Updates and News December 3rd
Hello Friends and Colleagues,
We hope you are all staying safe. We wanted to share some updates with you this week that were important.
Letters to Elected Officials from Live Events Coalition
We do not need to tell you that our industry is still at a standstill and in need of passing a legislative relief package, but we do need to continuing to tell our elected officials that we need them to do their jobs and pass such a bill. While you may have participated in our last letter campaign via our UJoin portal, we ask that you do so again. The letter references some data that was gleaned from the Live Events Coalition survey that just closed, to show the gravity of our situation now and for the next few months.
Sending the letter takes very little time, but the impact is powerful, the Live Events Industry and LEC remain committed to no longer being invisible or taking our foot off the gas until our elected officials hear us, see us and do what we elected them to do – serve us!
Please take a moment (15 seconds) to fill this out and continue to let our elected officials know! And please share with ALL of your friends, anyone can fill out, they do not have to be a part of the event industry. In other words, tell your friends, family, everyone you know and ask for their help!
Some additional updates
Members of the Live Events Coalition can now participate in the new health insurance program. Please view their website for details on joining and the health insurance program.
Philip Dufor, National Director of Development and Fundraising has been named as part of the transition team for VP Elect, Kamala Harris.
The Senate is getting closer to agreeing on a second relief bill. We are also awaiting what will happen with the PUA which is set to expire Dec 26th.
Live Events Coalition looking to evolve in to trade association to always fight for our industry and it is getting noticed in Washington. This shows the great work that all State Coalitions and the National Coalition has been doing to gain ground towards getting industry back on its feet.
Current Guidelines for City and State
Currently in the the City of Chicago, Mayor Lightfoot imposed new mitigations that went into effect November 30th.
The following industries or activities are closed indoors:
Restaurants & Bars, Movie Theaters, Performance Venues, Museums, Group Sports & Recreational Activities
Meeting Rooms, Banquet Centers, Private Party Rooms, Private Clubs, Country Clubs and other Event Venues may NOT host gatherings indoors or outdoors!
Currently in State of Illinois
Limit gatherings. Indoor gatherings of more than one household are prohibited by this Executive Order. Outdoor gatherings are limited to no more than ten people.
You can read the full details here
BIG Illinois Grants
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity of the Illinois Governor’s office is still processing the Business Interruption Grant (BIG). This is a $220 million dollar program developed to help those small businesses hardest hit by COVID-19. Applications for the funding are live and Governor Pritzker has encouraged people to apply.
Thank you! Stay safe, stay well and please continue to follow the Illinois event guidelines!
Ali Phillips, Michelle Durpetti and Collin Pierson