The U.S. Small Business Administration released a database last week showing 38 businesses and nonprofits in Forest Park that applied for and received funds from the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which helps businesses and nonprofits suffering from financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. The PPP is part of the federal government’s CARES Act and was rolled out in March.
The list of Forest Park businesses and nonprofits receiving funds includes car dealerships, landscaping companies and not-for-profit organizations. The Forest Park Review reported in May that its parent company, the nonprofit Growing Community Media, had received a $242,500 PPP loan.
Recipients of the biggest government award were Remedial Environmental Manpower, Inc. (REM), a staffing services company at 7239 Roosevelt Rd. and Farmington Foods at 7419 Franklin St. Both received aid in the $2M to $5M range.
Nonprofits benefiting from the loans include three related organizations: Bill Winston Ministries, Living Word Christian Center, and The Joseph Center. Other local nonprofits listed are Sarah’s Inn and Chicago Inner-City Business Development out of 819 Marengo Ave. All received loans in the $150,000 to $350,000 range, except for Living Word Christian Center, whose loan was in the $1 million to $2 million range.
McAdam Landscaping received aid in the $350,000 to $1 million range. President Scott McAdam said, “The money helped retain employees that might otherwise not be retained or re-hired because of the shutdown. We were very cautious in our re-hiring. Once we received the money, we re-hired everyone.”
He added: “Our costs have risen greatly because of COVID-19. Our crews have hand sanitizers and disinfectants in each vehicle. Our office is in a partial shutdown mode with many working remotely. We have the entire office area disinfected daily at all touch points and entry to the building is restricted to employees only. The only crew members that enter the offices are the managers and foreman unless something is necessary. All are required to wear masks when on properties where client interaction could happen, and our employees are asked not to engage in discussions with our clients but to refer them to the office. The foreman retains the same vehicle at all times. Our sanitation protocols have been in place since March 15.”
