Category: News

The Back to Business (B2B) grant program provides recovery grants for businesses in the hardest-hit industries.  Through the state’s B2B and Business Interruption Grant (BIG) Programs, DCEO has provided more than $535 million to more than 15,000 businesses since the start of the pandemic.

Eligible restaurants, hotels and creative arts businesses are eligible to apply for $175 million in available grant funding as part of our efforts to support ongoing recovery in hard-hit industries. All applicants will receive a grant as long as they meet eligibility requirements, submit proper documentation and attestations required by the program.

The program design for B2B Restaurants, B2B Hotels, and B2B Arts, respectively, are based on legislation which established the Restaurant Employment and Stabilization Grant Program (20 ILCS 605/605-1100), Hotel Jobs Recovery Grant Program (20 ILCS 605/605-1095), and the Illinois Creative Recovery Grant program (30 ILCS 709/40).

Applications will be open between April 5 and May 10, 2023. DCEO encourages applicants to familiarize themselves with program eligibility requirements and reach out to local community navigators with any questions.

For more information and to check eligibility, click here: https://dceo.illinois.gov/smallbizassistance/b2b.html

 

 

TILLAMOOK, Ore., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA), the farmer-owned dairy co-op and Certified B Corporation^® behind the fastest-growing family-size ice cream brand in the U.S., today announced plans to open an ice cream manufacturing facility in Decatur, Ill. in late 2024.

The Decatur facility will be TCCA’s first owned and operated manufacturing facility outside of Oregon and will be TCCA’s only facility solely dedicated to ice cream production. TCCA also owns and operates two manufacturing facilities in Oregon that are primarily dedicated to cheese production. The Decatur ice cream plant will manufacture Tillamook family-size (48 oz.) ice cream as well as Tillamook foodservice ice cream (3 gallon).

“Consumer demand for Tillamook Ice Cream has grown exponentially over the past several years,” said Mike Bever, Executive Vice President of Operations, TCCA. “This new facility is an investment in our continued national expansion plans. We are proud to be able to expand our manufacturing footprint even further as another step toward bringing Tillamook to more fans around the country.”

The Decatur plant was previously owned by Prairie Farms, which also used the location for ice cream production until closing the facility in early 2022. TCCA will spend the next 18 to 24 months updating the plant to bring it up to TCCA’s manufacturing quality standards, with a goal of October 2024 for the first full ice cream production run. The new plant is expected to create approximately 45 new jobs in the Decatur community.

“Tillamook’s plans to operate here are very exciting for our community and we are proud that another company has chosen Decatur for their first Midwest facility,” said Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe. “This project also advances Neighborhood Revitalization, as the now-empty building along the MLK corridor will again be a bustling part of our economy as soon as next year.”

TCCA’s headquarters are in Oregon, where the co-op’s farmer-owners and many employees live and work. The company’s existing manufacturing operations in both Tillamook and Boardman, Ore. will continue to operate with no plans to reduce production or the expanding employee base at either location.

“Opening this Illinois manufacturing location will enable us to make more of our ice cream closer to the eastern U.S., where demand for our ice cream is growing fast. In the last year, we’ve added 1.6M households and grown ice cream sales nearly 60% in the eastern U.S.,” Bever continued. “Ultimately our continued growth is a ‘win’ for who and what matters most to us. It allows us to continue to generate meaningful profits for our farmer-owners, create growth and well-being opportunities for our 900+ employees and to give back to the communities where we live and work. Now we get to welcome Decatur into that valued group.”

“Tillamook is a fantastic company that will fit in perfectly here,” said Economic Development Corporation of Decatur-Macon County President Nicole Bateman. “It’s no surprise they selected Decatur for expansion due to our strong business climate, affordable utilities and excellent location with access to a huge base of new customers in the Midwest.”

Tillamook dairy products are currently available in all 50 states across the U.S., including in Illinois and in the Decatur area. Find store locations at Tillamook.com/where-to-buy.

TCCA will begin recruiting to fill positions at its new Decatur facility later in 2023 and early in 2024.

About Tillamook County Creamery Association
Founded in 1909 as a farmer-owned cooperative, Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) recently achieved the distinction as a Certified B Corporation® (B Corp™) and prides itself on its commitment to bringing to market the most consistent, best tasting, highest quality dairy products made in the most natural way possible. Guided by the belief that everyone deserves real food that makes them feel good every day, Tillamook® produces internationally recognized, award-winning cheese as well as exceptional ice cream, butter, cream cheese spreads, yogurt, and sour cream, made with unwavering values that never sacrifice or compromise quality for profit. TCCA is owned by a group of farming families, primarily based in Tillamook County, Oregon. TCCA operates production facilities in Tillamook and Boardman, Oregon and employs more than 900 people throughout the state. The Tillamook Creamery is one of the most-visited attractions in the state of Oregon, attracting more than one million visitors each year. For more information on TCCA and Tillamook, visit Tillamook.com.

