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Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau

May 2020 Newsletter

Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau100 S. Center Street, Suite 101, Clinton, IL 61727 217-935-3364 www.clintonilchamber.com

It is the sole purpose of the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau to promote Clinton, its business community, its tourist attractions and achievements.

Clinton Chamber Elects New President

In March of this year, the Clinton Chamber’s President, GabeGoldsmith, resigned to take a new job in another state. With thischange, Vice President Byron Conner took over the position untilthe Chamber Board of Directors could meet and elect a newpresident.

Josh Shofner, First National Bank & Trust Company, waselected as the new Chamber President at the April board meeting.Josh will serve as president for the rest of 2020.

CLINTON'S 2020 MAYDAYS FESTIVALWILL NOT TAKE PLACE ON MAY 14 - 17, 2020. THE EVENT WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR MAY 2021.

CLINTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 7th ANNUAL RAFFLE

Tickets on sale now at the Chamber office. Meat purchased from Toohill Seed & Beef Service.

Tickets $20 each. 3 CHANCES TO WIN! •1/4 Beef ($600 value) •1/2 Hog ($300 value) •$100.00 Cash

Drawing takes place June 23, 2020

Joshua Shofner, First National Bank & Trust Company

MEMORIAL DAY SERVICEThis Memorial Day, May 25, 2020, will be so different from

the ones in our past. Clinton's local Memorial Day Service eventhas taken place at Woodlawn Cemetery, but with the currentCOVID-19 social distancing Federal and State orders, the Memo-rial Day Committee decided to do something different.

Krystal Cicenas is spearheading the committee, working withthe Clinton Journal, assisted by her husband Ed of EMC Photog-raphy, by putting together a memorial tribute to area armed servicemembers who have passed. This special tribute will be appearingin the Clinton Journal on Friday, May 22.

Krystal began contacting people to be part of the newspaperspread, pulling many people that have been part of our MemorialDay event, as speakers, wreath bearers, and those behind thescenes. These include Mayor Roger Cyrulik, American LegionPost #103, AmVets Post 14, Clinton VFW Post 4168, Clinton FireDepartment, Clinton Community High School Band, Clinton Police Department, Boy Scout Troop #1142, Calvert Funeral home,and local citizens of Dewitt County. “We weren't able to include everyone that's usually part of the event, but we tried toget a good showing.” said Krystal Cicenas. So many people willtake part in this year's event, just as they have in years past, but itwill be different. The message, however, is still the same.

WE REMEMBER OUR FALLEN SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN.

Please stop, pause and remember this Memorial Day, Monday,May 25, at 3pm for a moment of silence.“Thank you to all that have participated in the past many years!

We hope to see you all at next year's service!” said Krystal Cicenas. This will also be posted via Facebook and other social media

on Memorial Day via EMC Photography, the Clinton Chamber andother local organizations.

CLINTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCEMEMBER SURVEY

We understand this is a stressful and confusing time for our business community. We came up with a couple ideas to promoteyour business as many businesses look towards reopening. Theshort on-line survey response is due back to us by May 8th. Pleasehelp us help you, our valuable members and business community!If you have any questions or comments, give us a call at the ClintonChamber of Commerce office, 217-935`3364, and we’ll be happyto listen.

BUY A RAFFLE TICKETGET A FREE COOKBOOK

The Clinton Chamber of Commerce’s 7th annual raffle is on-going, but with the closure of our office, along with delays inseveral events, we’re thinking of new and different ways to “SELL”our raffle tickets. If you buy a raffle ticket during the month of Mayfrom Toohill Seed & Beef Service, you will receive a FREE Clinton Chamber of Commerce Community Cookbook!

COVID-19 UPDATEIn these troubling and stressful times, many are stepping up to provide direct relief or give back to the

community. If anything positive comes out of the COVID-19 health crisis, it is the resilience and understanding that we can work together to help each other and our local businesses.

For more info and resources regarding COVID-19, click the Resources drop down at www.clintonilchamber.com.Below is a list of member financial institutions providing assistance to businesses and individuals, and other resources.

