DCEO

DCEO and IMEC Launch Made in Illinois Grant Program to Boost Manufacturing

Retrieved on: 
Friday, February 2, 2024

CHICAGO, Feb. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) today launched $1 million in funding for the Made in Illinois Grant Program.

Key Points: 
  • CHICAGO, Feb. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) today launched $1 million in funding for the Made in Illinois Grant Program.
  • The Made in Illinois program provides up to $50,000 in matching grant funding to small- and mid-sized Illinois manufacturers to support innovation and strategic advancements in manufacturing.
  • "With the launch of the Made in Illinois Grant Program, we commend the state for making a strategic investment in our manufacturers and their future," said IMEC President, David Boulay, PhD.
  • Through expertise and resources and through the grant program, manufacturers are set to benefit from:
    Productivity Boost: Grant funds support production enhancements for sustained growth.

ComEd Reminds Customers of Bill-Assistance Options During the LIHEAP Application Period

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, September 28, 2023

As the state of Illinois prepares to launch the new, three-phase application period for utility-bill assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), ComEd reminds customers that it offers a wide-range of support options for customers of all income levels.

Key Points: 
  • As the state of Illinois prepares to launch the new, three-phase application period for utility-bill assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), ComEd reminds customers that it offers a wide-range of support options for customers of all income levels.
  • Beginning Nov. 1, households that are disconnected from service or have a disconnection notice can start applying for LIHEAP assistance.
  • Other options ComEd offers to help customers with their bills now and into the future include:
    Payment arrangements of up to 12 months for eligible residential customers with past-due balances.
  • To make it easier for customers to sort through these and other bill-assistance options and energy-efficiency programs, ComEd offers its Smart Assistance Manager (SAM) at ComEd.com/SAM .

Gov. Pritzker Unveils New "Middle of Everything" Summer Ad Campaign, Starring and Directed by Illinois' own Jane Lynch

Retrieved on: 
Monday, June 26, 2023

CHICAGO, June 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Pritzker along with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Office of Tourism (IOT) today announced the launch of three new TV ads as part of its tourism campaign, "Middle of Everything," starring Illinois native and Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actress and director Jane Lynch. The summer campaign features a catchy new song performed by Lynch that promotes the diverse attractions, natural wonders, and outdoor experiences that can only be found in Illinois. To view the ads and other media assets for the "Middle of Everything," click HERE.

Key Points: 
  • "Our 'Middle of Everything' campaign has been a resounding success—bringing in millions of visitors and generating $1 billion in revenue," said Governor JB Pritzker.
  • "With Illinois native Jane Lynch as our shining star and spokesperson, I have no doubt that we will have a record-breaking year for our tourism industry.
  • Jane, thank you for your partnership as we show the world all that the Land of Lincoln has to offer."
  • "It's been an absolute joy to bring to life the 'Middle of Everything' campaign in new and exciting ways," said Jane Lynch.

Rosalind Franklin University Announces Wet Lab Buildout Aided by $2 Million in State Matching Funds

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, June 22, 2023

"I couldn't be happier to announce that Rosalind Franklin University's brand-new, world-class wet lab space has been completed, thanks to $2 million in state funding," Governor JB Pritzker said.

Key Points: 
  • "I couldn't be happier to announce that Rosalind Franklin University's brand-new, world-class wet lab space has been completed, thanks to $2 million in state funding," Governor JB Pritzker said.
  • The matching funds, awarded in October 2021 by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), were paired with $2 million from RFU.
  • Demand for wet lab space continues to grow along with investment in life sciences in the Chicago region.
  • "The DCEO has helped bridge the gap so that Illinois life science companies can continue to attract investment."

The President's "E" Award Awarded to SIUE's Illinois SBDC International Trade Center

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, June 6, 2023

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill., June 6, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In 1961, President Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II "E" symbol of excellence to honor and recognize America's exporters. On Tuesday, June 6, the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and International Trade Center (ITC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville received the "E" award for export service at the 62nd anniversary of the award ceremony at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Key Points: 
  • On Tuesday, June 6, the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and International Trade Center (ITC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville received the "E" award for export service at the 62nd anniversary of the award ceremony at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
  • The Illinois SBDC ITC was one of four organizations that won the "E" award for export service and the only one located at a university.
  • The Illinois SBDC ITC at SIUE has been serving the exporting needs of small and medium-sized businesses from 35 counties in southern Illinois for nearly four decades.
  • The Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at SIUE serves businesses in southern Illinois by providing individualized, no-cost export advising, identification of foreign buyers, agents and/or distributors through trade leads, international market analysis, and more.

VIA Names Tremell Brown Deputy Chief Executive Officer

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 23, 2023

2 leadership position, selecting Tremell Brown, a 33-year veteran of the agency, to serve as Deputy CEO.

Key Points: 
  • 2 leadership position, selecting Tremell Brown, a 33-year veteran of the agency, to serve as Deputy CEO.
  • He advanced through the Operations Division, having held several leadership positions, including Vice President of Transportation, VP of Safety, Training and System Security and Chief Safety Officer.
  • As DCEO, Brown will assist VIA’s President/CEO in oversight of all staff functions and agency operations.
  • “During his tenure at VIA, Tremell has served with distinction and accumulated invaluable experience across the agency,” President/CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt said.