SSSBA Names DeLaurentiis Economic Development Leader of 2022 |
Pictured: Sandra Slayton, Village of Hazel Crest Trustee and SSMMA Executive Director, Kristi DeLaurentiis |
The South Suburban Small Business Association (SSSBA) named SSMMA executive director Kristi DeLaurentiis as the recipient of their 2022 Economic Development Leader of the Year Award at their 20th Annual Summit Awards Breakfast Banquet in Flossmoor on Wednesday, February 8th. DeLaurentiis was recognized for being a leader that has significantly contributed to the economic growth and viability of the region.
“It is a distinct honor to receive the SSSBA’s Economic Development Leader of the Year when there are so many in the Southland working to spur investment in our region”, said DeLaurentiis. “I’m proud to lead an organization that is focused on advancing inclusive economic growth to ensure communities across the south suburbs rebound and realize a strong and equitable recovery”.
She added, “ Build Back Better is not just a phrase for us at SSMMA. We’re working to develop economic development tools—like the Southland Reactivation Act passed in 2022— that will transform our communities by replacing stagnant commercial and industrial properties with thriving centers of commerce. Together, we’re forging a stronger, more resilient Southland”.
More information on the SSSBA and their awards program is available here. |
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Upcoming Meetings and Events
SSMMA Business Meeting - Thursday, February 16 at 6:00pm.
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SSMMA's Vendor Fair Member Appreciation Dinner will be held on March 16, 2023 from 4:30pm-8:30pm.
This years event will be held at Glenwoodie Gold Club. Contact Melissa Doud for more information.
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SSMMA Housing and Community Development Collaborative Meeting Spotlights Resources and Issues in the Southland |
This month's Housing Collaborative Meeting highlighted important issues, programs, and tools that directly impact the Southland.
• South Suburban PADS urges south suburban officials to take part in an organizational sign-on letter to Governor Pritzker in support of increased state funding to strengthen the emergency shelter system for people experiencing homelessness in south suburban Cook County.
Housing Collaborative meetings are currently held bi-monthly. Meeting details, flyers, and contact information can be found directly on SSMMA's website.
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Public Health Information |
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• Check out vaccination events hosted by Cook County Department of Public Health throughout the south suburbs during the month of February.
• The Discovery Partners Institute and the Illinois Department of Public Health launch an online COVID-19 tracker. Learn more.
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• As of February 10, the positivity rate for Suburban Cook County reports low according to the CDC level.
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Business & Residential Resources |
• The Illinois Emergency Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) program is still accepting applications for assistance! Learn more.
• Cook County Announces Call for Community Development Block Grant and Invest in Cook Program Applications. The application deadline is March 17. Learn more.
• Pritzker Administration Relaunches "Opening Doors" Homebuyer Assistance Program With Additional $8 Million. Learn more.
• Illinois Small Business Grants are now open for 2023-2024. Learn more.
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• IDHS is accepting applications for the Violence Prevention Services and the Illinois Youth Investment Program grants. Learn more.
• Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) offers a list of FY23 grant opportunities for eligible organizations. Learn more.
• Check out the latest list of Federal and DCEO grant opportunities here.
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News from Community Partners |
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2023 ComEd Powering Communities Grant Program Now Open |
• ComEd is partnering with the following organizations for three competitive grant programs:
• Applications will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. on March 24, 2023
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Nicor Energy Efficiency Program Offering 2023 Application for Rebates |
• Residents and commercial building owners can now apply to receive rebates for energy efficiency projects completed in 2022 and 2023.
• Rebates for energy efficiency upgrades can be submitted through online applications here.
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• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District planning team is seeking applicants for its FY24 Floodplain Management Services (FPMS) Interagency Nonstructural Program.
• Join a webinar on Thursday, February 2nd at 9:00am to learn more. The application deadline is March 15.
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• Cook County Announces Nearly $16 Million to Improve Climate Resiliency in Suburban Cook County Communities.
• Municipalities in suburban Cook County are highly encouraged to apply.
• Applications are due by March 8, 2023
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Low-interest Loans for Stormwater and Green Infrastructure
Projects Available to Watershed Planning Councils
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• Member communities within Watershed Planning Councils are eligible for
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District offers additional details here.
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Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways Begins the Kedzie Avenue Phase I Study |
• This study will include an assessment of pavement condition, traffic, multi-modal facilities, drainage, safety, and environmental conditions and needs along this roadway corridor.
• The study area includes the Kedzie Avenue corridor from W 159th Street (US Hwy 6) to the north to Vollmer Road to the south. Learn more.
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Job Postings & Requests for Proposals |
• Municipalities and organizations can send job openings and proposals here to be publicly posted.
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SPC News
Register Today for the Granite Guardian Webinar
• As a reminder, on Friday, February 24 at 10:30 a.m., Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC) Telecommunications Vendor Granite Government Solutions (Contract #205) will host a knowledge session on Granite Guardian. This program allows customers to monitor and view the health of the entire network in one portal, including circuits and equipment even if Granite is not providing the circuit. The program can also generate analytics on packet loss, latency, site availability, utilization, CPU utilization, and more. Granite will provide a demonstration of the portal and the type of information that can be accessed.
• Mayors, Managers, Finance Directors, IT Directors, and Purchasing Agents are invited. If others would like to attend, please have them contact NWMC Purchasing Director Ellen Dayan. For more information on the webinar or to review the complete lineup of services offered by Granite, please contact Frank Ventrella at 630-649-0823. Please note: if you inadvertently received a cancellation notice for this meeting please RSVP again.
Click here for more information about the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative and to view the current SPC Catalog.
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Have something you'd like included in our next newsletter? Email it to news@ssmma.org.
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