THIS AFTERNOON
Learn About the Will County Small Business Assistance Grant Program
Webinar Monday, Aug. 31
2-3pm
This Small Business Webinar will provide participants with essential program details, including how to apply for up to a $15,000 award through the Will County Small Business Assistance Grant Program.
Will County has earmarked $24 million for a Small Business Assistance Grant Program to provide financial assistance to small businesses impacted by COVID-19 so they can maintain operations.
Businesses affected by COVID-19 with less than 25 employees and less than $2.5 million in annual revenues are invited to attend and apply for these grant funds. The application period goes through Sept. 28.
|
2020 Frankfort Fall Festival artisans invited to post information on Facebook page
This information will be promoted over Labor Day Weekend so shoppers can "visit" their favorite booths and support their favorite artisans.
|
2019 Frankfort Fall Fest #6 in Nation
It is with great pride that we announce our 2019 Frankfort Fall Festival received the distinctive honor of being ranked in Sunshine Artist Magazine as #6 in the country for Contemporary Craft shows!
This is a very well respected and highly regarded magazine among artisans across the country, so we are very honored to receive such a high ranking! Congratulations to 2019 Fall Fest Chair Julie Cantrell for leading the way to a job well done!
"We are thrilled to maintain our history of consistently being in the Top 10," Cantrell said. "The credit goes to the entire Fall Fest family that helps make this happen every year--the Fall Fest Committee Chairs and Volunteers; the Chamber Board of Directors and Staff; the Village Staff, Police and Fire departments and Public Works; and the residents who support this annual fest. It's the great working relationship we all have that makes this a success."
Unfortunately, Fall Fest was canceled for this year due to COVID-19, but we look forward to seeing you in 2021!
|
New COVID-19 Mitigation Efforts Instituted August 26
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced new COVID-19 mitigation efforts were instituted on August 26 in Region 7, the greater Will and Kankakee County areas, after the region reached 8 percent positivity for three days.
See the Resurgence Mitigations for Region 7 here.
Additional guidelines for ALL Illinois restaurants/bars and banquet facilities also were instituted. See more information here.
|
Chamber Seeking Board of Director Nominations
The Frankfort Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking nominations from Chamber members who want to join our Board of Directors.This is a great opportunity to work with other members of the community to strengthen the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce and the entire community. Eligible individuals have been active in the Chamber for at least one year and are a current member in good standing. Each elected official commits to a 3-year-term (unless filling a vacated seat) on the board. The application can be found at https://www.frankfortchamber.com/about-us/board-of-directors/
|
Click here to read and download all the recent
Member Spotlights
Submit your information for a Member Spotlight here
|
Golf Sponsorship
Have a gift basket or item(s)
|
CO— Blueprint series
"Rebuilding Your Brand"
2pm, Wednesday, Sept. 9
This eighth installment in the CO--Blueprint series will feature an interactive discussion focused on helping businesses strike the right tone with an evolving customer base.
Register here and view past installments of this series.
Host Jeanette Mulvey, Content Director at CO—, will lead the conversation that combines advice from experts with practical insights from small business owners.
CO— is an editorial website with a mission to serve growing businesses across the U.S. Launched in 2019 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, CO— publishes content that helps solve the problems business owners face every day. Our team is based in New York City and is made up of digital media and publishing professionals who are deeply committed to building a vibrant entrepreneurial community and helping business owners thrive.
|
Chamber Members Save
with Constant Contact
Connect with your customers and receive up to 25% off with exclusive Chamber Member discount
As a Chamber member, you’ll enjoy exclusive savings on our entire suite of marketing tools, with plans starting as low as $20 per month. Sign up today for your FREE 60-day trial and when you're ready to buy, save 20% when you prepay for 6 months or 25% when you prepay for 12 months.
Questions? Call Constant Contact at 855-797-4708. If you are an existing Constant Contact customer, but would like to receive the Chamber Member benefits, please email billingadjustment@constantcontact.com
|
Frankfort Police Department encourages you to join its new Business Nixle Information System
This free service will allow the Frankfort Police Department to disseminate business specific safety and crime trend information.
