We have all been inundated with resources from the local, state and federal level. As part of the Adams County Together Initiative, a Resource Team has been formed to help both individuals and businesses navigate the best course of action to take when considering various programs.

Beginning today, Monday, April 13, those looking for individual or business assistance can make in person, phone, or online Zoom meeting appointments. In person meeting locations include in the City of Quincy, as well as Adams, Brown and Pike Counties.

“We are all here to help our community through this difficult time,” states Marcel Wagner, president of the Great River Economic Development Foundation. “We are currently accepting appointments for assistance in understanding which program is best for individuals and organizations, and all in person appointments are held at a safe distance at each location.”

To schedule an individual assistance appointment, please call (217) 222-YMCA Ext 202.

To schedule a business appointment via Zoom or in Quincy, please call (217) 430-4313. For a business appointment in the county, please call (217) 224-8171.

A full schedule, list of locations, as well as contact phone numbers can be found online at www.AdamsCountyTogether.com on the home page when you click “Contact The Resource Team.”

ADAMS COUNTY TOGETHER LAUNCHES “ONE STOP SHOP” WEBSITE

Last week Mayor Kyle More announced the formation of Adams County Together, a partner task force designed to coordinate, align and maximize the community’s response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 virus. Today, the task force has launched a website www.adamscountytogether.com as a resource for the community.

The website, led by Great River Economic Development Foundation, Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce and The District is a place for residents, businesses, and non-profits to seek information as they navigate the numerous federal, state, and local assistance programs.

“We have never been involved in a pandemic during my lifetime,” states Chamber executive director, Latonya Brock. “There is so much information coming towards our community from Federal, State, and City levels; we wanted to ensure these resources could be located in one central place. The website will help businesses and individuals find vital information to assist them in this process.”

Through the website individuals, businesses and non-profits can access direct links on relief assistance, grant funds and loan programs. Also available is guidance and frequently asked questions regarding the “stay at home order,” links to donate to local charities who are aiding in the relief effort, and even information on how each resident can help support the Adams County community.

Quincy Mayor Kyle Moore said, “The goal of Adams County Together is to make it a little easier for our residents, businesses and non-profits to help navigate the many programs available to them. We know families are wondering where they will get their next meal, businesses who are doing everything they can to keep their doors open and non-profits who are delivering essential services to our community with little to no funding coming in. We hope they will use this page as a resource to get every dollar available to them.”

“Our small businesses and residents wanted help to navigate the huge quantity of information,” agreed Bruce Guthrie, executive director of The District. “Community leaders and organizations came together to create one place for businesses of all sizes to go. This will give them every opportunity to find their way through this very challenging time.”

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Questions or follow up appointments can be made by calling the Mayor’s office at 217-228-4545.

In order to better serve the community and find out what is needed GREDF, the Chamber and The District have put together a brief survey to help us quantify and document the impact that COVID 19 has on the business community. The survey can easily be filled out online by the link below or attached is a file with the form you can print and send back to:

Essential Businesses & Operations

Executive Order 20-10 requires all non-essential businesses and operations to cease all activities except for minimum basic operations. Non-essential businesses may also continue operations consisting exclusively of employees or contractors working from home. 

CLICK For Essential Business & Operations Check List from DCEO

 What businesses and operations are considered essential? 

My business falls within one of the categories. Can I require my employees come to work? 

 The intent of the EO is to ensure that the maximum number of people self-isolate in their places of residence. Even essential businesses and operations should promote telecommuting whenever possible. 

 Consider alternating work schedules to minimize the number of employees in the office at the same time. 

 To the greatest extent feasible, essential businesses and operations shall comply with social distancing requirements, including maintaining six-foot foot social distancing for both employees and members of the public at all times. They must also take the following practice measures wherever possible: o Designating with signage, tape, or by other means six-foot spacing for employees and customers in line to maintain appropriate distance; 

o Having hand sanitizer and sanitizing products readily available for employees and customers; 

o Implementing separate operating hours for elderly and vulnerable customers; 

o Posting online whether a facility is open and how best to reach the facility and continue services by phone or remotely. 

I’m not sure if my business falls within one of those categories 

Please read the Executive Order as it provides much more information of what businesses and operations are essential. If after the order you still have questions, provide the following information: 

 What general industry are you in? 

 What products do you make/what services do you perform? o Where/when do those products/services go into the stream of commerce? 

o Which specific medical or other essential business do you supply products to? 

o Is there a pending order or a routine schedule for shipments? 

 Can any of your business functions be performed remotely? 

