WAUKEGAN – To recognize the efforts of small businesses, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is highlighting recipients of Back to Business grants and encouraging residents to shop local as the holiday season approaches.

“To receive financial assistance from the state, 22 locally-owned businesses were able to demonstrate loss from the pandemic,” Johnson said. “By offering support to small businesses, Illinois is working to strengthen our local economies.”

Awarded a combined $990,000, B2B grant recipients in the 30th Senate District include:

• B & B Promotions in Wheeling;
• Banyan Two in Lincolnshire;
• Chang’s Taekwondo in Wheeling;
• Elly’s Pancake House in Mundelein;
• Excel Photo Service in Wheeling;
• Lakehurst Events in Waukegan;
• Super 8 Motel in Mundelein;
• PC Custom Woodwork in Waukegan;
• C. Miller Events in Wheeling;
• Raima Rimkus in Wheeling;
• Dunkin’ Donuts in Vernon Hills;
• VNB in Buffalo Grove;
• Dunkin’ Donuts in Wheeling;
• Young’s Tips to Toes in Wheeling;
• The Taproom in Waukegan;
• AL-MAI in Waukegan;
• Green Town Tavern in Waukegan;
• Hank’s Cleaners in Waukegan;
• Independence Fishing Charters in Waukegan;
• Juan’s Chuck Wagon in Waukegan;
• Kenneth Cobbs Protography in North Chicago; and
• Tony Johnson in Waukegan.

The B2B program allocated $250 million in American Rescue Plan dollars for small businesses hurt financially by the pandemic. Grants ranged from $5,000 to $150,000 and could be used to cover a wide range of operations, such as staff and overhead costs.

“Shopping, eating and thinking local will make a huge difference in our communities this holiday season,” Johnson said. “Visiting storefronts, purchasing gift cards, recommending a service to a friend or simply interacting on social media can offer support to our small business community.”

A full list of B2B grant awardees can be found on DCEO’s website.

LAKE COUNTY, Ill. – State Senators Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) and Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) will host a Health and Wellness Resource and Activity Fair to promote healthy practices and provide wellness activities Sunday, Oct. 24.

“The pandemic has forced disruptions in many aspects of our lives, which has caused people to prioritize their physical and mental health less,” Johnson said. “By attending our health fair, residents can learn ways to get back on track by eating better foods, finding new ways to stay active or having the opportunity to get their COVID-19 vaccine.”

Numerous vendors will be in attendance, providing educational resources to the community and offering yoga sessions, free packaged meals, COVID-19 vaccinations, and more. These vendors include Gurnee Park District, Lake County Health Department, NICASA Organization, NIRCO Organization, HSS Yoga and Wellness, Meridian Health, Illinois Department of Public Health, and North Chicago Fire Department.

The event will take place on Sunday, Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Greenbelt Cultural Center (Woodland Hall), 1215 Green Bay Rd. in North Chicago.

People with questions can contact Johnson’s office at 847-672-6201.

WAUKEGAN – To recognize her commitment to fire safety, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) was selected to receive a prestigious award from the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance.

“When it comes to legislating fire safety initiatives, it’s critical to partner with our state’s professionals,” Johnson said. “It's an honor to be acknowledged by the Alliance for prioritizing fire prevention policies within Illinois to protect our communities from harm and destruction.”

The award was presented in front of more than 300 fire officials from across the state at the annual Prevention Week Luncheon.

Pictured left to right: Illinois Fire Safety Alliance President Chief Jim Kreher, Sen. Adriane Johnson and Government Affairs Director Margaret Vaughn. 

BUFFALO GROVE – To support economic recovery during the pandemic, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) announced $550,000 in Back2Business grants for local businesses and encourages any others eligible to apply before the Oct. 13 deadline.

“Local small business owners are resilient, and I’m relieved to see many in our communities receive state support,” Johnson said. “This is a great first step toward recovery, and with more funds still up for grabs, I urge eligible local businesses to apply before the deadline.”

Earlier this week, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced nine businesses in the 30th District were awarded a combined $550,000 through the B2B grant program. A complete list of grantees is available on DCEO’s website.

“As our communities find ways to recover from pandemic-related losses, our small businesses need support,” Johnson said. “It’s critical for our state to continue to work toward providing economic stability to help ensure they have the resources to continue operations.”

The B2B program allocates $250 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars for small businesses experiencing COVID-19 expenses, and grants will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis with a range of $5,000 to $150,000.

Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply before the Oct. 13 deadline by visiting the DCEO website.