Joining is Easy
E-mail admin@frankfortil.org with the following information:
• Your name and business name
• E-mail address you can access to receive information
• Mobile phone number
An unlimited number of representatives from your business can register, but we highly recommend at least one manager register per business.
The information shared will be business specific, however this group will also receive alerts pertinent to general public safety.
Questions? Call the Frankfort Police Department at (815)469-9435 or email admin@frankfortil.org
|
Sexual Harassment Prevention Training required for all employees by Dec. 31
Recent changes to the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) require all Illinois employers to provide sexual harassment prevention training to all employees by December 31, 2020, and once per year thereafter – and tasked the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) with creating a model sexual harassment training program employers could use to meet that requirement.
After several delays, the IDHR released its model sexual harassment prevention training program along with an FAQ. Now that we have the IDHR’s model training, all Illinois employers should begin planning on how they will administer the training to all employees – including part-time employees, short-term or temporary employees, interns, and so on – especially since the IDHR announced that it will not extend the Dec.31, 2020 deadline due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Businesses who fail to comply with this law will receive a notice from the Illinois Department of Human Rights requiring employers to comply within 30 days. If the employer does not comply within the 30 days, the employer will receive a civil fine.
|
New state rule can penalize businesses that don't enforce mask requirements
Governor Pritzker announced a new rule on Friday to penalize businesses that don't enforce mask requirements, with fines up to $2,500.
"To be clear: The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) rules focus on businesses, organizations, schools and child care facilities. Individuals are not subject to any penalty — but are nevertheless required to wear masks in public." More information here
It's now a felony in Illinois to assault a retail worker who is enforcing face mask rules
Assaulting a worker who is enforcing face mask policies can now be prosecuted as aggravated battery in Illinois – a felony charge.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a law Friday that expands the definition of aggravated battery to include attacks against a retail worker who is conveying public health guidance, such as requiring patrons to wear face coverings or promoting social distancing. More information here
|
CHAMBER MEMBER
SPECIAL OFFERS
AND EVENTS
|
Frankfort Park District Fall 2020 Resident registration begins Monday, August 24. Non-resident registration begins Monday, August 31.
Family Fall Campfire & Overnight Campout: Friday, Sept. 18 at Commissioners Park, 22108 S. 80th Ave. Family Fun! Start the fall season out with your family and friends. Enjoy a cool fall evening around a campfire in Commissioners Park. Roast marshmallows, drink hot chocolate, play field games, enjoy a hayride and listen to ghost stories. For the fourth year, bring your tent and sleeping bags to camp overnight at Commissioners Park. Families will enjoy an outdoor movie with popcorn and a continental breakfast in the morning. Family fun for all! Campfire Only: 6:30 - 8:00 pm and is FREE (Pre-registration required). Overnight Campout: 6:30 pm (Friday) - 9am (Saturday), $39 per campsite (up to 6 people). Campout Registration Deadline: Sept. 15.
Mother-Son Prince Charming Dance: Friday, Sept. 25 from 6-8pm at the Founders Community Center, 140 Oak St. $15/NR $20 per person. Moms and sons join us for a fun night to show off your best dance moves. Whether you dress fancy-formal or NOT, this is a night you will remember for years to come. Light refreshments will be served along with entertainment courtesy of a live DJ. Pre-registration is required, NO TICKETS will be sold at the door. Registration Deadline: Sept. 21 or until filled.
Scarecrow Building Contest: All entries are due by Oct. 7. Calling all scout groups, homeowners associations, business members and families…Join the annual Scarecrow Building Contest! Scarecrows will be displayed outside the Founders Community Center, so let your creative skills shine and construct eye catching entries. The cross sticks will be provided by the Park District and will be available for pick-up starting Aug. 24. All entries are due by October 7. Voting will run from Oct. 9-31. Voting will take place at the Founders Community Center office and on the Park District’s Facebook page.
For more information call the Frankfort Park District office at (815) 469-9400 or visit our website at www.frankfortparks.org. Come join the fun!
|
Virtual Program: Genealogy Mingle on Tue. Sept. 1 at 7pm. Genealogy remains a popular time pastime for many people. You may find yourself gathering online or in-person for family reunions or possibly traveling to churches, cemeteries and other sites to find answers about your roots. Share your family stories, pictures, and research challenges with others! Frankfort librarian, Jill Ganeshan, will facilitate what is sure to be a lively conversation. She will also make participants aware of available library genealogical resources.
