Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials

Community Development through Regional Cooperation

107 North 3rd
Quincy, IL 62301
Phone: 217-224-8171
Fax: 217 224-9145

Your Voice is Needed for the TRRC Community Needs Assessment Survey

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Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials (TRRC) is asking individuals in the community to complete the 2021 Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials Community Resident Needs Assessment Survey.

TRRC wants to hear from the communities that we serve about the needs of those communities.

TRRC would like to understand the challenges and needs of Adams, Brown, Pike, & Schuyler County residents like you.

The information collected will be used to ensure services are available in the future to residents’ needs.

Please download the PDF, fill it out, save it and return it to info@trrcopo.org.

Thank you for your time and efforts in helping us better serve our communities.

TRRC-Needs-Survey-2021Download

QBTC/TRRC Lunch and Learns Start Sept. 30th

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The end of the month will begin the Quincy Business and Technology Center (QBTC) and Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials (TRRC) Lunch and Learns with Local Business Consultant Roger Leenerts.

September 30th is the first in a three part series of Lunch and Learn Programs to be hosted at the QBTC (301 Oak Street, Quincy, IL 62301) at 11:45 am.

The first session (09/30) will focus on Basic Problem-Solving Methods:

“Unfortunately, there are always problems at work! It is important that employees at all levels in an organization learn how to 1) define a problem, 2) evaluate possible solutions, 3) select the best strategy, and 4) implement the plan. When we use these skills, productivity and quality are increased. Learning to solve problems correctly is more than a “work related” skill, it is a skill we can use in all facets of life.”

The second session (10/14) will focus on SWOT Analysis for New Businesses, Products, and Services:

“SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It is a tool used to assess your current position. It can help you determine whether you should start a new business. A SWOT analysis can help point you in the correct direction of expanding your current business with a new service or product.”

The third session (10/28) will focus on Harvesting Your Business:

“Burned out? You’ve probably spent years growing your business, maybe even your lifetime. Now what? There are many options on how to harvest or “reap the fruits of your labor”. Let’s review the options for an exit strategy.”

All events are in person at the Quincy Business and Technology Center and will last approximately an hour.

The deadline to pre-register and receive a free lunch is three days prior to each session.

You will receive a confirmation email upon acceptance of your registration.

Roger Leenerts is a business consultant with a background in a wide range of manufacturing processes including machining, assembly, metal fabrication, and plastic injection molding. He has had the privilege of working for three large corporations where he learned a multitude of techniques associated with getting new products successfully introduced into the manufacturing process and solving a large variety of problems that occur in an industrial setting. He also owned a tool and die shop for 16 years, where he enjoyed helping his customers become more successful in their operations.

After the successful sale of that business, he has enjoyed teaching and coaching individuals in areas of:

  • Business leadership
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Supply chain education
  • Specific technical training (problem solving, metal stamping, plant layout, quality control methods, tooling design options, factory automation, etc.)

Roger Leenerts has a Mechanical Engineering degree from Bradley University and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management in Chicago. He enjoys volunteering in his community in areas of Junior Achievement, Rotary, and in the Park District system.

You can find more information about the workshops by clicking this link: Workshops | Quincy Business & Technology Center (qbtc.org)

You can also contact QBTC Director Charles Bell at 217-228-5500 or director@qbtc.org.

Back 2 Business Webinar Coming

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Back 2 Business (B2B) Small Business Recovery Grants are available in Illinois and Two River Regional Council of Public Officials (TRRC) want to help local businesses get the assistance they need.

The B2B Grant Program is a component of the $1.5 billion economic package designed to maximize the impact of American Rescue Plan Act funds provided to Illinois.

To support businesses in recovery, $250 million has been marked for those that have experienced losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grants of $5,000-$150,000 are available to cover operations, staff, and overhead costs.

Businesses must have had revenues of $20 million or less in 2019 and a reduction in revenue in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hotels, salons, fitness centers, restaurants, and other industries hardest hit by the pandemic are given priority in the application process.

Any businesses that have yet to qualify for state or federal assistance including Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), Business Interruption Grant (BIG) and other federal programs will also be given priority for the Back 2 Business Grant.

Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials in conjunction with the Quincy Business and Technology Center will be hosting a free B2B Webinar to answer questions and assist businesses in the application process.

Businesses must register for the free hour long webinar taking place at 11:45 am on September 16th.

TRRC Community and Economic Development Director Chad Frederick will be hosting the free webinar.

If you have any questions about the webinar or about registering for the webinar you may contact Chad at cfrederick@trrcopo.org.

B2B Webinar information can be found here.

B2B registration can be found here.

B2B_FAQDownload
B2B_Application_RequiredDocs-1Download

Energy Assistance Applications Begin Sept 1st

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As thoughts turn to all things fall, The Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials (TRRC) announces that funds are now available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and electric bills, and furnace assistance.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) begins September 1st, 2021 in Adams, Brown, Pike, and Schuyler Counties.

