AUSTM,Oct.-Nov.,2019,V2

Prinses Hemphill, CEO Celebrity Events, Inc.’s Interview with AFRICA-USA TODAY MAGAZINE Publisher, Olawale Idreez Entering the garden of the historic DuSable Museum on the South Side of Chicago, I approach Prinses Hemphill, National Event Coordinator for Celebrity Athletes and Entertainers. She's on the phone, she smiles and I could feel the warmth of her silent welcome. She pats the chair, and I sit down next to her. Dressed in a beige jumpsuit she looks classicly crisp but comfortable. I couldn't help but overhear her conversation as she thanked several people by name and acknowledged each one for their contribution to what I perceived was a conference call. Upon saying goodbye she looked at me and said "now, let me silence my ringer, care for ice tea or water, I grabbed them both on my way" Thanking her, I picked tea, "good" she replied "I need to drink more water. Please forgive me for the delay and interruptions, I appreciate you coming out to interview me today. Let's get started".

AUT: Ok, Prinses, what a beautiful name. Are you royalty?

Prinses: Thanks (laughing) I am the daughter of the Most High, The King of Kings and Lord of all Lords.

AUT: I see, well, Amen. Thanks for meeting me here, The DuSable Museum is named after the Jean Baptiste Point DuSable a Black Man who founded Chicago. He was a frontier, farmer, trapper and fur trader He established Chicago in the 1700s as a trading post.

I see, like DuSable, you are up to big things, how did you get started in the entertainment industry and who was the first celebrity you worked with, and what did you learn most from your first event?

Prinses: I grew up in the business as did many of my closest associates. I helped my godmother when she worked for the Jacksons and created "Boogie To The Book Beat" with Michael Jackson. He shared his favorite books in a partnership with the Chicago Public Library. I learned humility and responsibility comes with privilege, I believe all celebrities should to give back and teach lessons they learned.

AUT: Did you get to meet Michael Jackson?

Prinses: Yes, he was the first person I saw with Global Appeal, and he excited all ages and sexes. My mom, sister Pam and I were invited to breakfast. He was so kind and genuinely caring, it was my birthday and he kissed me on my cheek and said Happy Birthday. I tried so hard not to keep my cool (laughing).

AUT. That's amazing. I see you've worked with Janet Jackson, Steve Harvey, Mary J Blidge, Shaquille O'neal, LL Cool J, Queen Latifah, Will Smith, Jada Pinket, Prince and so many more, tell us what you did with them.

Prinses: I see you did some research. Well, Janet's promoter's let me bus 200 children in to see their 1st concert. Steve Harvey's first manager was my cousin Juan Hull, rest in peace and I worked on the Kings of Comedy tours. LL Cool J did a few community events with me and I threw parties for Mary J and Prince. Jada participated in an actors panel at Chicago Black Expo and Will Smith was on one of the 1st tours I was on.

AUT: Speaking of parties, your birthday cake for LeBron James was also voted Best Celebrity Cake in the World?

Prinses: Yep, (laughing) it holds the crown, literally, it was 7 feet tall and had several layers of flavors, a King crown on top with thousands of Swarovski crystals that sparkled like Diamonds. Unforgettable!! Bernard Adell & Rich Paul Productions threw an epic affair and B&B cake set the bar on that cake.

A.U.T.: I see you acknowledge others, I also noticed how you thanked people for what they did before ending your conference call.

Prinses: Yes, It's never just me, first I pray for direction and The Creator sends all the best people to help make things work for GREAT clients who deserve the best. I have to remember to it's written, In all things give thanks in I Thessalonians 5:8 AUT: What's your favorite event?

Prinses: Events are like children, some aspects you enjoy and others you wish you could blink and they were gone. Overall you learn from all of them. I think the first one was my favorite. I am currently working on a Celebrity Dinner Series that raises money for local charities and worthy causes. It's called "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner" it's so fun and exciting, It's my new baby. You should come.

AUT: As for working with Dignitaries & Kings and Queens from Africa, what's your goal: Prinses: It's important to me for the global narrative on African Americans and Africans to be celebrated. Cultural understanding and appreciation is where It starts. Chicago is an international city. We are creating a Cultural Exchange where we bring students from Chicago to Africa to be hosted by Dignitaries and have students from Africa come to Chicago and learn about African American Contributions in America.

