Local Business Headlines

McHenry County’s unemployment rate was 8.9 percent in April, up from 8.4 percent a year ago, according to preliminary data released Thursday by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

McHENRY – The Illinois Small Business Development Center will offer Introduction to Profit Mastery from 9 to 11 a.m. June 27 at the Shah Center, 4100 Shamrock Lane, McHenry.

Starting A Business In Illinois is an information-packed seminar for anyone interested in starting his own business. This seminar takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. June 4 at the McHenry County College Shah Center is located at 4100 W. Shamrock Lane in McHenry.

Crystal Lake Antique Mall hosts doll collector

Home sales in McHenry County totaled 407 last month, up 42.3 percent from 286 in April 2012, according to a market report released Wednesday by the Illinois Association of Realtors.

RICHMOND – The Richmond Spring Grove chamber’s second annual Spring Wine Walk to be from 1 to 4 p.m. June 8 in downtown Richmond. Cost is $35 per person and includes a wine glass, samples, bonus bottle and appetizers.

McHENRY – Bring Your Lunch N’ Learn will be from noon to 1 p.m. June 12 at the McHenry chamber office, 1257 N. Green St.

McHENRY – Things were getting tight at Epic Cycle and Fitness’ last shop, its owner said.

Aesthetics Boutique, 329 N. Front St., McHenry, will celebrate its grand opening from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday with in-store giveaways, food by Kiera Confections and discounts from Steffan’s Jewelers.

NEW YORK – A research report by the Pew Charitable Trusts says younger baby boomers and Generation Xers face an uncertain retirement because of reduced savings, high levels of debt, and losses during the Great Recession.

Flags are flying high on Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. More than 24 American flags and flagpoles were purchased from The Flag Store in Crystal Lake to create a Flag Corridor to honor veterans.

McHENRY – Kathleen Caldwell, president of Caldwell Consulting Group and founder of the Global WHEE Institute (Wealthy, Healthy, Energetic Edge) will be the guest speaker at the Stateline Society for Human Resource Management’s breakfast meeting June 13 at the Shah Center, 4100 W. Shamrock Lane, McHenry.

HARVARD – It is estimated that more than 80 million Americans collect coins.  Many people have old coins and don’t know what they’re worth. An event at Harvard Savings Bank will help solve the mystery.

The McHenry Riverwalk Foundation  invites area residents to a ceremony honoring the memory of Dr. Lee Gladstone, founder of the original McHenry Hospital , to be conducted at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.

McHENRY – In a market characterized by slow recovery, HR Green continues to ascend the annual Engineering News Record list of the Top 500 design firms in the United States. ENR recently released its 2013 list of top firms, showing HR Green at number 185. This represents a three-point climb for HR Green from its 188th place ranking in 2012. The rankings are based on previous years’ revenues.