Champaign County Economic Development Corporation

06/17/2026

⚠️ SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY REMINDER ⚠️

As cleanup continues following recent storms, METCAD 9-1-1 asks residents to help keep emergency lines available for true emergencies.

📞 CALL 9-1-1 ONLY IF:
✅ A power line is arcing, sparking, or actively causing a hazard.
✅ A downed tree or power line has struck a home or other structure.
✅ There is an immediate threat to life or safety.

🚫 DO NOT CALL 9-1-1 FOR:
❌ Downed trees that are not creating an emergency hazard.
❌ Power outages.
❌ Downed power lines that are not arcing and have not impacted a structure.
❌ Tree debris in roadways or yards.

⚡ To report power outages or downed power lines, contact Ameren at 1-800-755-5000.

🌪 WHEN OUTDOOR WARNING SIRENS SOUND:
• Go indoors immediately.
• Seek shelter in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor.
• Stay away from windows.
• Monitor local media, weather apps, or NOAA Weather Radio for additional information.

🛑 Remember: Outdoor warning sirens are designed to alert people who are OUTDOORS. They are not intended to be heard inside every home or building.

🏠 Be prepared before severe weather strikes:
• Know where you will take shelter.
• Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings.
• Create a family emergency plan.
• Keep an emergency kit with essential supplies.

Thank you for helping keep 9-1-1 available for those experiencing life-threatening emergencies.

06/17/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2026

Public Health to Open Emergency Shelter as Severe Storms Expected This Afternoon

Free Emergency Shelter Opens This Afternoon; All Residents Welcome

CHAMPAIGN, IL – In preparation for severe storms forecast to impact the area this afternoon, Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is opening their facility as an emergency shelter for residents seeking safety. All residents are welcome, and emergency services are provided at no cost.

The shelter will remain operational through 5:00 p.m. If severe weather persists, CUPHD will remain open until conditions are safe.

Shelter location and details:
• Address: 201 West Kenyon Road, Champaign; entrance to the shelter will be at the south loading dock. Signs will direct people on where to go.
• Hours: 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., or until end of emergency
• Accessible to all residents, especially those in mobile homes and the unhoused.
• Service animals allowed.

Residents are encouraged to bring important documents, medications, phone chargers, and any medical equipment needed. CUPHD will have basic amenities including restrooms and drinking water, real-time weather updates, and staff available to assist residents.

For additional information or questions, contact Emergency Preparedness Planner Lauryn Bradley at 217-531-5361. Updates will also be available on the District’s page (https://www.facebook.com/CUPHD/).

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17 de junio de 2026
PARA DIFUSIÓN INMEDIATA

Salud Pùblica abrira un Refugio de emergencia debido a que se esperan tormentas severas esta tarde.

El refugio de emergencia gratuito abre esta tarde; Todos los residentes son Bienvenidos.

Champaign, IL – En preparacion para las tormentas severas pronosticadas para està tarde en la zona, el Distrito de Salud Pùblica de Champaign-Urbana (CUPHD) abrirà sus instalaciónes como refugio de emergencia para los residentes que buscan seguridad. Todos los residentes son bienvenidos y los servicios de emergencia se brindan sin costo alguno.

El refugio permanecerà operativo hasta las 5:00 PM. Si el clima severo persiste, CUPHD permanecerà abierto hasta que las condiciones sean seguras.

Ubicacion y detalles del Refugio:

Dirreción: 201 West Kenyon Road, Champaign; La entrada al refugio estara en el muelle de carga Sur. Las senáles dirigiran a la gente hacia donde ir.

Horas: 8:00 a.m. asta 5:00 p.m., O hasta el final de la emergencia.

Accesible para todos los residentes, especialmente aquellos en casas móviles y los que no tienen hogar..

Se admiten animales de servicio.

Se anima a los residentes a traer documentos importantes, medicamentos, cargadores de teléfono y cualquier equipo necesario. CUPHD tendra comodidades basicas que incluyen baños y agua, actualizaciones en tiempo real y personal diponible para ayudar a los residentes.

