Business
OneUnited Bank Announces 9th Annual ‘I Got Bank’ Youth Financial Literacy Contest
Ten Middle School Age Children Are Eligible to Win $1,000! For National Financial Literacy Month, OneUnited Bank, the nation’s largest black-owned bank, recently announced its 9th Annual “I Got Bank!” Financial Literacy Contest where ten children will win a $1,000 savings account. The contest represents the best essays and art projects that embody the “I Got Bank!” theme.
Walmart Plans Estimated $87.5 Million in Illinois Store Improvements, Innovations in 2019
Walmart expects to spend an estimated $87.5 million this year in Illinois through the remodeling of 16 stores, as well as the launch and continued expansion of several customer-focused innovations.
Recreational Marijuana Legalization
While Illinois is finally ready to have a serious and overdue conversation about fairer, more reasonable marijuana laws, some special interests are pushing for continued prohibition. In stating they hope to “slow down” the process of legalization, these special interests are perpetuating an unfair, unequal process in which marijuana is effectively legal for recreational use—if you’re white.
ComEd Installs Off-Grid Renewable Lighting at Bronzeville Schools
Powering the lights are 30-foot-tall Remote Power Units (RPUs), miniature power plants that are not connected to the electric grid but draw energy from a wind turbine, solar panels and battery storage. Manufactured by ARIS Renewable Energy, the RPUs were officially activated recently in a ribbon cutting ceremony led by Beethoven Elementary School Principal Mellodie Brown. Speakers included Third Ward Alderman Pat Dowell and Illinois State Sen. Mattie Hunter.
Unemployment rate up in most metros
Unemployment rates increased over-the-year in February in ten of Illinois’s metropolitan areas, decreased in two, and was unchanged in two, according to preliminary data released recently by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Data also show nonfarm jobs increased in eight of the metropolitan areas.
Synchrony Car Care Credit Card Expands Acceptance Categories to Cover Even More Auto-Related Needs
Synchrony (NYSE: SYF), a consumer financial services company, recently announced that Synchrony Car CareTM has increased its acceptance network of merchants more than tenfold to include more auto-related categories and locations. Cardholders will now have the ability to use this all-none solution at more than 500,000 locations across 25 categories including gas, auto parts and service, car washes, parking, ride sharing and more.
GoZone WiFi Strengthens Channel Presence with New VP Hire and Reseller Program Launch
GoZone WiFi (GoZone)recently announced the hire of industry and channel veteran Wayne Newton as the company’s new VP of Channel Partnerships, further solidifying the company’s position as the leading US -based WiFi analytics, marketing and advertising provider.
Duckworth Discusses Public Service and Global Conflict at University of Chicago Institute of Politics Event
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined former Chief Strategist to President Obama David Axelrod at the University of Chicago recently to discuss her commitment to public service, the role of the American military around the world, improving public service opportunities for young adults and the importance of women in the leadership roles throughout our workforce. The event was hosted by the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics (IOP) and the Pearson Institute.
3rd Annual Gala Highlights the Impact of Black Entrepreneurs in Chicago
Three years ago, the WDB LEGACY Awards was created to celebrate Black entrepreneurship, which is often unrecognized and overlooked. After two successful events, where 500-600 businesses were engaged each year, the 3rd Annual WDB L.E.G.A.C.Y Awards is well positioned to reach a larger audience and amplify the message that black business matters and the communities they serve are committed to supporting them.
The HistoryMakers Kicks Off Black History Month on PBS with a One-On-One Interview Program As Part of its Groundbreaking Business Initiative
The HistoryMakers has announced the one-on- one interview program, An Evening With Ken Chenault. The hour-long program provides a rare, inside, look into the life and career of one of America’s most successful CEOs – Ken Chenault. The program is hosted by CBS sportscaster and NFL network host James “J.B.” Brown and serves up a master class on corporate and civic leadership featuring interviews from those who know and have worked with Chenault during his phenomenal career.
Walmart Announces Driver Wage Investment in Illinois
Walmart recently announced a $14 million investment in driver wages. This investment represents Walmart’s commitment to maintaining its position as one of the best jobs in the transportation industry and the importance of attracting top talent and offering valuable driver benefits. The Walmart trucking fleet is expected to grow, with the addition of 900 drivers in 2019.
Andrea L. Brookins Receives Funeral Director of the Year Runner-Up
Andrea L. Brookins, chief executive officer and owner of Brookins Funeral Home, was a runner-up for Funeral Director of the Year 2018. Brookins Funeral Home has been part of Chicago’s 21st Ward community for over 40 years. The honor recognizes the valuable work she is doing as one of the few African-American women in the funeral service industry today.
Kinzie/King Breakfast to Feature Chair of Black Chamber of Commerce
Frank Bass, the Chair of the Black Chamber of Commerce of Illinois will be the featured speaker for the 11th annual Joyce Kinzie/ Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast at Lincoln College, set for Monday, Jan. 21. Tickets are now available for the event, which will be held in the Davidson-Sheffer Gymnasium on the Lincoln College campus. The doors will open at 7 a.m. with the program beginning at 7:30 a.m.
BLACK ENTERPRISE Announces The 50 Best Companies For Diversity
BLACK ENTERPRISE, in partnership with The Executive Leadership Council, has released its listing of the "50 Best Companies for Diversity" as featured in the publication's November/December 2018 issue, which focuses on Diversity and Inclusion in corporate America.