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Lake County is currently experiencing a substantial level of COVID-19 community transmission according to data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC urges individuals in communities with substantial and high transmission to wear a mask in public indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status. The vaccines are safe and highly effective against severe illness and death, but wearing masks while indoors will help prevent infections among those who cannot be vaccinated, including children under age 12 and individuals with compromised immune systems.
At a COVID-19 update on Wednesday, August 4, Governor Pritzker reported that COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in Illinois due to the Delta variant, with a 10x increase in cases since the summer low. Governor Pritzker reported that 96% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients are unvaccinated, the majority of whom are under 60 years of age, including young adults receiving intensive care. Governor Pritzker announced the following actions to combat the Delta variant in Illinois in hopes of preventing a fall surge:
- Masks are required in all PreK - 12 schools and day cares. Please check with your child's school for more information about COVID-19 precautions when school resumes later this month.
- Vaccinations are required for all state employees at congregate facilities.
- Masks are required in all long-term care facilities across Illinois.
Vaccination is the best protection against COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and available at no cost to anyone age 12 and older.
| | Food Truck Thursdays Continues Through September 9 | | Electric Aggregation Program | | |
Earlier this summer, the City of Highland Park approved a 36-month agreement with MC Squared Energy Services, LLC to administer the City's electrical aggregation program. When the program, made possible in conjunction with other members of the North Shore Electricity Aggregation Consortium, launches in October, it will be the State of Illinois's largest price match electricity program. This program will provide the City with an annual civic contribution, and these funds will be directed towards sustainable community initiatives.
Participation in the program is optional, and residents or small business customers who choose to participate will not pay more than the ComEd monthly published rate. Later this month, you'll receive a letter with additional information about the program based on your current electricity service. For more information, visit cityhpil.com/aggregation.
| | Bitter Jester Music Festival: Week 3 | | |
The Bitter Jester Music Festival continues this Friday, August 6 with a new slate of emerging musical talent! This week's performers, featured in the video above, are:
• F.L.A.M.E.
• Feed the Monkeys
• Fightin’ Bob (showcase)
• Fluctuation
• Kyra Cain (showcase)
• Monsoon
• One Man Ginger Band
• Quick and Painless
Congratulations to Week Two winner Summer Drive!
The music begins on Friday, August 6 at 6:45 PM at Port Clinton Square. Judy's Pizza, Ravinia Brewing Company, and Sweet Home Gelato will all have food available for purchase.
| | The Ravinia Farmers Market runs weekly from 7 AM to 1 PM through October 27 in Jens Jensen Park - Roger Williams Ave. between St. Johns Ave. and Dean Ave. | | Business of the Week: Beanstalk Toys | | |
Something fun is always happening at Business of the Week Beanstalk Toys! Beanstalk has all the toys, books and accessories loved by newborns through 8-year-olds and their parents. Shop a large selection of newborn essentials including bath, baby care, strollers, bassinets, and car seats. For toddlers and kids, Beanstalk offers a huge variety of toys, games, books and more. Beanstalk's book selection also includes learning aids and educational games that will keep children having fun while developing their skills.
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In addition to in-person shopping, Beanstalk Toys also offers convenient curbside pickup, virtual shopping and delivery options, too.
Beanstalk Toys / 654 Central Ave. / 847.432.8300
beanstalktoys.com
| | Nominations for 2021 Mayor's Beautification Awards Due September 17, 2021 | | |
The Business and Economic Development Advisory Group is currently accepting nominations for the 2021 Mayor’s Beautification Awards. The Award recognizes Highland Park property owners and business owners that have made improvements to enhance visual appeal consistent with the environment and the community. Given annually, award recipients will be granted a Mayoral Certificate; public recognition at a 2021 City Council Meeting, and publicity in The Highlander. Below is a list of business categories eligible for this award and the criteria by which businesses will be judged
Business Categories
Auto Dealership, Commercial / Mixed-Use Development, Service, Restaurant, and Retail.
Award Criteria
Appearance, Cleanliness, Consistency, Window Clarity, Code Adherence, Façade Condition, and Landscaping.
Please complete a nomination form on the City’s website at cityhpil.com/HPawards or contact the Office of Business Development at 947.026.1046 or mrosen@cityhpil.com to request a form. Completed nominations must be returned to City Hall, 1707 St. Johns Avenue, Highland Park, IL 60035, Attn: Mayor’s Beautification Award. Nominations must be postmarked by September 17.
| | SCORE Mentoring at the Highland Park Public Library | | |
SCORE offers in-person or virtual sessions using phone, email, or video.
All sessions are free and confidential. SCORE mentors are successful business professionals, some retired, some working, from all
industries and experiences.
Visit northchicago.score.org and register to “Find a
Mentor”. You will be asked to provide the nature of your business interest.
Please include whether you prefer in-person or virtual mentoring (phone,
email, video) and note, the Highland Park Public Library even
if you prefer a virtual session.
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| Financial Aid for Retailers and Restaurants Grant Program | | |
The City of Highland Park has a matching grant program to assist restaurants and retailers with operational costs incurred to provide a safe environment for customers and staff in compliance with state and federal public health guidelines for the coronavirus pandemic. The program will accept applications from qualifying restaurants and retailers located and operating within a commercial building in Highland Park with a net worth of less than $2 million and generating less than an average of $200,000 in profit per year for two years after taxes. Qualifying restaurants and retailers may apply for reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible expenses related to COVID-19 public health mitigations, to a maximum of $10,000 for restaurants and $5,000 for retailers, for costs incurred between August 15, 2020, and December 31, 2021, or until funds are depleted. More information is available here.
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For general business inquiries, contact the City's Business Development Manager Carolyn Hersch at chersch@cityhpil.com.
For more information on the City's response to COVID-19, contact the City's Communications Manager Amanda Civitello at acivitello@cityhpil.com.
This newsletter is produced by the City of Highland Park's Office of Business Development. If you have information you would like to include in this bi-weekly mailing, please submit information, photos, and news to Melissa Rosen at mrosen@cityhpil.com. The City reserves the right to edit and/or filter submissions. No pricing information will be published.
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