Your Opportunity Region
Essential Businesses Categories

Governor Pritzker issued an order for Illinois residents to stay at home and for non-essential businesses to not remain open to the public.  

Executive Order 2020-10 defines "Essential Businesses and Operations" to mean: 

  • Healthcare and Public Health Operations
  • Human Services Operations
  • Essential Governmental Functions
  • Essential Infrastructure 

" Essential Businesses and Operations " also includes 23 other categories of businesses.

Specifically:
  • Critical labor union functions
  • Critical trades
  • Day care centers for employees exempted by this Executive Order
  • Educational institutions, for purposes of facilitating distance learning, performing critical research, or performing essential functions
  • Financial institutions
  • Food, beverage and cannabis production and agriculture
  • Funeral services
  • Gas stations and businesses needed for transportation
  • Hardware and supply stores
  • Home-based care and services
  • Hotels and motels
  • Laundry services
  • Mail, post, shipping, logistics, delivery and pick-up services
  • Manufacture, distribution, and supply chain for critical products and industries
  • Media Organizations that provide charitable and social services
  • Professional services
  • Residential facilities and shelters
  • Restaurants for consumption off-premises
  • Stores that sell groceries and medicine
  • Supplies for Essential Businesses and Operations
  • Supplies to work from home
  • Transportation
"Essential" is defined by www.dictionary.com as "absolutely necessary, indispensable.” The Executive Order does not indicate that the Essential Businesses and Operations listed above are the only activities to remain open in a company that provides essential and non-essential services. No guidance is provided as to whether the nonessential functions may remain open and operating.
If you have questions regarding Executive Order 2020-10 as it relates to your business activities, the state of Illinois has set up the Essential Business Determination Hotline, which you can reach by calling 1-800-252-2923. You can also submit questions by sending an email to CEO.support@illinois.gov .
For ongoing updates, Manufacturing Protocols, and other resources visit RockfordIL.com .
ABOUT THE RAEDC 
The role of the  Rockford Area Economic Development Council  (RAEDC) is to collaborate with regional stakeholders to cultivate opportunities for primary job growth that increase the economic well-being of our region. The RAEDC markets the region to attract new capital investment, while assisting existing business with resources for sustainable growth. The RAEDC works closely with many partners to improve the competitiveness of the region by taking what it learns from the region's employers and engaging the community in the daily work of economic development. As the economic development organization for the region, the RAEDC also serves as the area's data collection agency on all new capital investment, retained and created quality jobs, and renovated commercial/industrial space.