Reconciliation Bill Update, First B2B Grants Awarded

Reconciliation Bill Update, First B2B Grants Awarded

Yesterday, the National Restaurant Association released national survey results on the state of the industry as we continue to struggle with the Delta variant, rising input costs, and declining revenues. Click here for a fact sheet with the survey findings.

The Association also released a letter to congressional leadership outlining our strong objections with the proposed Build Back Better Act that congressional leaders aim to move via the reconciliation process. That letter, which ties into the survey, is available here.

The letter lays out the Association's opposition to the proposed tax increases in the Build Back Better Act, reiterates our call for replenishing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, and objects to the unprecedented changes to the National Labor Relations Act that could bankrupt many small businesses.

Stay tuned for more updates on developments in Congress over the coming days.

Governor Pritzker Announces First $24 Million in Back to Business Grants

Today, Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced the first grants have been awarded through the Back to Business (B2B) recovery program. 521 grants totaling more than $24 million have been provided to small businesses in 146 cities across the state. The first wave of funds provided through this program support an array of diverse businesses representing industries and geographies hardest hit by the pandemic, and with more than half of the grants provided to minority-owned businesses across Illinois.

Overall, the B2B program allocates $250 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars for small businesses experiencing COVID-19 losses, and grants will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis. Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply before the October 13 deadline by visiting the DCEO website.

Click here to read the full announcement. Click here for more information on the program, include a list of first round awardees.

Click here to sign up for one on one assistance for applying for a Back to Business grant.

Illinois House Creates Public Safety & Violence Prevention Task Force

House Speaker Chris Welch has announced the creation of a new task force focusing on the need to create comprehensive, long-term solutions to address the root causes of violence.

Representatives La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) and Frances Hurley (D-Chicago) will co-chair the new task force that will bring together local officials, community advocates, law enforcement, public defenders and bipartisan representatives from across the state to address this dire emergency.

This new task force will bring together all stakeholders to develop a collaborative approach to the violence crisis, whether it be gun violence, hate crimes, sexual and domestic assaults, or other forms of violence.

The Public Safety & Violence Prevention Task Force is expected to work with the state agencies, religious and community groups that work to curb violence, mental health providers, law enforcement and organizations focused on job opportunities for at-risk youth. Task force meeting notices will be posted on ilga.gov.

Last Day for Chicago Gourmet Silent Auction - Get Your Final Bids In!

Chicago Gourmet's annual online charitable auction closes tonight at midnight!

Be sure to get your final bids in tonight for an impressive array of wine and spirits, sports memorabilia, culinary experiences, and more curated by presenting sponsor Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.

Click here to make your bids now.

IRA on Potential Chicago Bears Move to Arlington Heights

IRA President & CEO Sam Toia recently spoke with the Chicago Sun-Times about the prospect of the Chicago Bears potentially moving to Arlington Heights.

“A move for the Bears out of the city would definitely impact restaurants and bars in the South Loop, West Loop and central business district,” said Toia. "Hopefully City Hall and the Bears can work it out. We do have restaurant members in Arlington Heights as well, but Chicago is the economic engine of the state.”

Click here to read more.

Sexton Complete Care Celebrates 50 Years in Business

Congratulations to Ed Sexton Sr. and his sons, Michael and Edward Jr. for celebrating 50 years in business for Sexton Complete Care.

In 1971, the company started as a commercial carpet cleaner, primarily in restaurants. Sexton Complete Care has built a reputation for successfully completing very difficult jobs and creating visually memorable floors.

Call (847) 827-1188 to arrange a free review of your maintenance and environmental control policies.