Noteworthy News
An electronic newsletter for Tinley Park businesses
April 30, 2020

'Stay at Home' extension includes face covering, allows some businesses to reopen
As you are probably aware, Gov. J.B. Pritzker last week extended the State’s “Stay at Home” order through May 31. This extension includes new regulations, which go into effect May 1, and allows certain businesses to reopen.

Among other things, the extension mandates the use of face coverings whenever people are in a public place and are unable to keep a six-foot distance from each other. Businesses are encouraged to provide its employees with face coverings whenever social distancing is unfeasible.

Businesses should also try, to the best of their ability, to space customers apart with markings, create one-way aisles, and slow the ingress and egress of customers. These measures will help control occupancy and mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19. Businesses should also design an in-store layout that allows employees to keep a safe distance from each other. If this isn’t possible, please have them wear face coverings.

Under the new regulations, retail stores that are considered “non-essential” can open with curbside pickup or delivery. Greenhouses, garden centers, nurseries and animal grooming services will be considered “essential” and may reopen.

The extension also has new stipulations for outdoor activities. Golf will be allowed as long as clubhouses are closed, there is no food service, people golf in twos only, golfers don’t use a cart unless they have a disability, and there is 15 minutes between tee times. Boating and fishing will also now be allowed, given there are only two people per boat. The Department of Natural Resources will reopen some state parks on May 1.

For more information on the extension and the new State regulations, visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website.

For other information, please visit the Village's Business COVID-19 Resources page or contact Economic Development Manager Priscilla Cordero at (708) 444-5000. Businesses can also send an email to COVID19inquiry@TinleyPark.org.
DCEO offers WorkNet grant
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has made funds available for local WorkNet offices throughout Illinois to prevent essential, small businesses from laying off or furloughing employees. DCEO is looking for businesses for whom these potential grant dollars would make the difference between keeping workers on or having to layoff/furlough.

Business who are interested should fill out a brief application and submit it to their local WorkNet office by close of business on Wednesday, May 6. For more information, please see the WIOA Funding Opportunities letter.

Illinois WorkNet is the state's primary employment and training resource for workforce development. See this website to find a WorkNet Center near you.
Webinar: How to Increase Virtual Foot Traffic
Retail Coach and 58 Inc. recently held a webinar for small businesses that discussed ways to generate virtual foot traffic and revenue. The webinar covered the importance of having an online presence, using social media platforms, and website and e-commerce basics. Watch the entire one-hour webinar now online. You can also download the slides that were presented during the webinar.
More Hospitality Grant recipients named
The Village has been notified of additional businesses that have been awarded the Hospitality Grant. The full list of recipients now includes:

  • Dragon Palace Inc.
  • Fratellos Deli and Cafe
  • Siam Marina of Tinley Park
  • Country Inn and Suites
  • WoodSpring Suites
  • Happy Bites
  • Sleep Inn
  • Windgate by Wyndham

Visit the Business COVID-19 Resources page for information on other opportunities and help for Tinley Park businesses.
Cook County Community Recovery Fund
Cook County’s Bureau of Economic Development has launched the Community Recovery Fund as part of the Community Recovery Initiative. This loan fund offers one-time, zero-interest loans of as much as $20,000 for small businesses and $10,000 for independent contractors in suburban Cook County.

Loans will be administered by the Chicago Community Loan Fund and provided by a network of community lenders. To apply, businesses and independent contractors in suburban Cook County must meet these requirements:

Small Businesses 
  • Fewer than 25 employees
  • Less than $3 million in revenue

Gig Workers 
  • At least half of income from 1099 contract work
  • Less than $100,000 in gross annual income

To learn more about the initiative, complete this form.
Safety tips for hand sanitizer dispensers
People are using hand sanitizer now more than ever before. But did you know that, if not properly handled, hand sanitizer can pose a significant fire hazard? The main ingredient in sanitizers is alcohol, and the amount of alcohol needed for an effective disinfecting solution is high enough to be classified as a flammable liquid.

To reduce the risk of fire when using alcohol-based hand rubs, the Tinley Park Fire Department would like you to consider that the maximum capacity for each wall-mounted dispenser is 68 ounces, and that the minimum separation between individual dispensers should be 48 inches.

Don’t install dispensers directly adjacent to, directly above or below an electrical receptacle, switch, appliance, device or other ignition source. The wall space between the dispenser and the floor should remain clear and unobstructed, and dispensers should be mounted so that the bottom is a minimum of 42 inches and a maximum of 48 inches above the finished floor. Also, make sure your dispensers don’t release their contents unless activated.

Please see the attached flyer or call the Tinley Park Fire Prevention Bureau at (708) 444-5200 for information on “touch-free” dispensers and other helpful tips.
Village of Tinley Park
16250 S. Oak Park Avenue Tinley Park, IL 60477
(708) 444-5000
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