News Relevant to DeKalb County

Illinois Innovation Network Launched

The Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) has recently been launched by Governor Pat Quinn in response to a recommendation by the Illinois Innovation Council (IIC). The reason the network was created was to help promote collaboration between companies, educational institutions, and community leaders as well as inspire individuals and groups to embrace creativity in order to promote advances in the high-tech entrepreneurial sector.

This network will be partnering with the national Start-up America. The Start-up America Partnership was started at the White House with support from the Kauffman and Case Foundations with specific goals. These goals include: "increasing the number and scale of new high-growth firms that create economic growth, innovation and quality jobs; honoring entrepreneurship; and inspiring and empowering an ever greater diversity of communities and individuals to build great American businesses.

The IIN and IIC have launched a website to help communicate the mission, accomplishments and information of their organizations. Over the course of the coming months additional resources will be added to the website to help further these goals.

For more information on this new program please visit www.IllinoisInnovation.com. or for information on the Start-up America Partnership visit http://illinois.startupamericapartnership.org.

SCORE Office has Moved

The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) is an organization of experienced business leaders who volunteer to help anyone operating a small business or thinking about starting one. The DeKalb County office opened in 2009 as part of the Fox Valley Chapter. Free counseling is available for as long as an individual desires the help. SCORE also hosts low-cost workshops, has many resources available on their website, and provides additional services to entrepreneurs and small businesses.

The local office was located on Bethany Road but moved on March 28, 2011. It is now located at 775 S. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb, IL 60115 in the Glidden Branch of Resource Bank. To contact the local office please call (815) 748-1649 or visit the website, http://www.scorefoxvalley.org/.

For more information on small business resources please visit our Small Business and Entrepreneur Assistance Section.

Small Business Majority Webinar

Your Bottom Line: A Small Business Approach to Accessing Credit and Navigating Health Reform in Illinois

As a small business owner, accessing credit and changes in health care have a great impact on you and your employees. Learn from experts and take advantage of the opportunity to ask them questions that will help you in this New Year to navigate the unique business challenges you face. Time:11:00am Date: Wednesday, January 11th
For further information and sign-up details, Click Here.

Illinois' Business Climate Outshines its Neighbors'

Despite Illinois' ongoing financial challenges, the state has a number of advantages over neighboring states that continue to attract business and investment. This recent article by John Pletz in Crain's Chicago Business examines a number of frequently-overlooked advantages the state has over its neighbors.

One of these is geography. Illinois, and Chicago in particular, is centrally located in the United States, and is a hub in the national railway, highway and air transport systems. In addition, the Illinois workforce has a higher education level than those of surrounding states, and is significantly larger, according to Pletz. Companies come to Illinois to capitalize on this labor pool, and the largest market in the Midwest. The state hosts over thirty Fortune 500 companies, more than triple the total for any of its neighbors. Illinois companies also raised more venture capital than any other Midwestern state from January through June of 2011.

While Illinois does impose the second highest corporate income tax (after Iowa), the effective tax rate, after considering property, local, and other taxes, is much lower on new investments. Pletz grants that the costs of doing business in Chicago are significant, and how the state will deal with its budget issues remains unforeseen, but taxes are just one factor companies consider in selecting where to locate. A talented population, transportation options, and access to capita are factors as well: factors that place Illinois ahead of its neighbors. The full article can be found Here.

Governor Quinn launches new Small Business Initiative in Illinois

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn recently announced the beginning of a new program, Advantage Illinois, aimed at promoting economic development in the state. Quinn noted that the program "will help Illinois businesses of all sizes increase innovation and competition, and expand and create good-paying jobs" in the state. The $78 Million initiative is intended to direct federal funds through three component-programs to spur institutional lending and a forth program to attract private venture capital in high-growth businesses and start-ups. The full article can be found here.

Work Experience Program

First Institute Training & Management, Inc. is organizing a Work-Based Learning - Work Experience Program for DeKalb County, and is seeking employers to accept these learners at their work sites. During the training period, First Institute Training and Management, Inc. will cover all wages and benefits for employees-in-training you accept at your work site.

If you are interested in helping First Institute Training and Management, Inc. prepare DeKalb workers for future opportunities, contact Sharon Dillon at 815-756-4893 ext. 257 or Kate Allison at 815-756-4893 ext. 225. Click Here for more details about the role of employers in this program.

Genoa Selected as Best Option for Amtrak Route

After five years of debate, the Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that the Dubuque-Rockford-Chicago Amtrak line will run along the Canadian National Railroad line through DeKalb County and will stop in Genoa. Earlier this year the route through Belvidere had been chosen, but a new study conducted by the Decatur Office of URS Corp. found that the southern route was more cost-effective, had to cross far fewer roads and had potential for greater ridership.

The project will create 650 construction jobs and be funded by $60 million from the state's capital budget. Trains are expected to being making at least one round-trip daily from Chicago's Union Station to Dubuque by 2014. There will also be stops in Elgin, Genoa, Rockford and Galena.

The persistent and effective efforts of the Genoa Chamber and the City of Genoa together with the support and cooperation of businesses, communities and residents throughout DeKalb County were instrumental in demonstrating support for the Canadian National Route.