DeWitt Savings Bank217-935-9470 https://www.dewittsavingsbank.com

First National Bank & Trust Company 217-935-2148 https://www.firstnbtc.com

First State Bank of Bloomington: Heyworth309-473-2828 https://www.fsbblm.com

State Bank of Lincoln217-935-3144 https://www.sblincoln.com

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:State of IL - Coronavirus Coronavirus.illinois.gov

IDES Illinois Department of Employment Security www2.illinois.gov/idesIllinois Economic Development Association https://www.ileda.org

Illinois Department of Revenue https://www2.illinois.gov/rev/Pages/default.aspx

FEDERAL TAX DEADLINE EXTENDEDThe Federal Tax deadline has been delayed until July 15, 2020. If you need assistance with your taxes, please reach out to our

affiliate, Collins Consulting, at 712.487.3853 or email them at [email protected].

ILLINOIS TAX DEADLINE EXTENDEDThe 2019 income tax filing and payment deadlines for all taxpayers who file and pay their Illinois income taxes on

April 15, 2020, are automatically extended until July 15, 2020.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) https://www.sba.gov

IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments

DeWitt Piatt Bi-County Health Department www.dewittpiatthealth.com

Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce www.clintonilchamber.com

DeWitt County Economic Development Council www.dcdc-illinois.net

Farmer City Chamber of Commerce www.farmercitychamber.org

*SEE OTHER RESOURCES IN THE ATTACHED INSERTS*

Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism BureauMay 2020 Newsletter .



Riva Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning4572 Greenwood St., Lane, IL 61750

Find us on FacebookPhone: 217.871.0965

Sunset Inn & Suites100 Sunrise Court, Clinton, IL 61727Website: www.sunsetinnandsuites.com

Phone: 217.935.4140

Dan Caulkins, State Representative 101st District District Office:

715 W. Imboden Dr., Decatur, IL 62521Website: www.dancaulkins.com

Phone: 217.876.1968

Save-A-Lot Food Store205 E. Washington Street, Clinton, IL 61727

Phone: 217.935.3618

C & P Custom Printing8238 Old Silo, Clinton, IL 61727

Website: www.candpcustomprinting.comPhone: 847.780.7119

Bayer U.S. - Crop Science, Monsanto Company14901 Asgrow Road, Farmer City, IL 61842

Website: www.bayer.comPhone: 309.928.9445

Exelon / Clinton Power Station8401 Power Road, Clinton, IL 61727

Website: www.exeloncorp.com Phone: 217.937.4205

Ace Hardware114 North Madison Street, Clinton, IL 61727

Find us on FacebookPhone: 217.935.9491

AMS, Inc.217 East Main Street, Clinton, IL 61727

Website: https://amsincil.comPhone: 217.521.7310

If you’re a member of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, you can be part of the 150% Club! Just renew your

Clinton Chamber membership dues at the 150% Club Rate. ROI: You will receive the following ADDED benefits:

- 1 Extra Chamber Scoop Newsletter Insert - Monthly Recognition in the Chamber Scoop Newsletter

- Banner Ad on the Chamber Website clintonilchamber.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTSClinton Chamber’s May Board MeetingMonday, May 18, 2020 @ Noon Contact us at 935-3364 if you wish to be placed on the agenda.

MayDays Festival2020 Event Postponed Until May, 2021

Clinton Chamber Office Closed for Memorial Day Monday, May 25, 2020

Looking Ahead . . . . .Clinton Chamber’s June Board MeetingMonday, June 22, 2020 @ Noon *Date changed due to Memorial Day HolidayContact us at 935-3364 if you wish to be placed on the agenda.

