By Holly Whisler “It has to be rough to be in the office furniture business right now,” is a comment often heard by Chris Davis, vice president of operations and account manager at Resource One Interior Solutions & Design, 321 E. Adams St., since COVID-19 forced many people to work from home. However, “Our market […]
Holly Whisler
Holly Whisler is the associate editor for Springfield Business Journal and a freelance writer who lives in Springfield.
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Low interest rates drive consumer spending – Home and auto sales at record levels, despite unemployment, uncertainty
By Holly Whisler The phrase “these unprecedented times” has been overused this year, yet still rings true. When the Federal Reserve cut interest rates to near zero in March, the area economy responded. Consumer lending – specifically, home and auto loans – gained momentum over the summer months, despite high levels of unemployment and uncertainty […]
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Businesses help parents with remote learning
By Holly Whisler Springfield business MB Heating & Cooling realized that many of their employees were facing a dilemma: go to work, or stay home with kids who are learning remotely. General manager Doug Gholson explained that last spring, the company had a plumber and an installer who could not work a full week because […]
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Drive-thru health care: Springfield Clinic adapts to pandemic
By Holly Whisler A drive-up may not sound like a health care delivery model, but Springfield Clinic will soon have two drive-up lab locations for the convenience of its patients. COVID has caused many people to rethink necessary activities, and businesses have responded with innovative ways to help us collectively adapt. “Springfield Clinic set up […]
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Businesses use technology to pivot during pandemic
By Holly Whisler Small retail boutiques are known for carrying unique and one-of-a-kind items. They are not typically known for selling online to a mass market, but that does not mean they cannot be successful doing so when a pandemic causes an economic shutdown, for example. Elizabeth “Liz” Eckert, owner of Bella Boutique, 2805 West […]
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Communicating with clients and customers during a time of crisis
By Holly Whisler Whether your business was deemed essential or non-essential by the state of Illinois during the COVID-19 pandemic, you are no doubt in crisis mode. These are uncertain times and the terrain is unfamiliar. How do you market your business and communicate with your customers during a pandemic? Mark Butler, director of marketing […]
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Waters Edge Winery & Bistro under construction in Jacksonville
By Holly Whisler Seventeen acres of rolling hills interspersed with 100-year old trees is the picturesque scene that inspired the vision for Waters Edge Winery & Bistro of Jacksonville. Scheduled to open this spring, the winery will feature wines from around the world, a complete lunch and dinner menu with local favorites and live acoustic […]