February 2, 2021 / 11:40am / Jessica Hammei
Parkland College has submitted a $7.5 million bid to be an advanced manufacturing training academy through a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The entire press release is linked here, but some highlights are below. Focused on meeting the emerging training and workforce demands of Illinois manufacturers, the academy will leverage the assets of the Champaign-Urbana community to grow the manufacturing talent pipeline, provide hands-on training in advanced skills, and assist manufacturers from across the region in scaling emerging technologies. Training opportunities will include advanced skills in machining, robotics and programmable logic controllers (PLC), and advanced manufacturing in addition to the core elements of manufacturing already available, such as welding.
Illinois kicks off Black History Month
Canton Daily Ledger
CHICAGO The State of Illinois announced a series of events and resources planned during February’s National Black History Month to recognize the important contributions of Black businesses in Illinois’ economy, and to promote efforts aimed at supporting their continued growth in the years ahead. Planned by the Illinois Department of Commerce (DCEO) Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE), the Department of Central Management Services (CMS), and community and civic leaders including the Chicago Urban League, Fifth Third Bank, and more – the events planned will include a wide range of topics offering insight into resources and programs exclusively focused on boosting Black and minority-owned businesses in Illinois.
2 months ago in Local dlappen Photo: Saga Communications
CHICAGO –The State of Illinois today announced a series of events and resources planned during February’s National Black History Month to recognize the important contributions of Black businesses in Illinois’ economy, and to promote efforts aimed at supporting their continued growth in the years ahead. Planned by the Illinois Department of Commerce (DCEO) Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE), the Department of Central Management Services (CMS), and community and civic leaders including the Chicago Urban League, Fifth Third Bank, and more – the events planned will include a wide range of topics offering insight into resources and programs exclusively focused on boosting Black and minority-owned businesses in Illinois.
Will, Kankakee counties move into Phase 4 of reopening
By Sun-Times Media Wire
Will counties moved into Phase 4 of Illinois’ reopening plan Monday, meaning the two suburban counties can lift certain indoor dining and service restrictions.
Indoor dining and drinking are now allowed for parties up to 10 people, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Retail and service businesses can also operate at 50% capacity.
A Phase 4 Guidelines Overview can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website.
On Sunday, Chicago was allowed to enter Phase 4, but Mayor Lori Lightfoot said businesses would remain under their current capacity.
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Region 7, Kankakee and Will counties, is moving to Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan effective on Monday. Additional information about which tier and phase regions are in can be found at the top of the IDPH website homepage.
A Phase 4 Guidelines Overview can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website.
Phase 4 Guidelines include the following:
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
• Indoor dining and drinking now permitted for parties of up to 10 people
• Seated areas should be arranged so that tables allow for 6 feet between parties; impermeable barriers may be installed between booths which are less than 6 feet apart