 How many employees do you have? o Can your employees work remotely? 

o If some or all of the employees must be at the place of business, can operations be modified so that employees work in shifts (one week at home; one week at the place of business)? 

 What is the physical layout of the facility where people work? o How will you be able to ensure proper distancing? 

o Do you have hand sanitizer available? 

o Are restrooms cleaned frequently and stocked with soap? 

o Where do employees eat? Is that cleaned frequently and is there room to social distance? 

 Explain why you believe your business falls within one of the essential business categories. 

My business is not considered an “Essential Business,” does this order require the business to shut down my facility? 

 You and your employees are allowed to perform “Minimum Basic Operations” at your work place, so long as employees maintain a distance of six feet from one another to the greatest extent feasible. Minimum Basic Operations include maintaining the value of inventory, payroll, ensuring security, and ensuring that employees can work remotely. Other than to maintain “Minimum Basic Operations,” employees can only work remotely from their residences. 

My technology company provides products and services that the public needs to access critical services. Is my company being completely shut down? 

 No. However, most employees of such companies will need to work from home. Anyone who must work onsite to maintain “Essential Infrastructure” for the community or to maintain “Minimum Basic Operations” as described in the Order may continue to work in the workplace so long as they are maintaining social distancing. 

Are companies that sell only CDB products and/or nutritional supplements, but not medicine or other medications not requiring a prescription, considered essential businesses? 

 No. Companies that only sell these products do not fall within Section 12(a) of the Executive Order. 

Can people who reside in Illinois but perform manufacturing or supply chain work outside the state (where there is no such order in place) be able to travel to their jobs? 

 Yes. This order covers businesses in Illinois and their operations; it does not cover businesses that are located outside of Illinois. 

Can a retail store have one person come in on a daily basis to pack up online orders and take them to the post office? 

 Yes. Maintaining inventory is considered a minimum basic operation that non-essential businesses can continue to perform. 

Can a personal trainer have exercise training sessions with 5 or fewer people? 

 No. Professional services such as a personal trainer is not considered essential business under the restrictions contained in the executive order. 

Would manufacturers that produce products for the transportation and construction sectors qualify under Sec. 12(t) of Essential Businesses? (e.g. supply products or parts for street/highway signs and construction sites) 

 Depends. Additional questions need to be answered such as: what is the role that the product plays in the agricultural supply chain and the demand for said product during the period of time subject to the executive order? 

Can golf courses stay open? 

 No; recreational sports businesses including golf courses are not considered essential businesses under the executive order. 

Are car dealerships considered essential businesses? 

 Car dealerships can remain open for repair services. They can also remain open for car sales on an appointment-only basis. Showrooms must remain closed. 

Can residential and commercial lawn service remain open? 

 Yes. Many landscape projects will fit under an exemption such as construction, agriculture, or public works. Outdoor landscape projects generally will provide for good social distancing that poses little risk of transmission, but it still is important to ensure the ability to wash or sanitize hands and take other precautions. 

Is residential remodeling an essential business? 

 Generally yes, residential remodeling falls within Section 9 of the Executive Order. However, residential remodeling companies must ensure social distancing compliance during their work. 

On Friday, March 20^th, Governor Pritzker issued Executive Order 2020-10 requiring all Illinoisans to stay in their homes to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. The order prohibits things like visiting the homes of friends and holding gatherings of any size and closes all nonessential establishments, including most retail, recreation and entertainment businesses. It does NOT prohibit essential activities like going to the grocery store, receiving medical care, or taking your pet for a walk. For more information on what this order means for you, please see below.

When does the order take effect?

The order will take effect Saturday, March 21^st at 5pm CST.

Where does the Stay at Home order apply?

The Governor’s executive order includes the entire state. Unless you work for an essential business or are doing an essential activity, you should stay home.

Is this mandatory or just guidance?

This order is mandatory. To help prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in Illinois and protect our friends, neighbors, and vulnerable populations, please stay home.

How will this order be enforced?

Staying home is critical to reducing the spread of COVID-19 in your community. The Illinois State Police will work with local law enforcement to enforce this order but adhering to the order will save lives and it is the responsibility of every Illinoisan to do their part.

Will the Illinois National Guard be enforcing this order?

No. The Illinois National Guard will be supporting logistics, transportation, and medical response efforts. The Guard will not be enforcing this order.

I work in an essential service. How will the police know I’m allowed to be outside my house?

Law enforcement officials will not stop residents who are on their way to or from work or who are out for necessities like going to the pharmacy or getting groceries, or just taking a walk. Illinoisans should abstain from all nonessential activities. Adhering to the order will save lives and it is the responsibility of every Illinoisan to do their part.

