Monday January 18, 2021
BACC President's Message:
Bidding Now Open for BACC Silent Auction Fundraiser!

Bidding is Now Open for our 2021 Conquer Awards Silent Auction! This important BACC fundraiser supports our Lauren Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund and programming for small business and Main Street retailers that results in money spent here in the Barrington area!

Each year BACC awards thousands of dollars in scholarship monies to local students. Throughout the years we have awarded nearly $80,000 in scholarships to local high school students. Students from Barrington High School qualify, as well as Chamber members' students attending any school. Awards are given to students who will attend a university, community college, technical trade school, or certification program; as careers are built in many ways. To down load a scholarship application form CLICK HERE.

Our BACC Conquer Awards programming on Thursday, January 28 will feature cameo appearances from some of our former BACC Scholarship recipients. Our Silent Auction will close on January 28 at 8:00 pm after the Conquer Awards program.

Here’s the link to bid on our online Silent Auction:
https://www.betterunite.com/BarringtonAreaChamberofCommerceBACC-baccconquerawardsceremonyandsilentauction.  This will take you to our event landing page where you can register to watch our streaming Conquer Awards Program on January 28, and where you can review and bid on our auction items. Our January 28 program will feature stories of courage and resilience from our Conquer Award Recipients.

This year there is an amazing collection of auction items, including a Wynstone Golf Outing for four with forecaddies and dinner for 8, including cocktails and a bottle of wine; a professionally chef prepared meal for 8 in your home by award-winning Chef Dave Perlick of Region Kitchen and Bar; a $5,000 Mindful Makeover package from Mindful Medispa and Mediclinic; a SOUL Harbor Ranch Animal Therapy Private Meet & Greet for 10 with their mini horses and donkeys; Car Care Packages; a "Spirits from the Board" premium collection of alcohol; gift baskets from our Networking Groups including multiple gift cards and opportunities to shop and dine in the Barrington area, and so much more.

Be sure to register to watch our streaming program and bid on our auction items. If you need any assistance, call our office at (847) 381-2525.
-- Suzanne Corr, BACC President/CEO
Upcoming Events
Register to Start Bidding at the BACC Conquer Awards Auction!

Online bidding begins today for our BACC Virtual Conquer Awards Silent Auction and registration is FREE, so sign up early to view the impressive array of auction items! Bidding will close at 8:00 pm on Jan. 28 at the conclusion of our 2021 BACC Conquer Awards Program, streamed online from 5:00 - 6:30 pm. Register so you can tune in to hear from our Conquer Award recipients and meet the new BACC Board and Diplomats.

Proceeds from our Silent Auction support BACC programs for small business and Lauren Brown Memorial Scholarships. Winning bids can be picked up curbside at the Chamber office, 190 E. James St., Barrington.
Last Day to Sign Up for the Virtual Toast with WBN!

Today is the deadline to register for the Women's Biz Net Virtual Toast on Thursday, Jan. 21 at 5:00 pm.

Your $40 ticket includes:
  • A Bottle of Sparkling Boisset Collecton Beau Monde Blanc de Blanc
  • Virtual Wine Tasting with Boisset Collecton Ambassador Ilona House of Ilona and Company Events
  • Paired Appetizer Recipe Card and Chef Demo from Chef Mark Hudak of 3 Chefs Catering
  • Goody Bag with Treats

Goody Bags can be picked up at the Chamber office, 190 E. James St. tomorrow or Wed. from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm or Thurs. from 9:00 am - noon. For curbside pick up call (847) 381-2525.
FREE Virtual Coffee Break with BACC on Friday

Sign up for a Virtual Coffee Break with BACC members this Friday, Jan. 22 at 10:00 am. Let's reconnect, network and share ideas about our hopes and plans for 2021.

This is a FREE event, but you must register in advance online to receive your zoom link.
Virtual Economic Summit with Village Leaders Feb. 3

Hear first-hand updates from our Village Leaders on the State of the Greater Barrington Area at the first Virtual Economic Summit on Wednesday, Feb. 3 from 8:30 - 10:00 am. Invited panelists include village leaders from Barrington, Barrington Hills, Deer Park, Inverness, Kildeer, Lake Barrington, Long Grove, North Barrington, Port Barrington, South Barrington and Tower Lakes. The event is open to the public. Cost to attend is $10.
Virtual Network Shakeup is Feb. 3 - Register Today!

