SSMMA Newsletter June 14, 2024

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June 14, 2024

www.ssmma.org

SSMMA Environmental Justice Committee Convenes for an Informative Meeting

The SSMMA Environmental Justice Committee met on Thursday, June 13 and heard presentations from ComEd on their latest solar offerings, (specifically their Distributed Generation (DG) Rebate Program), and Hera Property Registry. Hera provides municipalities with a no cost solution to comprehensive property registration and clean data, working with banks, registrants, property management companies, and mortgage servicers across the United States. Since October 2023, Hera has worked to collect $329,306.42 for the twelve SSMMA communities they are currently partnered with. More information on these presentations can be found on our website.

We hope you will join us for our next meeting, September 12 at 2:00pm on Zoom.

From the Committee Chairperson, Mayor Jada D. Curry of Lynwood: “The Environmental Justice Committee is our newest advising body and some of you might wonder why it's so important. SSMMA has been working hard to advance the Southland and ensure equity for all. Each of us must do our part and that includes participating in these conversations. If you can't attend, please try to have representation from your community. Transformation does not have to be overwhelming, but it does require engagement. Join us!”

Add the September 12 meeting to your calendar: Office365 Outlook Google

SSMMA Congratulates Jim Garrett on His Retirement

The South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association extends its heartfelt congratulations to Jim Garrett on his retirement. As President/CEO, Jim has been instrumental in promoting the Chicago Southland region, driving economic growth through tourism, and making Visit Chicago Southland a leading tourism organization in Illinois and the nation.

“It has been an honor and a privilege representing the Chicago Southland region for the past 28 years,” said Garrett. “I sincerely appreciate the continued and valued support I’ve received from the Executive Committee and Board of Directors for the trust they placed in me in leading the Bureau.”

SSMMA would like to congratulate Mary Patchin as she has been promoted to the position of President/CEO. Patchin joined Visit Chicago Southland in 1999. During her tenure, she has risen from a sales associate to Director of Sales to Vice President of Sales and now to President/CEO.

Read the VCS press releases here.

Get Ready to Celebrate the Southland!

Get your dancing shoes ready for our 2024 Annual Celebrate the Southland Gala on Friday, June 21 at 6:00pm!

While registration is now closed, we are still accepting raffle basket donations. We are inviting municipalities and members to donate a raffle basket that represents your community or organization, giving local businesses valuable exposure and recognition.

Please include the name of your organization and a list of items with their value amounts for display. Contact Melissa Doud for more information.

SSMMA would like to thank all of our sponsors for their generosity and we look forward to celebrating with you!

Grant Opportunities and Resources

• Biden-Harris Administration Announces Third Year of SMART Grants, Funding Transportation Technology and Innovation. Learn more.

• U.S. Department of Transportation Announces $57 Million Available for Innovative Finance and Asset Concession Grants. Learn more.

• Find a list of DECO grant opportunities for the state of Illinois here.

• Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is accepting grant applications for green infrastructure projects, under the GIGO program. Learn more.

• Check out Will County's small business assistance resource page.

News from Community Partners

Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program

There are a series of webinars available for the 2024 Cycle 16 Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program.

Learn more.

The Village of Richton Park will be hosting the Southland Environmental Town Meeting on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, from 6:00pm-7:30pm.

The Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce is excited to invite you to the Elevate Business Growth Panel Event on June 20, 2024 at 5:30pm.

Learn how to transform your business from a mere thought into a multimillion dollar company. Discover strategies to advance from being a corporate member to a corporate executive leader. Register here.

CEDA Offering Scholarships for Post-Secondary Education

• Scholarships for now available for post-secondary education at an accredited institution of higher education in the state of Illinois for the 2024-2025 academic year.

• Find more information here.

Job Postings & Requests for Proposals

• SSMMA offers a list of local job opportunities and RFPs throughout the south suburban region directly on our website.

• Municipalities and organizations can send job openings and proposals here to be publicly posted.

SPC News

SUBURBAN PURCHASING COOPERATIVE SUPPLIER SHOWCASE

The Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC) is excited to announce that the 2024 Supplier Showcase will be held on Wednesday, July 31 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Oakton College, 1600 E. Golf Road in Des Plaines.

The Showcase will be held in Rooms 1608 and 1610 with parking available in Lot C. This is a free event for attendees and thanks to SPC partner Sourcewell, anyone can attend their presentation and earn one contact hour toward Continuing Education Units (CEUs) with The Institute for Public Procurement (NIGP).

The SPC Vendor Showcase schedule is as follows:

10:00 a.m. – noon: Vendor Showcase – Rooms 1608 and 1610

Vehicle demonstration in Parking Lot C

Noon – 1:00 p.m.: Lunch

Sourcewell Presentation & Attendee Collaboration

The SPC Vendor Showcase presents a unique opportunity for local government officials from the SPC’s participating councils of government and others to meet one-on-one with SPC vendors at one time. Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC), DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference (DMMC), South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA), and Will County Governmental League (WCGL) members and staff will be onsite to learn about the products, services and solutions offered by the SPC to help you better serve your communities. Vendors will have individual display areas where you can discuss your joint purchasing needs. Additional information and invitations will follow shortly. Please contact NWMC Purchasing Director Ellen Dayan, 847-296-9203 or edayan@nwmc-cog.org with any questions.

No More Lot Rot! Get Rid of Unwanted Vehicles & Equipment at the July 23 Auction

The live summer NWMC Surplus Vehicle and Equipment Auction will be held on Tuesday, July 23 at America’s Auto Auction (America’s AA) in Crestwood. Today’s a good day to identify and register vehicles and equipment for sale before the summer vacation season goes into full swing. America’s AA offers a wide variety of convenient services to prep vehicles and garner the highest possible price.

Please note that vehicles and equipment can be listed for disposal right up to the morning of the auction day. Sell them now to get a fresh start and please keep in mind that a portion of the proceeds helps support the operations of the Conference. The last live auction for the year will be held on Tuesday, October 22. In addition, America’s AA hosts online sales on par with other government surplus Internet auctions. For more information, please contact staff or America’s AA Account Executive Berry Ellis, 312-371-5993.

SPC Booklet and Information

Municipal Surplus Vehicle & Equipment Auctions

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