The Metro East Literacy Project and the Metro East Diaper Bank present a drive-up book and diaper giveaway!

The event will be at the Fairview Heights Crossroads Centre next to Sky Zone. For more information, call or text 618-558-8527.

Supplies will only be available while supplies last.

https://www.estlchoice.com/

Join the East St. Louis Choice Neighborhoods virtual community meeting! Residents and stakeholders will be reviewing the transformation plan draft and sharing questions and suggestions!

CALL IN NUMBER: 312 626 6799

MEETING ID: 836 7786 1306

ZOOM LINK: bit.ly/eslchoice

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86295055439?pwd=emNJSGpVSXJkekNudmR2R2ZkV2VRdz09

The East St. Louis Communities Organized in Disaster (COAD) holds bi-weekly briefings to keep coordinating and updating the Greater East St. Louis community about resources, opportunities, needs, etc.

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86295055439?pwd=emNJSGpVSXJkekNudmR2R2ZkV2VRdz09

• Meeting ID: 862 9505 5439 | Password: 976510 | Via Phone: 312-626-6799

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86295055439?pwd=emNJSGpVSXJkekNudmR2R2ZkV2VRdz09

The East St. Louis Communities Organized in Disaster (COAD) holds bi-weekly briefings to keep coordinating and updating the Greater East St. Louis community about resources, opportunities, needs, etc.

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86295055439?pwd=emNJSGpVSXJkekNudmR2R2ZkV2VRdz09

• Meeting ID: 862 9505 5439 | Password: 976510 | Via Phone: 312-626-6799

https://web.cvent.com/event/f8169d4c-60af-4dec-8a51-c13fb7839559/summary?rp=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000

Register here.
Cost: Free.

Join the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago to discuss the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) and ways it supports your organization’s work. This second in a four-part CRA webinar series will be held on May 19, 2020, at 10:00 AM Central Time.

This sixty-minute webinar will focus on resources to help you identify financial institution interests that align with your program goals. In addition, strategies will be showcased to help you communicate opportunities for banks to meet the needs of small businesses and farms and low- and moderate-income individuals and communities.

We will address the following questions:

• What banks in my area should I approach?

• How can I find out what a bank’s CRA rating is?

• If a bank doesn’t have a branch in my neighborhood, will they help our organization?

This series is for anyone who is either new to community development or looking to learn more about CRA, so we encourage you to share this event with your peers and colleagues.

https://www.communitybuildersstl.org/metro-east-community-development-coalition/

Our Coalition will be meeting virtually a working group to talk next steps and responding to the COVID-19 crisis. Please contact Gary at Gary@communitybuildersstl.org to RSVP to get the log-in details if you’d like to attend this meeting. All are welcome to attend.

The Metro East Coalition works to build capacity of community stakeholders and create stronger connections with lending institutions in Madison and St. Clair counties so that we can elevate community development for the entire St. Louis Metro East region.

https://web.cvent.com/event/df04c319-ce7e-4eb6-9e7e-0e0329e2e56a/summary

Join the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago for a four-part web series focused on working with financial institutions to help meet the credit, service and investment needs in your community.

This first webinar will include a review of the CRA definition of community development and discuss components to building collaborative relationships with financial institutions.

• A community organization will share how gaining an understanding of CRA helped with developing collaborations with two local institutions.

• Regulators will respond to audience questions during several Q&A segments.

• In addition to asking questions during the webinar, please consider sending in questions during registration in advance of the event.

Make sure to RSVP!

Cost: Free

Join Ameren Illinois & the St. Clair Intergovernmental Grants Department for a customer assistance event to see if you qualify to receive a one-time grant of up to $150 toward your energy bill. Participants will also learn:

• Explore payment assistance programs and bill payment options

• Learn about ways to save with energy efficiency tips

• Grant funds are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. This grant will not impact LIHEAP or PIPP eligibility

To learn more, download the event flyer by clicking here.

Cost: Free

Join Ameren Illinois & Madison County Community Development for a customer assistance event to see if you qualify to receive a one-time grant of up to $150 toward your energy bill. Participants will also:

• Explore payment assistance programs and bill payment options

• Learn about ways to save with energy efficiency tips

• Grant funds are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. This grant will not impact LIHEAP or PIPP eligibility

To learn more, download the event flyer by clicking here.

