Cold Weather Cuisine

Restaurant Owners and Operators are invited to join Mayor Kristina Kovarik and Vice-Mayor Tom Hood for a discussion about transitioning to the cooler weather and managing indoor/outdoor dining options in Gurnee.   Please join the conversation via Zoom on Thursday, September 24, at 10:00AM.

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          https://gurnee-il-us.zoom.us/j/4074205087

          Meeting ID: 407 420 5087

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Phase 4 FAQ’s

Gurnee is located in Region 9 (Lake/McHenry) of the State, and we are currently operating under Phase 4 Guidelines.   For additional business guidance, see the Current FAQ’s (updated 9/1/20).

Open Application for $220 Million in Business Interruption Grants (BIG)

A second round of the Business Interruption Grants (BIG) program, now open, will direct $220 million to provide relief for all types of small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 but with a particular focus on businesses downstate, in disproportionately impacted areas (DIAs) and heavily distressed industries and regions – representing businesses that have been unable to reopen or are operating at a severely diminished capacity since the spring. This program is open to businesses with less than $20 million annual revenue. Applications are being processed on a rolling basis and funds are expected to be depleted quickly.  You can prepare in advance for the application by reviewing sample questions and a list of required documents here.  Registration is currently being accepted for a series of webinars on the program:

• September 23, 9:30am-10:30am
• September 30, 9:30am-10:30am
• October 7, 9:30am-10:30am
• October 14, 9:30am-10:30am
• October 21, 9:30am-10:30am

Abbott’s Game-Changing COVID-19 Test

Abbott Laboratories recently announced that it will be hiring up to 2,000 employees at its new facility in Gurnee as it ramps up assembly of its cutting-edge, rapid COVID-19 test called BinaxNow. Abbott has invested $18 million in the existing 255,000 square foot facility at 605 Tri-State Parkway to rapidly launch operations, and hiring is underway.   Day and night shifts are open, with benefits and a cash bonus up to $2,500 offered.  Shuttle service from the Metra station is available, and no training or experience is necessary. Those interested in applying should send a resume to: abbconlabor@abbott.com. 

A special drive-thru hiring event will be held 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 3 at Cristo Rey St. Martin High School in Waukegan. To learn more and register to attend, click here. To see the new facility and hear about the positions, watch this new video. 

Lake County to Host Virtual Town Hall on September 30th 

Lake County is holding its third live Virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, September 30th at 7 p.m.  Lake County Chair Sandy Hart will host a panel discussion on the local impact of COVID-19 and the associated relief efforts and programs that have been implemented to assist local businesses and residents. Learn more and register to attend here. 

Census 2020

Gurnee is doing its part to be counted!  81.6% of Gurnee households have responded to the Census.

Did you know that the Census Bureau also issues a Small Business Pulse Survey?   Based on responses collected September 6-12, the Survey estimates that:

• 30.9% of U.S. small businesses have experienced a large negative effect, and 44.5% a moderate negative effect, from the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 48.2% of U.S. retail trade businesses have experienced domestic supplier delays in the last week.
• 43.9% of U.S. small businesses believe more than 6 months of time will pass before their business returns to its normal level of operations.

Check out the Census Bureau’s COVID-19 Data Hub, designed to help guide the nation in its recovery efforts by providing economic and demographic data. 

Gurnee’s Got It! Thursdays on 102.3XLC

Featuring Gurnee’s amazing array of small businesses, fascinating people, places, and events, this morning segment (7:30AM) with Wes & Leah provides a great opportunity to get to know your community better. Tune in each Thursday at 7:30AM. 

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if we can be of assistance. Gurnee businesses continue to prove – undeniably – that Gurnee’s Got It!  Thank you for all you do.

Sincerely,

Ellen Dean
Economic Development Director
Village of Gurnee
edean@village.gurnee.il.us | 847-599-7574