Will grocery stores be open?

Yes, essential services will still be operational including, but not limited to:

• Grocery stores
• Gas stations
• Pharmacies
• Police stations
• Fire stations
• Hospitals, clinics and healthcare operations
• Garbage/sanitation
• Public transportation
• Public benefits (i.e. SNAP, Medicaid) hotlines
• A full list can be found in the executive order at coronavirus.illinois.gov

How can I get medical care if I need it?

If you are feeling sick, call your doctor, a nurse hotline, any telehealth hotline set up specifically for COVID-19 (check with your insurance company) or an urgent care center. Do not go to an emergency room unless necessary. Nonessential medical care like eye exams and teeth-cleaning should be postponed. When possible, healthcare visits should be done remotely. Contact your healthcare provider to see what tele-health services they provide.

What is the guidance for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities?

State Operated Developmental Centers, Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities and Community Integrated Living Arrangements will continue to provide care. All in-home direct care staff are considered essential staff and should continue to support individuals in the home setting.

If you have any specific questions about your support and services, please reach out to your provider or Individual Service Coordination (ISC) Agency.  To receive updated information on DDD services, please sign up for our email database, or to update your contact and service information, please visit www.DDD.Illinois.gov .

What if I still have to go to work?

Unless your work is an essential function (i.e. healthcare provider, grocery store clerk, first responder), you should stay home. If you have been designated essential by your employer, you should continue to go to work and practice social distancing.

What if I think my business should be closed but I’m still being asked to operate?

Essential businesses will remain open during the Stay at Home order to provide services that are vital to the lives of Illinoisans. Those businesses include, but are not limited to, pharmacies, certain government offices, day care centers that provide care for the children of essential employees, and restaurants providing take-out meals. If you work for an essential business, you should continue to practice social distancing and should stay at home outside of work hours. If you believe your business is nonessential but are still being asked to show up to work, you may discuss with your employer.

Can I order food/groceries?

Yes, grocery delivery will be available as well as meal-delivery, drive through, and take-out options.

A certain service is essential for me, but the Governor didn’t include it, what do I do?

The Stay at Home order was issued to protect the health, safety and well-being of Illinoisans. While some businesses like fitness centers and salons will be closed, essential services will always be available. For a full list of businesses that will still operate during the order, visit coronavirus.illinois.gov.

Will public transportation and ridesharing be available?

Public transportation and ridesharing should be used for essential travel only. When possible, walk or drive yourself.

Will roads in Illinois be closed?

No, the roads will not be closed in Illinois. You should only travel if it is essential to your work or health.

Can I take a flight out of state? 

Planes and any other form of travel should only be used for essential purposes.

What if my home is not a safe environment?

If it is not safe for you to remain home, you are able and urged to find another safe place to stay during this order.  Please reach out so we can help. You may call the domestic violence hotline at 1-877-863-6338 or contact your local law enforcement.

What about homeless people who can’t stay at home?

The administration wants to protect the health and safety of all Illinoisans, regardless of where they live. State agencies are partnering with community organizations to provide funding and resources to ensure our homeless population has safe shelter.

Can I visit friends and family?

For your safety, as well as the safety of those in your community, you should remain at home to help fight the spread of COVID-19. You may visit family members who need medical or other essential assistance, such as ensuring an adequate supply of food.

What about my pet?

You are allowed to walk your dog and seek medical care for your pet should they require it. Be sure to practice social distancing while out on walks, maintaining at least 6 feet from other neighbors and their pets.

Does the Stay at Home order mean I can’t take my kids to the park?
State parks will be closed during the Stay at Home order. Families will still be able to go outside and take a walk, run, or bike rid but should continue to practice social distancing by remaining 6 feet away from other people.  Playgrounds are closed because they pose a high risk of increasing transmission.

What is the difference between the Stay at Home order and social distancing?

Social distancing is an important first step in preventing the spread of a disease like COVID-19 that allows people to go about their daily activities while taking extra health and safety precautions. The Stay at Home order requires people to remain in their homes unless they have an essential job or are doing an essential task like going to the grocery store or walking a pet.

Can I leave home to go to religious services?
Large gatherings, such as church services, will be cancelled to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Can I leave home to exercise?
Yes. Outdoor exercise like running or taking a walk is perfectly acceptable; however, exercise gyms, fitness centers and associated facilities will be closed to reduce the spread of coronavirus. While exercising outside, you should still practice social distancing by running or walking at least six feet away from other people.

Can I pick up meals being provided by my child’s school?