Households in need are encouraged to apply as eligibility requirements are different than in years past.

Households must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level to receive a benefit from the LIHEAP program.

LIHEAP is a one time payment to the household’s utility provider to help with energy bills and for reconnection of energy service.

TRRC will be taking applications begin September 1st on a first-come, first-served basis through May 31st, 2022.

There will be no priority groups this program year.

Propane customers are encouraged to apply in September to take greater advantage of lower propane prices.

By applying early, propane users will see their LIHEAP benefit go further as propane prices typically increase during the winter months.

The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) is an option available to LIHEAP eligible households that are customers of either Ameren Illinois, and Nicor Gas.

PIPP differs from LIHEAP because it consists of a monthly benefit households will receive as long as you make your monthly payment that will be determined at the time of enrollment.

PIPP applicants will be enrolled on a first-some, first-served basis.

The PIPP program will be offered until TRRC has reached the maximum capacity of households for the program.

LIHEAP and PIPP programs cannot be used together.

A TRRC Program Intake Specialist can help households choose the program best suited to their needs during enrollment.

The 30-day income guidelines for LIHEAP and PIPP are based on Federal Poverty Guidelines, State Median Income and the number of persons living in the household.

 The guidelines are as follows:     

1-$2,147

2-$2,903

3-$3,660

4-$4,417

To submit an application, you MUST submit ALL documentation required:

  1. Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30-day period beginning with the date of application.
  2. Proof of Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members.  Individuals without an SSN or ITIN can still apply and Two Rivers will advise accordingly.
  3. A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days.
  4. Other documents may be needed based on your household situation.  If you have questions regarding this, please call our office.
  5. A copy of rental agreement (if renting) showing that utilities are included, the monthly rental amount and landlord contact.

Please call our offices at:  Adams County 217-224-8171; Brown County 217-773-3141; Pike County 217-285-5424; Schuyler County 217-322-6916 for additional information.

FRANCES L. SNYDER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Frances L. Snyder, or “Frannie” as she was known to her co-workers, was well known to the families, the elderly, the young and the needy of Adams County who came to Two Rivers Regional Council for assistance.  She could always be counted on to give everyone her full attention. She would do everything she possibly could to solve the problems brought to her each day by our program participants. Frances was an asset to Two Rivers Regional Council during her more than 20 years of work with the agency.  This scholarship fund is intended to recognize her commitment and the love of the work she did and the help she provided….and most of all to recognize the good feeling everyone experienced from their interaction with her.

Source:                       Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials through the Community Services Block Grant Program with funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Amounts:                   $1,250 scholarship for each of the four counties of Adams, Brown, Pike and Schuyler for a total of $5,000 is available.

Priorities:                  Scholarships are for income-eligible residents accepted at an accredited Illinois educational institution for the fall of 2021.

Use of Funds:            The Scholarships may be applied toward tuition, fees, books, supplies, lab costs, room and board and is payable to the institution.

Eligibility Criteria:   Must be a resident of Adams, Brown, Pike or Schuyler counties.  Gross income for all family members must be at or below 200% of the poverty level as established by HHS. 2021 income guidelines are as follows:

Family Size    Monthly Gross Income

  1. $ 2,147.00
  2. $ 2,903.00
  3. $ 3,660.00
  4. $ 4,417.00
  5. $ 5,173.00
  6. $ 6,687.00
  7. $ 7,443.00

Applications: Applications must be completed at one of the Two Rivers outreach offices.

Please contact Kathryn McDaniel at (217) 224-8171 for Adams County and Theresa Halpin-Lacey at (217) 285-2216 for Brown, Pike, & Schuyler Counties.

Applicants are advised to telephone first to make an appointment.

Required Documentation:

  • Proof of Social Security number for all household members
  • Proof of Current address
  • Gross income from all sources for all family members for past 30 days
  • Official transcripts from most recent educational institution   attended, documentation of acceptance into a specific school or other acceptable proof of planned full-time enrollment.
  • Applicants will be asked to complete a questionnaire, which includes writing an essay.

Evaluation:    All applications must be complete by the deadline of June 30, 2021.  Applications will be reviewed and ranked by members of the Community Action Administrative Board for their respective counties.

Payments:      The scholarship payments are made directly to the Illinois accredited institution designated by the award recipient.  If the student withdraws or is no longer attending the designated school, the funds will be returned to Two Rivers. Funds may be rolled over into the following year in the event there is money left at the end of the 2021/2022 school year.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

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Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials (TRRC) is requesting Proposals from experienced and efficient specialty Mechanical & Architectural contractors to support eligible Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) projects in Adams, Brown, Pike, & Schuyler County areas.

The scope of work includes air-sealing building structural bypasses, insulating attics and walls, replacing heating and cooling systems, and making incidental repairs related to the program.

