A GROWING INDUSTRY

A BETTER CHICAGOLAND

F&B INDUSTRY COVID-19 RESOURCE HUB

Links, Offerings, Articles & resources you can use.

Our CFBN Member companies and industry partners have begun to create and offer tremendous resources for all of the food and beverage companies, communities, and individuals impacted by COVID-19.

We have created this page as a"hub" to aggregate that information in one spot for your use. Below, please find links to all of the resource offerings which have been shared with us: articles, discounts/service offers, resource hubs, connection points and more.

Please feel free to share any that you come across or are offering - you can submit them for inclusion via email! And, thank you for all that everyone is doing to help those impacted by job loss, business loss, business disruption, and community health crises during this unprecedented global event.

EXPO WEST INDUSTRY LISTINGS & OPPORTUNITIES (CLICK HERE FOR ACCESS)

	ACCION & DCEO Partner to Create Hospitality Emergency Grant Program (Applications Being Accepted Now): Under the leadership of Governor JB Pritzker, DCEO is working with partners including Accion to launch emergency assistance programs for Illinois small businesses. To help hospitality businesses make ends meet in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, DCEO is launching the Hospitality Emergency Grant Program with $14 million drawn from funds originally budgeted for job training, tourism promotion, and other purposes. Grant funds are available to support working capital like payroll and rent, as well as job training, retraining, and technology to support shifts in operations, like increased pick-up and delivery. CLICK ON the website for more information on eligibility and to apply.
	The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply Created & Shared Coronavirus Resource Articles (CLICK the LINK for more information).
	The Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences (CHAS) is asking the F&B industry to help support scholarship programs for graduating seniors for 2020. A letter from Principal William Hook: Dear Friend of the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences: What a challenging year it has been for our students. Literally on the eve of the showcase of the year for the students, the Chicago Flower & Garden Show, the Show and our Advisory Board Meeting were canceled as the concerns of COVID 19 became a reality. Since that date, our students have seen their academic year at school go online with so many traditions and activities canceled including the FFA Banquet, Ag Career Day, and Graduation. Our students continue to work hard and strive for success. On May 1^st, National Decision Date, our students announced their intention to attend outstanding colleges and universities including University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Michigan, Illinois State University, DePaul University, North Carolina A&T University and many more. We are seeking your support for our virtual awarding of Scholarships to Graduates in the Class of 2020. We are seeking donations of $500, $1000, $2,500, $5,000 or any amount that can be given 100% to scholarships. We have the opportunity to name a Scholarship for your organization or to honor an individual. By May 29^th, we would ask you for your scholarship commitment and if the school can select the awardee or if you would like to designate the scholarship for a certain University, program or other criteria. Our Class of 2020 has missed out on so much. Let’s make this a record year for Scholarships. Please CLICK HERE to reach out to Principal Hook and get involved in supporting this program for the graduating students of CHAS.
	Chicago Tribune Article on Chicago's Chef & Restaurant Community Activism in regards to COVID-19 closures.
	CohnReznick Created & Shared a COVID-19 Resource Center: From them, "As businesses look to navigate the challenges posed by coronavirus, accessing timely information is top of mind. To stay up-to-date on critical issues, strategies, and legislation, visit our #coronavirus resource center." CLICK ON the website for offerings & updates.
	CompareTheMarket launched a guide called “20 Useful Tips and Advice to Save on Energy Bills During Coronavirus”, which is full of practical and timely information to help us cut down on our energy costs during COVID-19. CLICK HERE for more information or to access it.
	ConnectFood Blog post: Food Safety, Jobs in the time of COVID-19
	The Institute for Food Safety at Cornell University Released & Shared a COVID-19 Resource Center: From them, "COVID-19 is already changing the way we interact with and produce food. As we each look to control the spread and impact of COVID-19, there are many questions around the risks associated with food production and to our employees to ensure that a safe and robust food supply is maintained for the public. Below you can find useful links to expert resources to help address your specific questions. We will continue to provide updates to these resources as the situation changes and new information becomes available." CLICK ON the website for offerings & updates.
