SPRINGFIELD – To bring awareness to a strong, statewide industry, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) supported a resolution to designate October 2021 as Manufacturing Month in Illinois.

“Manufacturing industry workers play a critical role in Illinois as our state progresses toward a cleaner industrial future,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Declaring October 2021 as Manufacturing Month is an effort to pay respect to their contributions.”

Manufacturing is a competitive sector that works to strengthen the wellness of the economy. The industry employs an estimated 550,000 workers statewide. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Illinois manufacturers have worked to empower Illinois communities by producing production medical supplies to allow families, workers and economies to operate safely.

Senate Resolution 581 was adopted Thursday.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – To recognize the efforts of small businesses, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is highlighting recipients of Back to Business grants and encouraging residents to shop local as the holiday season approaches.

“To receive operating assistance from the state, nine locally-owned businesses were able to demonstrate financial loss from the pandemic,” Glowiak Hilton said. “By offering support to small businesses, Illinois is working to strengthen our communities.”

Awarded a combined $550,000, B2B grant recipients in the 24th Senate District include:

• Davanti Enoteca in Western Springs;
• Gia Mia in Elmhurst;
• Subway in Westmont;
• Maize + Mash in Glen Ellyn;
• CluedIn Escape Rooms in Glen Ellyn;
• Budget Inn and Suites in Glen Ellyn;
• Holiday Inn Express in Downers Grove;
• Jumpcut Pictures in Glen Ellyn; and
• Subway in Lombard.

The B2B program allocated $250 million in American Rescue Plan dollars for small businesses hurt financially by the pandemic. Grants ranged from $5,000 to $150,000 and could be used to cover a wide range of operations, such as staff and overhead costs.

“Shopping local can make a difference in our communities this holiday season,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Buying gift cards, recommending a local service or simply interacting on social media can offer support to our small business community.”

A full list of B2B grant awardees can be found on DCEO’s website.

NAPERVILLE – State Senators Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) and Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) are partnering with Metropolitan Family Services DuPage to hold a #LovePurse donation drive for survivors of domestic violence and other local women in need.

“For many women, a new purse full of care items is a symbol of a fresh start,” Ellman said. “By giving them what they might need, we are telling women who are struggling, ‘You matter, you are cared for, and you are worthy.’”

The #LovePurse initiative collects new purses that are filled with personal care items, toiletries, menstrual products, and notes of encouragement to distribute to women in need and survivors of domestic violence. Residents are invited to purchase a purse and fill it with dental care supplies, shampoo and conditioner, skincare items, and more, and take it to a local designated drop-off. A full list of suggested supplies can be found on the organization’s website.

“When women fall on tough times, there are numerous challenges they may need to overcome,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Offering support to our neighbors by donating purses filled with love can help build a stronger, more cohesive community.”

Purses and other donations can be dropped off at several locations from Oct. 12 to Nov. 12:

• Lisle Public Library, 777 Front Street, Lisle
• Naperville Fort Hill Activity Center, 20 Fort Hill Drive, Naperville
• Wheaton Public Library, 225 N Cross Street, Wheaton
• Glen Ellyn Public Library, 400 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn
• Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst
• Hinsdale Public Library, 20 E Maple Street, Hinsdale
• Senator Glowiak Hilton’s District Office, 17W715 E. Butterfield Road, Suite F, Oakbrook Terrace

More information about #LovePurse can be found on Metropolitan Family Services DuPage's website.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – To support economic recovery during the pandemic, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) announced $260,000 in Back2Business grants for local businesses and encourages any others eligible to apply before the Oct. 13 deadline.

“As our communities work toward economic recovery, small business owners and employees are among the most impacted,” Glowiak Hilton said. “These grants can support operating costs, and I encourage any struggling business to apply before the deadline.”

Earlier this week, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced seven businesses in the 24th District were awarded a combined $260,000 through the B2B grant program. A complete list of grantees is available on DCEO’s website.

“These grants can help offset some costs, but our community must also come together to support our local businesses,” Glowiak Hilton said. “With the holiday season soon approaching, I urge residents to look locally first when shopping.”

The B2B program allocates $250 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars for small businesses experiencing COVID-19 expenses, and grants will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis with a range of $5,000 to $150,000.

Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply before the Oct. 13 deadline by visiting the DCEO website.