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Prinses Hemphill, CEO Celebrity Events, Inc.’s Interview with AFRICA-USA TODAY MAGAZINE Publisher, Olawale Idreez

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Prinses Hemphill, CEO Celebrity Events, Inc.’s Interview with AFRICA-USA TODAY MAGAZINE Publisher, Olawale Idreez

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Sound Pictures of a CenturyThe Living Legacy of Timuel D. Black

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PUBLISHER’S OPINION Olawale Idreez, Publisher Mary Ellen Richard, Executive PR

What a Hectic and Joyful 2019 Summer Festivals in Chicago & Happy 59th Independence Day to Nigeria

by Olawale Idreez, Publisher, AFRICA-USA Today Magazine.

Imagine if you are invited to dine with Pope in Vatican, or Queen Elizabeth in Buckingham Palace, or President Buhari in Aso Rock, or even incumbent President Trump in the White House; how very important you would feel, VIP-ishly.

I humbly and unequivocally present to you those invitations because they are very important and prestigious by any human standard. But the Almighty God’s compassionate invitations as expressed respectively, in the Good Book of Isaiah 1:18; and Matthew 11:28, “Come now and let us reason together.” And “Come unto Me, all you that are labored and are heavy ladened, and I will give you rest……”

The reason for these quotations is to remind us that only the Almighty God can make promise and fulfill to manifest. In other words, man can propose, but only God can ultimately dispose. There were two separate cases that happened recently in Chicago and Oakbrook, IL (USA). We, as in “A” Super team of the African Cultural Festival Exchange proposed to invite H.I.M (His Imperial Majesty) Oba Babatunde Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife, OJAJA 11, to chair and host the 6th Annual Cultural Exchange Festival in Chicago on September 8th. However due to circumstances that surrounded the specific date, we later learned that the King must not disobey the authority of the deities that governed that kingdom, albeit, he could override it, at his own peril. Thank Almighty God he did not use his veto power entrusted upon him to defy it.

Nevertheless the participants and the attendees at the 6th Annual Cultural Exchange Festival can attest to the fact that the two nights events, are kind of disappointed that they could not take photos (in their elegant regalia with the king); but the nights are without regrets that they got their money’s worth. The Saturday Gala/night of the said event laced with glamorous African attires, the foods, (the Ambassador /King’s Representative, His Majesty Honorable Lekan Alabi), the VIP Obas, The Chiefs, the African Leaders in the likes of President of A.I. H, Patrick Woodtor, Dr. Amuwo, Dr. Margaret King, Dr. Ewa, Dr. C. Akinwowo, Dr. Olaosebikan, Mr. Onayemi, the Eminent Political Leaders (including but not limited to the U.S. Congressman Danny K. Davis, whom we celebrated his birthday); the high caliber of top socialite Ladies, the dynamic Firsteye Concept, Inc’s energetic cultural dancers, the traditional BENIN Dancers leading by my friend, Honorable Ehi Kingsley, and my good friend, Mama Miliki Queen Bunmi Abeni Ajibade (Juju Sensational Guitarist), and the entire dynamic team/volunteer members headed by none other than Dr. Collins Awosika. Firsteye Concept, Inc, in conjunction with AFRICA-USA Today Magazine salutes you all. Thank you a zillion times.

In a similar replica with the above-mentioned scenario, another event that happened on the same Sunday, September 8th, organized by the Game Changers International, (one of my best favorite organizations around Illinois, headed by honorable Todd Schweich) in which the Prince Charles of Wales, United Kingdom, supposedly programmed to have attended his Polo Sports Tournament in Oakbrook, IL (USA); but could not attend for one reason, or not. Nevertheless the event went down as glamorous and successful as it gets.

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PUBLISHER’S OPINION contd.

The point is, man can proposed, only God can dispose. But be thankful that you are alive to enjoy it. Amen.

Lest I forget, it was on the same weekend Sept 6, 7, and 8th my Nigerian family friends (The Olunloyo, and Sode) families gave their son and daughter to wedding at an elaborate and highly spiritual Church marriage as ordained by the Almighty God. The Publisher wishes happy married life. Be Peaceful, Joyful, fruitful and multiply in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen.

