THURSDAY, APRIL 8

Chicago Foodservice Worker Vaccine Event in Albany Park, State Opens Eligibility to Illinoisans Ages 16+ Starting April 12 The IRA has partnered with Mayor Lightfoot and the city of Chicago, Northshore Clinical Labs, and Alderman Samantha Nugent (39th) to accelerate the accessibility of the COVID-19 vaccine for restaurant, hospitality and foodservice workers employed in the city of Chicago. There are limited spots remaining for industry workers to sign up to receive the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine next Tuesday, April 13 from 9:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Eugene Park Field House in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. Click here for more information on the event. The IRA will be hosting multiple vaccination events for foodservice workers in Chicago in the coming weeks. Click here to visit the IRA's vaccine resources webpage. Earlier today, Governor Pritzker and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that an additional 150,000 new first-dose vaccine appointments will be made available at the 11 state-supported mass vaccination operations in Cook and the collar counties and area pharmacies the week of April 12, as the State opens to universal eligibility for individuals 16 and older. Click here to read the full announcement. The city of Chicago plans to open up vaccine eligibility to all Chicagoans over the age of 16 by April 19. Click here to read more from ABC7 Chicago.

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program Application Now Live

Earlier today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) began accepting applications to the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program for operators of live venues, live performing arts organizations, museums and movie theatres, as well as live venue promoters, theatrical producers and talent representatives. The SVOG program was established to provide over $16 billion in economic relief to target industries. Click here to review the FAQ on the program. Click here to learn more and apply today. We expect SBA to provide updates on the application process for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) in the coming days, and will share that information, FAQs, and more as soon as it is available.

Register Now for the National Public Affairs Conference

The National Restaurant Association Public Affairs Conference is coming up Tuesday, April 20, and the IRA will be hosting meetings with several Congressional leaders on Wednesday, April 21.  The conference is all virtual this year, and includes panel discussions and speakers including Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Former White House Press Secretary Dana Perino, and two of the lead co-sponsors of the RESTAURANTS Act - Sen. Kyrsten Sinema and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. Click here to review the agenda, which is being updated frequently.  Click here to register today for $50 with promo code PAFCMEMBER. Contact Matt Quinn with any questions.

Vice President Harris Visits Brown Sugar Bakery in Chicago

During a visit to Chicago earlier this week, Vice President Kamala Harris visited Brown Sugar Bakery in Chatham. Click here to read more from Eater Chicago.

Watch on Demand - Marketing and Messaging Must-Have Strategies For Spring

Thank you to everyone that attended and our panelists from Levy, Isabelli Partners, and Yelp for Restaurants for joining our webinar highlighting timely marketing and PR tactics to reach and engage with customers. This webinar was being provided in partnership with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Community Recovery Initiative. Click here to watch the webinar recording. Click here to download the slide presentation.

Updated State FAQ on Proof of Vaccinations, Indoor Occupancy  The state of Illinois recently updated its FAQ on current Phase 4 regulations, including answers related to proof of vaccination and negative COVID-19 tests as is relates to occupancy and events.  It is important to note that the state's updated FAQ related to proof of vaccination/negative tests as it relates to occupancy does not currently effect the city of Chicago or Cook County, which have implemented their own guidance. Please check with your local municipalities to confirm they are implementing the state’s new guidance. Click here to read the full FAQ.

Please visit our website for the latest COVID-19 updates, in addition to the above resources and information for your business. Updated as of 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 8.

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