Business

Three Winnebago County communities have signed a joint electricity aggregation agreement with FirstEnergy Solutions of Akron, Ohio, to supply power at a discounted rate for residents and businesses with an overall savings of nearly $20 million.

The Cities of Rockford and Loves Park and the Village of Pecatonica signed an intergovernmental agreement earlier in the year to bid jointly for contract as a result of the referendum approved in March.

At least some of the more than 400 prime quarter horses belonging to former Dixon Comptroller Rita Crundwell  should go on the block at a multi-day, live public auction later this summer in Dixon under a proposal by the U.S. Marshals Service.

Using www.fedbizopps.gov,the Marshals Service has posted a dozen or so documents detailing the requirements to bid for the contract – including the fact that it is open only to small businesses.

The Rockford metro area unemployment rate fell nearly one percentage point in May  to 10.4 percent and payroll employment grew by 3,400 jobs or 2.3 percent, according to preliminary data released today.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the U.S. Department of Labor said unemployment fell in eight metro areas, increased in two and essentially was unchanged in two compared to last year, according

The data comparing May 2012 to May 2011 is not seasonally adjusted. The state unadjusted rate has dropped every month this year.

Two Illinois Congressmen from opposite sides of the aisle are working together to promote legislation aimed at strengthening American manufacturing.

U.S. Rep. Daniel Lipinski, D-3, originated The American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act and U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-11, signed on as co-sponsor.

First State Bank of Mendota has added two new branches in Shabbona, both former locations of the Farmers and Traders State Bank of Shabbona, which was closed at end of business Friday by state regulators.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation as receiver to protect depositors. The FDIC arranged with First State Bank to assume all deposits of Farmers and Traders.