I extend Kudos to my friend, Ephraim Matin’s International Promotions, who also celebrated his annual Jerk Veges Festival, on the weekend of September 7th and 8th. I’m thankful to him and his staff. He just promoted me to Staff Member that I’ve been yawning for more than 7 years. Thanks Boss!

I cannot stop this piece without reminding us of that quotation by our own Radio/Talk Show Icon, Mr. Steve Harvey, that said, “Blowing someone else’s light out, does not necessarily makes yours brighter.”

I humbly and specially dedicated this Publisher’s Opinion to the beautiful children of the late Evangelist D.L. Moody’s (TMC, Chicago); who participated in the annual SUMMER BLAST in August 1 through 5, 2019. There is probably nothing more inspirational, humbling, exciting, and fun at the same time, than volunteering with these 500 plus children every summer at TMC. Congratulations Girls, for winning this year. And thanks Boys for being “a man” about it. Like the young master, Mason, whispered in my ears. He said, “Mr. Wale, we are the best team in the house”. I rejoiced in his enthusiasm, and Roared, Yeah!

But I soliloquized in my heart that, winning is good in any sport, but I believed the best winner is the one that puts smiles on other people’s face. Thank you, Master Mason. Let’s do it again, Lord willing!

In conclusion AFRICA-USA Today Magazine salutes my beloved nation, NIGERIA on her glorious 59th INDEPENDENCE DAY felicitations across the world. God bless you, NIGERIA. And I love you. I really do.

Respectfully, Olawale Idreez, Publisher, AFRICA-USA Today Magazine.

Please follow us on Facebook/Olawale Idreez; LinkedIn@Olawale Idreez usafriglo@yahoo.com P.S: Next Political Opinion: Political Juice, U.S. 2020 Presidential Aspirants, Power of Incumbent President Trump vs. The Experienced Former VP Joe Biden: Stand By Your Man” by Olawale Idreez *************************************************************************************

My Dream Sky-Jet named “Ambition” AFRICA USA TODAY 13

MARKETING DIRECTOR DINA KUPER

PUBLIC RELATIONS RAQUEL LACOUR REGIONAL EDITOR ADEMOLA LAWAL

FASHION CONSULTANT KEYY LANG

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

PR CONSULTANT TINA WASHINGTON

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Prinses Hemphill Photography, Cover design: David Dickerson Fashion Design: Queen Josephine

Robert L. Scott Sr. Photography

Contents

JOHN E. SMITH JR. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Fall Highlights In this issue we highlight areas to improve yourself by being healthy,wealthy and wise. We also get to know Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s State of Chicago’s address. We are approaching the beginning of Fall, and with it making the most to enjoy the many outdoor events held and enjoying being with family and friends. We hope you are making the most of your time.

Enjoy!

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AFRICA-US TODAY MAGAZINE MEDIA KIT TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR 2015 All recognized advertising agencies receive a 15% commission and 2% discount if paid within 10 days from the date of invoice. All orders for advertising space are subject to credit approval. Credit approval takes 14 days and advertisers wishing to insert copy prior to approval must pay 100 percent (100%) of the contracted rate until credit approval.

Terms of payment: Total amount is due and payable within 30 days of invoice. Noncredit approvedadvertisers: the entire amount is due prior to publication date.

It is agreed and understood that our attorney will collect delinquent accounts when conventional methodcollapses. Africa-US Today Magazinewill resort to court action to enforce contracts.It is agreed and understood that attorney’s fees, court costs and any additional awards are in favor of Africa-US Today Magazine.

REGULATIONS Advertisement not in accordance with the Standard Advertising Units (SAU):we will charge advertisers without notification. Advertisements of Key numbers are at advertiser’s risk. Africa-US Today Magazine reserves the right to limit, omit or reject the amount of advertising copy that webelieveobjectionable, misleading or fraudulent, without penalty to either party.

All advertisement having the appearance of editorial material and all political advertisement must have the word “Advertisements” printed above or on each column.

There areextra charges made for any additional necessary space.

POSITIONS Alladvertising positions are at the option of Africa-US Today Magazine. Acceptance of an order does not imply position guarantee. There is a 15% premium for a guaranteed position.

ADJUSTMENT OR ERRORS Africa-US Today Magazine assumes no responsibility for the repetition of errors in advertisement unless notified the first day an error occurs. The magazine’s liability for errors will not exceed cost of space occupied by the error.Claim adjustmentsand corrections arewithin ten (10) days of issue date.