	Corporate ID Solutions Offered Discounted Sign Options for Hospitality & Small Businesses During the COVID-19 Impacts: From them, "Corporate Identification Systems (CIS) wants to help fellow small businesses during this uncertain time, so they created standard sign products that will help restaurants communicate with their customers at a distance. Please check out our collection and ask about custom requests." CLICK ON the link to access their website and offerings. Corporate ID Solutions Created & Shared Specially Designed COVID-19 Signs for Small Businesses. CLICK HERE For more information.
	Cottingham & Butler Created & Shared a COVID-19 Business Response Center: From them, "Last week we were all taken aback by the furious impact of COVID-19/Coronavirus, and we have no doubt that you are worried about the impact it will have on your business, employees and their families. With so much to consider, we want to ensure you have access to the right information to make thoughtful decisions - therefore Cottingham & Butler has created a Resource Center where you can access updates and alerts, planning resources, and general guidance on how to move forward." CLICK ON the website for offerings & updates.
	Cotswold Co. Creates a New Guide: Working from Home: A Guide to Creating a Healthy and Productive Workspace It covers important topics such as: The pros and cons of remote work for employers and their staff, the wider impact on society and the environment, and technological and cultural challenges that need to be addressed. Eye-opening statistics and surveys of work from home (WFH) employees: 68% felt more productive at home, 80% said WFH reduced their expenses, yet 57% also felt more stressed from working remotely. Understanding the biggest challenges faced by remote workers: dealing with stress, anxiety, and maintaining work-life balance at home. Practical tips and advice to set up a productive and healthy workspace at home including links to other useful resources.
	The Counter Shared Article Updates: "FDA loosens nutrition facts labeling requirements in an effort to help restaurants sell unused food." CLICK the LINK to read the article. Four States Have Re-Classified Grocery Workers as Essential Employees. CLICK the LINK to read the article.
	CSSI Created & Shared a COVID-19 Resource Center Called "Covid-19 Talk Central": From them, "Welcome to CSSI COVID-19 Foodservice Talk Central. Here you’ll find critical curated content about our industry as we navigate this unprecedented crisis. Given our deep connectivity to all industry stakeholders, our team is working in real time to sift through the noise and keep you informed. From news and best practices to learnings and inspirational stories, you'll find it here. In addition to exploring the articles and resources below, we invite you to participate in our town hall dialogue through the comments section at the bottom of each post." CLICK the LINK to access!
	Datassential Created & Shared a COVID-19 Microsite Full of FREE Research: From them, "COVID-19 has made its way into every facet of our lives, and access to information may feel like it’s in a state of flux. The latest news, media, and information sources are rapidly evolving, and it’s hard to get a lock on one place to get everything you need to know. While we can’t predict what is going to happen with Coronavirus, we can provide you with the data to help your business run as smoothly as possible. We’ve developed this resource so you’ll always have access to the newest research and any previous work we’ve completed covering Coronavirus. It is truly a momentous event that will require the industry to come together, so we are providing all of our Coronavirus related reports and resources, as they’re ready, free of charge. In doing so, we hope these reports will help you and your customers confidently navigate the period ahead. Download any report by clicking on the cover image below. Please feel free to share these reports broadly, both within your organization and with colleagues throughout the food industry. By sharing information, we can all help our industry prepare and bounce back in the most effective way possible." CLICK the LINK to access their site and FREE info!
	Dining At A Distance Website Created to Support US Restaurants Impacted by COVID-19: "Keeping You Fed While Supporting Local Restaurants During COVID-19". CLICK ON the website for more updates.
	EventBrite Shared a Template Letter to Gov Representatives to Help Support the Live Events Industry Impacted by COVID-19
	With millions of businesses shifting to work-from-home policies due to the pandemic, employees, including young professionals just starting out, have had to quickly adapt to remote work and its impact on their careers, work-life balance, and mental wellbeing. Ezra created and shared a guide called “Remote Working & Mental Health: A Young Professional’s Guide”. Click the link to access the guide and additional information.
