Message and Resources from the Joliet Chamber regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease)
The Joliet Chamber Staff and the Board of Directors are actively monitoring the continuing developments regarding the spread of COVID-19. At this time, we encourage all of our Chamber Members and their employees to educate themselves to the fullest in order to understand all of the facts surrounding this coronavirus disease.
We also encourage everyone to follow recommendations from trusted healthcare institutions and centers. We urge you as employers to consider steps that can be taken to prepare for potential impact on your workplace and your employees.
Please be aware of issues that may develop such as: leaves of absence, privacy, working remotely, and workforce reduction. We will continue to update our membership with any changes on the local, State and Federal level. Here are some useful links to review and share:
- Will County Health Department
- Illinois Department of Health
- COVID-19 updates from the World Health Organization
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Workplace Tips for Employees
- Guidance For Employers To Plan and Respond To Coronavirus
- Facts from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions
Additional resources from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention:
Again, we encourage all to constantly review facts regarding COVID-19 by utilizing the above links. A common message has been we’re all in this together, so let’s support one another, continue to do business local and with fellow Chamber members, and follow recommendations from the health professionals. Finally, you will be receiving a packet in the mail of upcoming Chamber programs and events. We plan to take each program and event on a case by case basis as the safety and well-being of our Chamber members, as well as the community, is of utmost importance. Please check our social media, your email, and our Chamber website for any updates.
We thank you all for your continued patience and support as we navigate this situation together.
Sincerely,
Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry Staff and Board of Directors

Upcoming Programs – Virtual and In-Person
Useful documents to guide you through questions and answers from the COVID-19 crisis
Gov_Bridge_Phase_Executive_Order 5.17.21
WILL COUNTY SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM ROUND 3 FLYER
Restaurant Revitalization Funding Program Guide 4.2021
SBA RRF Application Sample 4.2021
Tax Credit for Establishing Remote Work
ARP Funding Fact Sheet for childcare
A Bridge to Phase 5 / Phase 4 Updates
UnderstandingRestaurant Revitalization Fund
Covid Impact Survey Results_Report 3.10.21
Updated allowances under Tiers
IL Tier 1 Resurgence Mitigations – January 18, 2021 Update
IL Vaccine Administration Plan – January 15, 2021 Update
IL All Sports Guidance – January 15, 2021 Update
Industry Recap of allowances under Tiers
Biden COVID_Relief Package Fact Sheet
PPP Borrower Application Form (revised 1.8.2021)
PPP Second Draw Borrower Application Form (1.8.2021)
Summary of Emergency Relief Pkg
Emergency Relief Section by Section
ASAE_December-2020-COVID-Relief-Package
Small Biz Majority New-Stimulus Presentation Slides
Will County Economy Overview Dec 2020
WCWC Business Services Webinar Dec 2020
Tier-3-COVID-19-Resurgence-Mitigations
ComEd Small Biz Assistance release FINAL
Tier-2-COVID-19-Resurgence-Migitations
COVID outbreak report IDPH 11.6.2020
BIG Program Certifications and Requirements – Round 2 9-17
PPP Loan Forgiveness Application Form 3508S
PPP Loan Forgiveness Application Form 3508S Instructions
Updated Heroes Act One Pager_0
Updated Heroes Act State and Local_0
PPP Forgiveness Application 3508EZ
PPP Loan Forgiveness Application Form EZ Instructions
Emergency Grant Phase II – CCP
Will County Small Business Grant Assistance Program
Letter to Governor on Region 7
Restaurant Full BlueprintforRevival
Restaurant BlueprintforRevivalOnePager
B.I.G. Eligbility Requirements 6.23.20
B.I.G. Application Questions 6.23.20