INDEMNIFICATION The advertiser agrees to protect and indemnify Africa-US Today Magazine against all liability, loss or expense arising from claims or libel, unfair completion, unfair trade practices, plagiarism, infringement of trademark, trade names or patents or copyrights or violation of rights of privacy resulting from publishing by Africa-US Today Magazine of advertiser’s advertisement.

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GENERAL INFORMATION Africa-US Today Magazine is not responsible for advertiser’s drawing or ads not called for within 10 days. Africa-US Today Magazine will not be liable for failure to furnish advertising space or to publish any advertisement due to strikes, labor disputes, government action, act of God, war, fire, breakdown of equipment, or any other circumstances beyond Africa-US Today Magazine control. The magazine will not be liable even if it has agreed to publish an advertisement. No verbal agreement, promises waiver, understanding, conditions of any nature,other than those contained in the rate cord, shall be binding on Africa-US Today Magazine. Africa-US Today Magazine reserves the right to revise advertising rates at any time upon 30 days’ notice.

Advertise With Africa-US Today Magazine Office:

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HEALTH

99 Brain Health Smoothies HOW TO QUICKLY AND DELICIOUSLY PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST DEMENTIA AND ALZHEIMER’S WHILE BALANCING YOUR HORMONES AND LOSING WEIGHT

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EVENTS

Africa International House will host its 30thannual African Festival of the Arts Friday-Monday, Aug. 30Sept. 2. The event turns the festival grounds at Washington Park into an African village with the theme Spirit of Africa.”

Patricia Andrews-Keenan, who handles communications for Africa International House and the African Festival of the Arts, said that celebrating this milestone is significant.

“It is a validation of the importance of the African culture to the city of Chicago,” she said. “When we started this event, there weren’t any festivals in the city that celebrated African culture and heritage.

Now, there’s the Bantu Fest, Ghana Fest and all of these different festivals, but the African Festival of the Arts was the first of one of these.”

Among the featured guests and musical acts are the Ohio Players, the 1970s pioneers of street funk and underground Rhythm and Blues; Damon Williams, of the Tom Joyner Morning Show; Sheila O., an Africa International House board member and an international radio personality; Rotimi, a NigerianAmerican actor, singer and model; and Wale, the rapper.

“I think the entertainment is one of the hallmarks of this event,” Andrews-Keenan said. “When you go back and look at the 30-year history, everybody from Isaac Hayes to James Brown—some of the best entertainers in the country—have come to this over the years. That’s a big draw for people.”

The festival will provide opportunities to explore the interactive spaces of its Afro-Folk Village, Children and Family Pavilion, African Heritage Pavilion, African Spirituality/Wellness (Health) Village, Author and Book Pavilion, Fine Art Pavilion, Food Court and the African Marketplace. Andrews-Keenan said some vendors have been part of the festival since the beginning. “They come from across the country; they come from the Caribbean; they come from Africa,” Andrews-Keenan said.

Ahead of the festival’s 30thanniversary, Africa International House has several special events and surprises for people to watch out for. Those include: A program dubbed the Evolution of African Dance, will take place from 2-6 p.m., July 27, at Navy Pier’s Lake Stage in Polk Brothers Park.

The annual African Festival of the Arts gala will take place August 16 at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts.

The African Festival of the Arts will be open to the public during Labor Day weekend from 1-10 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday through Monday.

General admission begins at $15, and tickets at the gate cost $20. Discounted rates can apply for seniors and children. Family and weekend passes are also available for purchase. For tickets, visit https://www.aihusa.org/afa-tickets.

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AFRICA NEWS

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BUSINESS

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HEALTH

Ending Racism: RxRacial Healing is the Powerful Antidote for Bigotry Dr. Gail C. Christopher

Throughout the world, extreme racism, nationalism, anti-Semitism and other ethnic and religious biases are sustained by an antiquated notion that the human family can be ranked by physical characteristics and ascribed traits. This hierarchy of human value that fuels racist behavior like the El Paso shootings and hate rhetoric like the “Go Back” chants targeting four minority congresswomen is the foundation for those seeking political gains in a divided society.

