PARK FOREST – In an effort to promote resources available to small businesses and hear from small business owners and entrepreneurs, Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is accepting applications to tour shops, restaurants and other establishments in the 40th Senate District.

“Small businesses are the heart of our communities,” Joyce said. “I am asking local businesses to submit their information and schedule a tour, so we can help empower and support our entrepreneurs as the state moves forward from the pandemic.”

Joyce said he hopes to tour restaurants, retail shops and businesses that provide personal services, like spas and salons. All tours will be in compliance with the state’s public health guidelines and restrictions.

Applications are open, and interested business owners can find the application at SenatorPatrickJoyce.com/SmallBusinessTours. Joyce plans to start the program in the coming weeks and requests that businesses submit their applications soon. Once an application is received, a member of Joyce’s team will respond with additional details.

Those with questions can contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 or visit SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.

KANKAKEE – Senate Agriculture Chair Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging young photographers to submit photos for the 2021 Cream of the Crop Photography Contest.

“This is a great contest for kids, but also a great teaching moment about our state’s number one industry – agriculture,” Joyce said. “I encourage young photographers throughout the area to share their vision of Illinois agriculture by submitting an entry.”

Electronic photo submissions will be accepted from Illinois students ages 8-18. Top photographs will be chosen in three age categories: ages 8-10, 11 14 and 15-18. Each student is permitted to submit up to two photos by June 24, 2021.
 
The photo contest is part of the Ag Invest program. Winning photos will be featured in Ag Invest marketing material and displayed at the 2021 Illinois State Fair.

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is pleased to announce five local fire departments will receive funding through the Small Equipment Grant Program, administered by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal for equipment upgrades.

“Having the right safety equipment is critical for first responders,” Joyce said. “This grant program is a tremendous resource that helps meet basic equipment needs for local fire departments to fight fires and save lives.”

The Small Equipment Grant Program was established by OSFM to provide grants of up to $26,000 to support small firefighting and ambulance equipment purchases. A total of $3.3 million was awarded to 149 fire departments and EMS providers across the state through the program.

Five grant recipients are located within the 40th Senate District:

• Gardner Fire Protection District – $17,480
• Bradley Fire Department – $25,825
• Grant Park Fire Protection District – $24,520
• Limestone Township Fire Protection District – $26,000
• Park Forest Fire Department – $22,725

A complete list of recipients and awards can be found on the OSFM website.

SOUTH WILMINGTON – Motorists who have been unable to visit a driver services facility to renew their driver’s licenses and purchase vehicle stickers will be able to attend a free mobile unit event, sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) in partnership with the secretary of state’s office. 

The free event will be available to motorists Tuesday, July 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the South Wilmington Village Hall, located at 380 Lake St. in South Wilmington.

“The mobile unit makes it easier for folks to receive necessary services without waiting for long periods of time outside a driver services facility,” Joyce said. “I encourage anyone in need of a safe and convenient way to renew and pay fees to attend this upcoming event.”