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June 7, 2023

If you’re gearing up for some serious outdoor time this summer, Gearhead Outfitters is a must-stop for your next adventure. Whether your idea of outdoor fun is camping, hiking, or just enjoying some time in the sun, Gearhead Outfitters has a mission to help its customers live active, fulfilling lives by providing quality outdoor-inspired products, deep expertise, and remarkable service. 

621 Central Avenue / 847.266.8600 / Gearhead Outfitters

The City’s online payment system for licensing will be temporarily disabled until July 18, 2023 at 8AM, as part of the City’s implementation of new computer software. During this time, all license online payments will be unavailable. Payments are not accepted over the phone. Payments can be made by mail or drop box, located in the parking lot adjacent to City Hall. Please contact the City Manager’s Office at 847.926.1000 or cityhp@cityhpil.com for more information.

On Monday, June 5 through Thursday, June 8, the entire St. Johns North parking lot at 525 Central Avenue will be unavailable for parking due to maintenance. The north end of the parking lot will be open for parking again on Friday, June 9.



Alternative parking may be found at the following locations:

• St. Johns Avenue between Central and Elm Place (2 hour parking limit will not be enforced)
• Lot Six located on St. Johns Avenue between Central & Laurel 

The Vintage Market returns to The Lot to kick off the 2023 event season on Sunday, June 11, 11 AM - 4 PM! Find a great mix of vintage in all categories including midcentury modern, vinyl, antiques, vintage home décor, art, lighting, memorabilia and so much more. Saturday June Band and Slavin & Trudell will play classic rock covers and originals all day. On-site food and beverage vendors include Highland Park restaurants Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar, Pixca, Poke Burrito and Tamales. 

Events at The Lot are presented by the City of Highland Park with the generous support of: Porsche Audi Exchange, First Bank of Highland Park, Highland Park Bank & Trust, Scott Byron & Co., Highland Park Community Foundation, Sunset Foods, Walled Lake Planning & Wealth Management, Wayfarer Theaters, Baird & Warner, Gearhead Outfitters and PromptMed Urgent Care.

525 Central / Enter at St. Johns & Park

We're thrilled to announce the broad entertainment lineup for featured events at The Lot, the City’s alfresco dining and entertainment destination! From national headliners to North Shore favorites, classic rock to yacht rock, DJs to a cappella, there's something for everyone on stage at The Lot this summer! 

Season Lineup:

• Vintage Market: June 11, 11 AM - 4 PM
• Taste of Highland Park: June 23, 5 - 10 PM & June 24, 12 - 10 PM
• Bitter Jester Music Fest: June 25, 12 - 8 PM
• Artisan Market: July 2 - September 24, Sundays at 10 AM - 3 PM
• World Music and Food Fest: July 15, 12 - 10 PM
• Vintage Car Show: September 9, 12 - 4 PM
• Oktoberfest: September 30, 12 -10 PM
• Vintage Market: October 8, 11 AM - 4 PM
• Stews & Brews and Blues: October 13 & 14, 5 - 9 PM

You know it's summer because Food Truck Thursdays is now in full swing! Featuring over a dozen rotating food trucks and live music Food Truck Thursdays takes place in the Ravinia District weekly through September 21, 4:30 PM til dusk. This week, classic folk singer-songwriter Ian Leith opens for David Bowie cover band True Believers.

Have you integrated solar technology and other green improvements into your business? Help inspire others to make the leap to solar and invest in green initiatives by participating in the Illinois Solar Tour!

The Solar Tour consists of a series of Solar Open Houses. Homeowners, small businesses, and nonprofits open their doors to the public and tell the story of how and why they decided to go solar. The event will be held September 30, from 10 AM to 3 PM and will be available in an in-person and virtual hybrid format. To learn more about the Solar Tour or sign up to showcase your business, contact the City Manager's Office at 847.926.1000 or email cityhp@cityhpil.com. 

Did you know the City of Highland Park has a dedicated composting program for businesses and local restaurants? Highland Park Composts is a collaboration between The City of Highland Park, the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO), and LRS to support the implementation of food scrap composting at local restaurants and businesses. Local businesses and restaurants who are interested in signing up for this program should email: cityhp@cityhpil.com.

The Sponsor-A-Planter Program offers residents and businesses the opportunity to sponsor an available municipal planter during the summer and fall seasons. An annual fee covers planting, maintenance, and a 5” x 7” commemorative placard in the planter. The placard may recognize the sponsor or honor an individual or family. Planters are located in the Central Business District and the Ravinia District and are maintained from May to November.

More information is available at cityhpil.com. Please contact the Office of Business Development at 847.926.1046 with questions. 

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that Illinois will receive up to $354.6 million to administer programs as part of the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). The expanded program offering through SSBCI will enable Illinois to support small businesses across the state - helping them attract more capital investment and expand or launch business operations, while supporting key sectors. All of the new programs will launch in the coming months.

• Advantage Illinois (AI) Loan Guarantee Program (New Program)

Advantage Illinois' new Loan Guarantee Program will support business applicants who are having difficulty gaining access to capital by using funds to guarantee a percentage of loans provided by partner lenders.

• IN-VENT Venture Capital Program (VCP) (New Program)

Innovation Venture Fund (IN-VENT) will operate as a direct equity program with a focus on investing in businesses in key industries such as agriculture, ag tech, information technology, life sciences, manufacturing, quantum, and more.

• Climate Bank Finance Loan Participation Program (New Program)

This new program will be overseen by DCEO and administered by the Illinois Finance Authority (IFA), which will partner with local lenders to issue the loans. Climate Bank funds will be available to small businesses in the clean energy sector.

To receive program updates, please fill out the following form.

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.

SCORE recently added a new YouTube channel where all previously recorded webinars can be accessed.

To schedule an in-person or virtual session, visit score.org/northchicago 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.

The City encourages business owners and managers to share information regarding upcoming events, promotions or news for possible inclusion in the City's marketing modalities, including The Weekender, Enjoy Highland Park, and social media. Please send these items to the City via email to: businessdevelopment@cityhpil.com.

For general business inquiries and assistance, contact Business Development Manager Carolyn Hersch at chersch@cityhpil.com or 847.926.1027.

Questions regarding enjoyhighlandpark.com should be addressed to Amanda Bennett, Communications Manager, at abennett@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 weekly mailing, please submit information, photos, and news to businessdevelopment@cityhpil.com. The City reserves the right to edit and/or filter submissions.