The ill-conceived belief that skin color determines whether someone is inferior or superior has hardened barriers among populations, leaving racist, xenophobic and anti-immigrant behavior ingrained in America and other nations. In the U.S., it perpetuated the enslavement of blacks, genocide among Indigenous people and the embrace of institutionalized racism for centuries.

It must stop.

But uprooting the false belief in the hierarchy of human value won’t come easy. This antiquated way of life is a fossil formed during the 14th century and crystallized in the 18th century by Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist, known as the father of taxonomy. Linnaeus first codified the scientific frame of human hierarchy and listed human “races” based on physical appearances and on continents of origin. He placed people like himself – Europeans – at the top of this hierarchy, and he put other so-called “races” in descending order of humanness – with Africans at the bottom of his hierarchical system.

Unlike other fossils, the belief in a hierarchy of human value still lives deeply in hearts and minds today. This idea must end and take its place in museums like other relics. The idea of a predetermined hierarchy must die now, before it kills us all!

What’s the answer?

Healing thought leaders have plotted a new course against the hierarchy of human value, one that can transform our nation and serve as a blueprint for other lands facing legacies of racism and discrimination. The RxRacial Healing National Mobilization Campaign is activating a critical mass of people committed to working together and healing the wounds of the past as we seek to end racism and the inequities it has created.

By defining racism as stemming from an entrenched belief system, RxRacial Healing provides a platform for launching a new model of relatedness that is grounded in the knowledge of our interconnected and equal worth as human beings. With this foundational idea in place, we can shape new ways of living, policing and governing, as well as distributing resources more equitably because a critical mass of people will be enlightened -- at their collective common interests.

In order to move forward against racism, our nation must adopt this innovative, even revolutionary, approach: heal the wounds of our past and learn to work together with civility and indeed, with love. We must build the individual and collective capacity to see ourselves in the face of the other. Buckminster Fuller, a 20th century inventor and visionary, once said: “You never change things by fighting the existing model. You must create a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” That is our path forward!

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HEALTH

Ending Racism: RxRacial Healing is the Powerful Antidote for Bigotry RxRacial Healing includes five organizations – Association of American Colleges and Universities, American Public Health Association, Community Action Partnership, National Collaborative for Health Equity and Ntianu Center for Healing and Nature – that reach communities at the grassroots level. While their work has already begun, the organizations seek to expand their partnerships and resources to invigorate efforts to facilitate racial healing, improve equity in communities and eradicate racism.

RxRacial Healing must begin by changing our beliefs and state of awareness, consciously and unconsciously, especially the awareness and appreciation about the human family, our origin and our sense of belonging and inter-relatedness. The interconnected human family must overcome the persistent belief in the embedded hierarchy that currently molds our societal infrastructure and systems of democracy.

We can shake that hold by convincing a critical mass that the incapacity to value all human beings prevents optimal wellbeing and happiness. Our hearts and brains are designed to resonate with harmonious relationships. The opposite – fear and anxiety, separation, alienation and hate – induce stress and distress, causing a cascade of illnesses. The impact of racism is a burden on its victims, exasperating health disparities that prematurely end lives.

As a 15-years-old, I began to understand the power of racism and the need for healing. I attended a summer arts encampment in Chautauqua, New York. Away from home for six weeks, I was the second person of color in the town. My roommate was of a different race, but we became friends; the weeks passed quickly.

On one of the camp’s last days, as I walked past all the quaint Victorian houses on our little street, an ambulance appeared in front of our yellow house. Hurrying to see what was happening, I reached the front stairs in time to see my roommate carried out unconscious on a stretcher. I asked our house parents what happened and was told she had tried to commit suicide with pills.

I ran up to our room, which suddenly seemed unbearably small. There, I found a note she had written: “I don’t want to go home.

My father has taught me to hate black people. I now know that is a lie. I don’t want to live like that anymore.”

The summer ended, and I never learned her fate, but I assumed they saved her life that day. I never forgot how it felt to have lived a brief moment within an innocent and authentic friendship which had pierced the veneer of racial hatred.

Now, to save our nation, millions must do the same.

***Follow Dr. Christopher on Twitter: @DrGCChristopher @NtianuGarden*** ### Dr. Christopher, the former Senior Advisor and Vice President of the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, is the architect and implementor of more than $1 billion in efforts spanning four decades to facilitate racial healing and jettison racism from American society. To learn more about racial healing or schedule appearances or healing circles go to https://drgailcchristopher.com/ For radio and print interviews, contact Michael K. Frisby at 202-625-4328 or mike@frisbyassociates.com AFRICA USA TODAY 31

BUSINESS

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ECONOMICS

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ECONOMICS

What are our key areas of focus?