Clinton Chamber’s Annual Golf OutingJune 23, 2020Clinton Country Club, Clinton, IL

Clinton Chamber’s Business ExpoEvent Postponed - Will be rescheduled in 2020

“Like” Clinton Illinois Chamber of Commerce onFacebook at www.facebook.com/visitclintonil



Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism BureauMay 2020 Newsletter . Page 2

2020 CLINTON CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Joshua Shofner, Chamber PresidentFirst National Bank & Trust Company

Byron Conner, Chamber Vice-PresidentClintonia Eagle Theater

Paul Skowron, Chamber TreasurerWarner Hospital & Health Services

Janell Baum Thomas, Chamber SecretaryBaum Chevrolet Buick

Brad BartonClinton Ace HardwareStephanie TorbertDeWitt Savings BankMichael Lovett

Love It Once More Thrift StoreRachel Brewer

Richland Community College & Clinton Higher Education Center

Clayton Welch / Alexa TorbertClinton High School Student Board of Directors

Chamber StaffMarian Brisard, Executive Director

Lacy Phelps, Marketing Coordinator & Tourism

While the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau makes every effort to provide accurate and complete information, various information follows that is via a third party and should be used at your own discretion. Information is subject to change, without notice, and if interested in any of the information included in this edition, you should contact that group, business, or organization directly.

150%CLUB

VISIT

uson

FACEBOOK

FOR

MORE

EVENTS

Census2020.gov

PIZZA HUT614 W. Van Buren StreetClinton, IL 61727217-935-8833

https://www.pizzahut.com

WATERS CONSTRUCTION1502 E. Main StreetClinton, IL 61727217-935-5550

https://www.watersconstruction.biz

NANRAN9219 Blue Sage RoadClinton, IL 61727

UTTERBACK REAL ESTATE211 W. Van Buren StreetClinton, IL 61727217-935-8182

https://www.utterbackrealestate.com

DEWITT COUNTY FRIENDSHIP CENTER

410 E. Main StreetClinton, IL 61727217-935-9411

Email: [email protected]

SUNSET INN & SUITES100 Sunrise CourtClinton, IL 61727217-935-4140

www.sunsetinnandsuites.com

Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, 100 South Center Street, Suite 101, Clinton, IL 61727 217-935-3364 • www.clintonilchamber.com

Clinton Chamber’sMember Renewals

We’re showcasing Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau Members who renewed their dues during the month of April, 2020

THANK YOU for your confidence in the Clinton Chamber of Commerce!

ST. JOHN’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

502 North Monroe StreetClinton, IL 61727217-935-3727

www.clintonstjohns.org

CITY OF CLINTON118 W. Washington Street

Clinton, IL 61727217-935-9438

www.clintonillinois.com

FLOWER CORNER COUNTRY CHURCH CRAFT MALL

1160 Rt. 54 WestClinton, IL 61727217-935-9434

http://www.countrychurchcraftmall.com

ILLINOIS OIL MARKETING EQUIPMENT, INC.850 Brenkman Dr., Pekin, IL 61554

309-347-1819601 E. Leander Street, Clinton, IL 61727

217-935-5107http://www.iome.com

NEWSLETTER INSERTSAs a member of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, your benefits include submitting your event or promotional flyersto be included in the Chamber’s monthly newsletter. Membersmay utilize this Member Benefit up to four times a year. Thenewsletter is available 24 / 7 on the Chamber’s website. If youhave questions about this offer, please call the Chamber officeat 217-935-3364. Please email your .pdf insert(s) to us at [email protected] deadline to submit an insert is the 25th of each month.

A Public Health Approach To Safely Reopen Our State

From the beginning of the novel coronavirus pandemic, Illinois’ response has been guided by data, science, and public health experts. Relying on the experts, Governor Pritzker took decisive action to slow the spread of COVID-19 and save as many lives as possible including:

• Issuing a Disaster Proclamation on March 9

• Putting enhanced health and safety measures in place at nursing homes on March 11, after issuing initial guidance on March 3

• Closing bars and restaurants for on-site consumption on March 16

• Moving all schools to remote learning on March 17

• Issuing a Stay at Home Order, the second announced in the country, on March 21

Millions of Illinoisans working together by staying at home and following experts’ recommendations have proven these mitigation and social distancing measures effective so far, but modeling projects a rapid surge in new cases if all of these measures are immediately lifted.