Cost: Free

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1875038265690088461

Join Housing Action Illinois and Woodstock Institute to learn how to protect and strengthen the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) so it fulfills its initial purpose: to hold banks accountable to local community needs.

The CRA is under threat by a proposal that could dramatically reduce the amount and impact of banks’ community development activities. We’ll cover what’s at stake and what you can do to protect this important law.

If you have any questions, please contact Jenna Severson at jseverson@woodstockinst.org.

Cost: Free

https://www.communitybuildersstl.org/metro-east-community-development-coalition/

The Metro East Coalition works to build capacity of community stakeholders and create stronger connections with lending institutions in Madison and St. Clair counties so that we can elevate community development for the entire St. Louis Metro East region. Please contact Gary at Gary@communitybuildersstl.org to RSVP if you’d like to attend this meeting. All are welcome to attend.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/we-the-people-2020-candidates-forum-tickets-91837044071

The forum is designed to provide political candidates the opportunity to engage with ordinary people who are doing extraordinary work in their communities and allow average citizens to hear the candidates views on issues that impact their lives.

Cost: Free

Is there anyone in your community looking for new career opportunities? Make sure to spread the word about an upcoming job recruitment fair with Customized Distribution Services at the SIUE East St. Louis Learning Resource Center.

To view a pdf poster of the event with more details or the current employment opportunities, click here.

Cost: Free

https://www.evite.com/event/011FWXMKVVWC7E4AMEPKHVUMMD5V24/rsvp

RSVP requested.
Cost: Free.

Rise and Granite City, Illinois cordially invite you to the groundbreaking ceremony for Edison Avenue Lofts. The event will take place at City Hall directly across the street from the former Tri-county YMCA, the new home of Edison Avenue lofts. Tours of the facility will take place immediately following the ceremony. Drinks and appetizers will be served after the tours at Lascelles, 1324 Niedringhaus Ave., Granite City, Illinois 62040.

https://ilsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/32006?mc_cid=7114da8e8d&mc_eid=62375c567d

RSVP required.
Cost: Free.

Presented by: The Illinois Small Business Development Center for the Metro East at SIUE and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Are you interested in applying for state or federal grants? Did you know there is what is known as a "pre-award" process? Learn how to register your business and file the pre-award documentation to be ready when grant opportunities are announced. While this presentation will focus on Illinois state grants, much of the same registration requirements are the same for federal grants.

https://stlouis.uli.org/events/detail/E6A45585-A67C-4B3A-AA49-9925A9B10AD8/

Registration required. Please see the link above for more information.

Join the ULI Young Leaders on Tuesday, January 28, for an introduction to the new State of Illinois Historic Tax Credit program. Attendees will learn about the tax credit program, approval process, and future potential program expansion from Frank Butterfield of Landmarks Illinois. David Dodson, Bywater Development, will share his thoughts on project plans, the application process, and the importance of securing these credits as a vital component of the capital stack. 

https://ilsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/31909?mc_cid=7114da8e8d&mc_eid=62375c567d

Registration required.
Cost: $10

Join the Small Business Development Center for the Metro East to learn how to develop a viable business plan, properly register your business with state and/or local agencies & explore financing options! This course is highly recommended for anyone developing a new, for-profit business concept. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions about a specific business idea and any steps in their startup process.

https://www.communitybuildersstl.org/metro-east-community-development-coalition/

The Metro East Coalition works to build capacity of community stakeholders and create stronger connections with lending institutions in Madison and St. Clair counties so that we can elevate community development for the entire St. Louis Metro East region. Please contact Gary at Gary@communitybuildersstl.org to RSVP if you’d like to attend this meeting. All are welcome to attend.

https://public-health-safety.com/lead/

EPA wishes to ask you to contribute to childhood lead-poisoning prevention in your Illinois community.

