DeKalb County UNITES begins with U!
Thank you to our many partners and friends
DeKalb County UNITES is a grass roots initiative dedicated to supporting the small business sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. A group of concerned citizens are working voluntarily to share information, urge action and offer encouragement to businesses and residents throughout the county.
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We are thankful to the many people who have shared and continue to share their expertise, insights, resources, and time in support of this important mission. Their gifts, offered freely and coming in many forms, have made a tremendous difference in the lives of small business owners who are working valiantly to weather this storm.
Webinar Presenters
Cohen Barnes, Host, Sundog IT
Cortney Strohacker, Moderator, DeKalb County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Brad Hoey, Producer, DeKalb County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Brian Oster, OC Creative
Jock Sommese, WCC Small Business Development Center
Tim Struthers and Frank Roberts, First National Bank
Mark Kerman, Siepert & Co.
Nick & Stephanie Bradac, Open Door Coffee, Genoa
Jeff Dobie, Fatty’s
Bill McMahon, Lincoln Inn/Faranda’s
LaCretia Konan, Kishwaukee College
Calvin Giles, Art Welch and Carol Canilly, IL Department of Employment Security
Rep. Jeff Keicher, IL 70th District
Brad McConnell, Accion
Margaret Croke and Jonathan McGee, IL Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Mya Groza, NIU College of Business
Jon Kuhn, Banner Up Signs
Joel Barczak, Blumen Gardens
Jim Doherty, OLT Marketing
Jamie Walter, Whiskey Acres
Jenna Spychal, Jonamac Orchard
Steve Byers, Byers Brewing Company
Liza Gonzalez, DeKalb County Health Department
Vicky Obermiller, Kids Stuff
Carolyn Tobinson, Tobinson Hardware
Veronica Miranda, Studio 815
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We want to hear from DeKalb County business owners who are doing a great job pivoting to keep their businesses afloat during this difficult time and are willing to share with others. Please email Brad Hoey at bhoey@niu.edu to nominate someone to be part of a Small Business Spotlight discussion.
DeKalb County Unites Core Team
Cohen Barnes, Co-chair, Sundog IT/DCEDC Chair
Rena Cotsones, Co-chair, NIU Outreach & Engagement
Geri Benning, Sandwich Chamber of Commerce
Debra Boughton, NIU Huskie Athletics
Melissa Butts, Community volunteer
Mike Cullen, First Midwest Bank
Jeff Dobie, Fatty’s
Jim Doherty, OLT Marketing
Matt Duffy, DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
Bryan Gregory, City of Sycamore
Jennifer Groce, NIU Community Promotion
Mya Groza, NIU College of Business
Brad Hoey, Chair, DeKalb County CVB
Krissy Johnson, Genoa Chamber
LaCretia Konan, Kishwaukee College
Bill McMahon, Lincoln Inn/Faranda’s
Bill Nicklas, City of DeKalb
Brian Oster, OC Creates
Jock Sommese, WCC Small Business Development Center
Cortney Strohacker, DeKalb County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Tim Struthers and Frank Roberts, First National Bank
Rose Treml, Sycamore Chamber of Commerce
Jolene Willis, DeKalb County
Thank you to our media partners for helping us spread the word!
Shaw Media
Northern Public Radio
WLBK
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