Small businesses are at the heart of our community, and we are grateful to you all for the way you’ve come together to respond to the threat of COVID-19. Your willingness to implement new ways to deliver service, commitment to your employees, and open lines of communication with each other and with us has allowed our community to present a unified response to this developing situation. We know that this is an uncertain time, and we want to assure you that we’re here for you. The City is in communication with state and federal economic development agencies, and we’re committed to keeping you updated as the COVID-19 situation develops and new information becomes available.
As local businesses, you also play an important role in helping us prevent the spread of illness in our community. We’ve provided a number of resources on our
website
, including
downloadable flyers
you can post or share with your customers. With your help, we can amplify these important messages to protect the most vulnerable: seniors and those with compromised immune systems.
Please check the City’s website daily for new information, and sign up for
eNews
, if you don’t already receive these regular email communications. Most importantly, please stay in touch: let us know what steps you’re taking in response to COVID-19, and how we can help connect residents to your services. When we work collaboratively and openly towards a common goal, we’ll weather this storm together.
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During this public health event, restaurants with a valid liquor license may sell packaged alcohol via carryout. They may also deliver packaged alcohol with food delivery ONLY if the delivery is made by the restaurant’s staff. Restaurants may NOT sell packaged alcohol via delivery through third party delivery services, such as UberEats, DoorDash, GrubHub, etc.
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Curbside Pick Up Parking Signs
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Businesses offering curbside pickup in front of their store on the public right of way may reserve 1 - 2 spaces in front of their place of business for a maximum of 10 minutes per vehicle. These signs may only be placed in front of legal parking spaces; designated “No Parking” zones and handicap spaces may not be reserved for this purpose. Please print no more than 2 signs. Add the business name and phone number so that customers can call upon arrival.
If you are unable to print or post these signs, please contact the City for assistance.
Please contact Business Development Manager
Carolyn Hersch
if you need curbside parking signs.
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Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Loans
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The Small Business Administration (SBA) will be providing disaster assistance loans to help businesses through any disruption that may be caused by COVID-19. Please
click here
for details and additional information.
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Governor Seeking Information From Businesses Affected by COVID-19
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The state is in the process of preparing a package for an economic injury declaration which, if granted, would make Federal funds and programs available for Illinois businesses.
To complete this process, the state must first hear from Illinois businesses.
At the link below is a survey we are encouraging ANY business impacted by COVID-19 to complete as soon as possible.
This information will be used by the Governor's office to strengthen the State's application and hopefully ensure Federal support and stimulus for businesses in the City.
Please contact Megan Ruddle, District Director for State Representative Bob Morgan’s office with questions at 847.780.8471.
Survey Link:
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City Coordinating with Governor’s Office to Assist Local Economy
Extensive Small Business Support Initiatives under Consideration to Address Impacts of Pandemic
The City of Highland Park (City) has been actively coordinating with federal, state and local officials to address the challenges posed by the pandemic to public health and our local economy, particularly small businesses. As has been reported, social distancing is critical to reducing strains on healthcare providers as we try to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The State and City both have taken difficult steps to reinforce social distancing through an Executive Order by Governor JB Pritzker prohibiting gatherings of 50 people or more and closure of dine-in facilities in restaurants and bars, and an Emergency Order from Mayor Nancy Rotering directing the closure of health clubs, recreational clubs, and theaters. While these steps focus on our public health, both the State and City recognize the financial hardship such closures present to local businesses.
City representatives have been in communication with business leaders along with State and Federal representatives, urging support for stimulus funding to help small businesses to get through the operational challenges posed by COVID-19.
Read more..
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COVID-19 Community Resources
The City continues to compile a list of resources for community members who are practicing social distancing, staying home and limiting time in public spaces and contact with others, in an effort to reduce the spread of illness. To support local businesses and assist residents throughout this time, the City invites business owners to share information about any goods they are able to deliver to residents who are staying home as much as possible. Please email Business Development Manager Carolyn Hersch at
chersch@cityhpil.com
with information about any delivery services you may provide, how to order, and details as to how you will be able to accommodate these orders.
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COVID-19 Guidance for Employers
Employers play a key role in promoting healthy communities. The CDC recommends that employers encourage sick employees to stay home, especially if they have had a fever of 100.4°F or higher. Employees should be symptom-free for at least 24 hours before returning to work. For additional best practices, the CDC offers
guidance for an informed response from employers
. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has prepared a useful
fact sheet for businesses and employers
.
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Highland Park Named 2020 All-American City Award Finalist
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The City is pleased to announce that Highland Park is one of 22 communities across the country selected as a finalist for the 2020 All-American City Awards! The award, given to 10 communities each year, celebrates and recognizes villages, towns, cities, counties, tribes and regions that engage residents in innovative, inclusive and effective efforts to tackle critical challenges. The 2020 spotlight for the Award is efforts focused on inclusive engagement practices that enhance health and well-being for all.
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For more information on the City's response to COVID-19, contact the City's Communications Manager Amanda Civitello at acivitello@cityhpil.com.
For general business inquiries, contact the City's Business Development Manager Carolyn Hersch at chersch@cityhpil.com.
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