Virtual Program: Chair Tai Chi on Thurs. Sept. 3 at 11am. Join Certified Tai Chi Master Instructor, Allison Deputy of MoonWillow Tai Chi, as she works you head to toe for a full body workout from a chair. You will begin with gentle breathing and stretching, progressing to adapted movements from the Tai Chi & Qigong disciplines. Allison will guide you through energy point stimulation, arthritis exercises for hands and fingers, and eye and healing visualization exercises. All abilities and beginners welcome!
Register here or call 815-534-6173.
|
Get Protected With COVID-19 Panels!
Getting back to "normal" is important to everyone, but doing it safely is key. Resuming business with new safety precautions can be hard, but we are here to help. Contact us at Advance Glass & Facility Repairs to help your business reopen and operate safely by ordering /installing COVID-19 Panels. Protective freestanding COVID-19 Panels guard against sneezing and coughing, cutting down the spread of germs drastically. We make all kinds of different variations to suit your business needs. Call us today for an estimate or more information at (708)756-0700.
|
Kiwanis Peanut Day 2020!!
Calling all Frankfort Chamber members. Peanut Day is fast approaching and Peanut Day 2020 will look a little different from years past. Due to increasing safety concerns, we will no longer be greeting people with our bright, shiny faces and bags of peanuts on the corners of White & Nebraska and Elsner & Nebraska.
However, as in the past, we will continue to "sell" boxes of delicious Kiwanis peanuts to our local businesses. This is one of our largest fundraisers of the year and we always appreciate the generosity of our community. This is a great way for local businesses (and individuals) to help us give back to the needy children and families of our community.
Kiwanis Club of Frankfort will be engaged in a phone call campaign in August in order to place our peanut order for late September delivery.
Thank you so much for your continued support!
|
Help Support Local Students!
Since its inception in 1994, the Lincoln-Way High School District 210 Foundation has awarded more than $4.5 million to benefit the educational programs of the District.
Due to COVID-19, the Foundation has had to cancel or modify many programs. In order to continue to generate financial support with which to enrich and enhance the opportunities and educational experiences of Lincoln-Way High School District 210 students, we need your help now more than ever!
Here’s how you can help:
Sponsor or participate in our VIRTUAL Lincoln-Way Half Marathon and 10K Run. We may not be able to run together, but we can still have fun! Run on your own anytime Saturday, Sept.12-20. This year, you can choose your own course or use our half marathon course and enjoy the time outside! We are in need of SPONSORS. See information here
Become a Partner! Enjoy unique donor benefits and demonstrate support of quality education in our community. Partner benefits include reservations to the dinner auction, ad space in the school calendar, Partner logo and ad rights, recognition plaque with a press release, listing on our website with a link to your business website, your business name included on an engraved plaque, prominently displayed at our events, and invitations to special recognition events. See information here.
All three Lincoln-Way high schools academically rank among the top 10% in the state, and all three earned the summative rating of “Exemplary” on the Illinois Report Card, the highest ranking the Illinois State Board of Education offers, for two consecutive years.
|
The CDC now estimates that roughly 40% of COVID-19 transmissions are happening before people feel sick or show any symptoms, and 35% of those with COVID-19 never show symptoms at all. Knowing this makes it increasingly more important for everyone to consider testing to check for both current or past infection, especially before returning to work or other activities. Click on the link to learn more about ARCpoint Labs of Orland Park’s customizable service offerings and help #preventthespread.
|
METT Therapy Services is a therapist-owned physical and occupational therapy company that has been located in the south suburbs for over 20 years. METT Therapy contracts with Franciscan Health and is located in the heart of Frankfort at 10367 West Lincoln Highway.
