardinge Inc. has leased space from Scannell Properties at 1755 Britannia Drive. ELGIN, ILL. — Lee & Associates has negotiated a 45,112-square-foot industrial lease at 1755 Britannia Drive in Elgin. Kenneth Franzese and John Cassidy of Lee & Associates represented the owner, Scannell Properties. Steve Bass of NAI Hiffman
Friday, April 16, 2021Across the Nation, Apartment Landlords Begin To ‘Inch Out of This Pandemic’
Across the Nation, Apartment Landlords Begin To ‘Inch Out of This Pandemic’Increasing Rent, Occupancy Rates Spark Hope of Multifamily Recovery An apartment building in New York City. (CoStar) By Cara Smith-Tenta CoStar News Some multifamily landlords are becoming more optimistic about a steady recovery from the pandemic as rising rent and occupancy rates in their buildings reflect some of the strongest rental rate growth and rent collection rates nationally in more than a year. Sean Burton, CEO of
Friday, April 16, 2021How to Plan a Seamless Transition Back Into the Office
Prostock-Studio/iStock/Getty Images PlusPRACTICE MANAGEMENT>BUSINESS PLANNING How to Plan a Seamless Transition Back Into the OfficeDiscuss and strategize with your team today to create a smoother tomorrow. Julie Genjac Starting EarlyWith the COVID-19 vaccine distribution underway, financial professionals may soon have the option to safely return to in-person work. Unlike the immediate shift to remote work in the early stages of the pandemic, financial professionals now have the benefit of carefully
Friday, April 16, 2021Pandemic Health Navigator Program
The Gail Borden Public Library District Foundation and Library District, in partnership with Centro de Informacion and in coordination with local, regional and state partners, will be assisting COVID-impacted people in our community as part of the Pandemic Health Navigator Program. The grant for this program is from the Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA), in partnership with the Illinois Primary Health Care Association (IPHCA) and funded by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). The
Tuesday, February 16, 2021Illinois Set to Enact New Law Limiting Criminal Convictions in Employment Decisions
Illinois has long limited employers from considering the criminal history of an applicant or employee in making employment decisions. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits employers from considering an employee’s arrest history, for example. In recent years, Illinois’ “Ban the Box” law disallows employers from asking about criminal convictions prior to a job offer or before a candidate is selected for an interview and, therefore, assumed to be otherwise qualified for the position in question. Now,
Wednesday, January 20, 2021DOL Clarifies that Not All Travel Time is Compensable in the Era of Telework
By Carlos Arévalo – SmithAmundsen – www.salawus.com On the last day of 2020, the US Department of Labor (DOL) issued an opinion letter impacting employers using telework arrangements in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. While a vaccine is now rolling out and we will hopefully get the pandemic under control in 2021, this opinion letter provides guidance to employers that have had to institute remote and hybrid work policies and/or arrangements with their workforce. Specifically, the opinion letter
Monday, January 18, 2021Telemedicine Appointments Can Be Used To Establish Serious Health Conditions Under the FMLA
Recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reiterates that the DOL will allow telemedicine visits—generally speaking, health care appointments held via video conference—to qualify as in-person visits to a health care provider under certain circumstances. As our readers know, the FMLA provides certain employees up to 12 workweeks of leave for, among other things, a “serious health condition.” An employee can show the existence of a serious health condition by several methods that include
Wednesday, May 06, 2020CHASE is Hiring!
Employment Opportunities at Chase Elgin Credit Card Service Center 2500 Westfield Dr. Elgin, IL 60124 Are you ready to start a career at Chase? Submit your application on our website today!www.chase.com/careers200028578 -Specialist I - Collections - Elgin, IL We now have full-time opportunities in the Collection’s Group. Our Collections group creates and delivers the right solutions to our customers to resolve account delinquency, directly impacting the risk of loss to the Bank. We are looking for