Media Contacts:
Liz Conant, FleishmanHillard
liz.conant@fleishman.com

Jenna Cerruti, Tillamook
jcerruti@tillamook.com

Local Media Coverage:
Herald & Review
NowDecatur
WCIA 3

Learn More:
Meet Tillamook Video

Diversity and inclusion are no longer just aspirational programs for HR to manage. Diversity is a business priority. Why? Because an organization can’t succeed if employees aren’t able to show up and be their best. In this session, we will discuss practical ways to build diversity, equal opportunity, and inclusion into your hiring process, professional development, management style and ultimately, your culture. We will also talk about the not-so-obvious ways that organizations can undermine their own diversity efforts, what to listen for, and how to challenge status quo. You will also hear lessons-learned from an organization under consent-decree after losing a class-action discrimination lawsuit and best practices from global companies for fostering curiosity, open-mindedness and inclusive culture. Participants will leave with a number of practical methods for fostering an inclusive culture where all employees can thrive.

The webinar will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A. Participants will be able to ask questions in the chat box, which will be addressed at the end of the presentation, moderated by a member of our team.

Date: Monday, April 17, 2023
Time: 2 – 3 PM

RSVP: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_w_WuPtvhT-S0JV7n8jdt-w 
*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

PLEASE NOTE: this webinar will be recorded and may be shared publicly. By registering for this webinar, you understand that your questions or comments shared during the webinar will be recorded and shared in a public domain.

Kelly Gust is the Founder and CEO of HR Full Circle, a workforce strategy, talent optimization and human resources consulting firm, providing expertise to organizations of all sizes and stages. Kelly helps organizations connect their people strategy to their business strategy using data-driven solutions to hire, inspire and engage teams to perform. She builds platforms for change, opens doors for individuals and organizations to reach their potential, and clears the fog that lies between strategy and execution. She’s a learning specialist, analytical problem-solver, relationship builder and strategy advisor. She has held leadership roles in employee selection, leadership assessment, organization development, learning and change management in organizations from 10 to 100,000 employees. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology from California State University. She currently serves as the HR Expert-in-Residence for University of Illinois Research Park, an Expert Advisor for Innovate Springfield, and is the 2022 President for the Women Entrepreneurs of Central Illinois.

This webinar is sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC and presented in collaboration with Champaign County EDC, Champaign Center Partnership, Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon County, Parkland College Community Education, Parkland College Support for Workforce Training (SWFT), Rantoul Chamber of Commerce, University of Illinois Research Park, and Visit Champaign County.

This Instagram for Business 101 workshop is for those looking to optimize their business presence on Instagram. This workshop will provide you with the skills and best practices to enhance your presence, account structure, creative use of visuals, and more.

The workshop will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.

Scott Clanin is the owner and president of Clanin Marketing, a full-service marketing and design agency based in Champaign, Illinois, and has broad experience working closely with small to medium-size businesses and non-profit organizations. Recognized by Google for helping businesses grow on the web, Scott’s vision and leadership have helped numerous businesses successfully grow and achieve their goals with strategic marketing and branding strategies. Learn more at https://www.claninmarketing.com/.

Date: Thursday, April 13, 2023
Time: 10 – 11 AM
Location: Champaign Public Library (Robeson C) – 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL 61820
RSVP: Free to attend, registration required to secure a spot. Limited seats available. Materials will be provided. RSVP at email info@cusbdc.org or click here.

All attendees will be required to follow any COVID-19 protocols that are in place at the time of the workshop.

This workshop is sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC and presented in collaboration with Champaign County EDC, Champaign Center Partnership, Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon County, Launch at Champaign Public Library, New American Welcome Center, Rantoul Chamber of Commerce, University of Illinois Research Park, and Visit Champaign County.

Looking for work? This page provides a list of resources and upcoming events to help you in the hunt.

CareersDecatur.com
Visit CareersDecatur.com for a spreadsheet of job openings available right in Macon County. This site also offers other resources including job training, apprenticeships, and more.

