SSMMA Newsletter October 04, 2024

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October 4, 2024

www.ssmma.org

SSMMA Congratulates Sheila Chalmers-Currin on Her Election as IML's First Vice President

The South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA) congratulates Village President Sheila Chalmers-Currin of Matteson on her election as the First Vice President of the Illinois Municipal League (IML) for a one-year term.

“It is a privilege to be elected to assist in advocating for the benefit of all 1,294 Illinois municipalities,” said Chalmers-Currin. “By working together, we can champion the needs of local government at the state and federal levels to bring about a brighter future for Illinois.”

Sheila Chalmers-Currin was elected Village President of Matteson in 2017. Since 2021, President Chalmers-Currin has served on SSMMA's Executive Committee, first as a Cook County At-Large representative and, since 2023, as the organization's Vice President.

"On behalf of SSMMA, we're thrilled her peers across the State elected her to serve as the First Vice President of IML this year", said SSMMA Director DeLaurentiis. "We look forward to her contributions within IML and here at home."

Read the IML's official press release here.

Condolences for Elizabeth "Beth" Ruyle-Hullinger, Former SSMMA Executive Director

The South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and community of Elizabeth “Beth” Ruyle-Hullinger. Beth was the Executive Director of SSMMA for over 22 years, was loved by many, and continued her support of the South Suburbs and colleagues well after her tenure ended.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers and see the below information sent by her husband, Craig. The services will be private, donations can be made in her name to your favorite charity. More about Beth here.

Mark Your Calendars for SSMMA's Annual Holiday Dinner!

Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated 2024 SSMMA Holiday Dinner on Thursday, December 5, 2024! Join us at Serbian Social Center in Lansing, for an evening of celebration, networking, and community building.

This festive event brings together local leaders, businesses, and stakeholders from across the South Suburbs. Don’t miss the chance to connect with fellow community members and reflect on a year of accomplishments while supporting future initiatives.

Become a Sponsor!

Showcase your business or organization and support the South Suburban region by becoming a sponsor. Sponsorship opportunities allow you to highlight your commitment to the community while gaining valuable visibility during the event. There are several levels available to fit your goals.

Registration will open in October or this event.

Additional Grant Opportunities and Resources

• SSMMA offers a list of grants here.

• Equitable Energy Future Grant Program (Notice of Funding Opportunity) Learn more.

• Rebuilding south Cook County: Road, bridge projects highlight another historic construction season Learn more.

• Rebuilding Will County: Road, bridge projects highlight another historic construction season 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

Cook County Water Affordability Program Technical Assistance Opportunity

The Cook County Water Affordability Program has a technical assistance opportunity for up to 10 suburban Cook County municipalities to explore water affordability issues with a consultant and recommend ways to address them. Interested municipalities should apply by October 18. Following that analysis, municipalities can also apply for up to $300,000 to implement strategies to address water affordability. LEARN MORE.

Join the 2025 ComEd Ambassador Program

The 2025 ComEd Energy Force Ambassador Program

application is open until Friday, November 1st! ComEd’s Energy Force Ambassadors, a team of talented adults with developmental disabilities, travel to different events across northern Illinois to educate customers on the benefits of energy efficiency and solar options. Organizations selected to participate will receive a $7,500 stipend to cover program-related costs. APPLY HERE.

The Chicago Food Policy Action Council (CFPAC) is excited to announce the upcoming launch of the next round of the GFPI Community Fund.

This fund specifically targets systematically marginalized farmers and food businesses located in Illinois, or within a 250-mile radius of Chicago, who desire to sell to community food access sites while striving to meet GFPP standards, including local production, sustainable practices, fair labor, animal welfare, and nutrition. Eligible applicants will have the opportunity to apply for grants ranging from $40,000 to $80,000 this fall. LEARN MORE.

Submit Notice of Intent for FEMA BRIC and FMA Funding

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is requesting that all parties interested in applying for FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) or Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) funding for fiscal year 2025 submit a Notice of Intent by Friday, October 18th. While the official Notice of Funding has yet to be released, it is expected to align with last year's requirements, which you can review 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

Ford Extends Escape and F-150 Responder Factory Order Cut-Off Dates

The Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC) has been notified by Currie Motors that Ford has extended production on the SPC 2025 Ford Escape (Contract #206) and F-150 Responder (Contract #228). Ford has not announced factory order cut-off dates and production is based upon plant scheduling and commodity restrictions, but orders are still being accepted and processed. For questions or additional information, please contact staff or Tom Sullivan, tsullivan@curriemotors.com or 815-464-9200 or Nic Cortellini, ncortellini@curriemotors.com or 815-464-9200.

Attend the SPC Auction!

As a reminder, the last live SPC Surplus Vehicle and Equipment Auction will be held on Tuesday, October 22 at America’s Auto Auction (America’s AA) in Crestwood. There’s no better time than today to register outdated vehicles and equipment for sale! 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 sale 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. 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 Sales Executive Manager Maria Cortez, 708-389-4488 or Maria.Cortez@AmericasAutoAuction.com.

Check out the SPC Newsletter

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