McHenry Count News for this week…

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!

McHenry Riverwalk business incubator opening in June

The McHenry Riverwalk this summer will be home to 10 small businesses taking advantage of a new business incubator program.

The businesses, from June to October, will occupy 10 tiny shops being built at Miller Point Park, just next to the Riverwalk on Boone Creek. This project will provide a physical retail experience to small businesses ready to take on the challenge of operating in a brick-and-mortar location.

Incubators like this one yield results; according to the National Association of Business Incubators, 87% of incubated businesses are still open after five years, and 84% stay in the area where they started.

Thank you to the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce for the ingenious idea, and to the students of McHenry High School for building the tiny shops. To learn more, click here.

Operation Dropbox for veterans kicks off in May

Once again, businesses and civic groups are banding together to participate in Operation Dropbox for veterans.

Starting May 1 and lasting through the entire month, 25 sites countywide are setting up drop boxes to accept items to help veterans in need. Donatable items include nonperishable food, paper products, personal hygiene items, household items, socks, pillows, and other necessities.

You can find a complete list of items, and drop off locations, by visiting https://bit.ly/OperationDropbox.

Donations will be collected weekly, and distributed through the local charity Veterans Path to Hope.

DCEO offering $16 million in clean energy job grants

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has announced $16 million in funding to increase training opportunities in the clean energy trade industries, and expand the clean energy talent pipeline.

The $10 million Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, which will help provide a pathway to apprenticeship in the growing renewable energy field, will prioritize underrepresented communities, and residents living in communities that have faced historical barriers. Another $6 million will be allocated through the Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program, which will provide services to participants to address obstacles such as transportation and child care.

The program is expected to enroll 500 to 700 apprentices in its first year. Click here to learn more, and to sign up for workshops and grant assistance.

Advance McHenry County grants to fund water/sewer improvements

Six local governments are receiving Advance McHenry County grants to help fund projects upgrading their water and sewer infrastructure.

The County Board at its April 18 meeting approved the grant requests, totaling more than $6.5 million, for the villages of Wonder Lake, Union, Cary, Fox River Grove and Huntley, and the Northern Moraine Wastewater Reclamation District.

Since its January 2022 inception, Advance McHenry County has approved investing almost $25.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding directly into self-sustaining programs that directly benefit our communities.

Click here to learn more about Advance McHenry County and the grants awarded by the County Board.

Woodstock looking for roundabout art proposals

A statue, a sculpture … or maybe a welcome sign? What do you think should greet visitors driving through Woodstock’s new roundabout?

The City of Woodstock is actively seeking proposals for artwork to be placed in the center of the Lake-South-Madison roundabout to enhance the community’s aesthetic. The artwork must be highly visible, designed to be seen from a distance, and able to be enjoyed from various perspectives.

The Woodstock Arts Commission is accepting RFQs through May 26. Click here to learn more about the requirements and apply.

Kite Fest comes to Huntley on May 13

Spring is kite flying season – and if you or your kids are kite enthusiasts, Huntley is the place to be on Saturday, May 13.

Kite Fest will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the soccer fields of Warrington Park, 12209 W. Main St.

Bring your own kite, watch professional kite flyers performing intricate routines, and stay for kite candy drops. Best of all, the event is free to the public.

For more information, call 847-515-5262, or email Special Events Manager Barb Read at bread@huntley.il.us.