Read important updates and news from around the County that you might not have heard elsewhere!
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ResumeMcHenry County Update!
Through our collaboration with McHenry County, we will continue to share important information on stimulus programs, COVID-19 updates, and where the county is opening up through ResumeMcHenry County Updates.
Please take a moment to scroll down to see new advancements this week as more and more are opening up 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!
Project Front Line wins state tourism honor
Five county residents set out at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and its crushing lock-downs to “be the reason someone smiles today.”
They created Project Front Line McHenry County to do their part by spreading kindness to health care workers, first responders and other essential workers by raising funds to buy them meals, baked goods and refreshments from local restaurants, cafes and bakeries.
Like ripples in a pond, the $50,000 they raised resulted in more than 8,100 random acts of kindness that gave a financial shot in the arm to 41 local businesses struggling to stay open – and at the same time, brought together a community that was forced apart to slow the pandemic’s spread.
This beacon of light in the darkness was honored last week with a Silver Lining Stories award from the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism for stepping up for our essential workers. Congratulations, and thank you to Visit McHenry County for nominating them for the honor!
Frequent readers of our e-newsletter know all about the McHenry County Workforce Network and the yeoman’s job they do to help connect job searchers and employers with one another, and connect people seeking better jobs with the training they need.
You can learn all about the network, and seek out the many opportunities they offer, at their website at www.mchenrycountyworkforce.com. But don’t just take our word when it comes to all they do – did you know they offer video testimonials as well?
Visit their website, as well as their YouTube page, to watch videos from prospective employers discussing available jobs and career opportunities, as well as success stories from workers who took advantage of Workforce Network programs to find meaningful employment.
We can’t stress enough how hungry McHenry County employers are, like many employers nationwide, for well-trained and motivated workers. If you’re looking to find good work, or want to get training to find better work, visit their website and check out their many programs and opportunities.
Amazon deliver center planned for Crystal Lake
Alexa, order 500 jobs for Crystal Lake and McHenry County!
An 183,000-square-foot Amazon delivery station could be coming to 275 S. Main St. in Crystal Lake with an affirmative vote next week by the City Council, according to the Northwest Herald. The proposal passed the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously; you can watch the presentation here.
The station would employ 500 people – just under 200 inside the facility, and 300 line-haul and delivery drivers. Starting pay will be between $18 and $22 an hour. Delivery stations are the last stop for packages in Amazon’s distribution system before they are delivered to homes and businesses.
Amazon also is in the process of building a 629,186-square-foot distribution center in Huntley that will employ 1,000. Work is expected to be finished next year; work will begin next year on the Crystal Lake facility should it get City Council approval.
Want to help draft the County’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan?
McHenry County is looking for a few good men and women with a passion for land use planning to serve on its Regional Planning Commission.
The nine-member commission will be responsible for guiding the drafting of the McHenry County 2050 Comprehensive Plan. Applicants must live in McHenry County, and have a demonstrated interest in land use planning and policy-related issues.
Interested persons have until Friday, Jan. 14 to fill out the standard application form, as well as a one-page supplement for Regional Planning Commission applicants. They can be downloaded here, or obtained at the County Board Office, Room 209, McHenry County Government Center, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.
Completed forms can be emailed to Kathie Bough at KMBough@mchenrycountyil.gov, or mailed to the McHenry County Board, 2200 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, IL 60098. If mailed, certified or registered mail is recommended.
For more information, contact Planning Manager Renee Hanlon at 815-334-4555, or at RWHanlon@mchenrycountyil.gov.
New federal laws increase job, care benefits for veterans
President Biden last month signed several bipartisan bills into law to help veterans and their dependents with job and education opportunities.
The Hire Veterans Health Heroes Act directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to create a program aimed at recruiting medical personnel leaving the Armed Forces to work in federal health care occupations, such as VA hospitals and clinics. More than 13,000 people with health care backgrounds separate from the military each year.
Another law, the Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act, requires public universities to charge spouses and children of veterans who qualify for the Survivors and Dependents Education Assistance Program the in-state tuition rate, regardless of the state in which they live.
The (short and sweet!) Nutcracker returns to the Opera House
With the lifting of COVID-19 capacity restrictions earlier this year, ResumeMcHenry County is featuring the return of its iconic and traditional attractions, and the founding of new ones.
The magic of The Nutcracker once again returns to the Woodstock Opera House, courtesy of the talented performers of the Judith Svalander Dance Theatre.
Last year’s performance of the one-hour version of the famous fairy ballet was virtual because of COVID-19 restrictions, but this year, Clara’s enchanting journey again returns for in-person performance!
Two more performances are scheduled for this Saturday (2 p.m. and 7 p.m.,) and this Sunday (2 p.m. and 6 p.m). You can click here to purchase tickets, and click here to learn more about the Judith Svalander School of Ballet, which will celebrate its 50th year in 2022!
We hope we got your attention. We need your help reaching more McHenry County residents and businesses to share this important information about the COVID-19 response and connect them with vital resources.
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ResumeMcHenry 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.
