SBA Working Capital Disaster Loan Deadline Approaching for 2022 Condominium Complex Fire in Cook County, Illinois

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses in Cook County affected by the condominium complex fire that occurred at The Park of River Oaks condominium in Calumet City on May 30, 2022, that the deadline is approaching to apply for working capital disaster loans. Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations should apply by the April 5 deadline.

SOUTH SIDE HEALTHY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION INVESTS NEARLY $1 MILLION IN COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Noting that social determinants of health—like nutritious food and a place to call home—play a big role in health and well-being, the South Side Healthy Community Organization (SSHCO) today announced a significant investment in community resources as a key part of building health equity on Chicago’s South Side. Nearly one million dollars has been committed to local organizations that provide nutritious food, employment services, stable housing, emergency financial support and transportation services focused on getting South Side residents to and from medical appointments.

A step toward better elections

State Representative Anna Moeller’s bill would require candidates for political office to include email addresses on petitions filed with their statement of candidacy. Already, candidates provide a standard mailing address. This legislation would move that requirement into the 21st century.

Mahogany Browne talks ‘Chlorine Sky’

Mahogany Browne is the author of “Chlorine Sky,” which is currently running at the Steppenwolf Theatre. Brown was nice enough to take the time to answer some questions about turning her poetry and prose into a stage play for “Chlorine Sky.”

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DEBBIE MEYERS- MARTIN RECEIVES ACCOLADES FOR “STROKE PREVENTION & AWARENESS CAMPAIGN”

State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin of the 38th District hosted a ceremonial event for Stroke Awareness in the Southland on Friday, February 24th, at Governors State University. The event was a partnership between State Representative Meyers-Martin and Governors State University dedicated to raising awareness about stroke prevention and treatment.

Rich Township Mourns Loss Of Assessor Ranieri

On behalf of the Rich Township Board Trustees, we would like to express our deepest sympathies for the loss of Carol Ranieri. We know that Carol was a beloved member of the Rich Township community, and her passing has deeply impacted us all.

2023 Municipal Election Recap

The Tuesday, Feb. 28th, municipal election in the City of Chicago consisted of important races. From Mayor of the City of Chicago to Alderman to the new District Councils, people were encouraged to get out and vote.

SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents of Illinois Affected by the Jan. 25 Apartment Building Fire in Chicago

WASHINGTON – Illinois businesses and residents affected by the Harper Square Cooperative apartment building fire in the Kenwood area of Chicago on Jan. 25 are eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced today.

Honda Battle of the Bands Returns to Celebrate HBCU Culture and Marching Band Tradition

Thousands of fans, students and alumni converged upon Alabama State University (ASU) on Saturday, Feb. 18, to take part in the 18th Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase (HBOB), the nation's premiere showcase for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) marching bands and dance teams. Marking its return to a live event format for the first time since 2020, HBOB also was held for the first time on an HBCU campus, featuring spectacular performances from six marching bands representing HBCUs.

Nicor Gas opens applications for second year of environmental stewardship initiative grants

Nicor Gas is announcing $100,000 in funding to support environmental stewardship programs. This commitment expands on the company’s value of protecting the environment and enhancing natural green spaces through investments in nonprofit organizations that contribute to clean air, conservation, preservation and sustainable activities.

Acosta Announces Don Byrd, New EVP of In-Store Services for Walmart Byrd assumes key role in newly formed In-Store Services Team

Acosta announced that Don Byrd is joining the company as Executive Vice President of In-Store Services for Walmart. In this role, Byrd will lead a team dedicated to elevating service and outcomes and enhancing talent acquisition and engagement in support of the company's business with Walmart.

Celebrating Black History Month: Q&A with JPMorgan Chase’s Byna Elliott

In celebration of Black History Month, we sat down with Byna Elliott, global head of Advancing Black Pathways at JPMorgan Chase, to discuss what Black History Month means to her, how the firm is advancing racial equity and Elliott’s goals for 2023.

Dove Partners with LinkedIn in support of The CROWN Act to Help End Race-Based Hair Discrimination in the Workplace

As part of Dove's ongoing commitment to help pass The CROWN Act and end race-based hair discrimination nationwide, the brand has partnered with LinkedIn, the world's largest professional network, who is committed to creating equal access to economic opportunity and creating more equitable outcomes for all professionals. While progress has been made to end hair discrimination with the passage of The CROWN Act in some states across the US, race-based hair discrimination remains a systemic problem in the workplace – from hiring practices to daily workplace interactions – disproportionately impacting Black women's employment opportunities and professional advancement.

BLOOMINGDALE’S ANNOUNCES THE CAROUSEL @ BLOOMINGDALE’S: FEMALE FOUNDERS CURATED BY TIKA SUMPTER

Bloomingdale’s announced The Carousel @ Bloomingdale’s: Female Founders Curated by Tika Sumpter – a celebration of female entrepreneurs in honor of Women’s History Month. Bloomingdale’s is partnering with actress and producer Tika Sumpter to take over the retailer’s Spring Carousel and showcase a curated assortment of must-have home, self-care, fashion, accessories, and kids’ products from 50 female-founded and owned brands including Kaleidadope, Kim Hill, The Spice Suite, Candice Luther, Estelle Glassware, Cult Gaia, and more.

bp invests in future talent with HBCU Fellowship Program

bp announced it is investing $4.05 million in three historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) to provide students with scholarship funding, exposure to the energy industry, and career development experience.

Harvey Mayor aims to a build better Harvey

Christopher Clark is a lifelong resident of Harvey. He was elected Mayor of the City of Harvey in 2019. Clark, who is an attorney by trade, also has a degree in Electronic Engineering. “I love my city and I am happy to be serving it at this particular time,” he said.

Recently elected Cook County Commissioner reflects on first months in office

Monica Gordon has been a Cook County Commissioner, representing the 5th District, since November of 2022, when she was elected to office. “It has been a wonderful experience thus far. Getting to know my fellow Commissioners, being able to get out into the community right away to make an impact. I am really excited for what’s to come,” she said. The 5th District of the Cook County Board includes 49% of the Far South side of Chicago and 51% of the South Suburbs.

‘WE WILL CHICAGO’ PLANNING PROCESS CULMINATES WITH ADOPTION BY THE CHICAGO PLAN COMMISSION

A 10-year framework to promote equity and resiliency throughout Chicago was formalized with the Chicago Plan Commission’s unanimous adoption of the first citywide plan in more than 50 years. Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot also announced that she will issue an Executive Order to ensure the plan’s implementation at all levels of City government.

COOK COUNTY LAND BANK HOLDS DEED TRANSFER CEREMONY FOR VACANT LOT GIVEAWAY RECIPIENTS IN ENGLEWOOD

The Cook County Land Bank Authority (CCLBA) completed the handover of deeds to 12 vacant lots to the nine recipients of last year’s Juneteenth land giveaway. Held in partnership with the Resident Association of Greater Englewood (R.A.G.E.), the giveaway of vacant side lots and today’s deed ceremony will lead to the development of these lots for valuable community uses. CCLBA also donated three lots to local nonprofit Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN). The deed event was held at Go Green Community Fresh Market, a grocery store in the neighborhood across the street from lots donated to IMAN.

Event highlights importance of CPR and AED Training

February was American Heart Month. To celebrate, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, who represents the 6th District, hosted a CPR/AED Training at the Cook County Building, located at 69 W. Washington. The event on Tuesday, Feb. 21st, was the first in-person CPR/AED Training since the COVID-19 pandemic. During the day, staff at the Cook County Building participated in hands-on CPR training.