ROCKFORD - Two local business development organizations are receiving more than $53,000 in state funding as part of Illinois' ongoing efforts to provide relief from the harmful economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Steve Stadelman announced today.

Growth Dimensions for Belvidere & Boone County Inc. is being awarded $40,969 and Miracle Mile Rockford Corporation will get $12,236 in the latest round of Back to Business (B2B) Local Chambers grants. Business and professional organizations dedicated to improving the economic climate and business development of the community in which they are located qualified for the B2B grants along with traditional chambers of commerce so long as they had annual revenue of $1 million or less.

Awarded through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the B2B chamber grants can be used to market and develop communities or provide small businesses with professional development and other support to help grow local economies. Grant amounts were determined by total annual revenue declines between 2019 and 2020 as reflected on tax returns. All eligible applicants received a grant as long as the organization met eligibility requirements and submitted proper documentation.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman announced that a mental health center in Rockford has been chosen to join a federal program aimed at enhancing access to coordinated mental health care and substance use services.

“By participating in this program, we are taking a proactive approach to provide better care, reduce stigma, and to support those in need,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This initiative represents more than just enhanced care – it signifies hope and progress for our community.”

The local selected awardee organization is Rosecrance Incorporated in Rockford.

State Senator Steve Stadelman is opening his annual Summer Book Club online today and with formal kickoff rally June 17.

During his summer reading challenge, Senator Stadelman encourages students in the 34th legislative district that he represents to read eight books over the summer. Those who accomplish the challenge are invited to celebrate at an August pizza party.

For a third year, Stadelman is basing his Summer Book Club at the Boys and Girls Club Stenstrom Unit, where the kickoff and pizza party will take place. Students at Stenstrom participate in the book club as part of their Summer Enrichment Program where experienced teachers focus on building math and reading skills through small group lessons, hands-on activities and interactive Chromebook exercises.

But the kickoff rally and the pizza party are open to any student whose parent or guardian signs and returns a form listing the eight books that were enjoyed to fulfill the challenge. The kickoff rally -- where Senator Stadelman will read a book aloud -- is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. June 17 at the Stenstrom Unit, 609 Kilburn Avenue, Rockford.

Families can download a brochure by visiting https://www.senatorstadelman.com/SBC. Or paper copies can be obtained by visiting public libraries in Rockford, Loves Park, Cherry Valley and Belvidere beginning the week of June 10.

SPRINGFIELD — An economic growth package containing incentives for cutting-edge technology and clean energy manufacturing connected with the creation of new jobs in cities like Rockford cleared the Senate Sunday, thanks to State Senator Steve Stadelman.

“Thanks to the REV incentive program, Stellantis is investing nearly $5 billion in the 34^th District, leading to thousands of new jobs in the Belvidere community,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This package will expand on these incentive programs and update our business development tools to make sure Illinois remains competitive for jobs and new capital investment.”

The new incentives supporting the state’s manufacturing base aim to build on the 2021 Stadelman-sponsored Reimaging Energy and Vehicles Act, which made Illinois a hub for electric vehicle manufacturing and auto battery production by drawing EV businesses to invest in Illinois. Manufacturing created by Stadelman’s new measure will add to the impressive array of zero-carbon technologies being developed in Illinois by adding incentives for green steel manufacturers and electric and hybrid aircraft.