Local businesses garner grants

HUNTLEY — Ten McHenry County hospitality businesses are among hundreds that will share in $14.45 million in emergency grants awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, officials at Visit McHenry County announced today.

Local grant recipients include:

Tavern At The Bridge and The Texan BBQ in Algonquin
750 Cucina Rustica in Cary
Holiday Inn in Crystal Lake
Baymont Inn and Suites in Harvard
Vickie's Place in McHenry
Subway in Richmond
Lucky Bernie's in Spring Grove
Best Western and Flores Banquets in Woodstock

The funds were granted to aid with working capital, such as payroll and rent, job training and technology to support shifts in operations including increased use of carryout and delivery for food businesses.

On March 23, the State of Illinois launched a $14.45 million Hospitality Emergency Grant Program to support hotels and food and beverage small businesses in response to the pandemic shutdown. The hospitality industry in Illinois has seen significant revenue losses as the pandemic worsened and the stay-at-home order was extended through April. Over 12,000 hospitality small businesses applied for the funds, and more than 700 were awarded grant funding. A lottery system was used to select award winners.

Jaki Berggren, executive director of Visit McHenry County, applauded the measure.

“These funds will help the businesses stay operational in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and help them recover quickly once the order expires and citizens are allowed to frequent area businesses again,” she said.

Visit McHenry County, the county’s official destination marketing organization, enhances the region’s quality of life by collaboratively leading the promotion and thoughtful development of the experiences and attractions that make the region a great place to live, enjoy and visit.

ICCVB, a statewide association working in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism, enables members to be more effective and efficient in attracting visitors to their communities. The Council provides educational opportunities that raise the level of professionalism in the travel industry, and it provides a forum for networking and cooperative action between the members. The organization also maintains a proactive legislative and advocacy effort on issues that affect tourism and business travel in Illinois through its Advocacy and Legislative Affairs Committee.