DCEO Business Interruption Grant (BIG) Program_Final External Summary
uscc_ppp_forgiveness-guide 6.17.20
PPP Loan Forgiveness Application (Revised 6.16.2020)
PPP-Forgiveness-Application-3508EZ
PPP-IFR-Revisions-to-First-Interim-Final-Rule
Grants for Female Owned Businesses
Paycheck-Protection-Program-Frequently-Asked-Questions_05 27 20
ILL Phase 3 Toolkit for reopen
Illinois Chamber of Commerce Responsible Reopening and Rehiring Legislation
SBA Form 3508 PPP Forgiveness Application
uscc_covid19_main-street-lending-program
Restore Illinois – A Public Health Approach To Safely Reopen Our State
PR_Restore Illinois_A Public Health Approach To Safely Reopen Our State
IL DCEO Essential Business FAQ on stayathome continuance
Paycheck-Protection-Program-Frequently-Asked-Questions 5.3
Letter to Gov from women of the House Republican Caucus
USChamber_reopeningtheeconomy ltr
uscc_coronavirus_unemployment-insurance
uscc_coronavirus_health-coverage
uscc_coronavirus_independent-contractors
Responsible Reopening_US Chamber
ILWorkComp-Emergency_Amendment_Only
Paycheck-Protection-Program-28 Frequently-Asked-Questions
DCEO COVID_19 Emergency Resource UPDATED
COVID19 Employee Health Screening Form
IDES_Security_Waiving_Penalty_for_Employers
Paycheck-Protection-Program-Frequenty-Asked-Questions_USTreasury
Application for Paid Leave COVID-19
uscc_coronavirus_fmla_paid-leave-programs-guide
Federal Stimulus Unemployment Benefits FAQ_IDES
uscc_covid19_employee-retention-tax-credit
uscc_covid19_sb-economic-injury-disaster-loans
corona_virus_smallbiz_loan_final_USCofC_update
Borrower-Paycheck-Protection-Program-Application-sample
PPP Borrower Information Fact Sheet
DCEOCOVID-19EmergencyResourcesforBusiness
UScofc_corona_virus_smallbiz_loan_final_chklist
IDFPR_Announces_Help_for_Consumers_Press_Release
usf_chamber CARES Act fact sheet
final—one-pager—keeping-workers-paid-and-employed-act
COVID-19_ Guidance_for_Large Biz
US CofC Phase_3_Bipart_Summary_FINAL (CARES Act)
IL Treasurer SmallBizCOVID19ReliefProgram Due April 1
HR 6201 summary Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Governor Pritzker Announces New Phase 5 Guidelines
YouTube (Friday) Video Update Playlist
Latest COVID-19 Updates
Coronavirus update for 3.16.2021 – Governor to Address Capacity Change, Child Vaccine Tests, and Good News on State Finances
Chamber Members: We’re patiently awaiting details from the Governor, reported to be this week, as to what changes we can expect in his reopening plans. After months of numerous groups pressing for an update on what can be realistic for capacity between now and a full...
Coronavirus update for 3.15.2021 – Tax Talk, Extension of PPP & ERTC, and Focus on Immigration
Chamber Members: Good news to report today on covid numbers as newly reported cases in the U.S. dropped below 40,000 for the first time since early October. The full update below has some more information on vaccine numbers and how other states are expanding...
Coronavirus update for 3.12.2021 – Vaccines for All in May, Restaurant Fund, and Some Money in Your Pocket
Chamber Members: President Biden appeared last night in his first prime-time address and delivered remarks urging national unity to reach normalcy as we move into year two of the covid pandemic. He also made a major announcement regarding when all adults can expect to...
Coronavirus update for 3.11.2021 – 365 Days of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Chamber Members: March 11 is certainly a day to remember (for me because it is my wife’s birthday as well) as this date marks one year since the World Health Organization declared the Coronavirus or COVID-19 or what has really been now usually just called Covid a...
Coronavirus update for 3.10.2021 – $1.9 Trillion Bill Ready for Biden Signature & Its Econ Impact
Chamber Members: The $1.9 trillion legislation known as the American Rescue Plan Act passed the House today and will probably be signed ASAP by President Biden so today’s update has some information on the expected economic impact. Also, more Johnson & Johnson...
