World Business Chicago Features McHenry County in new video!

Written on March 28, 2023.

Resume McHenry County Update!

Through our collaboration with McHenry County, we will continue to share important information on services, programs to help our citizens, and events in our county through Resume McHenry County updates.

Please take a moment to scroll down to see new advancements this week as we move forward in McHenry County. If MCEDC can be of any help, please call. Forward this email to your friends and family to help get the word out!

World Business Chicago features McHenry County in new video

Thank you to our new partners at World Business Chicago for showcasing McHenry County in its first video interview touting the new Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership!

The 17-minute video, which you can click above to watch, explores how McHenry County is playing a vital role in driving the Chicago region’s economic growth, and building a dynamic and resilient local economy. Earlier this year, McHenry County joined the City of Chicago, Cook County and five other counties in creating the partnership, which will drive a regional economic strategy to unite and strengthen our efforts in an increasingly competitive global market.

Special thanks to WBC Vice President of Research Robin Ficke and Research Director Hannah Loftus for their great interview with County Board Chairman Mike Buehler and County Administrator Peter Austin.

County Board approves more Advance McHenry County grants

The County Board has approved three new Advance McHenry County grants that will help build affordable senior housing, increase mental health resources, and improve access to to child care.

The Ales Foundation will receive $1.9 million to help build senior housing in Woodstock. Options and Advocacy for McHenry County will receive about $1.3 million to establish a neurodiversity and mental health clinic, and Sage YMCA will receive $442,000 to establish a financial assistance program for its summer camp and child care.

You can read more about these latest grants, and how Advance McHenry County is making a positive impact through investing federal COVID-19 recovery funding into community projects, by clicking here.

State announces $175M in grants for restaurants, hotels, arts businesses

Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity have announced that $175 million in grant funding is now available to assist restaurants, hotels and creative arts businesses that are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The application period begins April 5 and ends May 10; grant awards are expected to be made several weeks after the deadline passes. All eligible applicants will receive a grant as long as the business meets eligibility requirements and submits the proper documentation.

Click here to learn more, and to apply once the period opens. The page includes links to several upcoming webinars to explain the program and the application process.

Woodstock launches old courthouse business incubator program

Do you own a new or growing business? The City of Woodstock has created a retail incubation program in the newly renovated Old Courthouse Center that may be perfect for you!

The new incubator, THE 101, will provide a physical retail location for startup or online businesses ready to take on the challenge of operating a brick-and-mortar location. Two businesses will be selected to test the market in downtown Woodstock while gaining retail experience under the mentorship of the City of Woodstock and the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

You can learn more and apply by visiting c h oos e wo od st o ck .com – but the application window closes at 5 p.m. this Friday, so get moving, and good luck!

Mental Health Board seeking three-year plan survey input

The McHenry County Mental Health Board is seeking feedback from the public as it crafts its three-year plan for 2024 through 2026.

Through an online survey, the Mental Health Board will collect information from the public in order to formulate its objectives and goals – and determine future services and activities.

Click here to take the survey, which closes on Sunday, April 9.

Naturally McHenry County is your one stop for Easter festivities

Easter celebrations for the kids are popping up all over McHenry County.

From Easter egg hunts to chances to meet with the Easter Bunny – not just for your kids, but your dog as well – kids have plenty of opportunities to have fun and get some fresh air.

Be sure to click here to visit the Naturally McHenry County events calendar to find Easter activities, and so much more.

We hope we got your attention. We need your help reaching more McHenry County residents and businesses to share this important information about important

services and events connect them with vital resources.

Please take these four steps:

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Staying connected and informed is more important now than ever! Follow McHenry County on social media for regular updates on important topics in our region, resources and safety tips as well as events to bring our community back together again!

What is Resume McHenry County?

Resume McHenry County is a collaborative initiative being implemented by McHenry County and the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) in partnership with the McHenry County community, including cities and villages, businesses and residents. The goal is to ensure a successful reopening of our economy so that we can return to our lifestyles safely and responsibly.