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E-Developments
Winnetka's Connection to Village Businesses and Events
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 Village of Winnetka Statement on the Governor’s Order Suspending Indoor Dining in Suburban Cook County
The Village Council values and supports our local businesses, as well as the health and safety of our residents. We urge and trust our residents and merchants to use best judgments and to stay vigilant in your efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 through scientifically proven methods: mask-wearing, social distancing, and washing hands regularly. Please continue to support our local restaurants offering a wide variety of carry out and delivery options. A list of local restaurants can be found here.
Enforcement of the Governor’s latest Executive Order 2020-63 issued on October 27, 2020 suspending indoor dining in suburban Cook County rests solely with State Agencies. The Village of Winnetka does not have the resources to support such enforcement and will not actively enforce these restrictions on the businesses within our community.
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Governor Pritzker Suspends Indoor Dining in Suburban Cook County
Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health announced the suspension of all indoor dining service at restaurants and bars starting Wednesday, October 28, as part of the State's enhanced mitigation efforts aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 in Region 10 (Suburban Cook County).
Restaurants are to adhere to the following guidelines:
- No indoor dining or bar service
- All outdoor dining closes at 11 PM
- Outside dining tables should be 6 feet apart
- No standing or congregating indoors or outdoors while waiting for a table or exiting
- Reservations are required for each party: no walk-ups are allowed
- No seating of multiple parties at one table
Meetings, Social Events, Gatherings are to adhere to the following guidelines:
- Limit to whichever is less: 25 guests or 25% of overall room capacity
Restaurants will remain open to continue to offer outdoor dining, pick-up, carry-out and delivery services. All patrons and employees should continue to maintain social distancing and wear face coverings in public and in places of business.
Suburban Cook County will return to Phase 4 mitigations if:
- The positivity rate in Region 10 averages less than or equal to 6.5% over a three-day period,
- There is a decrease in hospital admissions for COVID-19 like illness over a three-day period, and
- The three-day rolling averages of ICU bed availability and medical/surgical bed availability is greater than or equal to 20% over a seven-day period.
Conversely, if the average positivity rate and hospital admissions for COVID-19 continue to increase over seven out of 10 days, more stringent mitigations can be applied. If the metrics remain stable, the region will continue to be monitored.
Where can struggling businesses and employees find assistance?
The State of Illinois has launched a number of programs to provide aid to businesses and restaurants facing pandemic-related losses:
- The Business Interruption Grant program will distribute $220 million to small businesses, with priority given to those in regions under increased mitigations, to use for payroll and other operational costs. Apply now.
- The Illinois Department of Employment Security has instructional videos, FAQs and other resources to help out-of-work Illinoisans apply for unemployment benefits. Learn more.
- Visit an Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for advice and other free resources to help you start, grow and maintain your business. Find an SBDC near you to discuss your options.
- Cook County is offering free webinars and one-on-one consultations to small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Explore available resources.
The Village of Winnetka will provide more information to business owners and residents as it becomes available. Visit the State's website for more information about this announcement. Visit the Village's website for industry-specific resources and signage.
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Towne and Oak Opens in Hubbard Woods!
Welcome to Winnetka, Towne & Oak! Chef Elaina Vazquez opened her café and private event space this week in Hubbard Woods at 921 Green Bay Road. Towne and Oak is open now for carryout. They offer breakfast items, sandwiches, tartines, salads, bowls and beverages including coffee, espresso, tea and more. You can order online or call 224-505-5384 for pickup and takeaway.
Congratulations, Elaina!
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Featured Winnetka Woman-Owned Business: Golden Needle Cleaners and Tailors at 600 Green Bay Road
Suzie Chung opened Golden Needle Cleaners and Tailors in West Elm in 1996. "In Winnetka, I saw people who demanded the best and I knew that it was the right place to open my business." Golden Needle Cleaners and Tailors offers tailoring, organic cleaning, hard press and unique services including European hand press.
Read more about Suzie and other women business owners on the Village's social media pages.
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Safe Halloween Trick-or-Treating At The Winnetka Farmers' Market on October 31 
Halloween is coming to the Winnetka Farmers' Market! Join us for a SpOOKtacular Socially-Distanced TRICK or TREAT Celebration on Saturday, October 31 from 7:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Kids, adults and pets can wear costumes, and don't forget your masks! The Farmers' Market continues to follow all State and County's health guidelines to keep the market safe for all visitors and vendors. Hosted by the Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the Village of Winnetka.
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Free Business Promotions From the Chicago North Shore Convention and Visitor's Bureau
Your business could get free promotion through the Chicago North Shore Convention Visitor's Bureau's new "Deal of the Day" program! This program will launch November 16th to promote deals for North Shore restaurants, retailers, hotels and attractions on the Bureau's social media pages. This program is free for any Winnetka business! The Village of Winnetka is a member of the Convention and Visitor's Bureau so every business in Winnetka is eligible to participate for free in this program. Does your business have a deal you want to promote? Fill out this form to enroll for free! Contact Jennifer Engle, Manager of Advertising and Membership Director, with questions.
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Financial Resources For Your Business
- Village of Winnetka Local Sales Tax Rebate Program - Get immediate cash for short-term financial operational needs such as payroll, payment to suppliers, payment to service providers, or payment of rent and utilities are available to eligible Winnetka businesses through the Sales Tax Rebate Program! Business owners are encouraged to visit the Village's website to learn more. The deadline to apply for a rebate is December 1, 2020.
- Business Interruption Grants (BIG) - The State is offering $220 million in financial assistance for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant funding may be used for working capital expenses, payroll costs, rent and more. Enrollment now open.
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Don't Miss These Hot Deals at Local Businesses!
Don't miss out on the hot deals, promotions and events going on at Winnetka businesses! Find out how to get a 50% off ice cream at Adelheidi's, a free manicure at Allure Nails & Spray Tan, or win a massage from Massage Winnetka!
Sign up online for the "Distinctly Winnetka" text loyalty program to stay in-the-know!
If you are a business based in Winnetka complete this form to sign up. Questions about the Village of Winnetka's work with the program should be directed to Liz Dechant. Learn more on the Village's website.
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Dates to Remember
National Women's Small Business Month
October 1 - 31
Halloween at the Winnetka Farmers' Market
Hosted by the Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce
Saturday, October 31
7:30 AM - 12:30 PM
South parking lot of Winnetka Village Hall
510 Green Bay Road
Socially Distanced Halloween Event at Aboyer
64 Green Bay Road on the outdoor patio
Saturday, October 31
3 PM - 6 PM
Trick-or-Treat station, specialty drinks, warm bevvys, s’mores, Chef Lachowicz’s famous grilled sausage sandwiches and more!
Tickets required
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 28
Red Invitation Sale
Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6*
*Look for week-long sales at some participating businesses
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Contact Economic Development Coordinator Liz Dechant for additional assistance. You can email her or call her at 847-716-3528.
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