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City of Elgin Launches Free Water Testing and Filter Distribution Program

City of Elgin Launches Free Water Testing and Filter Distribution ProgramElgin, IL - The City of Elgin has partnered with 120Water to offer free water testing and pitcher filter kits for water customers who live or do business in Elgin. This new program is designed to help residents and business owners identify and reduce lead in their drinking water. The program is available to Elgin residents (tenant or property owner) or business owners with an active water account in a house or building built before

ARE YOU CARING FOR SOMEONE AND NEED HELP? Caregivers need care, too!

Create a Path To Success With These Tips For A Professional Development Plan

Professional development is essential for anyone looking to take their career to the next level. Creating and executing a professional development plan can help you hone your skills and show employers that you are invested in becoming an expert in your field. The Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce understands how challenging it can be to get started; in this blog post, we will explore how to create and implement a professional development plan that will help you stay ahead of the game.Learn How to Set

Elgin Symphony Orchestra announces 2023-24 classics concerts

Elgin Symphony Orchestra announces 2023-24 classics concertsSeason subscription packages now on sale(March 2, 2023, Elgin, Ill.) – The Elgin Symphony Orchestra today announced details of its 74th season featuring six classic concerts. Season subscription packages for the 2023-24 programs are now on sale at www.elginsymphony.org or by calling the ESO box office at (847) 888-4000 Tuesday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. “Our 74th season will be an exciting one for our community and our patrons.

Illinois Ranks #2 State in the Nation for Corporate Investment

Illinois Ranks #2 State in the Nation for Corporate InvestmentChicago takes the title as ‘Top Metro’ in the nation for 10th straight year  CHICAGO — Site Selection Magazine – an international industry-leading business publication -- released its annual corporate expansion and relocation rankings, naming Illinois 2nd in the nation for corporate projects and Chicago the Top Metro for the 10th year in a row. The publication noted 487 Illinois projects in 2022, moving the state up from the number three spot in

2023-2024 Season Announcement!

Potential Tax Legislation

Reading the tea leaves: Potential tax legislation in the new Congress  The 2022 mid-term election has shifted the scales in Washington, D.C., with the Democrats no longer controlling both houses of Congress. While it remains to be seen if — and when — any tax-related legislation can muster the requisite bipartisan support, a review of certain provisions in existing laws may provide an indication of the many areas ripe for action in the next two years.  Retirement catch-ups at risk   The SECURE 2.0 Act,

U-46 Board of Education Appoints Dr. Suzanne Johnson Interim Superintendent

U-46 Board of Education Appoints  Dr. Suzanne Johnson Interim Superintendent  ELGIN - The U-46 Board of Education has appointed Dr. Suzanne Johnson as the interim superintendent for the state's second-largest school district. For the past five years, Johnson has served as the deputy superintendent of instruction for the district.    "Dr. Johnson has demonstrated her unwavering commitment to students and staff during a nearly 26-year career devoted to public service in U-46," said Board President Susan

IR-2023-23 “IRS issues guidance on state tax payments to help taxpayers.

Northern Illinois Families and Businesses Experienced Record Electric Reliability in 2022

Northern Illinois Families and Businesses Experienced Record Electric Reliability in 2022ComEd investments are preparing the grid for climate change impacts and the clean energy transition  CHICAGO (Jan. 26, 2023) – Investments in the power grid continued to pay reliability dividends for ComEd customers as the electric company delivered record reliability in 2022. Since grid improvements began in 2011, overall reliability has improved more than 80 percent. In that time, ComEd has avoided more than 19

Pritzker Administration Relaunches ''Opening Doors'' Homebuyer Assistance Program With Additional $8 M

Pritzker Administration Relaunches “Opening Doors” Homebuyer Assistance Program With Additional $8 MillionDown Payment Assistance Program Helping Break Down Key Barriers to HomeownershipCHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker today announced the reopening of a homeownership program designed to help working-class families and underrepresented communities of color throughout the state of Illinois. Offered through the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), the Opening Doors or Abriendo Puertas program is