We must follow a safe and deliberate path forward to reopen our economy, guided by public health and data, to keep Illinoisans as safe as possible.

Restore Illinois is a five-phase regional plan to reopen the state’s economy on a regional basis in accordance with key public health metrics.

• Clear Phases: Restore Illinois lays out five phases that regions will move through together, ensuring we move forward in a safe and deliberate manner while providing businesses and families more clarity on our next steps.

• Health Metrics: The plan is based on key health metrics, like positive test rates and hospital capacity and admissions, that the Illinois Department of Public Health will assess to determine when it is safe for a region to move forward.

• Regional Approach: Restore Illinois recognizes the distinct impact COVID-19 has had on different regions of the state. Using the long-existing Emergency Medical Services Networks, the plan uses four regions – Northeast Illinois, North-Central Illinois, Central Illinois, and Southern Illinois – that will move through each phase together.

• Safe Reopening: As health metrics tell us it is safe to move forward, regions will gradually reopen non-essential businesses, allow employees to begin returning to work, expand outdoor recreation, and increase gathering sizes.

Until we have a vaccine, treatment, or no new cases over a sustained period of time, this plan recognizes that just as health metrics will tell us it is safe to move forward, health metrics may also tell us to return to a prior phase. The Illinois Department of Public Health will be closely monitoring key metrics to immediately identify new growth in cases and hospitalizations to determine whether a return to a prior phase is needed.

As research and data on this novel coronavirus continue to develop, the Illinois Department of Public Health may update this plan to ensure it reflects the latest science.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 10, 2020

MORE INFO: Randal J. Miller, President (217) 935-9590

MILLER MEDIA GROUP

PROVIDING "GOOD NEWS" PORTAL

FOR LISTENERS TO USE

(Taylorville)--The Miller Media Group radio stations in Clinton has announced it's set up a new e-mail address for listeners to its stations, and readers of its on-line daily newspaper dewittdailynews.com, to share "Good News" stories. These stories can be about a single act of kindness, something a family member did, something a community member did for someone, or that a group or organization did for someone that's worthy of being a "Good News" story. Information shared thru the special e-mail address, which is: [email protected], will be turned into news stories that will air in local newscasts on WHOW THE BIG 1520/92.3 & 106.5 FM, and WEZC "Your EASY Choice!" 95.9 FM, and also shared on-line at dewittdailynews.com. Listeners can either send an e-mail to that address, or click the link to that e-mail on dewittdailynews.com.

END

The Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has made funding available to local Workforce offices throughout Illinois to prevent essential, small businesses from laying off or furloughing employees. DCEO is looking for businesses for whom these potential grant dollars would make the difference between keeping workers on or having to layoff/furlough. Here are some sample scenarios that qualifying businesses (“essential” per the Governor’s order and “small” by the SBA’s definition) can apply to cover:

• Layoff aversion funds could be used to pay for a cleaning/sanitization service. A small business needs their employees to be at work, on‐site, but cannot afford frequent deep cleaning to help prevent potential exposure to COVID‐19.

• Layoff aversion funding could be used to purchase the software programs and/or hardware (computers) that the employee would need to use from home to support their work. A small business whose employees use specific software or computer applications asks their employees to work from home/remotely in order to support social distancing and limit potential exposure to COVID‐19.

• Layoff aversion funding could be used to purchase remote access supplies, including laptop computers and/or smart phones, that the employee would need to use from home to support their work. A call center environment needs to have their employees work from home/remotely in order to support social distancing and limit potential exposure to COVID‐19.

• Layoff aversion funding could be used to offset related costs to the employer or workers, excluding wages and benefits. In order to support social distancing and limit potential exposure to COVID‐19, a company that usually runs two shifts of workers adds a third shift, so that fewer employees are on onsite at any given time.

• Layoff aversion funding can help pay for projects to support the production of goods and services that are needed to address COVID‐19 National Health Emergency and/or preserve critical business operations to stay in business. Incumbent worker training to redirect and reassign existing employees on critical business needs.