Yes. Schools that provide free food services to students will continue on a pick-up and take-home basis. However, if you are experiencing symptoms or are currently in isolation, you should stay at home and follow the guidelines provided by your physician.

Can I go out to do laundry?

Yes.  Laundromats, dry cleaners and laundry service providers are considered essential businesses that will remain open.  However, if you are experiencing symptoms or are currently in isolation, you should stay at home and follow the guidelines provide by your physician.

Can I take my child to day care?

If you are considered an essential worker under the Order, you can take your child to a day care that is licensed on an emergency basis for the purpose of childcare for essential workers.  Licensed day care homes for up to 12 children will be closed but may reopen as an unlicensed day care home for up to 6 children.

Celebrate with 2×4’s For Hope as they received a $160,000 donation from Dakota Access Pipeline, LLC to help fund the construction of the next four (4) tiny homes for local veterans, and help complete the funding for a partially built home in Brown County. Joining is Dallas-based Energy Transfer, which operates Dakota Access Pipeline, LLC.

A check presentation and thank-you reception for partners and volunteers took place on Thursday, February 6, at 11:30 am at the Dick Brothers Brewery Museum Room, 929 York. St.

“This is perfect alignment of a plan to bring our community together and rebuild neighborhoods, lives and friendships by working together to make a difference,” states Mark Lawrence, co-founder of 2×4’s For Hope. “Empowering people, changing lives, setting examples and planting seeds continue to produce real results with real people.”

“Building hope and a future, one board at a time” is the mission statement for 2×4’s For Hope. But it wasn’t until Mark and Chris Lawrence happened upon a story about tiny homes for veterans that they could truly see how a 2×4 could help. To date, 2×4’s For Hope has donated over 12,000 2×4’s to veterans’ projects nationwide and helped build three (3) tiny homes for local veterans in Adams County, Illinois.

“Building stronger communities through local investments is one of our core values,” says Kevin Smith, Executive Vice President at Energy Transfer. “Partnering with 2×4’s For Hope is a natural fit for us, as building infrastructure is key to our core business of transporting oil and gas products. As a veteran myself, I can speak personally to the importance of veterans in the workforce and their value to our local communities. We are proud to support veterans along our Dakota Access Pipeline route in Illinois by partnering with 2×4’s For Hope.”

Remarks at the check presentation will be given by Chris & Mark Lawrence, founders of 2×4’s For Hope; Kevin Smith, Executive Vice President of Engineering & Construction at Energy Transfer; City of Quincy Mayor, Kyle Moore; and State Representative, Randy Frese.

For more information about the event, contact Joi Cuartero Austin at GREDF (217) 223-4313 or visit www.2x4forhope.org to learn more about the organization and it’s mission.

2×4’s For Hope is a 501c3 global organization with the sole objective to help those who are in need to a basic essential in live, shelter. The signed 2×4’s and donations have assisted organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Homes for homeless veterans, and sustainability for our neighbors in developing countries. Their mission is clear, to help those who are in need by working together to make a difference.

The Dakota Access Pipeline traverses approximately 177 miles in Illinois and has been safely transporting approximately 570,000 barrels of oil per day since June of 2017. It is operated by Dallas-based Energy Transfer, one of the largest and most diversified midstream energy companies in the United States.

Energy Transfer is committed to being a good neighbor, business partner, and valued member of the communities where their employees work, live and operate assets. To date, Energy Transfer and the Dakota Access Pipeline have contributed more than $11.2 million in donations along the pipeline’s route. Most recently, Dakota Access Pipeline donated $20,000 to the Illinois FFA and Illinois 4-H foundations, and $240,000 to emergency management departments along the pipeline’s twelve-county route in Illinois.

Craig Heming Talks Marketing & Self Branding

Adams County, IL – The first quarterly seminar of the Adams County Works Transition Planning Team took place on Wednesday, January 29 from 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM inside Utopia at 900 N. 12^th St. Guest speaker was Craig Heming of Doors-N-More with the topic, “Monkey Business… Business a money can do!”

“Simple and extremely effective business and marketing concepts that have moved Doors-N-More to a nationally ranked business, can do the same for your business,” states Craig Heming. “This presentation is not one of those overwhelming with information, but rather enables you to instantly implement in any business whether it is in its infancy or a 3^rdgeneration business like ours.”

Seminars are free and open to the public. Please RSVP to Angela Caldwell at caldwella@gredf.org.