The contractor(s) that demonstrate qualifications and achieve the highest numerical scores according to the rating criteria established by the Agency will be considered a qualified contractor and will be eligible for a contract to provide specialty services as required.

In some cases, specific professional certification or training may be required for eligibility to participate in the program as an installer. At a minimum, contractors will be required to agree to adhere to performance standards that meet the requirements of the state and federal funding agencies.

An informational meeting will be held on February 4, 2021.  All Contractors interested in submitting a proposal must contact our office at (217)718-6395 or jvrandenburg@trrcopo.org by 10AM on February 11, 2020, to register their company name and submit a Notification of Interest.  TRRC will disseminate proposal packets to be completed by the contractor electronically.  All proposals are due by 2PM on February 18, 2021, and should be submitted electronically to jvrandenburg@trrcopo.org.

TRRC is an equal opportunity employer, small, minority, and women owned businesses are encouraged to apply.

Emergency Board Meeting

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There will be an emergency board meeting for the Governing Board of Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials July 23rd, 2020 at 6:00 PM. The meeting will be held to review a resolution to accept funding for a new grant program.

FRANCES L. SNYDER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

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Frances L. Snyder, or “Frannie” as she was known to her co-workers, was well known to the families, the elderly, the young and the needy of Adams County who came to Two Rivers Regional Council for assistance.  She could always be counted on to give everyone her full attention. She would do everything she possibly could to solve the problems brought to her each day by our program participants. Frances was an asset to Two Rivers Regional Council during her more than 20 years of work with the agency.  This scholarship fund is intended to recognize her commitment and the love of the work she did and the help she provided….and most of all to recognize the good feeling everyone experienced from their interaction with her.

Source:                       Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials through the Community Services Block Grant Program with funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Amounts:                   $1,250 scholarship for each of the four counties of Adams, Brown, Pike and Schuyler for a total of $5,000 is available.

Priorities:                   Scholarships are for income-eligible residents accepted at an accredited Illinois educational institution and /or Technical school for the fall of 2020.

Use of Funds:             The Scholarships may be applied toward tuition, fees, books, supplies, lab costs, room and board and is payable to the institution.

Eligibility Criteria:   Must be a resident of Adams, Brown, Pike or Schuyler counties.  Gross income for all family members must be at or below 125% of the poverty level as established by HHS.  2020 income guidelines are as follows:

                                                Family Size                 3 Month Gross Income

  1. $  3,988.00
  2. $  5,388.00
  3. $  6,788.00
  4. $  8,188.00
  5. $  9,588.00
  6. $10,988.00

Applications:  Due to COVID 19 we are doing applications by phone

                                    Adams County                                  Brown County

                                    107 N 3rd                                             206 SW Cross

                                    Quincy, IL  62301                               Mt. Sterling, IL  62353

  • 217-773-3141/217-440-4862

Contact:  Emily Bond                                     Contact:  Melissa Markert

                                    Pike County                                       Schuyler County

                                    120 South Madison                             233 N Congress

                                    Pittsfield, IL  62363                            Rushville, IL  62681

                                    217-285-5424/217-440-4862              217-322-6916/217-440-4862

                                    Contact: Melissa Markert                   Contact:  Melissa Markert

Required Documentation:

  • Proof of Social Security number for all household members
  • Proof of Current address
  • Gross income from all sources for all family members for past 3 months
  • Official transcripts from most recent educational institution   attended, documentation of acceptance into a specific school or other acceptable proof of planned full-time enrollment
  • Applicants will be asked to complete a questionnaire, which includes writing an essay.

Evaluation:    All applications must be complete by the deadline of September 1 2020.  Applications will be reviewed and ranked by members of the Community Action Advisory Board for their respective counties.

Payments:      The scholarship payments are made directly to the Illinois accredited institution designated by the award recipient.  If the student withdraws or is no longer attending the designated school, the funds will be returned to Two Rivers.

Questions and/or concerns may be directed to Becky Pruden, Community Services Director

217-221-6204

TWO RIVERS ADDRESSES LOSS OF AGENCY FILES

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Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials (TRRC) is making a public notice that we recently had a storage trailer stolen from our Adams County office. This trailer contained personnel files of previous TRRC employees that left employment at the agency prior to 2017. This trailer also housed files that may have contained client files that could potentially contain personal information. These files were also prior to 2017.

All active files are securely kept in our office and staff maintain the highest level of professionalism and safety when handling any client or other stakeholder information. TRRC is working with local law enforcement to recover the contents of the storage trailer.

TRRC understands the severity of this unfortunate event. TRRC is currently working on means to make our property even more secure. If anyone has concerns of their personal data being stolen please visit identitytheft.gov for assistance.

If you would like any additional information regarding this matter please reach out to us at (217) 224-8171.