How? Anyone who provides renovation or maintenance work for homes, schools or day-care centers built before 1978, MUST COMPLETE 

Who? Building Code Officials, Contractors, Workers and Residents of East St. Louis, IL 

- Lead-based paint renovation training for residents or service providers in the East St. Louis, particularly: 

- Youth Build trainees or and other apprentice programs, profit or non-profit groups o Renovators, painters, window installers, housing maintenance staff, electricians, HVAC specialists, plumbers, floor finishers, as well as landlords performing any of same tasks 

- Any worker who removes windows or disrupts more than 6 square feet of paint in pre-1978 homes, schools, daycare centers, even if vacant, must be in compliance. 

Why? 

• Avoid poisoning children, prevent lawsuits and stop losing work to certified competitors. 

• It is the Law-- without training; you may face fines up to $37,500 per day. 

• Protect yourself, your workers, customers, and your own children from serious health risks. 

• Lead dust on children’s hands can cause irreversible brain damage. 

• Attract new customers on EPA website as a Lead-Safe Certified Renovation Firm. 

Cost: FREE if you qualify! Limited number of 25 free spots per EPA grant 

Qualifications: Must work or live near East St. Louis, be at least 18 years of age, and be available for one day. Must understand and read English, and be able to show State photo ID for proof of residence for EPA. 

Notice: This training is being funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5 Office in Chicago, Illinois. Public Health & Safety, Inc. is accredited to teach Lead Renovator Initial & Refresher Classes. Go here for more information.

https://ilsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/31663

The goal of this interactive webinar is to learn more about the SBIR funding program and application process, including:

• Who is eligible?

• What makes for a good application?

• SBIR/STTR phases, agencies/types

• Agency specific grant application tips

• Where to find help and resources

• Q&A

This webinar will begin with an overview session, followed by more ind-depth material. Participants are welcome to join for any portion of the workshop.

Cost: Free

https://ilsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/31724

Join SBDC Illinois for a Google Webinar on connecting with local customers on Google. This webinar will focus on supporting the growth of veteran-led businesses.

They’ll introduce key features of Google My Business that help connect businesses with local customers, promote special offers, and grow brand awareness.

Register in advance using the link above.

Cost: $5

https://www.facebook.com/events/1246669745513326/

IdeaBounce® is an event for sharing ideas and making connections. This is an opportunity to pitch your idea (no matter how “half-baked”), get feedback on it, and make connections. Inventors, founders, startups and creatives from all across the region, and those interested in supporting them, are invited to attend.

$1,000 in prize money will be awarded by a panel of esteemed judges to assist with advancing the ideas, and everyone who pitches will receive a $10 gift certificate to the The Old Bakery Beer Company for participating!

The Metro East Coalition of community builders is hosting an event this fall to bring together organizations working to create vibrant, engaged, and equitable neighborhoods in Madison & St. Clair counties!

Join community leaders from all backgrounds in the Metro East to celebrate partnerships in our region, to learn best practices, and to commit ourselves to building new collaborations.

Cost: Free (lunch included)

Make sure to RSVP in advance:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrating-collaboration-building-community-in-the-metro-east-tickets-66969460459

This September marks a year since the creation of Madison County Connected!

Over the past year, Madison County Connected has deployed 3 cascading strategies and teams to explore, collaborate and work towards the 3 identified goals. Much has been accomplished and we’re looking to move to the next level of engagement. Please plan to attend the annual reconvening workshop at Community Christian Church in Alton.

To RSVP, click here!

Cost: Free

Join Urban Strategies in sharing your ideas for the future of Downtown East St. Louis, the Central Business District, Olivette Park, and Resurrection Park for the Choice Neighborhood Planning Project. Your ideas will help shape recommendations around housing, workforce development, health, education, and community and economic development. This project is funded through U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, the City of East St. Louis, and the East St. Louis Housing Authority.

This workshop will focus on comments received from residents and businesses in the project area from September 9th to 11th. Share your thoughts on what you like, dislike, and any new ideas you have as proposed recommendations will affect you.

Child care and light refreshments provided. Please reach out to Grace Kyung with any questions or comments.

Everything you need to know about the legalization of recreational marijuana taking place on January 1, 2020 in Illinois.

For more info, call Dr. Dobbie Herrion at 618-468-3785

Cost: Free