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!

Join some of your favorite Chamber friends for delightful conversation at Coffee & Conversations!

Join us for an immersive virtual business after 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. 
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.

 

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.

Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch congratulates House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch and Senator 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.

 

• 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 (Webinar) NEW 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 (Webinar) NEW 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 (Webinar) POSTPONED EVENT – PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 27

Advantage Illinois & FAME (Fund for the Advancement of Minority Enterprises) webinar
Tuesday, February 9 at 10am

Advantage Illinois provides Illinois businesses and entrepreneurs with access to the capital to start new companies and expand existing business. Comprised of programs to spur institutional lending, includes Capital Access Program and Participation Loan Program. A webinar on this program is schduled for Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 10:00 am. To register for this session, please click here

Click "read more" to read more about:
Get Hired Illinois 
PCs for People

Main point: The SBA has reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. This round of the PPP will continue to be processed through participating financial institutions and will be available through March 31, 2021. This round is open to both First Draw PPP Loans and a Second Draw PPP Loan.

Eligible Businesses: 

• Live venue operators or promoters 
• Theatrical producers 
• Live performing arts organization operators 
• Relevant museum operators, zoos and aquariums who meet specific criteria 
• Motion picture theater operators 
• Talent representatives, and 
• Each business entity owned by an eligible entity that also meets the eligibility requirements 

 

Veto Requests Update
The Illinois Chamber has submitted veto requests to Governor Pritzker on many key pieces of legislation passed during the 101st General Assembly lame duck session. These veto requests include SB 1480 and HB 3360, on both of which the Illinois Chamber has released fact sheets. The Illinois Chamber fact sheet on SB 1480 can be found here and the Illinois Chamber fact sheet on HB 3360 can be found here. 

The Illinois Chamber has been in discussion with Senate Democrat leadership and expects to see a trailer bill introduced that addresses some of the liability concerns in HB 3360. We will provide an update on the trailer bills in next week's GAR. 

Eligible Businesses:

• Businesses with 500 or fewer employees or defined as small per SBA.gov/SizeStandards 
• Cooperatives with 500 or fewer employees 
• Agricultural enterprises with 500 or fewer employees 
• Most private nonprofits 
• Faith-based organizations 
• Sole proprietorships and independent contractors

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.

As of February 4, 2021 Region 4 (that's us) is in Tier 4... for those of you wondering what Tier 4 is, here's an overview.

As always, we encourage you to shop local, eat local, support local as much as you can. Keeping our micro-economy strong helps all of us!

Twenty five years ago I made the decision to open a second Becker Jewelers store in Highland. The timing was right, I had recently married, and we decided together to embark on this next adventure. Angie and I are both grateful and humbled by the many thousands of Highland and Madison county friends and customers we have made along the way that trusted us to be their jeweler of choice. We have so many wonderful memories of the people that have walked through our door, and the employee’s that have made a difference. Now, as difficult as it is, we have decided to close this Highland store effective February 14th, 2021. Please note, Becker Jewelers in Breese, just 20 minutes away, will remain open to provide your jewelry and service needs for many years to come.

If you are looking to switch your bank account, but the thought of mailing forms, calling billers, or searching the internet for the correct forms prevents you from doing so, Bradford National Bank, with locations in Greenville, Highland and Marine, has a new solution available to consumers today.
 
Bradford National Bank has partnered with ClickSWITCH a new service that will help consumers easily switch direct deposits and recurring payments in a few easy steps.  They can even help you get started closing your old account.
 

The Downpayment Plus® Program is back at FCB Banks!  Qualified buyers could receive up to $6,000 when purchasing a home.  The Downpayment Plus is an annual grant program and funds are available until the grant is depleted, so act now.  For more information, call FCB Banks - Highland at 651-9090 and ask for one of our Loan Officers.
 
FCB Banks has 16 locations throughout the metro-east and is committed to helping our neighbors and communities grow by providing quality financial products and services to meet individual needs.  To open an account or apply for a loan, call any of our locations or visit fcbbanks.com.  Member FDIC.  Equal Housing Lender.

This last year has been especially hard on our senior citizens and grandparents who have not been able to visit with their loved ones. We want them to know they are missed and loved by gifting them a "Balloon Buddy." Once all of the residents have been adopted, we will deliver the Balloon Buddies to be distributed to each adopted grandparent by the facility staff. As an added bonus, It’s Party Time will also be donating a large decor piece to be displayed in each facility for the staff and residents to enjoy. Please note: These Balloon Buddies are not to be designated for a specific recipient.

Highland Health Care Center is not even halfway to their goal - help them reach that goal of a balloon buddy for every resident! Call 618-651-1505 to donate. They are $15 for 1 or 4 for $50.

The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) has awarded accreditation to HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital laboratory in Highland, Illinois based on results of a recent on-site inspection as part of the CAP’s Accreditation Programs.
 
The facility’s Chief Nursing Officer Teresa Cornelius was recently advised of this national recognition and congratulated for the excellence of the services being provided. St. Joseph’s Hospital laboratory is one of more than 8,000 CAP-accredited facilities worldwide.