For a copy of the news article on the decision in favor of the southern route, Click Here.

Small Business and Entrepreneur Assistance

DeKalb County is a community that is well aware of the advantages small business owners and entrepreneurs bring to the area. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration website, independent firms having less than 500 employees represent 99.7 percent of all employer firms. They employ approximately half of all private sector employees and have generated 60 to 80 percent of all new jobs annually during the past 10 years. It is with this in mind that DeKalb County has a number of resources available to these individuals and groups.

The DeKalb County organizations that are available to small business owners and entrepreneurs include:

Elgin Community College Small Business Development Center
Kishwaukee College Center for Business Development and Continuing Education
Waubonsee Community College Small Business Development Center
Illinois Buisness Information Center
DeKalb County Chapter of the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center (IMEC)
DeKalb County Small Business Initiative

They provide assistance with business planning, marketing, employee training, process improvements, technology and financing. For more information on all of these resources Click Here.

NIU Fall Career Fairs

Northern Illinois University is hosting two career fairs this February

Internship Fair - 10:00am to 3:00pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Job Fair - 10:00am to 3:00pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Click Here to see the event flyer.

Kishwaukee College Employment Fair Looking for Businesses

Do you need an intern or a new employee? There are a number of opportunities for area employers to participate in career fairs on the Annual Kishwaukee College Employment Fair campus in April. Click Here for more information about this event.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm

Thursday, April 19, 2012 from 9:00am to 12:00pm

Click Here for employer registration and details.

Kishwaukee College Center for Business Development and Continuing Education

The Kishwaukee College Center for Business Development and Continuing Education is available to help the many members of the community, from local business and industry to residents. Offerings at the center include evaluative services and customized training either at the college or on-site. Classes are held to provide personal and professional growth as well as various series to assist individuals and companies in staying competitive.

For more information on events or programs contact the Center for Business Development and Continuing Education at
(815) 825-2086, ext. 2051 or email busdev@kishwaukeecollege.edu or visit the Center online at www.kishwaukeecollege.edu/busdev.

Small Business Workshops

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Waubonsee Community College provides management, marketing, and financial counseling to prospective and existing small business owners. For more information, call the IL SBDC office at (630) 906-4143, or visit the Waubonsee Seminar Details Page for class descriptions, locations, ticket numbers, prices, and registration information on the upcoming events. Here is a list of upcoming events:

Social Media Marketing for Business - February 9, 2012 from 6:00 to 9:00pm
Reach out to your customer base with social networks like facebook and LinkedIn. Learn how to give your business a presence in the latest media of social interaction.
Cost: $30; Location: Aurora Campus

Facebook for Business: Secrets to Success - February 16, 2012 from 7:00 to 8:00pm
Give your company a facebook page, get it 'liked', and interact with your customers via social media.
Cost: $30; Location: Webinar

Starting Your Business in Illinois - February 21, 2012 from 6:00 to 9:00pm
Learn about the realistic requirements of starting a business and the helpful resources available to entrepreneurs.
Cost: $30; Location: Plano Campus

Step into Retail - March 6, 2012 from 6:00 to 9:00pm
If you are new to the retail business, this workshop is for you. Topics include retail display, handling competition, buying analysis, location, and customer service. Bring your questions!
Cost: $30; Location: Aurora Campus

Is Franchising Right for You?- March 7, 2012 from 6:30 to 8:30pm
This workshop aims to explore the differences between a franchise and a traditional business as well as the pros and cons of a franchise. Find out about the different types of opportunities that are out there and the cost involved.
Cost: $30; Location: Aurora Campus

Starting Your Business in Illinois - March 22, 2012 from 6:00 to 9:00pm
Learn about the realistic requirements of starting a business and the helpful resources available to entrepreneurs.
Cost: $30; Location: Aurora Campus

Marketing for Small Business - March 27, 2012 from 6:00 to 9:00pm
Want to help your small business to grow? Then effective marketing practices are the key. Learn how to use different types of media to make the most of your advertising campaign.
Cost: $30; Location: Sugar Grove Campus

Google for Business - April 5, 2012 from 6:00-9:00pm
Does your business or organization need a boost from Google? Learn how to integrate Google tools like Google AdWords, Google Maps, Google Places, and Google Analytics into your business regimen.
Cost: $30; Location: Aurora Campus

Need to learn QuickBooks or Excel or want to improve your skills on either program? Waubonsee offers classes to help you out. Click Here for the full list of upcoming Workforce Development Courses.

Illinois workNet Center Releases the December Calendar

The Illinois workNet Center aids the workforce by connecting job seekers and employers. It provides education, training and employment opportunities which are detailed in the monthly calendar. The Illinois workNet Center at DeKalb is located at 1701 East Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, Illinois 60115 and can be contacted at (815) 756-4893. For more information visit the Illinois workNet website http://www.illinoisworknet.com. Click here to find events taking place in DeKalb.

For a copy of the February calendar, please click here.

Archived News

Click Here for articles that are still relevant to DeKalb County but are now old news.