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IGNN: Business Press Releases

The Business News section provides access to all State of Illinois press releases that have been published about business-related issues and news, ranging from announcements about new businesses and the creation of jobs, to business incentives and grant awards.

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September

2006

September 28, 2006
Governor Blagojevich Provides Opportunity Returns Grants to Help Start New, Innovative Agribusinesses
More than $500,000 now available through state’s AgriFIRST program
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced the availability of more than $500,000 in Opportunity Returns grants to encourage innovation and growth in Illinois agriculture.

September 26, 2006
Blagojevich Administration Suspends License of Dependable Locksmith for False License Information
Regulators ask state law enforcement agencies to help fight growing number of unlicensed locksmith complaints
CHICAGO – The Blagojevich Administration announced today that it is taking a series of steps designed to protect Illinoisans when they need to hire a locksmith.

September 14, 2006
State launches first-ever live and online auction of surplus property
Adding online aspect to traditional live auction will expand bidder pool globally Interested bidders can view available items at www.bidspotter.com
SPRINGFIELD – Access to government surplus property will increase exponentially as the State of Illinois hosts its first simultaneous live and Internet-based auction on Wednesday, September 20. Bidders from across the country and around the world will be able to purchase the state’s liquidated property from their home or office when they log in to www.bidspotter.com; bids will also be accepted in person at the State Surplus Property Warehouse, as has been customary for years.

September 12, 2006
Governor Blagojevich asks President Bush for federal assistance for Winnebago County following flash flooding
Federal disaster declaration would help people and businesses recover from losses related to Labor Day flood
SPRINGFIELD – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today asked President Bush to declare Winnebago County a major disaster area as a result of flash flooding on Labor Day that damaged numerous homes and businesses. A federal disaster declaration would enable people in the area to apply for grants and loans to help with storm-related losses, while businesses would be eligible to apply for low-interest loans.

September 7, 2006
Governor Blagojevich calls on Congress to pass federal payday lending protections for Military Personnel; Files new state rules increasing protections for Illinois servicemembers
Recent Pentagon study shows one in five members of Armed Services fell prey to payday loan centers set up near military bases; Increased rates of indebtedness impacting military operations and soldiers’ personal finances
CHICAGO – As Congress reconvenes this week, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich called on the chairmen and ranking members of the Department of Defense Reauthorization conference committee to protect members of the military and their families from the predatory practices of payday loan stores. In a letter sent today, the Governor urged lawmakers to support passage of a provision that would cap interest rate payday lenders could charge military personnel. The provision is backed by the Pentagon and consumer rights advocates, and comes in the wake of a report showing a growing number of members of the U.S. Armed Forces are falling into serious debt as a result of aggressive payday loan tactics targeted at military personnel. In addition, The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation also filed new rules at the Governor’s direction that would protect Illinois servicemembers from predatory payday lending practices.

September 6, 2006
Public can purchase State’s used vehicles at September 13 auction
MC COOK – The State of Illinois will auction 30 used vehicles from its fleet including cars and pick-up trucks on Wednesday, September 13, as part of the Department of Central Management Services’ (CMS) ongoing efforts to raise revenues by selling surplus state property.

September 5, 2006
Central Illinois Loan Stores Fined for Unlicensed Activity
Affinity Credit Services Fined $273,000 for Five New Stores
CHICAGO – Affinity Credit Services today was ordered to pay $273,000 in fines for issuing loans at five stores in Central Illinois and suburban Chicago without first obtaining licenses under the Consumer Installment Loan Act (CILA).

September 4, 2006
Governor Blagojevich announces new minimum wage hotline
Workers who do not receive Illinois’ minimum wage of $6.50 an hour should call 1-800-478-3998
PEORIA – Building on efforts to help working families across the state, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced on Labor Day a new toll free hotline – 1-800-478-3998 – to help workers making the minimum wage report if they are not receiving the state’s required minimum wage of $6.50 an hour.

September 1, 2006
State to launch modernization project that will improve services for taxpayers
Efforts to update technology and increase efficiency will result in increased tax collections; Key project partners include diverse vendors
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Revenue will launch a comprehensive Tax Modernization Project this fall as part of the agency’s efforts to improve taxpayer services, update technology, and enhance operations of state government.

September 1, 2006
Public can purchase State police cruisers and other vehicles at September 9 auction
SPRINGFIELD – The State of Illinois will auction 150 vehicles from its fleet including cars, pick-up trucks and police cruisers on Saturday, September 9, as part of the Department of Central Management Services’ (CMS) ongoing efforts to raise revenues by selling surplus state property.