Strive to read the McH THRIVE newsletter every week for great information about our County

McH THRIVE Update!

Resume McHenry County

becomes McH THRIVE!

With the end of the state and federal COVID-19 states of emergency, it’s time to stop talking about resuming life as normal and dedicate it to moving ahead, together, better than before.

We deserve the opportunity that lies before us… our manufacturers and small businesses, our workforce, our tourism industry, our agriculture and agritourism sectors and our economic development agencies and chambers of commerce… all of us deserve the opportunity to THRIVE!

Thank you for reading and subscribing to the new McH THRIVE! You can help us continue to grow by forwarding this email to people who you think would enjoy it. They can subscribe by visiting McHenryCountyIL.gov/social.com or on social media.

State launches $15 million federal grant support program

A new state grant program aims to encourage Illinois businesses and organizations to apply for federal grants by pledging a state match.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity last week announced the creation of the Federal Grant Support Program to provide the match, up to $2 million, for competitive federal grants.

The program is open to Illinois entities applying for federal grants in support of projects that broadly align with Illinois’ economic development goals and priorities, including projects that support long-term economic growth, focus on reducing the equity gap, and efforts to attract more workers and businesses to Illinois.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until available funds are depleted; projects located in underserved areas or low-income communities will receive additional points during the review process. Click here to learn more, and email CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov for application assistance.

Subscribe to the Naturally McHenry County Insider

Every week, McH Thrive makes sure to give you a taste of the year-round entertainment, leisure and events available in McHenry County.

But it’s a small taste. We only have so much room, and given everything that McHenry County offers, it can be a bit overwhelming – as in drinking-out-of-a-fire-hose overwhelming.

When it comes to experiencing the best of McHenry County, it pays to be an Insider.

If you’re not subscribing to the Insider – the free monthly e-newsletter put out by our friends at Naturally McHenry County – you’re missing out on a lot.

Click here to subscribe and to read the latest edition!

Blue Collar Jobs Act targets tax credits for construction

The state has created $20 million in tax credits for companies making substantial capital investment in Illinois.

To be eligible for the new Blue Collar Jobs Act, a company must be located in an Enterprise Zone or a River Edge Redevelopment Zone, be designated as a High-Impact Business, or have an agreement under the state EDGE program.

Did you know McHenry County has an enterprise zone? It includes much of Harvard and Woodstock, and the Marengo I-90 interchange, as well as Routes 23 and 14 connecting the cities. You can find an interactive map here.

Click here to learn the tax credit eligibility criteria. Eligible companies can receive tax credits equal to 75 percent of the income tax attributable to construction workers on eligible projects located in an underserved area, or 50 percent for projects located in other areas.

The DCEO will host a one-hour technical assistance webinar regarding the grant at 1 p.m. June 26. You can RSVP by clicking here, and companies seeking more information can email ceo.bcja@illinois.gov.

Hit the McHenry County Craft Beverage Trail

Summer temperatures are here – and if you’re 21 or older, nothing beats that summer heat like a locally crafted adult beverage.

And what better way to learn about McHenry County’s outstanding (and growing) craft beverage industry than sampling them all (responsibly, of course)?

The McHenry County Craft Beverage Trail includes 10 (soon to be 11) local breweries and distilleries to be enjoyed at your own pace. Before you order, ask your server for the check-in code and enter it through the Naturally McHenry County smart phone app. A prize awaits you upon completion of the challenge.

Visit www.McHCraftBev.com to learn more, and to download the Naturally McHenry County phone app and participate.

IDOT creates virtual open house for Active Transportation Plan

Are you interested in making it easier in Illinois to bike, walk and run? The Illinois Department of Transportation has created a virtual open house for its Active Transportation Plan.

The site contains a 360-degree display of information board regarding the project, its goals and outcomes, and the benefits of a robust active transportation system. It includes links to videos, an interactive map, and a survey to collect your input.

You can visit it by clicking here.

Harvard Milk Days heralds start to summer festival season

Harvard Milk Days is already on the moooooove,

Fresh off of its Milk Days Queen and Prince/Princess contest earlier this month, the 82nd annual event kicks off tomorrow with the crowd favorites of the downtown Ayer Street bed race and Big Wheel race. Following the Youth Parade on Thursday, Milk Days kicks into high gear on Friday with the opening of the festival grounds, and a weekend of fun for the family.

Visit the Harvard Milk Days website, and follow them on Facebook, to learn more about the events.

By the way, the name of Harmilda, the fiberlass dairy cow gracing downtown Harvard, is a portmanteau of Harvard Milk Days. Now you know!