Updates You Need to Know

Electronic Certificate of Origin Now Available through NACC Website

This is big news for our Chamber Members who export goods to other countries and those exploring expanding their markets internationally. A Certificate of Origin (CO) is an important international trade document attesting that goods in a particular export shipment are wholly obtained, produced, manufactured, or processed in a particular country. Virtually every country in the world considers the origin of imported goods when determining the duty that will be applied to the goods or, in some cases, whether the goods may be legally imported at all. Since the 1923 Geneva Convention, Chambers have been deemed the authorizing official for this certification.  

The NACC has offered hand-stamped seal certificate of origins for several years.  However, we have just launched our electronic certification to allow members to obtain their signed-stamped certificates without leaving their office.  For more information and how to get your account set-up, please visit our webpage at https://www.naperville.net/your-resource/certificates-of-origin/.

Each certificate is $25 for Chamber Members and $50 for Non-Members. Stay tuned as we bring more resources to support your international market expansion.

Federal Stimulus Package – Phase IV

Chamber Members are anxiously awaiting word on what financial support will be available in the next federal stimulus package.  This will basically be the CARES Act 2.0. Unfortunately, all the related bills including the Heroes Act passed by the US House, the Senate version, HEALS bill, and the newly introduced “Skinny” bill have stalled.  It is unclear when a substantial package will get passed.  We will keep you posted as soon as we have any word on what the final package will offer our business community.

Additional Mask Requirements, Will and Kankakee Counties Mitigations prohibit In-door Dining and a Reduced Capacity to 25%

As many of you are aware, Governor Pritzker announced that face mask requirements for patrons of all Illinois bars and restaurants have been expanded to include mask use at tables while interacting with wait staff and while picking up orders for curbside pick-up or drive-through.  These requirements are intended to protect front-line workers in these establishments.  In the same press conference, he confirmed Will and Kankakee Counties will have additional restrictions due a rise in COVID-19 cases in these areas.  Restrictions included no in-door dining in restaurants and a 25% capacity level or 25 people gathering limit, down from 50% and 50, respectively. A full description of the mitigation requirements can be found here. I expressed some challenges we have heard from our Member businesses in these areas as they adjust to these restrictions in a recent Daily Herald article.

Please reach out with policy issues impacting your business or if you need more information on current issues in play.

Contact me at rosborne@napervillechamber.net or (630) 544-3387.

Reba Osborne

Director of Government Affairs

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