Please note that this list is not all inclusive. Employee payroll and benefits cannot, however, be covered through this funding opportunity. Upcoming costs as well as expenses incurred already since the start of the Governor’s stay‐at‐home order (March 20) can be reimbursed through this grant. The amount that can be awarded per company is $5,000‐$50,000. There is a VERY BRIEF APPLICATION document (attached) that companies in need should complete and submit to your local Workforce Investment Solutions office as soon as possible. Application is also available on the Workforce website: www.worknetdecatur.org. The grant is a “first come first served basis” and will be made available until DCEO runs out of funding or stops the process. Email applications to Workforce Investment Solutions at: [email protected]. You will receive an email from Workforce verifying receipt of the application. Questions? Call or email:

• Rocki Wilkerson at (217) 875‐8720 – [email protected], or

• Larry Peterson, Special Projects & Employment Specialist, 217‐820‐057 ‐ [email protected]

http://www.worknetdecatur.org/

mailto:[email protected]



STOP THE SPREAD OF GERMS Help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19.

Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

cdc.gov/COVID19 314915-A March 16, 2020 1:02 PM

cdc.gov/COVID19

CS 315252-A March 20, 2020, 12:51PM

cdc.gov/COVID19-symptoms

Patients with COVID-19 have experienced mild to severe respiratory illness.

SHORTNESSOF BREATH

COUGH

FEVERSymptoms* can include

*Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms, and have been in close

contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or

have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.

SYMPTOMS OF CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

7th Annual

Ticket Price: $20

Clinton Chamber of Commerce Raffle

1st Prize1/4 Beef ($600 Value)

2nd Prize1/2 Hog ($300 Value)

3rd Prize$100 Cash

Drawing will be held June 23, 2020.Meat provided by Toohill Seed & Beef Service.

Processing fees included.

Tickets available at Clinton Chamber of Commerce Office 100 S Center Street, Suite 101, Clinton, IL 61727 217-935-3364

www.ides.illinois.gov

Federal Stimulus Package Unemployment Benefits

The federal government recently enacted legislation to address the dramatic economic crisis brought on by COVID-19, including an unemployment benefits expansion. While this will financially help unemployed Illinoisans in the months to come, not everyone will be eligible for all the benefits contained in the package, and some benefits will not begin immediately .

Please do not call to inquire about these new federal programs. Our employees are proc essing applications for current benefits. Further details about the new federal programs and how to apply will be made available once they have been finalized.

How will this affect Illinois unemployment benefits? Once the stimulus package has been implemented in Illinois, individuals receiving unemployment benefits will receive an additional $600 each week above what they would receive in regular

unemployment benefits until July 31, 2020. This will not be retroactively applied to unemployment benefits received in the past. In many cases, individuals will also be eligible for more weeks of unemployment above the 26 weeks provided under regular unemployment rules. Both of these benefits will be applied automatically if you qualify.

What do I do if I have already received my maximum benefits?

Some individuals who have received their entire 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits may be eligible for more weeks of benefits under the stimulus package. If you have exhausted your benefits, or you are close to exhausting your benefits, we are finalizing the process to

continue benefits under the stimulus package. Details will be available as soon as we have received further guidance from the US Department of Labor.

I am self-employed. Do I qualify under the new federal unemployment program? Under regular unemployment rules, the incomes of self-employed workers, freelancers, and

independent contractors are not subject to unemployment taxes and so typically these individuals are not eligible for unemployment benefits. The stimulus package creates a new, temporary program to help people who lose this type of work as a direct result of the current public health emergency. IDES will provide information about how to apply for this benefit as soon as it is

finalized. Please do not apply at this time. Thank you for waiting to apply until further details are available. This will allow our employees to address the large volume of claims for those individuals who are eligible under current benefit

programs.