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Workforce Investment Solutions
Workforce Investment Solutions (WIS) is the community resource for building the skilled and qualified workforce of tomorrow. Their team provides services and knowledge needed for job seekers to obtain employment and achieve their goals. WIS services are provided at no charge. With job search assistance, job training, business incentives and more, there’s a good reason to make WIS your first stop when you’re looking for that new career. Funding may also be available for training and tuition, books and fees.

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United Way’s 2-1-1
The United Way’s 2-1-1 program is a free, confidential referral and information helpline and website that connects people of all ages and from all communities to the essential health and human services they need, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. By calling 2-1-1, you can find out information on food and nutrition programs, employment and education opportunities, shelter and housing options, utilities assistance and many other programs. Learn more here.

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Upcoming Career Fair Events

 

Decatur Conference Center and Hotel Spring Job Fair | March 14, 2023 | 9 AM – 3 PM

Employers will be on site for a job fair at the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel on March 14, 2023 from 9 AM to 3 PM at 4191 W Hwy 36 in Decatur.

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Richland Community College 2023 Career Fair | March 31, 2023 | 11 AM – 3PM

Employers will be in the Shilling Salons at Richland Community College on March 31, 2023 from 11 AM to 3 PM. This is a great opportunity to find full-time and part-time employment, internships, job shadowing experiences, and to research the next step on your career path.

For more information, please click here.

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Other Resources

NowDecatur’s Job Resource Page

As a small business owner, you might be a long way from hiring your own dedicated in-house HR professional. However, the right tools and technology can help you ensure you’re taking good care of your people the smart way. Sure, you probably have a payroll technology solution, but savvy business owners are now doing almost everything paperless. Employee forms, files and records, goal-setting, performance review and weekly performance check-ins can all be completed without a single pen or file folder. But where do you start? In this session, we’ll help you prioritize your technology needs and share a few best practices to apply when shopping for HR tech solutions.

The webinar will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A. Participants will be able to ask questions in the chat box, which will be addressed at the end of the presentation, moderated by a member of our team.

Date: Monday, March 13, 2023
Time: 10 – 11 AM

RSVP: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OGRCv4NXTcSXcdjjf7QGJg
*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

PLEASE NOTE: this webinar will be recorded and may be shared publicly. By registering for this webinar, you understand that your questions or comments shared during the webinar will be recorded and shared in a public domain.

Kelly Gust is the Founder and CEO of HR Full Circle, a workforce strategy, talent optimization and human resources consulting firm, providing expertise to organizations of all sizes and stages. Kelly helps organizations connect their people strategy to their business strategy using data-driven solutions to hire, inspire and engage teams to perform. She builds platforms for change, opens doors for individuals and organizations to reach their potential, and clears the fog that lies between strategy and execution. She’s a learning specialist, analytical problem-solver, relationship builder and strategy advisor. She has held leadership roles in employee selection, leadership assessment, organization development, learning and change management in organizations from 10 to 100,000 employees. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology from California State University. She currently serves as the HR Expert-in-Residence for University of Illinois Research Park, an Expert Advisor for Innovate Springfield, and is the 2022 President for the Women Entrepreneurs of Central Illinois.

This webinar is sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC and presented in collaboration with Champaign County EDC, Champaign Center Partnership, Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon County, Parkland College Community Education, Parkland College Support for Workforce Training (SWFT), Rantoul Chamber of Commerce, University of Illinois Research Park, and Visit Champaign County.

Madeleine Wolske Named Director of Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC 

CHAMPAIGN, IL, February 20, 2023 – The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is pleased to announce Madeleine Wolske as its new Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC. She begins the role today, February 20.

Wolske most recently served as the Business Librarian at Champaign Public Library, where she led business services, including providing direct assistance to small businesses and developing innovative programming. In addition to years of experience supporting small businesses, she also owns her own small business. Wolske earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) and a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC).

“We’re thrilled to have Madeleine join our team,” said Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director of the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation. “Her extensive experience, innovative thinking, results-oriented leadership, and collaborative spirit will be valuable for our center and community. I’m confident she’ll be able to build, sustain, and expand partnerships.”

As the SBDC Director, Wolske is responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the SBDC, including advisory services to clients, oversight of budget activities, required reporting, and supervision of the International Trade Center. Additionally, Wolske will represent the SBDC program at a local and regional level within the economic development and business communities and collaborate closely with stakeholders throughout Champaign County and central Illinois.

“With her expertise and passion for entrepreneurship, we are confident that Madeleine’s contributions will build upon the strong foundation of the Illinois SBDC at Champaign County EDC,” stated Ericka White, State Director of the Illinois SBDC Network. “Additionally, her breadth and extensive knowledge will strengthen the Illinois program as she collaborates with her peers throughout the state.”