Coronavirus update for 3.9.2021 – Houbolt Road Bridge Announcement, Edu & Workforce Bill, and the PPP Cliff
Chamber Members: The news does not stop on a nice and sunny day. Locally, a major announcement on a much-awaited project has been made, the Paycheck Protection Program is slated to end soon without action to extend the deadline, Governor Pritzker signs the Education...
Coronavirus update for 3.5.2021 – Unemployment Proposal Hold Up, Feb. Job Growth, and Taxes on Gig Workers
Chamber Members: What a nice day and weekend ahead. It is an unusually busy day of news for a Friday so make sure to read below for all of the updates. A couple of reminders before you get into today’s update – we have a virtual conference next Thursday...
Coronavirus update for 3.8.2021 – New Aid Details Up for Final Vote, CDC New Guidelines if Vaccinated, and IL Senate Returns
Chamber Members: A big vote went down over the weekend sending the covid relief aid back to the House for final approval. The update looks at all involved, as well as the last-minute changes. Additionally, the CDC released new guidelines for those that have been...
Coronavirus update for 3.4.2021 – Senate Vote on Covid Aid, Illinois Pension Debt Rises, and the Extension of a Program & Loss of Another
Chamber Members: A few things first about some upcoming opportunities. We have a virtual conference next Thursday March 11 at 11:00 AM with John Ferguson, Senior Vice President & Senior Portfolio Manager with Northern Trust. Please join us! Economic Trends &...
Coronavirus update for 3.3.2021 – Stimulus Check Cutoff Shift, Another White House Budget Delay, and Tips to Promote
Chamber Members: Our State of the City Address with Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk is back on the calendar for Monday, March 22 at 11 AM. Make sure to sign up here. Today’s update contains information on a new cutoff amount for stimulus checks, mask protocol reminders,...
Virtual Conference Series: Joliet City Council Candidates Forum (Register Here)
Virtual Conference Series: State of the City Address with Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk (Register Here)
Virtual Conference Series: Economic Trends & Reopening of the Economy (Register Here)
Virtual Conference Series: Legislative Coffee Presented by CITGO w/ Illinois State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel and State Senator John Connor (Video Recording)
Virtual Conference Series: Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) First and Second Draw, PPP Forgiveness and EIDL Information for Businesses (Register Here)
Virtual Conference Series: Town Hall Meeting – A Follow Up Discussion (Video Recording)
Virtual Conference Series: City of Joliet Status Report on Projects & Programs (Video Recording)
Virtual Conference Series: Anti-Sexual Harassment Training (Register Here)
Virtual Conference Series: 2020 Meet the Candidates Forum (Video Recording)
Virtual Conference Series: State of the County Address with Will County Executive Denise Winfrey (Video Recording)
Virtual Conference Series: Government Affairs Coffee Series – Progressive Income Tax Discussion with Leslie Munger (Video Recording)
Virtual Conference Series: Community Disaster Preparedness: Red Cross Ready Rating (Video Recording)
Virtual Conference Series: Answers to COVID Questions Moving Forward (Video Recording)
Virtual Conference Series: Government Affairs Legislative Coffee with U.S. Congressman Bill Foster and Jason Keller, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (Video Recording)
Video link to information on the Main Street Lending Program through the Fed
Virtual Conference Series: The Renaissance Continues – Updates from the Joliet City Center Partnership (Video Recording)
Click here for presentation slides: https://jolietchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/The-Renaissance-Continues_CCP-slides.pdf
Virtual Conference Series: Child care: Increasingly vital to our workforce & economy (Video Recording)
Slide Presentation can be downloaded here: ReadyNation PPT 8.5.2020
Additional Resources:
Child Care Restoration Grants: $270 million for licensed providers with reduced capacity and experiencing business interruption-
Application info: https://tinyurl.com/ILGrantApp
Background: https://tinyurl.com/
*Note: Aug. 14 application deadline
Info on ordering Personal Protective Equipment for child care providers (only pay shipping): https://tinyurl.com/ILPPEhelp
Virtual Conference Series: Challenge Accepted! Now What Questions to Ask (Video Recording)
Slide Presentation can be downloaded here: CHALLENGE ACCEPTED PRESENTATION