	Food Navigator Released a "One Stop" Blog for Coronavirus Updates
	Food+Tech Connect Created & Shared a ListServe of COVID-19 Resources for the Food Industry (CLICK HERE TO ACCESS). Food & Tech Connect Offered & Shared FREE Postings of Remote or Remote Friendly Jobs on Their Job Board: We need to band together to support everyone across the food system who has lost their job due to the pandemic. Use code "coronavirusfoodjobs" to post remote or remote-friendly food jobs on our job board for free. CLICK HERE to access the job board.
	Forbes Shared an Article, "Five Predications for What Coronavirus Means for Innovation Leaders."
	Freeborn Attorney John Shapiro Created & Shared a White-Paper: “Navigating Supply Relationships In The Turbulent World Of Coronavirus Disruption.” It provides guidance to companies, food, beverage and others, on navigating their supply relationships in light of the global disruption to supply chains. CLICK HERE to access a PDF. CLICK HERE to access their COVID resources site. CLICK HERE to access their food and beverage practice information.
	GlobalTranz Created & Shared this COVID-19 Update. CLICK HERE to access the update.
	GrapeIn Offers Platform Help for Wine & Spirit Suppliers: From them, "GrapeIn platform enables small wine and spirits suppliers to grow their business and sell more profitably by connecting directly with trade buyers, retailers, restaurants and end consumers. They were recently featured on a Forbes article titled "The 3-Tier U.S. Alcohol Distribution System Faces New Threats" . " CLICK ON the link for more information and to connect with them.
	Homeland Security Released & Shared Guidance on the Identification of the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Pandemic Response CLICK HERE for a downloadable PDF version.
	IMEC Launched & Shared a Manufacturing Helpline: From them, "Get quick help from the Illinois Manufacturing Helpline. Experts are ready to respond to your questions and concerns within one business day!" CLICK ON the website to connect.
	The Independent Restaurant Coalition Formed to Help Organize a Response for Restaurant Workers & Restaurants Across America
	The James Beard Foundation Released Numbers on COVID-19 Impacts on Restaurant Industry and Launched #SaveRestaurants Campaign.
	Linkage shared a Webinar: Covid-19 Road to Recovery; from them, "We have all been watching the significant changes happening in the consumer marketplace, and now that the country is opening back up, it is time to share consumer insights on what brands and retailers can do NOW to support consumers as they navigate the New Normal. During this webinar we share: Consumers top concerns resulting from the pandemic How health & wellness behaviors, food choices, and eating habits have changed since the onset of COVID-19 How the pandemic has altered consumer spending and shopping habits How brand selection has been impacted Which specific categories and retail channels are the biggest winners from these changes in behavior What consumers want from brands when it comes to communicating about COVID-19 How long consumers expect these changes to continue before life “returns to normal” CLICK HERE to view the WEBINAR.
	LISC partnered with Verizon to offer grants of up to $10,000 for small businesses to fill gaps in revenue. Detailed information, including eligibility, is available here. On that same website, you may subscribe to the list to receive future updates as they come. Click HERE for the application. This is a simple application process and the turnaround is fast; applications are due at 10:59 pm on Saturday, April 4. Please encourage businesses you work with to apply, especially those that we are prioritizing: Businesses in LISC-supported census tracts* MBE/WBE/VBE certified businesses Businesses in operation for at least one year SMALL small businesses – especially those with 10 or fewer full time employees. For those not in a current LISC-supported census tract, your businesses may still apply; there are a number of factors that LISC will weigh to determine where grants will go and location is just one. The application is simple and applicants not accepted for this opportunity will still be eligible for others. The application asks for basic information (location, name, type, tax ID, use of grant funds, etc.) and at this time it is only available in English. CLICK HERE to access the information page & application.*
	Lockton Shared Coronavirus Resources: Return to work site toolkit: As businesses begin to look at returning to work sites, Lockton has developed this toolkit to partner with you in your efforts to develop and execute on a plan for your workforce. CLICK HERE to access. Return to work site webinar series – see below for links to these replays. Coronavirus Advisory Practice Resource Page: This site is updated daily with the latest news, insights, legislative updates and offers guidance on the insurance front. CLICK HERE to access.