As assumptions about growth models are overturned, the international balance of power continues to fray, and scientific and technological breakthroughs promise to transform economies and societies, the unique platform provided by the Forum helps leaders from all walks to life to prepare for exponentially disruptive change.

Today, we focus on three key strategic challenges:

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ECONOMICS

Why does our work matter?

Our world is an interconnected system straining under the burden of its own complexity.

We see numerous factors combining to make the global environment more unpredictable and difficult to navigate.

In global governance, we see the post-war balance between nation states and the institutional framework that worked to manage it disintegrating. In its place, we see the emergence of new geoeconomic competition, new regionalism and new actors.

Meanwhile, technological change is disrupting our economies and changing the nature of our globalized world in ways that are both unpredictable and complex. We will witness more technological change over the next decade than we have seen in the past 50 years.

Advances in all the sciences – from robotics and genetics to communications and the social sciences – will leave no aspect of global society untouched.

Around the world, a young generation is demanding to be heard. Young people increasingly see decisions being made at the expense of their future.

Each of these factors and many others require a new kind of institution – one with the adaptability, the entrepreneurialism and the trust of all stakeholders – that can bring together people who have the power to make change, to achieve mutual understanding and empathy, to come to common agreement and, where appropriate, push action forward.

As an international organization with no commercial interest, the Forum provides a platform for leaders from all stakeholder groups from around the world – business, government and civil society – to come together.

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ILLINOIS NEWS QUICK SUMMARY - The six counties of the Heritage Corridor region (Will, Grundy, LaSalle, Putnam, Livingston and Bureau) played key roles in helping to bring more tourism (and tax dollars) to the State of Illinois.

Tourism to the Heritage Corridor Contributing to Record Economic Growth in Illinois The Heritage Corridor generated $25.15 million in local tax revenue and $1.1 billion in visitor expenditures.

Joliet, IL – The Illinois Office of Tourism announced both international and domestic travel expenditures reached $41.7 billion in 2018 which is a $2 billion boost to the state’s economy since 2017. More than 117 million visitors came to Illinois in 2018 – the 8th consecutive year of record tourism growth in the state – contributing to an increase of visitor spending, tax revenue and local jobs.

The Heritage Corridor contributed to the state’s added economic domestic growth, with $1.1 billion in travel expenditures (a 3.8% increase) and $25 million in local tax revenue (a 2% increase). More than 5,200 jobs were created across the state as a result of visitor spending, with 100 of them in our area.

“Tourism is a critical part of our economy, helping to boost local and state tax revenue and create jobs,” said Jan Kemmerling, Acting Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism. “From scenic road trips, stunning state parks, amazing family-friendly attractions and spectacular nightlife, Illinois offers incredible experiences for visitors all year long.”

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Tourism to the Heritage Corridor Contributing to Record Economic Growth in Illinois The Heritage Corridor generated $25.15 million in local tax revenue and $1.1 billion in visitor expenditures.

Joliet, IL – The Illinois Office of Tourism announced both international and domestic travel expenditures reached $41.7 billion in 2018 which is a $2 billion boost to the state’s economy since 2017. More than 117 million visitors came to Illinois in 2018 – the 8th consecutive year of record tourism growth in the state – contributing to an increase of visitor spending, tax revenue and local jobs.

The Heritage Corridor contributed to the state’s added economic domestic growth, with $1.1 billion in travel expenditures (a 3.8% increase) and $25 million in local tax revenue (a 2% increase). More than 5,200 jobs were created across the state as a result of visitor spending, with 100 of them in our area.

“Tourism is a critical part of our economy, helping to boost local and state tax revenue and create jobs,” said Jan Kemmerling, Acting Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism. “From scenic road trips, stunning state parks, amazing family-friendly attractions and spectacular nightlife, Illinois offers incredible experiences for visitors all year long.”

Putnam County saw a 6.3% increase in tourism expenditures in 2018 over the previous year. Groups like the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau work hard to let the world know about activities, events and more in this peaceful community.

