The Village will host a webinar titled "Digital Marketing in a COVID Economy" from 8 to 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 5. Stephanie Pyrzynski of Geoffresh Inc. will cover three smart ways to pivot your business now and beyond using search engines, social media and relationship marketing.

Register in advance for this webinar on Zoom. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Stephanie is the creative side of Geoffresh Inc., a digital marketing agency headquartered in Tinley Park that’s been in business since 2007. In addition to being co-owner and vice president, she oversees the design and messaging aspects of every project. Stephanie balances out the purely data-focused side of building an online presence with the human element, ensuring content looks beautiful and resonates with users.

With eight years of experience in public relations and digital marketing, as well as eight prior additional years in journalism, Stephanie has a proven track record of working with C-suite executives and teams to generate interest and revenue in brands for both internal and external audiences. Some of her past and present clients include the Major County Sheriffs of America, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in applied psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Masters Degree in digital media and storytelling from Loyola University Chicago.

The Village of Tinley Park will test its CodeRED Emergency Notification System from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12 to validate the telephone numbers in its database. Here’s what you need to know:

Residents and businesses are encouraged to subscribe and add or update their contact information, in particular those individuals who have unlisted phone numbers, who have changed their phone number or address within the past year, and those who use a cell phone or VoIP phone as their primary number. The more residents who actively add or update their contact information in the emergency database, the better the Village can protect people and property.

The CodeRED system allows Tinley Park officials to effectively reach residents and personnel by using the system’s capabilities to send telephone calls, text messages, emails and social media posts to inform residents and better protect life and property.

The Village of Tinley Park is committed to supporting restaurants through the Winter Dining Grant, which was created to help businesses comply with public health requirements while expanding their seating capacity through the winter months.

An applicant may be reimbursed for as much as $5,000 for the purchase or rental of barriers, outdoor coverings, heating equipment, lighting equipment, outdoor furniture and other costs associated with outdoor dining. A $1,000 owner investment is required. Expenses previously incurred starting Aug. 1, 2020 may be considered for reimbursement with proof of purchase.

Interested business owners can submit an application with supporting documents to pcordero@tinleypark.org. Community Development Department staff will confirm receipt within one business day. If the grant is approved, the Village will schedule an inspection.

The process is for the use of private property only. If a restaurant is seeking the use of public sidewalks or roadways, please contact the Community Development Department at (708) 444-5110.

Eligible businesses must hold a current business license and, if applicable, a current liquor license. The restaurant must also be in compliance with all of the Village’s liquor codes.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. Visit the Village website to apply or for more information.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DECO) is offering the second wave of grants as part of its Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program to provide more than $200 million in economic relief for small businesses hit by COVID-19.

The second wave aims to provide relief for all types of small businesses, but with a particular focus on businesses downstate, in disproportionately impacted areas (DIAs) and for heavily impacted industries and regions that have been unable to reopen or are operating at a severely diminished capacity since the spring.

To apply, fill out the Business Interruption Grant Application. For more information, visit the DCEO website.

Will County has earmarked more than $24 million for the Small Business Assistance Grant Program to provide financial assistance to small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Funds will help businesses maintain operations.

Will County businesses may be eligible for as much as $15,000. Applications are available online now through Monday, Nov. 16. To be eligible, business must:

For more information or to apply, visit WillCountyIllinois.com/COVIDbizgrant.