•March 1, 2023•
Veteran Business Project is pleased to announce The Duchossois Family Foundation (TDFF) has donated $935,000.
The funding, spread over a three-year period, addresses projected expansion goals, provides technology and marketing support, and the hiring of additional business coaches.
“We deeply believe in the Veteran Business Project and their efforts to help launch the next generation of veteran entrepreneurs,” said Mary Ann Roeser, President of The Duchossois Family Foundation. “Small business is the backbone of the American economy and veterans are hard-wired for success in this arena – they just need access to capital, networking, and mentorship. The Veteran Business Project provides this critical support and much more.” Read More

•March 1, 2023•
The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) is now accepting nominations for the Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame, open to adults aged 65 and older who excel in the categories of community service, education, performance and/or graphic arts, and the labor force.
“When I think about the people of Illinois, a couple of words come to mind: kindness, generosity, ingenuity, and perseverance. Each year, my administration is proud to honor four older adults who embody these values through service, education, arts, and labor by inducting them into the Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Whether you know a teacher who goes above and beyond for their students or a community member who you can always find out and about lending a hand to others, we want to hear about the seniors in your life that make Illinois, Illinois.” Read More

•March 1, 2023•
By Cheri Burcham
Family Life Educator

Illinois Extension Media Communication Coordinator Emily Steele wrote a great article about a new program that has been happening in our area and I wanted to share it with you. Emily says: When food prices are high, everyone takes a hit, including food pantries. But now, a local and widespread source of protein – venison – is making its way from the field onto plates providing 24,500 meals so far through the University of Illinois Extension Deer Donation Program. The 12-county pilot program fights food insecurity by connecting hunters in East Central Illinois with meat processors and food pantries.
Extension staff made their first venison delivery to a food pantry in November. Since then, hunters have donated 6,137 pounds of venison, providing more than 24,548 meals. “Food prices are high, meat prices are high, and pantries are really struggling with getting meat right now. This is an opportunity for hunters to help their communities while doing something they enjoy and supporting local small businesses” says Extension SNAP-Ed educator, Michelle Fombelle. Read More

•March 1, 2023•
By Nika Schoonover
Capitol News Illinois

Illinois House Democrats announced the formation of a cannabis working group Thursday that will aim to steer the burgeoning industry’s expansion in a business-friendly way while still satisfying the equity goals of the landmark 2019 legalization law.
The group is led by Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, who has sponsored numerous cannabis-related bills and is an outspoken advocate for racial equity.
The working group’s main priority, according to Ford, is to make sure individuals who have invested in the newly-created industry are successful. A part of that is to address the disproportionate impact the war on drugs had on communities of color, particularly when it comes to cannabis-related arrests. Read More