Join BACC for our Virtual Network Shakeup on Thursday, Feb. 18 from noon -1:30 pm. This fun Zoom networking event offers you Big-Screen Connections and Small Break-Out Room Discussions! Deadline to register is Feb. 16 and cost is $15 for BACC members, and $25 for nonmembers. Or bring a guest and save: $20 per BACC Member & Guest!
Member Updates
The New BACC Regional Magazine & Resource Directory is Out!

The 2020-2021 Barrington Area Regional Magazine & Resource Directory is complete and has been mailed to 20,000 residents and businesses! Active BACC members are listed for FREE in this publication, which includes an easy-to-use guide of Chamber members listed alphabetically and by service category. It also contains lots of great articles, valuable information, a "Dining in the Barrington Area" section, and a comprehensive directory of government and community resources. If you haven't received your copy yet, stop by the Chamber office at 190 E. James St. in Barrington to pick one up. To view a digital version of the magazine CLICK HERE.
BACC Now Accepting Applications for Lauren Brown Memorial Scholarships

The BACC Scholarship Committee is now accepting applications for the 2021 Lauren Brown Memorial Scholarships. Each spring the Chamber awards scholarships to local high school students pursuing higher education through a university, community college, or vocational/trade certification program. Eligible students must be from the Barrington area, or the student of an employee at a Chamber member business. Scholarships range from $500 to $1,500. Applications must be received by March 23, 2021. To download an application CLICK HERE
Marketing Opportunities
Say "Welcome Neighbor!" to New Residents in 2021

Target residents moving into the 60010 area just as they are developing new buying habits with our Welcome Neighbor program! There are three ways to participate:

  • Receive monthly New Resident Lists for your own marketing efforts (Cost:$150);
  • Include a flyer, trinket or coupon only (1,000 items) in the Welcome Neighbor Bags (Cost: $150);
  • Participate in both option #1 and #2 and save (Cost: $275).
Member Benefit: eBlast Your Message to the Chamber!

One of your many Chamber benefits is the opportunity to send your sales message to nearly 1,400 fellow Chamber members! BACC regularly sends member eblasts and can accommodate your promotional schedule and events. Everyone for whom we have a valid email address receives BACC eblasts. Sponsorships of our weekly Chamber and Member newsletters are also available. For details email or call the Chamber at (847) 381-2525.
News & Resources
Limited Indoor Dining to Resume in Tier 1

Following a decrease in COVID-19 test positivity rates and hospitalizations throughout Illinois, Gov. Pritzker announced regions across the state are now eligible to move out of Tier 3 mitigations, which were implemented shortly before Thanksgiving. With some regions now beginning to make progress, any region that has met the metrics for a reduction of mitigations will be able to move to less restrictive tiers. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.
PPP Loan Updates

First and Second Draw PPP Loans began last week for community financial institutions. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is reopening with updated guidelines, including new eligibility requirements and funding usage.

Key PPP updates include:
  • PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s covered period to be any length between 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs;
  • PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures;
  • The Program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, direct marketing organizations, among other types of organizations;
  • The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees;
  • Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount; and
  • Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.

For additional information visit sba.gov/ppp or treasury.gov/cares.
SBA Launces FREE Online Platform to Help Women Business Owners

The U.S. Small Business Administration has launched Ascent, a FREE online learning platform geared to support women entrepreneurs. Ascent is the first-of-its-kind online resource specifically designed to help the nearly 10 million American women entrepreneurs grow and scale their small business. For more information about the program CLICK HERE.
Drive-Thru COVID-19 Vaccinations Available by Appt. in Lake County

The Lake County Health Dept. will begin providing COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment only this week at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Rd. in Grayslake. To receive a vaccine, Lake County residents much register on the AllVax Portal and have a confirmed appointment. A limited number of eligible people are notified to schedule these appointments. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.
Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine

While there may be minimal risks associated with the vaccine, Dr. Robert Citronberg of Advocate Good Shephed Hospital says, “There is no doubt that receiving the vaccine is safer than the alternative, which is getting COVID.” To read the Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the COVID19 Vaccine CLICK HERE.  
2021 Chairman Circle Advantage Members:
To learn more about how you can participate in this program CLICK HERE.
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