To further prevent spread, face coverings use will be required during interactions with wait staff and food service workers CHICAGO—The State of Illinois today announced revised guidelines for restaurants and bar establishments statewide to operate safely and help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Based on a recent increase in cases, these latest guidelines will require patrons to wear a mask during any interaction with wait staff, food service workers, and other employees at bars and restaurants. Face coverings must be worn over the nose and mouth when patrons are approached and served by staff, including but not limited to when employees take patrons’ orders, deliver food and beverages, and service tables. This guidance will also apply to other facilities with food services areas that are currently subject to the Restore Illinois guidance, such as indoor…
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Whether it be Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or another platform, social media marketing can be challenging and finding compelling visuals can be tough. Instead of focusing on business-related images, focus on images that will engage your audience. The reality is that posting about event registrations or making a sales pitch is unlikely to drive meaningful activity. Your audience is human and likely using these platforms on a personal level, so it’s not necessary to engage with them on a solely professional level. To drive interaction, pay attention to how you’re captioning your posts. Captions shouldn’t be an afterthought; they’re a prime opportunity to engage. When deciding if a caption “works,” start by asking yourself: How will my audience react to this content? Will they find it entertaining? How will it make them feel? A well-written caption…
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Each year, the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce hosts one of Belleville’s premier fall festivals, the Belleville Chili Cook-off. The annual event was scheduled this year for October 9 & 10, but given the current COVID-19 pandemic and guidance given from the State of Illinois and the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Chamber is disappointed to announce that they will have to cancel the 2020 Chili Cook-off. “This event is a fall family favorite event,” says President and CEO of the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce, Wendy Pfeil. “We wish we were not making this announcement but the health and safety of our community is our top priority.” Many people attend the Chili Cook-off to enjoy great chili, entertainment, and other festivities, but most don’t realize that it’s the biggest fundraiser of the year…
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Whether you are working from home or at the office, after the last few months you may feel like your office needs a little organizing. De-cluttering and refreshing your workspace improves motivation and efficiency. Take a minute to check out your office for “curb appeal.” Does it say, “A professional accomplishes things here”? If not, follow these steps to solve the problem. Organize Your Office in 5 Minutes See which pens work and which are taking up drawer space. Also, ditch bent paper clips, loose staples, etc. Return borrowed items with a polite “Thank you.” Pitch outdated menus and offers. They’re unnecessary and probably available online. Get rid of that withering plant and the deflated birthday balloon. Are items you use most often within easy reach? Store items by whether they are used daily, weekly…
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While life has been different since COVID-19 began in March, we want to thank these businesses that have decided to invest in the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce during this time. Be sure to reach out and welcome them! AllState Insurance – Kevin Martin Athletico Physical Therapy Beth Ortega Group at RE/MAX Catholic Diocese of Belleville Cemetery Association Dave Slimack – State Farm HSHS Medical Group Julias’s $5 Jewels Liese Lumber MLJ Home Care Spectrum Business St. Vincent DePaul Society Belleville The Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)6 nonprofit, membership-based organization that supports and advances business and community interests, as well as the quality of life in Belleville and surrounding communities.
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