Business Comings & Goings: $22.9 Million Renovation Project Begins at GSU

Governors State University will kick off a new era in science education on Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 10:30 a.m. when its breaks ground to start the renovation of the university’s science facilities.

The $22.6 million, three year renovation project will create state-of-the-art education facilities while providing more than 130 construction jobs.

During the renovation, crews will replace HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and lighting systems. Outmoded infrastructure and equipment will be replaced with up-to-date facilities and equipment that will be energy-efficient and meet current codes and regulations. The project design calls for structural infill of existing atrium space, adding about 9,000 square feet of additional usable space. The renovated facilities will serve students and faculty in biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, nursing, communication disorders, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.

The groundbreaking ceremony is open to the public.

PSC to Host Job Fair

Prairie State College will hold its annual job fair scheduled on Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the college, 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights.

The job fair will be open to currently enrolled students, alumni and community members.

For information, contact Tanya Norfleet, coordinator of career development services, at (708) 709-3755, or Ramien Manson, career advisor, at (708) 709-3922.

PSC Seeks Used Cars

Prairie State College is accepting used car donations to help students in the automotive technology program.

Donated vehicles are used by students in the lab. Vehicles are used for up to five years and typically serve around 80 students a year in the program. Donated vehicles can be any make or model from 1998 or after, however, the vehicle must be running.

Vehicle drop-offs are welcome, but call ahead first. If a drop-off is not possible there also is a pick-up option.

Donations are accepted all year long and there are special tax deductions when a vehicle is donated.

For information, contact Tony Gumushian, associate professor and coordinator of the automotive technology program, at (708) 709-3614 or tgumushian@prairiestate.edu. 

GSU Center Wins Marketing Grant

The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University in University Park received $2,800 in a Local Tourism Marketing Grant by the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The CVB Local Tourism Marketing Grant Program is designed for not-for-profit organizations and/or municipalities for promotion of their festivals, events, and attractions targeted to visitors outside the Chicago Southland region.

The Center will be promoting One More Night, a collaborative project bringing productions presented by three Chicago theater companies to the Chicago Southland for one additional night. A brochure will be produced and sent to the three Chicago theaters to include with their mailings, as well as a mailing by The Center. The grant will also cover radio spots and a social media presence with WBEZ. 

“The Local Tourism Grant has always helped us reach out beyond the local community to bring people into the Chicago Southland,” said Burt Dikelsky, Executive Director of The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University. 

The Chicago Southland CVB will host a Grant Writing Workshop at its office in Lansing on Thursday, Oct. 27, from 9-10:30 a.m. to assist grant writers in preparation of applications. For information, call the Chicago Southland CVB at 708-895-8200 or visit the CVB website www.visitchicagosouthland.com/about_grant.cfm.

 Caption Information: From left, Jim Garrett, CDME, President/CEO, Chicago Southland, Convention & Visitors Bureau,  Burt Dikelsky, Executive Director and Jon Cobb, Theater Manager, both of The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, hold a check for $2,800 in a Local Tourism Marketing Grant from the Chicago Southland CVB Monday, October 10, 2011, in Lansing, IL.

Free Electronic Recycling

The H-F Green Team will hold a free e-waste recycling event on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Parker Jr. High School, 2810 School St. in Flossmoor.

The following items will be accepted:

Televisions 

Telephones

CRT Monitors

LCD Monitors

Cell Phones

Game Consoles

Computers

Miscellaneous Computer Parts and Items

Stereos

Laptops

Microwaves

Fax Machines

Speakers

VCRs

DVD Players

Desktop Printers

For information, contact H-F Park District (708)957-0300.

Homewood Market to Collect Old Medications

Homewood’s French Market will close for the season on Saturday, Oct. 22, and the Village of Homewood will conclude its Touch of Green events with the Prescription Give Back Program.

Collect your old medications and bring them to this event. For information, call (708) 206-3393.

Cancer Support Center Sells Pumpkins

Pick a pumpkin and make a difference in a cancer survivor's life. The Cancer Support Center, 2028 Elm Road in Homewood, will be selling pumpkins in its festive pumpkin patch from today to Oct. 31, Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information, call 708-365-1209. 

If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bob@chicago-patch.com.

You can also catch up on Comings & Goings in other parts of the Southland at www.southlandbusinessnews.blogspot.com.