	Marsh Created & Shared Resources on Operational Risk & Human Capital & a Resource Hub: CLICK HERE for a PDF, "A Coronavirus Update for Employers" CLICK HERE for a PDF,"Addressing the Coronavirus Outbreak, an Employer's Guide" CLICK HERE to access their Resource Center. CLICK HERE for their webinar offerings.
	Mazars USA Created & Shared Articles, A Resources Site & A Podcast with Resources in Response to the Cares Act. CLICK HERE for their Resource Site CLICK HERE for an article, "Funding Relief Options for Companies Impacted by COVID-19" CLICK HERE for an article, "Paycheck Protection Program Overview" CLICK HERE for their COVID Talks Podcast.
	Meals on Wheels Chicago is looking for much needed food items for the influx of seniors that are in Chicago and homebound. From them, "Many of these seniors have family members that are in other states and are unable to get to them and are asking for help. Given this unusual circumstance please consider donating product for these immediate needs. It is our goal to provide every needy senior with some kind of food, and currently the need has risen in Chicago. They would happily take ANY help available. If you are interested, here is a form to capture details and a member of the MoWC team with contact you about logistics. In recognition of your contribution, Meals on Wheels would like to publicly thank you or your company in our Power of Community Hero Spotlights on social media. We hope this will further inspire our community to have hope and empathy for others, and most of all to keep giving what they can to our cause. " CLICK the LINK to help!
	Mintel BLOG post: COVID-19 Pandemic Here & Now - How consumers and industries are reacting in the US.
	The National Restaurant Association has created a relief fund for employees in the food and beverage industry who have been temporarily laid off or had income severely decreased due to COVID-19. Each grant will be $500 per person processed as a one-time check. Applications will open Thursday, April 2nd at 12:01 am EST for those eligible. Please pass this information along to your communities and to whom it might be relevant. The grants will be first-come-first-serve, so we encourage applicants to stay up and/or set an alarm to submit right away, as the initial influx of applicants will likely be robust. We also encourage folks to fill out these applications (and others) in a separate document to keep information safe should your device crash. It also allows you the opportunity to recycle answers from previous applications, as new funding resources will continue to become available. CLICK HERE to access the link and application.
	Nixon Peabody Shared an Article, "EEOC ADA Q&A for employers’ COVID-19 inquiries". From, them" The EEOC has released guidance, "What You Should Know About the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and COVID-19" for employers seeking to implement screening procedures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at their workplaces." CLICK ON the article for the full update. Nixon Peabody Shared an Article, "How Small Businesses Can Access Funding Under the SBA's Disaster Loans Program in Response to COVID-19." From them, "Small businesses that are struggling financially as a result of the COVID-19 crisis may be able to access low-interest loans through the Small Business Administration’s Disaster Loans Program." CLICK ON the article for the full update.
	NOSH Shared an article (3/19): COVID-19 Poses Marketing Challenges, Risks to Brands
	The Nourished Group Offered Free Marketing (See Details) & Shared a Discount for the Schaumburg Nourished Festival: From them, "We are offering free marketing to any gluten-free brands that ship direct-to-consumer. Our Find Me Gluten Free app/website is being expanded to include products (originally it was just restaurants). The app reaches over 3 million consumers annually. Brand listings will be free and a way for more consumers to learn which brands they can order online. " From them, "We are also offering 20% off to all of the CFBN members for a booth or sponsorship to the Schaumburg Nourished Festival (August 15-16). This is the largest gluten-free consumer show of it's kind with over 5,000 customers coming to sample and purchase products." Reach out to Jen Cafferty on the Nourished Team for more information.
