Champaign County EDC

Congratulations to our Executive Director, Carly McCrory-McKay, who was recently recognized for serving as the Willard Airport Advisory Board Chair with a taxiway light. Willard Airport Executive Director, Tim Bannon, shared that the light “is considered one of the most respected acknowledgments of professional contribution you can give at the airport." Read more via The News-Gazette: https://lnkd.in/gyW569s5

This Saturday, November 30, is nationally recognized as #SmallBusinessSaturday — an opportunity to support local businesses and show our appreciation to them for calling our community home.

There's a chill in the air & holiday events are in full swing! Check out The Gifford State Bank's 41st Annual Craft Show at Gordyville USA, the Odd Market's 6th Annual Event, and much more in the #chambana area this weekend. Listen: https://lnkd.in/gExipWwd Thanks to Krannert Center for the Performing Arts for sponsoring the Chambana Proud podcast and to Busey for the support.

University of Illinois Willard Airport invites passengers to enroll in the popular TSA PreCheck® Pop-Up screening program from December 2-6. TSA PreCheck® is an expedited screening program that enables identified low-risk air travelers to enjoy a faster and more efficient screening experience. For more information + to schedule an appointment: https://lnkd.in/ezSxKdck

The Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC will hold a 3-part webinar series, "Start Now in Government Contracting," from December 2024 to February 2025. Each session will be presented by llinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC Director, Keli Krueger-Huhra, and held via Zoom. • Part 1 – Conducting Market Research • Part 2 – Develop Your Government Market Plan: Building Relationships with Your Target Agencies & Allies • Part 3 – Capability Statements For more information + to register: https://lnkd.in/gTu5x3wR

Cozy season is upon us & that means a trip to Fire Doll Studio is in order! Carly and Terri chat with owner + community powerhouse, Kayla Brown, about bringing people together to support our local ecosystem. Listen: https://lnkd.in/gExipWwd Thanks to the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts for sponsoring the Chambana Proud podcast and to Busey for their support.

As part of National Veterans Small Business Week, the Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC will be hosting the Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: Veteran Business Resources on November 12 at 2 PM. This session, co-hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration's Veterans Business Outreach Center, is open to all and offered at no cost. For more information + to register: https://lnkd.in/gVnFENj4

Today's episode of Chambana Proud features a variety of events — from Fighting Illini Athletics to Urbana Park District's S'mores Social and Stroll & much more! Listen: https://lnkd.in/gExipWwd Thanks to Krannert Center for the Performing Arts for sponsoring the podcast & to Busey for their support.

Curious about what an APEX Accelerator Center is & how it can help your business? Join us on November 26 for a no-cost webinar to discuss how businesses can leverage the Illinois APEX Accelerator services to prepare for and secure government contracts successfully, obtain various business certifications, and more. For more information + to register: https://lnkd.in/ghD-F_E6 Champaign County EDC | Illinois APEX Accelerator

Forbes just published an article about associate degrees across the country that students can pursue for high-paying careers, highlighting Parkland College's Institute of Aviation's degree among them! Read the story: https://bit.ly/4ecPe2o Institute of Aviation Director Wendy Evans said Institute graduates have been able to land rewarding careers that live up to the Forbes mention. "With an AS in Aviation from Parkland College as well as having completed their required FAA flight hours minimums (R-ATP of 1250 total flight hours), many of our students' first jobs at a regional commercial carrier can expect to make $95,000 to $110,000 in the first year," Evans said. "On the flip side, we have Institute alumni making upwards of $350,000 in compensation. Longevity and captain rank within a single company can potentially add to these numbers as well." Read more at https://bit.ly/4f8pEwL.