January 29, 2021

Speed Networking Lunch

We've uncovered a new platform called Blitzr which makes one-on-one virtual networking super FUN. We want to share the FUN with you, so plan to join us for a speed networking lunch!

FEBRUARY 11
12pm - 1pm


REGISTER HERE

 
Please note: Blitzr works BEST on Google Chrome. It's worth the download even if this isn't your favorite browser (TRUST ME!). 

Coffee & Conversations

Join some of your favorite Chamber friends for delightful conversation at Coffee & Conversations!
February 17
9 am - 9:45am
REGISTER HERE


 
Thank you to our Coffee & Conversations sponsors
 
                

Virtual Business After Hours

Join us for an immersive virtual business hours!

We're using a new technology called Kumospace. It's so easy to use and is a lot of fun. Here's a few highlights.
  • We'll be in a virtual bar! You can complete the experience by taking your avatar to the bar to refill your drink.
  • Your avatar can wander into and out of conversations as you walk around the room(s), at your own leisure.
  • No ZOOM!
Sign up to attend Business After Hours here. Once you've registered you'll be sent the link to our virtual room. 
February 18
4:30pm - 5:30pm
REGISTER HERE

Here's a quick overview of how to use Kumospace. While you're there, be sure to sign in using an email address so you're ready for Business After Hours.

 

New Resident Packets: ITEMS NEEDED

The Chamber is putting together new resident packets. If you are interested in including something in these packets please contact Nancie to arrange a pickup time. We will need approximately 100 items.

IL Chamber 2 Min. Drill

Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch congratulates House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch and Dan McConchie as we move into the 102nd General Assembly.
Maisch addresses two critical pieces of legislation that passed during lame duck session, HB 3360 and SB 1480. For more information, click here.

Continuing Education Opportunities

  • 2/3  The Language of Anti-Racism 101(Webinar)
  • 2/10 Temporary Staffing & Avoiding Joint Employment Liabilities (Webinar)  
  • 2/11 Franchisees & Franchisors: Avoiding Joint Employment Liabilities (Webinar
  • 2/11 OSHA Tips and Updates for 2021 (Webinar
  • 2/17 2021 WAGE AND HOUR REQUIREMENTS: IS YOUR COMPANY IN COMPLIANCE? (Webinar
  • 2/17 Workers’ Compensation Law Update for 2021 (Webinar
  • 2/23 Terminating the Problem Employee (WebinarNEW EVENT
  • 2/24 Understanding Disability in the Workplace: LTD, STD, Workers’ Compensation and Return to Work (Webinar
  • 2/25 Compensation Trends You Need to Know For 2021 (WebinarNEW EVENT
  • 3/10 Supervisory Training for New and Seasoned Supervisors (Effingham, IL
  • 3/18 How to Play the Game: Opportunities and Pitfalls in a “Gamified” Workplace (WebinarPOSTPONED EVENT – PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 27

DCEO Updates

Business Enterprise Program (BEP) webinar
Tuesday, February 2 at 10am
The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) is for businesses owned by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. BEP assists businesses to gain access to the State of Illinois procurement process. BEP certification with the State of Illinois can also open the door to opportunities with other public and private entities which are looking for diverse suppliers.
https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=ed007ecb94cf1d22028771577b69d8e46
 
Advantage Illinois & FAME (Fund for the Advancement of Minority Enterprises) webinar
Tuesday, February 9 at 10am
Advantage Illinois is a shot in the arm for our small businesses that have been negatively impacted by the Great Recession.
 

read more...

Government Affairs Report

Governor Pritzker Modifies Regional Mitigation Metrics Pritzker's full executive order can be found here. 

Speaker Welch Announces New House Leadership Team His statement regarding the new House Democrat Leadership can be found here. 

HB 1480, adverse impact on employer's hiring practices: Update 
SB 1480, an amendment to the Illinois Human Rights Act, is a sweeping piece of legislation that will have serious ramifications for employers. SB 1480 passed the House and Senate on a partisan basis in the waning hours of the 101st General Assembly's lame duck session and now awaits the Governor's signature. Highlighted below are some of the bill's most egregious provisions for employers. The Chamber, along with a coalition of business advocates, has requested a veto. The Chamber's full analysis of SB 1480 can be found here. Please forward this vital information to the legal counsel and human resources department within your organization.

New Legislation to Watch:

read more...

New Rules for Tipped Employees to Take Effect in February 2021

On December 22 the Federal Department of Labor (DOL) published a Final Rule changing the FLSA regulations for tipped employees. The Final Rule takes effect 60 days after publication. A caveat before we dig into the Final Rule; the change affects only federal law. As with all things wage-and-hour-related, many states, and some local governments, ... continue reading.

ChiroPro Welcomes New Clinic Director

Hello! My name is Dr. Siera Draper and I am one of the     Chiropractic Physicians of ChiroPro! My alma mater is Logan University. I also have my Bachelor’s in Science that I acquired from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville. I also bring the practice of Acupuncture to Chiropractic.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and working out!  Being part of the ChiroPro team is such a pleasure and I am glad that I have the opportunity to bring quality family chiropractic care to you and your loved ones!

SCOTT CREDIT UNION MEMBERS’ DEBIT CARD USE LEADS TO NEARLY $85,000 DONATED TO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Local Credit Union Donates Money To SCU Community Foundation On Behalf Of Its Members
 
What if every time you swiped your debit card, a portion of your purchase was used to make your community a better place? That’s the concept behind Scott Credit Union’s Epic and Blues checking accounts.

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HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland Donates Basket Raffle Proceeds to Highland Area Christian Service Ministry

HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland recently presented a check for $1,491 to Highland Area Christian Service Ministry (HACSM) to support the services they provide to the area. The funds were raised through a basket raffle held at St. Joseph’s. Hospital departments donated baskets that were used to raffle off and raise money for the HACSM.

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Highland Small Business Employee Appreciation Programs

sponsored by Highland Moose Lodge #2479

November Honoree
Corey Smith
Broadway Battery & Tire


Corey was hired to deliver and install appliances from a temp agency. He showed a great willingness to learn and apply himself that he has moved up and begun training as an appliance technician.


Highland Moose Lodge would like to acknowledge employees of local businesses. Employers can nominate employees by emailing their name along with a write up of why they were chosen to ledge2479@mooseunits.org by the 30th of each month. The Lodge will choose one person each month from the write ups that were received. The person that the Lodge chooses will receive a $100 Highland Chamber Gift Certificate.
Single Column- Chamber Newsletter - January 29, 2021