FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MARCH 16, 2020

CHICAGO – The Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) issued the following statement urging consumers to practice normal shopping routines and avoid stockpiling amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

“It’s imperative for everyone to maintain their normal shopping routine to ensure the safety of our employees, fellow customers and your neighbors. IRMA has worked closely with state officials to ensure regulatory obstacles to restocking shelves are removed so consumers can access items they may need during this public health crisis. The retail industry is working around the clock to ensure its customers throughout Illinois will have the products it needs for you, your families and businesses. Our members in the grocery, pharmacy, convenience, hardware, restaurant, and every type of retail business, manage supply and demand chain needs on a constant basis which is a hallmark of this industry,” said Rob Karr, president & CEO, IRMA.

Additionally, as we attempt to control the outbreak of COVD-19 and more people work from home, it is important to provide options that alleviate the pressure placed on grocery, pharmacy, convenience, restaurant and retail stores. This is why it is crucial that we still allow restaurants to provide delivery, drive-thru, take-out, and curbside pick-up. At the very least, the following entities must remain open:

  • Grocery stores
  • Pharmacies
  • Convenience store and gas stations with grocery items
  • Stores with cleaning and sanitation supplies
  • Stores with pet supplies
  • Stores with electronic items

IRMA also reminded the public to follow the advice of the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Chicago Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by engaging in social-distancing and good hygiene practices, which includes washing hands repeatedly and thoroughly. Most importantly, we urge all consumers to stay home when sick.

Providing Loans to Help Others Since 1983

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois small businesses can tap into $250 million in low-interest bridge loans as soon as this week to help push through the COVID-19 pandemic, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said today.

The state treasurer’s office will make $250 million available to Illinois banks and credit unions that wish to participate. The financial institutions will determine who is eligible for the loans.

“We can move faster than the federal government and its partners because we are not slowed by the partisanship that overshadows such efforts,” Frerichs said. “Part of ensuring the health and well- being of our residents includes making sure small-business owners stay solvent so their workers can be paid.”

Kraig Lounsberry, president of the Community Bankers Association, encourages its members to participate in this loan program. “Partnering with the state treasurer’s office will give community banks a powerful new tool to quickly protect small businesses suffering during this crisis,” Lounsberry said.

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Scholarship Eligibility:
This application is for students seeking an undergraduate degree. Applicants should be an accepted student at an accredited institution of higher learning to include community colleges, private institutions and certified vocational training programs.

ILBC Members, ILBC employees, ILBC Foundation board members, and their immediate relatives are ineligible for the scholarship program.

How to Apply:

You can email the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request an application.

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ATTENTION ALL CHILDCARE PROVIDERS, NURSES, and EMS PROFESSIONALS -
nursing
These are the final weeks to earn a FREE 2019 Continuing Education Credit (CEC)

The course is self-paced, consists of 7 quick, easy lessons (average 3-5 minutes/lesson) and can be completed on a computer, tablet or smart phone. Click here to get started: Poison Prevention Education Course.

Please contact us if you have questions, comments and/or suggestions as to how to share poison prevention information with your community: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 312.906.6136.

The Illinois Poison Center (IPC) is a nonprofit health service that provides the people of Illinois with comprehensive and trusted information and treatment advice on potentially harmful substances via a free, confidential 24-hour helpline staffed by specially trained physicians, nurses and pharmacists. The IPC is a service of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association.

 

Illinois Poison Center
Illinois Health and Hospital Association
833 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 610
Chicago, IL 60607

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District Office
1016 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60607 
(312) 888-9191
(312) 277-3716 FAX

Springfield Office
129 Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
217-782-6252