Para obtener información adicional o preguntas, ponganse en contacto con El Planificador de Preparacion Para Emergencias Lauryn Bradley at 217-531-5361. Las actualizaciones tambien estaran disponibles en la pagina de Facebook del Distrito (https://www.facebook.com/CUPHD/).

06/04/2026

Episode 92: A New Season of World-Class Performance

The 2026–2027 season at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts was just announced, and it’s filled with must-see performances. Terri & Carly sit down with Julianne Ehre, Assistant Director of Programming and Engagement, to dig in on those dates we need to circle on our calendar, the collaborations that make Krannert Center so unique, and how our performing arts venue stacks up against others across the country. Hint: we’re right there at the top!

With summer programming in full swing, we have more ways to spend your weekend, so tune in at chambanaproud.com or wherever you podcast to start planning.

https://chambanaproud.podbean.com/e/episode-92-a-new-season-of-world-class-performance/

This episode is sponsored by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and supported by Busey Bank.

05/21/2026

Episode 91: It’s in the “Meat Mail”

Whether you’re looking for something to grill for Memorial Day weekend or a special cut that you can’t find at the grocery store, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Meat & Egg Sales Room is the destination you need to know about. Carly & Terri chat with Elli to learn about the academics and science behind the storefront to discover what students are learning and how they shape the future of the food industry.

Stay tuned in for ideas on how to spend your Memorial Day Weekend in and around the Champaign-Urbana area at chambanaproud.com or wherever you podcast.

https://chambanaproud.podbean.com/e/episode-91-it-s-in-the-meat-mail/

This episode is sponsored by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and supported by Busey Bank.

05/20/2026

Headed to CMI for a pickup or drop-off? Please don’t leave vehicles unattended at the curb. Instead, take advantage of FREE parking for less than two hours, making arrivals and departures easier for everyone. Thanks for helping us keep traffic flowing!

05/12/2026

Welcome to the team, Lauren — we're thrilled to have you on board!

The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce Lauren Gramly as its new Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lauren Gramly as the Director of our SBDC,” said Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director of the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation. “Lauren brings a unique combination of small business experience, nonprofit leadership, and deep community connections that make her exceptionally well-suited for this role. Her passion for supporting entrepreneurs, building partnerships, and strengthening our local business ecosystem aligns perfectly with the mission of the SBDC. She will be a tremendous resource for small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs throughout Champaign County and central Illinois.”

Read more: https://cusbdc.org/news/lauren-gramly-named-director-of-illinois-small-business-development-center-at-champaign-county-edc/

05/12/2026

Our friends at the SBDC are hosting a Digital Marketing Essentials workshop in June: https://cusbdc.org/event/workshop-digital-marketing-essentials/

Join us for our next training session, Digital Marketing Essentials, on June 11 with Clanin Creative! This workshop will provide you with the tools and techniques to strengthen your digital marketing strategies. For more information + to register (no cost to attend): https://cusbdc.org/event/workshop-digital-marketing-essentials/

05/07/2026

On today's episode of Chambana Proud, Jordan & Terri sit down with The Land Connection's Executive Director, Jacquelyn Evers! The three chat about farm trainings, education, and resources to help first-generation farmers, and how they make local ingredients accessible for all: https://www.chambanaproud.com

Thanks to Krannert Center for the Performing Arts for sponsoring the podcast and to Busey Bank for their support.

05/06/2026

“Combe's decision to expand operations in Rantoul reaffirms the company’s strong commitment to the community and underscores the region’s strengths,” said Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director of the Champaign County EDC. “This project highlights Rantoul’s role as a manufacturing hub in Champaign County and spurs job creation, advancing long-term economic stability and workforce growth in the region. We're proud Combe's personal care products are made in Champaign County.”

The State of Illinois' support will help bring new jobs and economic vitality to East Central Illinois as Combe expands and retains its manufacturing operations in Rantoul.

Read more – https://bit.ly/42lUMUZ

05/04/2026

May 4-8 is Economic Development Week & for generations, economic development has created opportunity and strengthened communities across the world. This week, we reflect on that legacy while focusing on the growth, innovation, and resilience that will define the next 100 years.