While the entire retail sector has suffered from the impact of COVID, Northbrook Court has been forced to face an especially harsh series of events at a unique point in its history. The longtime center for luxury brands, owned and operated by Brookfield Properties, was in the early stages of an ambitious redevelopment project when the pandemic hit in March.
To provide a fun and safe option for Halloween in the time of COVID, the Village and Park District are co-hosting a Halloween decorating event for homeowners and businesses. Storefront windows, porches, and front yards throughout the Village will be transformed into Spooky Trail on Halloween night with prizes of restaurant gift cards awarded in multiple categories.
Each year, the Northbrook Chamber presents three Business Awards to outstanding members. As we approach the end of 2020, we welcome nominations for the Business of the Year, Corporate Citizen, and Chamber Volunteer Awards to recognize particular success and unique contributions to the Chamber and community.
While the challenges of 2020 — the pandemic, increases in bankruptcies and job loss, social unrest, election uncertainty, and more — remain unresolved, a historical perspective supports predictions for an economic rebound in 2021. That was the upshot of a multilayered presentation by H. Cameron Hinds CFA, speaking to a virtual audience at the Chamber’s Annual Economic Breakfast on September 22.
As the temperatures fall and the days grow shorter, it’s hard to believe that it has been six months since the COVID-19 pandemic turned our professional and personal lives upside down. We have all had to adapt to doing business in very different ways, and the effects will be felt for years to come. At our recent Economic Outlook Breakfast, our guest speaker suggested that we have passed the worst of this sudden recession, but that recovery will be a slow process with many hurdles along the way.
The Village Board of Trustees has approved development of a multiyear action plan to enhance the walkability, ambiance, and safety of Northbrook’s downtown retail district and surrounding areas.
As Illinois grapples with job loss and other economic declines caused by the pandemic, Northbrook has hardly been immune. Data from the Bureau of Labor Standards and Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) showed a surge in unemployment in the spring, with a slight rebound in people returning to work in July.
The Chamber welcomes nominations for members to serve on its Board of Directors, beginning in January 2021. The Board consists of volunteers from a variety of businesses representing the diverse nature of the local business community.
In September, the Chamber will launch its annual review of member records to verify that all information is accurate and up-to-date. This process ensures that potential customers and other contacts will see correct information about you on the Chamber’s website. An email with your business information will be sent to your main business contact in our database.