In a time that we are facing unprecedented challenges, we've seen tremendous demonstrations of strength and resilience all around the
state of Illinois. Protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of Illinoisans is Governor Pritzker's top priority, and we continue to encourage everyone to stay home and follow guidelines for social distancing.
To further support and reinforce the stay home and stay safe message, the Governor has introduced a new statewide effort called All in Illinois, which calls on all Illinois residents to pledge their commitment to stay home. This is a way to unite Illinoisans across the state and remind people that we are all in this together. The effort is supported by a series of public service announcements featuring famous Illinois natives, including Jane Lynch, Ike Barinholtz, and Matt Walsh.
Visit the All In website to watch the PSAs, add a frame to your Facebook profile pic, download a printable sign for your house and learn more about the statewide initiative.
Under the leadership of Governor Pritzker, more than $90 million in financial
relief will be provided to small businesses across Illinois through emergency assistance programs such as:
Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund for small businesses outside the city of Chicago.
Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program which supports small businesses in downstate and rural counties.
Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund for small businesses in the city. Hospitality Emergency Grant Program for bars, restaurants and hotels (applications now closed).
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has set up a dedicated website that will be regularly updated with information and resources. You can also learn more about eligibility and what these funds can be used for.
We commend our incredible partners throughout the state for all the creative ways you have continued to connect with your audience and support local businesses in your communities. From inspiring social content (like wandering penguins) to creating and sharing virtual experiences, here are some highlights:
Great Rivers & Routes is offering virtual vacations to some of their most iconic sites.
Enjoy Peoria shared a social distancing playlist from a handful of Peoria natives.
Ravinia has announced they will release a concert series "from the vault" on their YouTube channel, which will feature exclusive recordings of performances from past summer concerts.
Go Rockford launched a series of LunchChat Webinars this week, with the inaugural webinar featuring two Rockford area sports icons: UFC's Corey Anderson and ESPN's Nicole Briscoe.
Navy Pier is using the center of
its' famous Centennial Wheel to spread positive messages written by the people of Chicago on social media.
We could not be more proud of the things that our Illinois Made Makers have been doing to support their communities. Wondering what you can do to help our makers? Spread the word. Share
information about their business. Encourage people to support them now, or buy a gift card to support them later.
Marcoot Jersey Creamery is releasing cheese curd kits with different seasonings for people to make at home and
dairy-themed coloring pages for pick up orders. Plus, they are donating 800 lbs. of cheese to a local chef to make food for the community.
Café Tola continues to offer curbside pick up and delivery of their famous empanadas, and they also plan to commission a community art piece with the names of everyone who makes a donation to the restaurant.
River Bend Gallery continues to be open for online business and
are seeing many people sending owner Geoffrey Mikol's calming, peaceful images to friends and family as gifts to uplift during this difficult time.
17th Street BBQ is shipping their iconic 'que nationwide, including frozen at home BBQ meal kits.
Baker Miller is offering their kitchen to displaced chefs and selling "chef meals" for pickup on Fridays.
Heritage Bicycles has started an initiative to donate coffee and food to healthcare workers in Chicago as an act of gratitude.
Are you a maker
doing something unique with your business during this time? Please send us a note so we can help support you!
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced last week that the REAL ID compliance deadline will be extended by one year, to October 1, 2021. The U.S. Travel Association will remain in close communication with the Administration and lawmakers on this issue, including the chairmen and ranking members of relevant committees, to advance policy solutions that will help get America REAL ID ready.