Funds Available for Smoke Free Workplaces

Smoke Free Workplaces Project Request for Applications Reducing smoking and vaping among staff and promoting a smoke free workplace helps protect the entire workforce from the harms of tobacco smoke and improves health, morale and team performance. A workplace can create a smoke free environment with clear policies, signage and resources to help employees quit. The Kane County Tobacco Control and Prevention program aims to collaborate with area businesses and nonprofit organizations to promote quitting

Governor Pritzker Releases Five-Year Forecast Showing Projected Long-term Budgetary Deficits Nearly

Governor Pritzker Releases Five-Year Forecast Showing Projected Long-term Budgetary Deficits Nearly EliminatedIllinois in best fiscal shape in decades  SPRINGFIELD -- The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) released the annual Illinois Economic and Fiscal Policy Report showing under Governor Pritzker’s leadership Illinois is in its best fiscal shape in decades.   “Illinois’ bills are being paid on time, we have over $1 billion in our rainy-day fund, our credit ratings are up and we are

Smart Business Branding in 2022

You've just embarked on one of the most intimidating yet rewarding ventures imaginable — you've started your own small business. While challenging, owning a business can be lucrative and fulfilling. Now that the groundwork for your business has been laid, it's time to consider your company's brand. Creating a strong brand for your company is integral to your success, so where do you start?What Is Branding? Many people believe a logo is the majority of a company's brand. While logos are important,

Clean Vehicle Credit comes with caveats

Clean Vehicle Credit comes with caveats  The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) includes a wide range of tax incentives aimed at combating the dire effects of climate change. One of the provisions receiving considerable attention from consumers is the expansion of the Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit (IRC Section 30D), now known as the Clean Vehicle Credit.   While the expanded credit seems promising, questions have arisen about just how immediate its impact will be. Here’s what you need

Gov. Pritzker Announces $34.6 Billion Investment in Transportation Over Six Years

Gov. Pritzker Announces $34.6 Billion Investment in Transportation Over Six YearsNew program creates economic opportunity and jobs, promotes quality of life, and improves safety on transportation systems throughout Illinois  SPRINGFIELD — Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) today to announce a $34.6 billion program to improve roads, bridges, transit, rail, airports, and ports over the next six years. This funding represents a robust commitment to invest in people

Pritzker Administration Announces Opening of Electric Vehicle Rebate Program for Illinois Residents

Pritzker Administration Announces Opening of Electric Vehicle Rebate Program for Illinois ResidentsProgram offers $4,000 rebate for purchase of an electric passenger vehicle or $1,500 rebate for purchase of an electric motorcycle  SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Director John J. Kim today announced the opening of Illinois’ Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate Program. The program was created under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) passed by the General Assembly and signed by

Illinois Family Relief Plan to Begin July 1

Illinois Family Relief Plan to Begin July 1   Residents will save on gas, groceries, property taxes, and school supplies with tax holidays. Nearly $2 billion in relief was provided to residents through tax cuts and direct payments. Comptroller plans to roll out tax rebates in September CHICAGO — Beginning tomorrow, the Illinois Family Relief Plan will go into effect, making good on the promise by Governor Pritzker and the General Assembly to provide relief on the grocery tax, gas tax, and property

Governor Pritzker Signs Family Bereavement Leave Act Into Law

Governor Pritzker Signs Family Bereavement Leave Act Into LawSB3120 requires paid leave for pregnancy loss or other situations impacting fertility, adoption, or pregnancy Chicago—Governor JB Pritzker today signed the Family Bereavement Act, an amendment to the Child Bereavement Leave Act that expands leave time requirements to cover pregnancy loss, failed adoptions, unsuccessful reproductive procedures, and other diagnoses or events impacting pregnancy and fertility. SB3120 also mandates leave after the

Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation to Expand Access to Higher Education

Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation to Expand Access to Higher EducationBills aimed at increasing education equity across Illinois CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker today signed legislation designed to increase access to Illinois’ higher education system, close equity gaps, and improve student protections and operational effectiveness. The bills expand resources available to students and build on the administration’s efforts to expand equitable access to public universities and community colleges.  House Bill