217.782.7500 Springfield | 312.814.7179 Chicago | www.illinois.gov/dceo


Alternative Occupancy Restriction for Essential Stores

Governor J.B. Pritzker issued Executive Order 2020-32 on April 30, 2020, effective May 1, 2020. This

new “stay at home” EO added restrictions which affect essential stores. The EO provided that the

Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity set an alternative occupancy limit for essential

stores.

Section 2 of the Order reads: Requirements for essential stores. Retail stores (including, but not limited

to, stores that sell groceries and medicine, hardware stores, and greenhouses, garden centers, and

nurseries) designated as Essential Businesses and Operations under this Order shall to the greatest extent

possible:

• Cap occupancy at 50 percent of store capacity, or alternatively, at the occupancy limits based on

store square footage set by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Essential Store Occupancy Limit

Guidelines:

• Stores must limit customers in the store at one time to 5 customers per 1,000 square feet. This

excludes employees. The customer occupancy limit is calculated by taking the total square

footage of the permanent structure the business occupies and divide by 1,000. If the square

footage of the facility is less than 1,000, the number of people is also less than 5 based on

percentage.

• Below is limit chart based on the formula. NOTE: Retailers may impose a stricter standard

should they choose.

Square footage of

building

Illinois Customer

Limit (5 per 1,000

sf)

1,000 5

2,500 12

5,000 25

10,000 50

20,000 100

30,000 150

40,000 200

50,000 250

100,000 500

150,000 750



Section 2 of the EO provides additional requirements for essential stores. The Department

provides clarification regarding those requirements below:

• Set up store aisles to be one-way where practicable to maximize spacing between customers

and identify the one-way aisles with conspicuous signage and/or floor markings. One-way

aisles will not apply to front, back, and middle aisles within the store; and

• Communicate with signage the requirement that an individual wear a face covering while in the

store. If customers are not in compliance, we encourage stores to respectfully let the patron

know of the Order and request that they put their face covering on.

April 30, 2020

The Honorable J. B. Pritzker

Governor

State of Illinois

100 West Randolph Street, Suite 16-100

Chicago, IL 60601-3112

Dear Governor Pritzker:

We are grateful for the health professionals, civil servants, and Illinois residents who have

followed the guidance provided by you and President Trump to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The actions taken by so many have kept the health systems functioning and prevented the

systemic collapse so many feared.

Fortunately, the health system has been tempered by an increase in capacity, improved testing,

and increased personal protective equipment, which has mitigated the risk of its collapse. And

now, the greater threat looming over Illinois is the collapse of our economy if your Stay-at-Home

order continues in its current form. It is unreasonable and untenable to continue on this course

for the duration of the pandemic. We must, therefore, work with our public health experts to

establish a path forward that no longer ignores the economy that feeds and fuels our families and

society.

The State of Illinois must begin a phased reopening of the private and public institutions that

form the foundation of our economy. Failure to do so poses a great threat to the lives and

livelihoods of far more Illinois residents through unemployment, homelessness, crime, substance

abuse, and suicide. It is imperative that you develop a reopening plan that gets Illinois and its

people back to work while mitigating the inherent health risks of COVID-19. We would like to

work with you to develop a plan for the State to strategically and safely reopen its economy.

As we discussed on the call yesterday, the pandemic is impacting different parts of the State in

different ways, and like you, we believe a phased reopening can and should begin in those

communities that have had fewer cases. According to the information provided on the Illinois

Department of Public Health website, there are at least 35 counties in Illinois with less than ten

cases, and at least five that have yet to see any cases at all. Improved testing, with guidance on

how to isolate and contain outbreaks, will be critical to any reopening plan. On Thursday of last

week, the House passed H.R. 266, the fourth piece of emergency legislation passed by Congress

thus far. Between all four of these legislative packages, Congress has dedicated more than $41

billion specifically for testing, vaccine research and development, and therapeutics. With this

funding, Illinois will have the resources necessary for a robust testing system, and we will ensure

the State has the flexibility to create a regional approach.

