Ever since we had the problems with the State of Illinois' Tier 2 reporting system last year, IFCA and the Chemical Industry Council of Illinois (CICI) have been meeting with the staff at IEMA to resolve the problem.  IEMA has been working diligently with the Tier 2 software vendor to improve the system to avoid the crash and burn that happened last year.  Several IFCA and CICI members helped to test the program to work out any on-going bugs, and we thank them for their help!  IEMA recently sent an email to all Tier 2 users encouraging you to file your 2015 chemical inventory reports as early as possible this year and not wait until late February to get started.  The reporting period will begin on January 1, 2016 and close on March 1, 2016.  To help ensure the best experience possible, use one of the following web browsers:  Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 (non-compatibility mode), Mozilla Firefox 20.0+, or Google Chrome 26.0+.  If you can use a wired Internet connection that will also work better than an air or satellite connection.  If you have any issues while filing your reports, you can call IEMA at 217.557.0559 or email them at ema.tier2manager@illinois.gov.  Our thanks again to IEMA Director James Joseph and his staff for recognizing the problem, working very hard to address it, and keeping the industry engaged and informed.