	Perkins Coie Created & Shared a COVID-19 Resource Center: From them..."The coronavirus pandemic has put unprecedented pressure on startups, investors and supply chains. As we continue monitoring this evolving public health emergency, visit our Coronavirus Guide for Businesses resource page for continuous updates as the situation develops." CLICK ON the website for updates. Perkins Coie Shared an Article: " FDA Issues COVID-19 Food Safety Guidance for Food Manufacturers" (CLICK for article)
	Plante Moran Created & Shared a Resource Center for Manufacturers: From Them, "While COVID-19 has led the world — especially manufacturers — into uncharted territory, our approach remains consistent: comprehensive strategies to minimize risk, protect profits, and confidently move forward. Our COVID-19 task force is here to help you respond to the crisis, restart business operations once the threat is over, and be ready for whatever the next disruption may bring." CLICK HERE to access the Resource Center. Plante Moran Created & Shared Free Assessments for the F&B Industry. From them, "Are you prepared to weather the COVID-19 crisis? Find out. Take our assessments. The COVID-19 outbreak is disrupting the manufacturing industry. You need to gauge your preparedness and get a sense of what you should prioritize during this time. We’ve developed a series of assessments to help you determine where you stand in six critical business areas customer relationships and demand, cybersecurity, liquidity, leadership, supply chain and operations, and IT. Complete these assessments to ensure you’re planning for everything – from how to prepare and protect your IT assets, to how you’ll protect your workers, to how to manage your supply chain and interact with customers. We’re standing by to provide complimentary guidance." *CLICK the links above to access the assessment site.*
	PMMI Media Group & NAME Calls for Help from Manufacturers in Producing Critical Supplies: From them, "PMMI and PMMI Media Group are active members of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). The Federal Government has asked NAM to mobilize its members to assist in this time of need. If you are able to assist with the production of critical supplies, they’d like to know that. Please complete this brief survey about your production ability. Due to the urgency of the request for information, we are attempting to receive responses ASAP. PMMI is working to assist our members, our industry and our communities in any way we can. Our goal is to help you through this situation and provide resources to assist you as you ramp up when the crisis has passed. Continue to monitor pmmi.org for more information. " CLICK ON the link to submit answers to their brief survey and get involved.
	Rabobank Created a Resource List for Food Industry Companies: From them, "From webinars and podcasts to government grants and digital happy hours, we’ve compiled a list of digital resources for small food businesses. Reply to this email if you have additions." CLICK ON the website for more information.
	Relishworks Created & Shared the "Eat.News Resources": From them..."Now more than ever is a time for creative collaboration between the private, public, and non-profit sectors. With that in mind we have launched EAT.NEWS, powered by Gordon Food Service. EAT.NEWS is a platform for those of us in the restaurant industry to connect, advise, and share stories to help weather this storm together. EAT.NEWS will provide recommendations, news updates and resource guides for those in the foodservice industry, including actionable steps that restaurant owners and operators can take in order to respond to the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on their businesses. Tools from how restaurants can quickly launch new services, to finding financial support for their organizations and staff during this time can all be found on the site." CLICK ON the website for daily updates.
	Reveal Offered & Shared Pro Bono Supply Chain Help: From them, "To help address the unexpected supply chain problems that have arisen, we are volunteering our supply chain and SAP-centric expertise to answer questions and provide advice on how best to tackle the short- term struggles caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are committed to helping keep the global supply chain moving forward and supplying those in need. Companies needing assistance can reach out to us at the link below and we will respond quickly to their request." CLICK HERE for access to their help site.
	RQA, Inc. is available to support Food and Beverage manufacturers, distributors or retailers during the Covid-19 Pandemic: Consumer Complaint Retrieval via our “no contact” service for retrieving samples from a consumer’s home or business. Consumer Complaint Return kits also make it easy for consumers to send samples for testing without leaving their home. Our Food Forensics™ laboratory is fully operational for your alleged foreign material identification needs should your in-house labs be closed. RQA can also store complaint samples at its secure facility in Orland Park, IL until businesses are ready to process. On-site or remote policy, procedure or documentation review or other technical resource for GFSI certification maintenance On-site or remote Training resource to conduct GMP, Food Defense or Cleaning and Sanitation Training for new, temporary or returning employees Please contact us at info@rqa-inc.com and visit our website www.rqa-inc.com for more information on how we may be a resource solution to your organization during this time.