As we’ve seen in other states – Ohio, Texas, and Colorado in particular – governments have

worked with the Coronavirus Task Force to end their Stay-at-Home orders and provide the

guidance necessary for businesses and individuals to make informed decisions on how they can

safely return to work. Some have proposed allowing certain low risk businesses to open in May.

They’ve also given public guidance to reduce the risk of contracting the virus. We are supportive

of these approaches, and we strongly encourage and will support similar actions by Illinois, in

consultation with health officials and the Task Force.

We have stayed in constant contact with local leaders and stakeholders within our Congressional

Districts and we recognize how important those conversations will remain going forward. The

fact is communities across the State are desperate for a plan to navigate the reopening of

businesses in a responsible, reasonable manner. There is a strong desire among the people we

represent to move forward with a plan focused on balancing our health and our economy. It

should not be an either/or proposition. We continue to welcome the opportunity to work with you

in a bipartisan manner to achieve the best possible outcomes for the people of Illinois, providing

them the tools to stay healthy and make a living.

Again, thank you for your efforts to manage the State’s response to COVID-19. We stand ready

to work with you to ensure Illinoisans have the resources they need to live alongside this terrible

virus while remaining cautious, vigilant, and flexible during these uncertain times.

Sincerely,

___________________ ___________________

Adam Kinzinger John Shimkus

Member of Congress Member of Congress

___________________ ___________________

Rodney Davis Mike Bost

Member of Congress Member of Congress

___________________

Darin LaHood

Member of Congress

Learn more ways to save, visit AmerenIllinoisSavings.com/Businessor call us at 1.866.800.0747

ENERGY SAVING TIPS FOR YOUR FACILITY

Use Natural SunlightTurn off lights in unused rooms and use natural sunlight instead of overhead lighting. Lighting consumes close to 35% of all electricity used in commercial buildings.

Invest In LED LightingNot only will LED lights cost less and save more energy, they also last longer, require lower maintenance, and improve the overall lighting quality of the room.

Turn Off Computer EquipmentPut computers in sleep mode when you step away and turn off computers at the end of the day. At night, during off hours, only 36% of desktop computers get turned off and 95% of laptop computers remain plugged in.

Start An Energy TeamEstablish an energy team at your business to meet your energy efficiency goals. Make energy efficiency a team sport.

Use Advanced Power StripsElectronic devices continue to use power, even when they are turned off. Advanced power strips save energy by shutting the power off completely when plugged-in devices are turned off.

Invest In A Smart ThermostatSmart thermostats are able to detect when employees are working and activate the away mode after business hours. Many smart thermostat users experience energy savings of 10-15% annually!

Use ENERGY STAR® ProductsUsing ENERGY STAR certified products can help save money on operating costs while reducing energy use without sacrificing performance. These products use less energy and will help you save money over time!

Consolidate Office EquipmentOffice equipment is a silent drain on your electricity resources. Disconnect or remove any unused printers, scanners or fax machines. Enable your multifunction devices to go into standby after 15 minutes of idle time for additional savings.

Install light dimmers. Light dimmers reduce the flow of electricity and use lower outputs to save energy.

Use cold water when using your washing machine. Switching the temperature from hot/warm to cold will cut down on energy use.

Set your water heater to 120 degrees to save money. A water heater set to a higher temperature costs more money and wastes energy.

Adjust the temperature of your thermostat. Lowering it in the winter and raising it in the summer will reduce your heating and cooling costs.

Check your air filter every month. A dirty filter makes your heating and cooling system work harder.

Clean your refrigerator coils. Dirty coils cause your refrigerator to work harder and your electricity bill to go up.

Make sure you have a full load of dishes in your dishwasher and washing machine before running them. A full machine uses less energy and costs less money.

Switch the direction of your ceiling fans. Use the counterclockwise direction in the summer and the clockwise direction in the winter.

AMEREN ILLINOIS ENERGY SAVINGS TIPS FOR YOUR HOME

For more home energy savings tips and helpful videos, visit

AmerenIllinoisSavings.com/Tips

ENERGY EFFICIENCYPROGRAMS

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