Craig Heming has been co-owner of Doors-N-Moore, Inc. for 25 years, as well as owner of CH Properties, and co-owner of Heming Properties and Trim Fast. He was born and raised in Quincy, IL and his 3 passions (in order of importance) are family, business and community service for children through Noon Kiwanis. He is a graduate of Liberty High School and acquired bachelors and associates degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

The Adams County Works Transition Planning Team has a mission to Advance current workers by “Nurturing current employees to help advance their level of workplace essential skills to sustain and grow the organization’s competitive advantage.” The team meets the 3^rd Wednesday of each month at 9:O0 AM in the Oakley Lindsay Center.

Adams County, IL – All are welcome to attend the Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF) annual meeting Wednesday, January 8, in the Oakley Lindsay Center (OLC) located at 300 Civic Center Plaza. Networking and a cash bar begin at 5:00 PM in the OLC foyer, with the program beginning at 6:00 PM inside the Quincy Community Theater.

New this year, GREDF will recognize two (2) 2019 recipients of the Thomas A. Oakley Award for Economic Innovation. The Archer Daniels Midland Company operations in Quincy, IL, receives an award for their recent investment in community, infrastructure and technology, making Adams County, IL a hub for grains and oilseeds transported both nationally and internationally. Additionally, the Quincy, IL 2019 City Council receives an award for the passage of the 45×30 plan to creatively grow Quincy’s population through a multi-phase proposal, which includes talent attraction, tourism and retail initiatives.

“ADM is honored to receive the 2019 Award for Economic Innovation,” said Mark Stephens, ADM Director Commercial Development, Global Feed Additives. “This community is where we work, where our families live, and where our children go to school. We’re proud to have invested tens of thousands of dollars supporting great programs and organizations ranging from Horizons Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry to the Adams County Farm Bureau Foundation and Quincy Public Schools. We look forward to continuing to work to make Quincy a great place for agriculture, business and families.”

Representing the City of Quincy, council member Katie Awerkamp replied, “It’s such an honor to be receiving this award, and it’s such an exciting time to be a part of all of this new progression that is taking place.” Awerkamp continues, “As a new council member, I believe we have had quite the task over the last 6 months to get a lot accomplished for the City of Quincy in order to get the wheels moving for the Quincy Next Strategic Plan, and all of the economic development we need to get done. I believe there is a lot of potential, great vision and the right leadership with this new plan. We still have a lot of work to do, but it’s an exciting time to be a Quincy resident, to be sitting on the council and we should be thrilled with what has been accomplished so far.”

Previous recipient includes Mr. Thomas A. Oakley, whom the award is named after.

During the meeting, guests will be the first to hear about GREDF’s accomplishments this past year, as well as Forward Focus goals for GREDF in 2020.  We will also celebrate our outgoing and incoming board members, and hear from Adams County Chair, Kent Snider.

Closing remarks and keynote presentation will be made by Quincy Mayor, Kyle Moore regarding recent growth and investments in Quincy & Adams County, how other communities have addressed various growing pains, and and how our community is working to facilitate all the momentum.

For more information, contact Joi Cuartero Austin at GREDF (217) 223-4313.

Great River Economic Development Foundation is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit organization with a mission to maintain and GROW the economic vitality of the Quincy and Adams County, IL region through the retention and expansion of existing businesses and the attraction of new businesses to our entire region.

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Adams County, IL – On Tuesday, October 22 at 8:15 AM an awards ceremony was held at Quincy High School’s Quincy Area Vocational and Technical Center (QHS / QAVTC). Earlier that month, two teams from QHS competed in the Tri-State MakerFest S.T.E.A.M. Competition, with each team taking home a prize, one for People’s Choice and one for structural integrity.

During MakerFest six total teams competed. Two from Central High School in Camp Point, IL with engineer Ryan Phelps of Klingner & Associates as their coach; two from Quincy High School with Roger Leenerts of Leenerts Group as their coach; and two from Kahoka High School in Clark County, MO with their teacher Ben Taylor as their coach.

“It is wonderful to see the S.T.E.A.M. Competition grow this year,” states Angela Caldwell, organizer and Director of Workforce Development at Great River Economic Development Foundation. “The competition is a great way for students to connect with our businesses and get hands on experience with different aspects of architecture and engineering, while building their teamwork skills.”

MakerFest is presented by HOMEBANK, sponsored in part by Ameren Illinois, and in partnership with GREDF, John Wood Community College, Workforce Innovation Board of Western IL, and West Central Region Education for Employment System #240 / Quincy Area Vocational & Technical Center.

For more information, contact Joi Cuartero Austin at GREDF (217) 223-4313.

Great River Economic Development Foundation is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit organization with a mission to maintain and GROW the economic vitality of the Quincy and Adams County, IL region through the retention and expansion of existing businesses and the attraction of new businesses to our entire region.