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As I wrote about in the previous PressLines, we learned during the newsprint tariff battle that we have considerable influence with Congress. That’s because as an industry, we play a vital role in the communities we serve.
Now we must return our attention to the state level. We are going to see some new members of the Illinois Legislature next session. Build and nurture relationships with these new lawmakers.
The tariff won’t be the last battle we fight, and we know a new legislative session will bring a new attack on requirements that public notices be published in newspapers. It happens every session.
Josh Sharp, our executive vice president, does an outstanding job staying on top of these attacks. Further, when it comes to public notices, he does a great job of protecting the public’s right to know and the newspapers’ interests.
But Josh is one person, and he needs to have the backing and support of every Illinois newspaper. That support comes from each of you having key relationships with your state representatives and senators. Call them for their support when we call on you.
We’ve just finished putting together a comprehensive Public Notice Resource Guide to help our newspapers. The guide addresses the importance of building relationships, promoting public notices both in print and online, and providing easy access to notices on newspaper websites.
It also contains talking points about the value of public notices in newspapers. Use this when you have important discussions. Download this 28-page guide at or request print copies. Let us know how many you need, and we’ll get them to you. Our goal is to equip our newspapers with the tools to protect public notices.
At the end of the day, the best thing our newspapers can do to help the industry is to build those relationships, especially when we are going to have quite a few new faces in Springfield.
It’s a lesson we must continually learn.
View all Illinois public notices 24 hours a day - publicnoticeillinois.com
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 24, 2025 Contact Information: Ride Illinois Dave Simmons, executive director (630) 216-9282 dave@rideillinois.org
Illinois Bike & Walk Summit coming to Springfield
Creating Connected Livable Thriving communities: Illinois Bike & Walk Summit Fosters Learning and Lobbying Among Advocates and Practitioners
Ride Illinois and its partner organizations are pleased to announce the 2025 Illinois Bike & Walk Summit. Three hundred advocates, professionals, and public officials will gather in Springfield (May 7-8, 2025) for an important conference to help shape the future of biking and walking across the state. The conference will take place over two days in Springfield. Day One - May 7 ● A welcome from Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher ● Breakout sessions with topics including: ○ Completing the Great American Rail Trail ○ Developing Low-Stress Bike Networks ○ Bike/walk legislation at the state and federal level: 2025 and beyond ● Keynote Speaker: Tom Flood ○ A bold and visionary advocate who uses striking design and messaging to challenge car-centric culture, and a champion spokesman of safer streets for all. ○ Flood's Presentation Topic: Reframing Road Safety. This presentation will highlight his work and its importance in challenging the narrative around active transportation and road safety.
Day Two - May 8 ● Lobby Day ● Workshops focused on: ○ Advocacy training ○ Trail development ○ Best practices for the planning, design, and incorporation of complete streets into transportation projects. ○ CM and PDH credits available. Dave Simmons, executive director of Ride Illinois, emphasized the new format of lobbying and advocacy: “It’s important that elected officials hear from their constituents. Lobby Day is an opportunity for Illinois residents to voice their concerns related to biking and walking in their community.” The legislative goals of Lobby Day include advocating for bills that will increase safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher shared, “I am honored to greet attendees to the 2025 Illinois Bike & Walk Summit. I look forward to the summit and also look forward to making Springfield a more bike/walk friendly community.” With a strong foundation built on the educational and empowering sessions of day one, the day of lobbying will bring a buzz to Springfield with the hope of creating safer, more accessible active transportation options for all ages and backgrounds. The end goal being that active transportation becomes a viable and welcoming choice for everyone. Conference Details ● Illinois Bike & Walk Summit to convene in Springfield, May 7-8 with a focus on creating connected, livable, thriving communities. ● Highlights of the event include: ○ Keynote speaker Tom Flood ○ Inaugural lobby day ○ Breakout sessions ○ Workshops ○ Networking opportunities ● The 2025 Illinois Bike & Walk Summit will take place at the Wyndham Springfield City Center, conveniently located in the heart of Illinois’ state capital. ● Registration for the conference starts at the affordable price of $20! ● For more information and to register for this event, visit IllinoisBikeWalkSummit.org.
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