METT Therapy provides individualized care for various post-surgical, orthopedic, neurological, chronic pain and vestibular conditions. METT Therapy is following all CDC guidelines to ensure our patients’ safety is of top priority during these difficult times. METT also accepts most insurances including Medicare and Medicaid and is now offering telehealth services. Call (708) 679-2940 for more information or to set up an evaluation today!
|
Elements by The Odyssey- As we navigate through this unprecedented time and resume business with new safety precautions, let Elements put you at ease. We are prepared to accommodate smaller events taking proper safety measures and procedures. INQUIRE TODAY ABOUT RENTAL RATES!
|
Fresh Air Experts SanitizeIT are infection control specialists. We come to your home and business to bring you to Clinically Clean with our disinfecting spray service. We lightly fog our hospital grade disinfectant that is CDC listed and EPA registered to eliminate bacteria, odors, and viruses like MRSA, Coronavirus, H1N1, Staph and more. Quick dry, Food & Animal Safe, affordable. Chamber Discount 10% off. Based on sq ft and appointments required. We Clear the Air to give you Peace of Mind 708-888-2008 www.SanitizeITClean.com/Chicago-il and FreshAirExpert.com for more information
|
Camp Bow Wow New Lenox offers premier doggy day care and boarding with all-day play, live web cams, and all-inclusive pricing! Our highly trained camp counselors are certified in Pet CPR and First Aid to ensure your pup is having a fun and safe time in our climate controlled indoor and outdoor play yards. Stay in the know by signing up for our PUP-dates on our website at www.campbowwow.com/new-lenox. See what the woof is about this Summer with your first day FREE!
|
Kris Pasquini
Interim Executive Director
Frankfort Chamber of Commerce
|
|
Laura M. Galvin, CPA
AAA-Anderson
Associates Architects
Bokay Flowers
Lincoln-Way Marching
Band
MARTCORR Systems
K-9 Tail Shakers
Curtain Call Community
Theatre
Plumbing Express
Fabricated Products
Group
Collections at 110
Precise Tree Care
Palermo's of 63rd
Frankfort
Sports & Spine
Chiropractic
Oak Leaf Realty
Burke Orthodontics
Ozinga
Unique Computing
Solutions
Fleckenstein's Bakery,
Mokena
Kolodzeij, Eisen & Fey
Sojourn Therapeutic
Riding Center
Healthcare Automations
Eternally Green Lawn
Care
Providence Bank
Ridgeworth Roofing Inc.
The Wine Thief Bistro &
Specialty Wines
Glory Bee Gifts
Deluxe Plumbing
A1 Eco/Lindsay Water
Treatment
Caffe Milan
Image 360, Mokena
Patrick Mizwicki
Foundation
The Conservation Foundation
Francesca's Fortunato
Evilena's Red Dresser
Dryer Vent Wizard
Lincoln-Way East Music
Boosters
Lincoln-Way East
Athletic Boosters
Yankee Ridge
Homeowners Assoc
Frankfort Family Auto
State Farm--Terry Gross
Riverside Healthcare,
Frankfort Campus
Whimsy
The Dance Company
Nearly New Resale
Summit Hill SD #161
Body Tech Total Fitness
The Private Practice
Coach
Polonia Catering &
Market
Frankfort Smiles Dental
Edward Jones, Brett
Schaibley
St. Peter's Church
Superior Floor Covering
Lil' Surprises
Southwest Insulation
The Belly Factory
New Life Church Cadets
Ryan N. Hemmakowski, H Law, P.C.
Common Sense Turf
Management
The Flower Cottage
Creamery Frankfort
Prestwick Management
Lincoln-Way Central H.S.
Music Boosters
Chiro One Wellness
Center
Law Offices of Demetrius
J. Karos, Ltd.
Simply Home Again
Pathways Therapeutic
Services
Rotary club of Tinley
Park and Frankfort
Victory Chiropractic
Kutula Home Inspections
Atlas Wealth Mgmnt
Isabel's Journey
Bazaar Tobacco
Edward Jones-Brian
Falls
JMC Construction
BNF Consulting
White Street Market
Health Nutz
Edward Jones-David
Sesterhenn
Jersey Mike's, Frankfort
Lincolnway Special
Recreation Association
Portiuncula Center for
Prayer and Poverel
Lincoln-Way Central
Music Boosters
Prestwick Management
Illinois Philharmonic
Orchestra
Bettenhausen
Automotive
Body Fountain
Kup a Joe Cafe
Hanlon Construction
|
Have an event or business news you want to share in the Chamber Chatter?
|
|