	Small Business Relief Package Announced (Request Form): The office of the Mayor for the City of Chicago announced on 3/21 their funding of an emergency relief fund for small businesses (especially those in the food industry) who will need assistance post COVID-19. CLICK ON the link to download the press release and access the virtual portal to the request for information form the city has released.
	SwipeGuide Offered & Shared Resource Discounts & Webinars: Help the helper. New processes deserve good standard operating procedures. We're offering manufacturing companies who are giving back during the COVID-19 crisis get a free 6-month subscription to the SwipeGuide Pro work instruction software [value $4470]. Find more information about the Help the Helper campaign here. Read the press release here. Webinar series. Most of us are working from home and have more time for learning and improving our skills. We're organizing bi-weekly SwipeGuide Webinar Sessions in April and May where we’ll talk about process optimization through on-the-job training with industry experts. Free via Zoom. Registrations and more information here. Contact annika@swipeguide.com for questions.
	TeaSquares Partnered with 9 other local brands to launch the "Stay Home Stay Healthy" snack box. From them, "We are donating 100% of profits to healthcare workers on the front lines of COVID-19. Your support goes along way, so purchase one for yourself, family, and friends. You can purchase at www.goodfoodbrands.org
	USI Created & Shared a Resource Center to Help Clients & the Industry Respond to COVID-19. From them, "The costs associated with the outbreak of COVID-19 are mounting. Throughout the world, governments, businesses and individuals are taking action against the threat, and reality, of a pandemic event. The virus has already affected many organizations, causing business disruptions and supply chain issues. Still, despite warnings from the World Health Organization and other agencies, more companies need to take the necessary steps to prepare their employees and business continuity plans in advance to see themselves through a major crisis. The time to prepare is now. USI has assembled the following resources, focused on risk preparedness & mitigation, and claims & coverage considerations, to help clients prepare and respond to a widespread public health emergency." CLICK ON the link to access their site, or reach out to Gregg Mellinger for assistance.
	WBEZ COVID-19 Live Updates: WBEZ Chicago is running a LIVE BLOG to keep the residents of the greater Chicagoland area up-to-date with news and mandates from the Mayor, the Governor, and federal impacts too. CLICK ON the link to access this continuously updated news blog.
	Wells Fargo Economics Shared it's Monthly Economic Outlook (April 2020): From them... § Our forecast for U.S. real GDP growth looks like this over the next few quarters: a modest contraction in Q1, a historically large decline in Q2, followed by a recovery that starts in Q3. Specifically, we look for real GDP growth of -1.2%, -22.3%, 7.2% and 4.8% over the four quarters of 2020. § While we expect the rebound to be robust in the second half of the year, it will not be nearly enough to close the output gap that will develop. We have the unemployment rate peaking at 15%-16% in Q2, for example, but only declining to about 8% by year-end. § We look for the FOMC to keep the fed funds rate at current levels through at least the end of 2021. Our year-end 2020 forecast for the 10-year Treasury yield remained unchanged at 1.25%. § Our 2020 global growth forecast is now -2.7%. This would easily be the biggest contraction in recent memory, as the biggest annual decline during the Great Recession was just 0.1%. The Eurozone will likely experience a recession at least as bad as the United States, and emerging market economies face a slew of challenges, including a strong U.S. dollar, elevated borrowing costs and collapsing commodity prices. CLICK HERE FOR THE PDF VERSION. Wells Fargo Created & Shared a Covid-19 Update: 100 Days & Counting. CLICK HERE to access the PDF VERSION.

Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network
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Oak Park, IL 60304
Tel (312) 525-9653