Tax Checklist: 6 Smart Tax Moves to Consider Before the End of the Year

Unless you’re the type who likes the stress of the last-minute tax scramble — and potentially missing out on tax savings — it’s worth squeezing in a little tax planning in the next few weeks between the ugly sweater parties and holiday work mixers.

Of course, it’s always a good idea to check in with your tax and financial advisors to discuss your specific situation. But there are some smart tax moves to consider between now and the end of the year that could help shrink your tax bill. After all, who doesn’t want to save some money after seeing how much a picture with your local mall Santa costs? Our 2019 tax checklist can help you keep more of your money...read more

Avanti's Dome Denim & Flannel New Year's Eve Bash

Illinois Central College Diesel Powered Equipment Technology (DPET) Program Receives AED Foundation Accreditation

Illinois Central College’s Diesel Powered Equipment Technology (DPET) Associate in Applied Science degree program has been recognized for achieving Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) Foundation accreditation.

AED Foundation accreditation indicates the program is providing the best diesel-powered equipment technical education, as defined by the industry.  It also has met rigorous, industry-specific standards. 

ICC’s two-year DPET program trains students in servicing, repairing and diagnosing diesel-powered equipment and combines classroom learning with hands-on experience.  The lab is equipped with the latest electronic test equipment, teaching students how to diagnose problems.  Upon completion of this program, students are ready to enter the workforce or continue their education by transferring to a four-year college or university.

ICC DPET Program Coordinator Jeff Gardner said, “Having the ability to easily evaluate and compare our program to others in the nation is extremely important to the ICC staff.  Our number one goal is for our students to graduate with the knowledge and skills required to exceed employer expectations.”

For more information on ICC’s DPET program, visit icc.edu or call (309) 694-5200.

December Biz Barometer

CASA: Change a Child's Story

You can Change a Child's Story! Season's Greetings! The holidays should be a time to make happy memories with family. But they can be a very difficult time of year for over 1,700 CHILDREN before the abuse and neglect court in the Tenth Judicial Circuit. Many of these children have been removed from their homes and placed in foster care. They're attending court hearings, adjusting to new foster homes and transitioning to new schools. That is a heavy burden for a child to carry alone, especially during the holidays. A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is a caring, consistent adult for a child who's experiencing the loneliness and uncertainty of foster care this holiday season. Children with a dedicated volunteer by their side have someone who will speak up for their best interests in the courtroom and the community, and help them find the road home, wherever it lies. CASA volunteers make sure that every child has the opportunity to heal and thrive. 180 volunteers are showing the Tenth Judicial Circuit's most vulnerable children that they are special and that there is hope for a brighter future. Your generous support makes our work on behalf of these children possible. Please help us reach more children by making a gift today or volunteering.  Together, we can Change a Child's Story.

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