Business News
The 36Squared Business Incubator Sponsored by CIBC continued its program of support for local business through an April 19 Lenders Forum that featured business loan programs and the announcement of a new grant to help disabled business owners. The incubator's Boost Grant will provide up to $1,000 to local business owners who have a disability that challenges their business plans. The application deadline is May 31, with applicants receiving word on June 8.
The Lenders Forum also featured extensive information on loan programs from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Andrew Fogaty, incubator director, led the forum through guest presentations on SBA guaranteed loans, 504 loans and micro loans, all of which offer specific funding opportunities for small business.
Read more: Business Incubator Announces Business Grant, Tours Marz Brewing at Lenders Forum
The Wednesday, April 25, community meeting about the new MAT Asphalt plant packed a capacity crowd into the main room of the McKinley Park branch of the Chicago Public Library. The meeting, organized by the 12th Ward Independent Political Organization, brought together panelists representing MAT Asphalt, the 12th Ward, residents and local environmental activists. It attracted so many attendees that latecomers had to be turned away at the door, unable to squeeze into the standing-room-only event.
Panelists included 12th Ward Alderman George Cardenas, McKinley Park neighborhood resident Kim Wasserman of the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, Olga Bautista of Our City Our Voice, neighborhood resident and environmental scientist Amber Cicotte and Joe Haughey and Tony Sanchez, representing two of the three businesses partnered to create MAT Asphalt LLC. 12th Ward IPO President Billy Drew hosted and emceed the meeting.
Read more: Neighbors, Panelists Debate Asphalt Plant Project at Community Meeting
The new MAT Asphalt plant at 4010 S. Damen Ave. is set to begin making asphalt within a couple weeks, and plant operators, community members and elected officials are scrambling to coordinate and communicate what the new business means for the neighborhood.
In an interview and plant tour, MAT Asphalt owner Michael Tadin Jr. provided details about manufacturing operations and how the plant fits into his related, nearby businesses. He also addressed concerns about air pollution, the top issue raised by community members at recent meetings of the McKinley Park Civic Association.
"Emissions are minimal because of the positive capture system on newly designed plants," Tadin said. He noted that that MAT Asphalt has installed all-new, next-generation equipment and that emissions from contemporary hot-mix asphalt plants are much less than many other industries. "It's less emissIons than a bakery," he said.
Read more: Asphalt Manufacturer, Community Members Engage Concerns and Plans Around New Plant
MAT Asphalt LLC is set to begin large-scale production of asphalt this spring with a new facility in the Central Manufacturing District at 4010 S. Damen Ave., Chicago. The business, sited off the southern border of the McKinley Park neighborhood a block south of the intersection of Pershing Road and southbound Damen Avenue, is permitted to produce up to 890,000 tons of asphalt per year, according to a construction permit from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The move of the plant into the neighborhood has received the support of 12th Ward Alderman George Cardenas, who noted both that this is a permitted use for this designated manufacturing area and that environmental concerns are mitigated through full compliance with clean air laws and the use of new equipment employing the latest, cleanest technologies.
2 commentsRead more: Asphalt Plant to Begin Production This Spring in Central Manufacturing District
The McKinley Park Development Council toured the Chicago Indoor Sports and Razzmatazz Family Fun Center at its monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 21, including a peek at business operations, updates on council projects and event announcements from neighborhood groups.
General Manager Simon Horwell led the tour and explained the single business's dual role in providing both huge indoor areas for soccer, basketball, volleyball and other sports, and a large, arcade-driven entertainment space with food and drinks.
Read more: Development Council Tours Razzmatazz, Shares Program and Community Updates
