FRIDAY, JANUARY 8
IRA Advocating for Restoration of Indoor Dining During Mitigations

Earlier this week, Governor Pritzker announced that Illinois' 11 regions can begin lifting Tier 3 mitigations as early as Friday, January 15 if they meet certain COVID-19 metrics. Click here to review current regional metrics. Click here to review current mitigations.

Under Illinois' current mitigation plan, restaurants and bars are not permitted to resume indoor service during any of the state's three tiers of mitigation. As it stands, the state's plan will not allow for indoor dining until a region is completely out of mitigation. The IRA's #1 priority is to restore indoor dining in Illinois.

This afternoon, the IRA met with the Governor's office, Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to discuss a more reasonable approach to mitigations that will allow for a reduced level of indoor service at restaurants as soon as possible. We continue to work diligently to ensure the state of Illinois will allow for safe and limited indoor dining during ongoing mitigations.

Stay tuned for more updates and ways to support the restoration of safe indoor dining in Illinois.

Read more:
Paycheck Protection Program User Manual Guide for Restaurants
On Wednesday evening, the Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, has recently released guidance for the second round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The National Restaurant Association has distilled it into a seven-page “PPP User Manual”.

Click here to review the guidance for restaurants.

This morning, SBA announced that PPP will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter.
Webinar on New DOL Ruling on 80/20 Tip Credit and Tip Pools
The U.S. Department of Labor has eliminated the cumbersome 80/20 rule that forced employers to micromanage tipped employees’ duties.

Join the National Restaurant Association on Tuesday, January 12 at 2:00 p.m. (Central) to find out what this means for your business.

Click here to register.
Next Thursday - Webinar on Utilizing New Options for Generating Revenue
Join the IRA and panelists from Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen, 16” on Center, and US Foods on Thursday, January 14 at 10:00 a.m. for a webinar providing operators with ideas for new or different options for generating revenue at your business now.

Click here to register.
Webinar on COVID-19 Vaccines in the Workplace: Employment Law, Benefits & Well-Being
 
As the COVID-19 vaccine becomes a reality, employers will need to determine their workplace policies. Organizations with essential workers, or those who cannot maintain social distancing, may consider mandatory vaccination programs.  Some employers may opt to encourage their employees to voluntarily receive the vaccine, while others will develop and integrate a vaccine policy into their COVID-19 health and safety programs.

Join IRA Silver Sponsor HUB International Thursday, January 14 at 12:00 p.m. for a webinar to review what you can and can’t do when it comes to employment law and employee benefits regulations.  Taking employee well-being best practices into consideration is also recommended before you finalize your approach. 

Click here to register.
Chicago Business Reopening - Transit Survey

Like the IRA, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping Chicago safely reopen and bring employees back to the worksite. We’re asking you to provide feedback on what the City and region can do to provide safe, affordable and sustainable transportation options for you and your employees.

The survey should only take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Whether it’s you or someone else within your organization, such as staff in your Operations or Human Resources departments, we are only asking each Chicagoland business to complete the survey once.

Click here to complete the survey.
Glencoe Golf Club Seeking New Operator for Restaurant

Glencoe Golf Club seeking a vendor for its golf course restaurant operation, including special event/outing catering and beverage cart service, for a period of two years.

Click here to review the RFP.
Please visit our website for the latest COVID-19 updates, in addition to the above resources and information for your business. Updated as of 6:15 p.m. on Friday, January 8.
THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS