Cover Story
Standing on solid ground
William Bishop helps minorities get started in the construction industry By Carey Smith “Believe. Strive. Achieve.” William Bishop IV’s motto has taken him from his roots on Springfield’s east side to where he is today: CEO of Solid Ground Solutions, Inc. A Springfield native, Bishop graduated from Lanphier High School before earning his bachelor’s degree…
The Chamber Job Fair
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce will host The Chamber Job Fair from on Tuesday, April 5, from 4-6 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Springfield Convention Center. This event provides a convenient and cost-effective way for employers across central Illinois to connect with job-seekers of all ages, as well as individuals interested in new or…
David Plake purchases Garrison Group
David Plake has purchased Garrison Group, the commercial real estate firm founded by Glen Garrison in 1991, but the company’s namesake will continue to be involved in the day-to-day operations. “Glen and I have been working on a succession plan for five years,” said Plake, who joined the company in 2009 after spending more than…
Building permit roundup – March 7 – March 13, 2022
Amerco Real Estate Company obtained a commercial accessory structure permit for 3600 S. 11th St. The contractor is Langheim Concrete and the project is valued at $30,000. Andrew Sforza obtained a commercial permit for parking lot renovations at 1118 S. Second St. J. Mize Co. is the contractor and the project is valued at $35,000.…
IQ Group expands into the solar market, moves into former API Solar building
IQ Group, a Springfield-based project management and consulting company, has expanded into the solar market and moved into the building at 3888 N. Peoria Rd. in Springfield formerly occupied by API Solar. “We had done a lot of joint projects with API Solar and worked together for many years, but had no legal connection,” said…
Primo Designs merges with Gorham’s Specialty Advertising
Primo Designs, a Springfield-based business providing branded wearables and promotional items, has merged with Gorham’s Specialty Advertising, also of Springfield. The full integration with Gorham’s will be completed March 30 and the companies will operate out of Primo Designs’ current location at 2417 North Grand Ave. East. “Our two long-standing companies will provide products and…
Springfield Mowers & Power Equipment reopens following fire
Springfield Mowers & Power Equipment has reopened after being closed since a fire at the business that killed the owner, Robert Kalabus, on Oct. 2, 2021. His widow, Stephanie Kalabus, said the business at 1808 W. Jefferson St. reopened on March 7 and employees are currently operating out of the back building until repairs can…
Dennis Lister, Andrew Novaria and Jeremy Travelstead have become partners of American Central Insurance.
Dennis Lister, Andrew Novaria and Jeremy Travelstead have become partners of American Central Insurance, effective March 1. Located at 3300 Hedley Road in Springfield, American Central Insurance is a locally owned, independent insurance agency established in 1987 that specializes in property and liability coverage for business of all sizes, personal insurance and employee benefits. “We…
Greg Pettys, Beverley Chapman and Dave Heitbrink join Bank of Springfield
Bank of Springfield (BOS) has announced the addition of new employees Greg Pettys, Beverley Chapman and Dave Heitbrink. Greg Pettys has been hired as vice president of advanced markets and brings 36 years of financial services experience to BOS. He previously worked as a regional vice president for both The Hartford and Prudential Financial and…
All Cat Clinic sold, rebranding with new name and focus
The All Cat Clinic has new owners and will soon have a new name. Dr. Dena Nelson opened the feline-only veterinary practice in 1989, which is now located at 700 Corporate Court in Springfield. In a written announcement sent to clients, she said after 32 years of practice, “I need to slow down some and…
Building permit roundup – Feb. 28 – March 6, 2022
Henry and Iona Humphrey Trustees obtained a commercial permit for parking lot work at 1806 s. 15th St. The contractor is Ron Furman and the project is valued at $110,000. FFI IL SF, LLC obtained a commercial remodel permit for 3051 S. Hollis Drive. The contractor is O’Shea Builders and the project is valued at…
Trailhead Healing Arts Center merges with FLOW Midwest Yoga & Meditation
Trailhead Healing Arts Center has merged with FLOW Midwest Yoga & Meditation, a yoga practice that opened at the beginning of the pandemic. In March 2020, Beverly Hopkins and Ashley Krstulovich, yoga instructors who had taught at various studios in the Springfield area, launched their own business in a space at 1921 W. Iles Ave.…
Building permit roundup – Feb. 21 – Feb. 27, 2022
The City of Springfield obtained a commercial demolition permit for 1028 E. Monroe St. and the project is valued at $130,000. The city also obtained a commercial demolition permit for 1000 E. Monroe St. and that project is valued at $45,000. R. D. Lawrence is the contractor for both projects. Arec 34, LLC obtained a…
Lana Shovlin joins Illinois Pork Producers Association
Lana Shovlin has been named director of communications for the Illinois Pork Producers Association, effective Feb. 28. Prior to moving to Springfield five years ago, Shovlin worked as a publicist for Southern Illinois University Press, working closely with local and national media to organize press events, schedule book signings and craft press releases for authors.…
Playpen Sports expanding to Springfield
Playpen Sports launched in Springfield on March 7. The company, which offers a variety of sports classes for children ages 2-5, has grown rapidly since its inception less than five years ago. “These kids have spent most of their lives in isolation due to the pandemic,” said Meg Brewer, marketing manager for Playpen Sports. “We…
Fact or fiction: Is a new restaurant moving in to the former TGI Fridays?
A new sign has appeared at the site of the former Million’s Crab Boiled Seafood location touting “Dynasty Korean Steakhouse & Bar coming soon.” Million’s Crab, a Cajun seafood chain based in Ohio, opened in the former TFI Fridays space at 2100 W. White Oaks Dr. on April 1, 2021, and closed later that same…
Mark Ginster retires from Carrollton Bank
After 25 years, Mark Ginster has retired from Carrollton Bank, effective Feb. 25. While he plans to do quite a bit of traveling, including spending the month of March in Arizona, he will also still work with the bank as a consultant. Taylor-Ann Hamlin is replacing him as Springfield branch manager, while Kasey VanderMeersch is…
A Q&A with Dana Lyons
By David Blanchette Dana Lyons is a lifelong resident of the Springfield area. When she was a senior at Riverton High School, an employment agency placed her in a receptionist position with Lincoln Land Title and Abstract Company. She later worked for Lexis Document Services and Zelle Title Company before opening The Illinois Real Estate…
New strategies for home buyers and sellers
Hot housing market upends traditional advice By Carey Smith “I would love to sell your home, but I have to ask, do you have a place to go? Because I will make you homeless.” That is the first conversation Randy Aldrich, a broker associate with The Real Estate Group, has with potential sellers. The hot…
Best Places to Work 2022
Best Places to Work 2022
Free virtual workshop for starting your own business
Have you ever thought about starting your own business? Take part in a virtual workshop hosted by the Springfield-Decatur Area Alumna Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and hear from those in the business community who can provide guidance. Speakers include Kevin Lust, director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center for Central Illinois; Margaret…
Building permit roundup – Feb. 14 – Feb. 20, 2022
F. W. Means & Co. in care of Aratex Service, Inc. obtained a commercial accessory structure permit for 4800 S. Industrial Ave. Carport Central is the contractor and the project is valued at $18,500. Grant Holdings, LLC obtained a commercial remodel permit for 2350 W. Prairie Crossing Dr. The contractor is Architectural Graphics, Inc. and…
Melissa Horn joins Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce has hired Melissa Horn as events manager. Horn began her position Feb. 1 and will oversee all events at the Chamber and assist with communications. She previously spent seven years as senior meeting director for the Crowne Plaza Springfield Convention Center and has been in the hospitality industry for…
Todd Young named CFO of Crawford, Murphy & Tilley
Todd Young is the new chief financial officer for Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. Young will lead CMT’s accounting team from the company’s headquarters in Springfield. “It’s an honor to welcome Todd to CMT,” said chairman and CEO Dan Meckes. “His extensive expertise in financial forecasting, budgeting, audit processes, strategic planning, benchmarking and more –…
