Gurnee Business Partner:

The health and safety of Gurnee’s residents, our business’ employees and customers, and our millions of visitors is of paramount importance in all we do.  Their continued confidence is central to our economic viability.

With that guiding principle in mind, the Village of Gurnee continues to abide by the operating standards established by the Governor’s executive orders, the Restore Illinois plan and Phase 4 Guidelines, and public health guidance issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Lake County Health Department and federal agencies.   The Village is mirroring these guidelines, exercising local flexibility in ways that support our businesses, such as allowing temporary outdoor dining and liquor “to go” for current licensees.  Some businesses have chosen to pursue additional measures beyond the published guidance in order to protect their guests and employees, and we are fully supportive of those efforts as well.   As a reminder, if a customer or guest is noncompliant with safety measures and refuses to leave a business premises, this can be handled as a trespassing charge by calling 9-1-1 to reach the Gurnee Police Department.

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) hotline is available for clarification on how State guidelines apply to your business:  1-800-252-2923 or ceo.support@illinois.gov, and the DCEO website consolidates information on financial and informational resources for small, midsize, and larger businesses.  Additionally, the Illinois Department of Finance and Professional Regulation has information and guidance for industries regulated by that office; its website can be accessed here.

Resources

One of the newest financial resources available to Gurnee businesses is the Lake County Small Business Recovery Grant program, funded by the CARES Act.  Through July 20, Lake County small businesses (< $2.5 million annual revenue) can apply online for a grant of up to $30,000 to fund up to four months of occupancy costs and COVID-19 related expenses.    Webinars on this new grant program will be offered July 14 and 20; links available at lakecountyil.gov/forward.  

Round One of applications for the Illinois Business Interruption Grant program has now closed; however, a total of $540 million has been allocated for this program, so please check back here for updates on future rounds, eligibility criteria and applications.

The last day the SBA can accept Paycheck Protection Program applications from lenders is August 8. Interested participants should work with their local lending institutions on pursuing this opportunity. Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) can provide assistance.

The SBA is still accepting new online applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), with advances of up to $10,000 available.

If businesses have PPE that they are interested in selling to the State of Illinois,  please contact the State of Illinois' COVID-19 PPE Procurement Team (covid.procurement@illinois.gov) indicating the type of PPE for sale; quantity; price; and location.

On July 15, 10:00-11:00am, the State of Illinois Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) is hosting an open online conversation with constituents (racial/ethnic minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veteran owned businesses). Registration available HERE.

Community News

Work is underway to erect steel beams for the new Union Pacific Railroad bridge, resulting in the temporary closure of Grand Avenue east of Route 41 announced earlier this week.   Traffic is being detoured this weekend to Route 41, Washington Street, and Green Bay Road; traffic updates can be found here.  Work is expected to be completed by 5:00AM on Monday, July 13.

Hurricane Harbor Chicago at Six Flags opens July 20 for members and season pass holders!   We are excited to welcome back our summer visitors to Gurnee and look forward to the theme park fully reopening soon.  Six Flags’ top priority is keeping you and your family safe while visiting, and the Park is introducing an impressive number of new social distancing and sanitization protocols as part of its DoTheSix Safety Plan.

• All guests 3 and over must wear masks
• Non-invasive temperature checks upon entry
• Sanitization teams throughout the park
• Reduced park capacity
• Hand sanitizer and hand washing stations
• Park reservation system
• Continuously sanitized restrooms
• 6ft separations in ride and food lines
• New touch free pre-screen procedures
• Food area reconfiguration
• No waves in wave pool

This pandemic has laid bare the truth that our actions, or inaction, impact others; I am so incredibly proud of our community’s response.   Our businesses and residents are diligent and determined.   Our economy is open and revitalizing!   We are #BackTogether again – safely and socially.  Gurnee’s Got It! 

Sincerely,

Mayor Kristina M. Kovarik     
Village of Gurnee