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC is part of the Illinois SBDC Network, one of the largest SBDC networks in the nation. Hosted by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and administered through DCEO’s Office of Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Technology, the Illinois SBDC network provides information, confidential business guidance, training, and other resources for startups and existing small businesses. Services include one-on-one business advising, including business and marketing plan development, financial analysis and planning, access to market information and business financing programs, and business education and training opportunities.

“It’s a privilege to continue serving our business community at a greater capacity with the resources at SBDC,” stated Wolske. “I look forward to facilitating collaborative and inclusive opportunities for small business owners and actively working to reduce barriers within entrepreneurship. I’m excited to listen and connect with our small business community to better support their goals.”

Wolske can be reached at mw@cusbdc.org or 217-531-1991. Visit https://www.cusbdc.org/ to learn more about the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC.

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC is located at 1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100, Champaign. SBDC meetings, available in person or virtually, are by appointment only. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC is funded through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation; with additional support provided by EDC of Decatur and Macon County and the Midwest Inland Port.

About Champaign County Economic Development Corporation: 

The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is a public-private partnership dedicated to fostering a cooperative, county-wide approach to economic development. CCEDC works to improve the economic well-being of all Champaign County through efforts that entail job creation, job retention, tax base enhancements, small business development, and promotion of quality of life. CCEDC brings together community partners to support economic development by aligning interests through productive relationships, open dialogue, and advocacy efforts. Learn more at https://www.champaigncountyedc.org/.

About Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Champaign County EDC: 

The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is the host organization to the SBDC, a program of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), which includes an International Trade Center (ITC). The SBDC provides information, confidential business guidance, training, programs, and other resources for startups, existing small businesses, and those who wish to start or sell a business. SBDC services are confidential and provided to hundreds of businesses annually at no cost. Learn more at https://www.cusbdc.org/.

Media Contact: 

Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director

Champaign County Economic Development Corporation

carly@champaigncountyedc.org

217-649-2586

For more information on the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC and the EDC of Decatur-Macon County’s partnership, click here.

Level up your social media presence with ways to create thumb-stopping content, best practices for going live, utilizing the latest ad options, finding new customers, and more. Familiarity with social media is recommended.

The webinar will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.

Scott Clanin is the owner and president of Clanin Marketing, a full-service marketing and design agency based in Champaign, Illinois, and has broad experience working closely with small to medium-size businesses and non-profit organizations. Recognized by Google for helping businesses grow on the web, Scott’s vision and leadership have helped numerous businesses successfully grow and achieve their goals with strategic marketing and branding strategies. Learn more at https://www.claninmarketing.com/.

Date: Thursday, March 23, 2023
Time: 2 – 3 PM

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__a5iDcQ2S0eV4WZjD2zfqg
*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

PLEASE NOTE: this webinar will be recorded and may be shared publicly. By registering for this webinar, you understand that your questions or comments shared during the webinar will be recorded and shared in a public domain.

This webinar is sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC and presented in collaboration with Champaign County EDC, Champaign Center Partnership, Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon County, Launch at Champaign Public Library, New American Welcome Center, Rantoul Chamber of Commerce, University of Illinois Research Park, and Visit Champaign County.

Google Ads is the leading online marketing service that allows companies to promote ads at the top of Google search results and throughout websites across the world. Through this workshop, you will be trained by a Google Certified Professional who will cover all the necessary steps to create, manage, and measure successful campaigns on the Google Search and Google Display networks.

The webinar will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.

Scott Clanin is the owner and president of Clanin Marketing, a full-service marketing and design agency based in Champaign, Illinois, and has broad experience working closely with small to medium-size businesses and non-profit organizations. Recognized by Google for helping businesses grow on the web, Scott’s vision and leadership have helped numerous businesses successfully grow and achieve their goals with strategic marketing and branding strategies. Learn more at https://www.claninmarketing.com/.

Date: Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Time: 10 – 11 AM

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_i3UW7u5gThS3A4E9y_l8mg
*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

PLEASE NOTE: this webinar will be recorded and may be shared publicly. By registering for this webinar, you understand that your questions or comments shared during the webinar will be recorded and shared in a public domain.

This webinar is sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC and presented in collaboration with Champaign County EDC, Champaign Center Partnership, Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon County, Launch at Champaign Public Library, New American Welcome Center, Rantoul Chamber of Commerce, University of Illinois Research Park, and Visit Champaign County.