Photo Credit: Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau

The charm of the area, the outdoor adventures, and the efforts of the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau, have helped to increase tourism expenditures in Grundy County an estimated 4.1% over the previous year.

The Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau has helped to spread the world about the heartland of Illinois - Bureau County. Their efforts are a part of the reason that tourism expenditures are up approximately 6.3% over the previous year.

Photo Credit: Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau

Photo Credit: Hornbaker Gardens

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POLITICS

Chicago Mayor, Lori Lightfoot

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POLITICS MAYOR’S PRESS OFFICE CITY OF CHICAGO

State of the City Good evening.

August 29, 2019

Thank you for tuning in.

Tonight, I want to speak to you about the state of our city and its finances.

The city’s finances impact every aspect of our lives as Chicagoans – guiding how and where we invest in people, property and places. How the city handles its finances, your precious tax dollars, defines who we are and importantly, the kind of city we will be.

We have some hard choices to make. There is no doubt about that and I will not sugarcoat that reality. But I am confident, with the incredible talent in this city, working together we can make the necessary choices that will put us on sound fiscal footing not just for today, but for the future.

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PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT

4610 North Kenton Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60630-4020 U.S.A. Tel: 773/725-1106 info@itagc.org Fax: 773/725-2294

THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE ASSOCIATION OF GREATER CHICAGO Invites you to a special program:

INCOTERMS® 2020 RULES Presentation by:

Arthur C. O’Meara Principal Principal, O’Meara & Associates International Trade Compliance & Training On January 1, 2020 a new version of the International Commerce Terms Rules (Incoterms® Rules) will go into effect.

Considered the global standard for trade terms, the Incoterms® Rules are updated every ten years to reflect changes in the practices of international and domestic trade, and the changes can be significant.

The International Chamber of Commerce, the publishers of the Incoterms® Rules, will release the Incoterms® 2020 Rules in late 2019 to allow traders to prepare for the new Rules. This program will highlight the Incoterms® Rules 2020 and address changes made from the last version (Incoterms® 2010) from the perspective of domestic and international purchases and sales. Each attendee will receive a copy of the new Incoterms® 2020 Rules; additional copies will be available for purchase separately.

Arthur O’Meara, a licensed US customs broker with an MBA from DePaul University in Chicago, has completed the ICC’s Incoterms® Masterclasses in Paris, France. He brings with him more than 25 years’ experience in international trade compliance management. His focus is on the development of compliance programs and training tailored for the corporate environment in the areas of import compliance, valuation, HTS classification, strategic use of terms and conditions in international commerce, and U.S. supply-chain security programs such as the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) and the Importer Security Filing (ISF). He has extensive experience assisting U.S. importers to achieve and maintain CTPAT status and has managed CTPAT validations in North America, Europe and Asia. He is well-versed in implementing compliance requirements in the multinational corporate environment.

Mr. O’Meara is the author of Making Money with Incoterms® 2020: Strategic Use of Incoterms Rules in Purchases and Sales.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019 CARLUCCI ROSEMONT

6111 North River Road, Rosemont, IL 8:45 a.m. – Registration 9:00 a.m. – Program 12:00 p.m. – Lunch

ITA/GC & CCBFA members and their guests - $275; Non-members - $350 ***** Registration fee includes a copy of Incoterms® 2020 Rules ***** Space is limited: Please make your reservations early, but no later than 4:00 p.m., Friday, October 11 Tel: 773/725-1106 rsvp@itagc.org Fax: 773/725-2294 American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa are welcome.

A reservation is an obligation to pay: reservations not canceled 48 hours prior to the meeting will be billed.

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POLITICS

STATEMENT FROM U. S. REPRESENTATIVE DANNY K. DAVIS REGARDING FORMAL IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS September 24, 2019

Congressman Danny Davis commends speaker Nancy Pelosi and the democratic caucus for initiating formal impeachment proceedings against President Trump.

Davis further stated “He has violated his oath of office and put the country at risk.

His attempt to get the Ukrainian government involved in our country politics is the brick that broke the camel’s back. Impeachment proceedings are in order.”

Ms. Tumia Romero MAOM, PH.D. Candidate in Public Policy Deputy Chief of Staff Office of U. S. Representative Danny K. Davis 773-533-7520 Tumia.romero@mail.house.gov

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MUSIC

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MUSIC

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