Elking Consulting

01/19/2026

Illinois is moving fast on regulating AI in business—and most companies have no idea what’s coming.
If you're using AI for hiring, operations, or growth, now’s the time to think bigger than compliance.

https://elkingconsulting.com/illinois-ai-regulations-for-businesses/

01/13/2026

Ready to close your Political Action Committee in Illinois? Follow this simple, no-stress guide to get it done fast. Make sure all your finances are in order first!

read more: https://elkingconsulting.com/how-to-close-a-pac-illinois/

12/10/2025

Not sure how to finalize your PAC? This guide breaks down the Illinois PAC closure process, including key tips for balancing your finances and submitting your final report.

read more: https://elkingconsulting.com/how-to-close-a-pac-illinois/

11/12/2025

Closing your Illinois PAC doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these six easy steps to finalize your PAC with the Illinois State Board of Elections. Get started today!

Read more: https://elkingconsulting.com/how-to-close-a-pac-illinois/

10/17/2025

🏗️ New CDB Procurement Bulletin Released!

The Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) has just released its latest Procurement Bulletin — featuring new project opportunities for contractors, engineers, and design professionals across the state.

If your firm works in construction, design, or public infrastructure, this is your chance to explore open bids and upcoming work opportunities funded by the State of Illinois.

This week’s featured projects include:
- Repair Exterior of the University of Illinois (Project 830-030-165)
- Assess Removal of Damaged Interior Building Elements at Chicago State University (Project 814-010-094)
- Replace Roofing System and Repair Exterior at the Joliet Readiness Center (Project 546-160-015)
- Upgrade Water Tower at the Graham Correctional Center (Project 120-270-045)
- Renovate for Business Growth & Innovation Center at Northeastern Illinois University (Project 817-010-084)
- Replace Flooring at City Colleges of Chicago: Wilbur Wright College (Project 810-022-006)
- Upgrade & Expand CCTV System at Chester Mental Health Center – Randolph County (Project 321-087-052)
- Repair Utility Tunnel & Upgrade Boiler at Eastern Illinois University (Project 815-010-084)
- Remediate Stormwater Drainage at Kishwaukee College (Project 810-054-024)
- Altgeld Hall Interior Improvements at the University of Illinois – Urbana/Champaign (Project 830-010-349)
- Construct New Water Treatment Building / Install Water Softeners at Taylorville Correctional Center (Project 120-225-012)
- Replace Roofing System at Chicago State University (Project 814-010-095)
Construct Office, Maintenance, Cold Storage, and Salt Storage Buildings (Project 630-000-287)
- Replace Air Handling Units at the University of Illinois – Urbana/Champaign (Project 830-010-352)

💡 For WBE/MBE firms: These bulletins are an excellent resource to identify upcoming prime and subcontracting opportunities and build your experience working on state projects.

Let’s make sure more women- and minority-owned businesses are showing up at the table — and winning contracts.



🔍 View the full bulletin:
👉

Sealed Bid Environment Responsible State Purchasing Officer: Art Moore (CPO) & Mike Hays, Gerald Burlingham, Ken Morris, and Natashia Ramirez (SPOs) Prospective vendors are encouraged to hire qualified veterans, as defined by section 45-67 of the Illinois Procurement Code, and Illinois residents dis...

10/16/2025

📣MBE/WBE Update: City of Chicago Pushes Back on Federal Changes to the DBE Program

This week, Alderman Gilbert Villegas introduced a City Council resolution condemning the U.S. Department of Transportation’s proposed rule changes to the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions DBE programs.

Why does this matter?

For more than 40 years, the DBE program has opened doors for socially and economically disadvantaged business owners to access federal contracting opportunities — including many WBE and MBE firms right here in Chicago.

The new federal proposal could:
- Redefine who qualifies as “socially disadvantaged,”
- Add new individual narrative reviews that slow down the process, and
- Disrupt billions in federally funded contracts, like the Red Line Extension project.

In response, the resolution calls on the City to formally oppose the DOT’s proposed rules and for the Committee on Contracting Equity and Oversight to hold hearings on their potential local impact.

🔹 Public comments are due by November 3, 2025.

This is the moment for certified firms and advocacy groups to speak up and protect the integrity of DBE/WBE/MBE participation goals.

Whether you work in construction, engineering, transportation, or professional services — these changes could directly impact who gets certified, who keeps their certification, and who wins contracts.



Read the resolution here:

10/16/2025

Learn how to close a Political Action Committee (PAC) in Illinois step by step! From logging into the IDIS portal to submitting your final report, we’ll guide you through the process. Click for the full guide!

Read more: https://elkingconsulting.com/how-to-close-a-pac-illinois/

10/06/2025

Illinois is moving fast on AI policy—and your business could be affected sooner than you think.

If you're not paying attention, you're already behind.

https://elkingconsulting.com/illinois-ai-regulations-for-businesses/

10/03/2025

✍🏽New cannabis proposed rules came out today. Suggested changes include provisions like:

• Updates Seed to Sale Inventory Tracking Provisions
• Activates Processor licenses for Infusers
• Reduces Security camera storage requirements from 180 to 90 days
• Simplifies and reduces the fee for license modifications and alterations
• Reduces product registration fee from $100 to $25
• Implements a 2 year pause in renewal fees for craft growers and infusers
• Reduces principal officer fee from $1,000 to $100
• Imposes requirements for transporter product transfer sites
• Clarifies the CBD input policy

Are these good suggested changes?

To read the complete proposed rules this week:

09/11/2025

Discover how to properly close a Political Action Committee in Illinois, including pro tips for balancing funds and submitting your final report. Start here!

Read more: https://elkingconsulting.com/how-to-close-a-pac-illinois/

07/17/2025

Closing a Political Action Committee in Illinois is easier than you think. Follow these actionable steps and finalize your PAC with zero confusion!

Read more: https://elkingconsulting.com/how-to-close-a-pac-illinois/

07/15/2025

Women-owned lobbying firms are driving progress in Illinois with purpose-driven strategies. Discover how they’re leading change.

https://elkingconsulting.com/women-owned-lobbying-firms-take-the-lead/