Accounting firm Eck, Schafer, & Punke has acquired another practice and significantly expanded its downtown office. ESP was founded in 1994 and has always been headquartered in downtown Springfield, although not in the same building. The firm moved to its current location, 227 S. Seventh St., in 2014 and originally occupied the second floor. Conn’s […]
Michelle Ownbey
Michelle Ownbey is the publisher of Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times.
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NAPA Auto Parts to open in Chatham
McKay NAPA Auto Parts, headquartered in Litchfield, is preparing to open a Chatham location. The former Family Video store at 210 N. Main St. is currently undergoing renovations. McKay Corporation was established in 1937 and became aligned with NAPA in 2003. Since then, McKay has expanded from 16 stores to 26 stores, stretching from Mt. Sterling […]
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Chamber Job Fair to be held Tuesday, Aug. 26
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce’s fall job fair will feature dozens of employers ready to hire qualified candidates. A list of the participating employers can be found on the event calendar for The Chamber at www.gscc.org. Whether you’re looking to advance within your current industry or start a new career, there are plenty of […]
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Studio on 6th has new owner
Jenny Suttill, who calls herself a hairdresser by trade, is now also the new owner of Studio on 6th, an artist co-op in downtown Springfield. “I am officially the fourth owner,” said Suttill, who has been involved with the business at 215 S. Sixth St. since November 2019. “Our previous owner, Laura Camp, is one […]
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Coz’s Pizza owners, landlord involved in legal dispute
The owners of Coz’s Pizza and Pub and the longtime property owner are embroiled in a legal dispute, which appears to have led to the announcement that July 27 will be the last day of operations for the business at its current location. Louis and Elsa Ezzo purchased Coz’s Pizza and Pub in March 2023, […]
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Vine & Rind to hold grand opening July 26
Vine & Rind, a wine bar, cheese shop and bistro on Springfield’s west side, is holding a grand opening on Saturday, July 26. Chelsey Ziebler launched Ta Da Catering three years ago, and the business has expanded to include a brick-and-mortar location with additional offerings. “Vine & Rind will be our storefront for wine and […]
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Applications open for the 2025 Isringhausen DRIVE Grant
Isringhausen Imports and Downtown Springfield, Inc. have opened applications for the 2025 Isringhausen DRIVE Grant, a $20,000 cash grant presented yearly to individuals looking to kick start or expand a business in downtown Springfield. Now in its fourth year, the Isringhausen DRIVE Grant is committed to fostering entrepreneurship and supporting the growth of small businesses […]
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Alysse Hewell joins INB
Alysse Hewell has joined INB as the director of marketing and communications. She replaces Marilyn Titone-Schaefer, who retired earlier this month. Hewell spent more than 11 years with Troxell, first as the marketing manager and and marketing director and later as the chief experience officer. “I was looking for something new and challenging,” Hewell said. “I […]
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Ava Carpenter-McPike recognized with 2025 Athena Award
Ava Carpenter-McPike has been chosen as the recipient of the 2025 Athena Award, sponsored by Illinois Women in Leadership. IWIL held an awards ceremony at Erin’s Pavilion in Southwind Park on July 17 to recognize the 10 nominees for this year’s award and announce the recipient. Carpenter-McPike is a senior probation officer with Sangamon County […]
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Skechers to open store in Springfield
Skechers is planning to open its first freestanding store in Springfield. A company spokesperson told SBJ a late August or early September opening is tentatively planned for the store at 2691 Veterans Parkway. The space is currently being remodeled following the departure of Treasure Hunt Deals, which relocated to 2930 Constitution Dr., across from Target, […]
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Another downtown Springfield business closes
The Keep Store, Springfield’s first refillery, has joined a growing list of downtown businesses that have announced closures over the past few weeks. A July 12 Facebook post announced the business at 314 E. Adams St. had closed its doors for good. The statement from owners Ami and Mike Shelton noted they had considered relocating […]
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Don Smith Paint closes
A “business closed” sign is posted on the Don Smith Paint Co. building at 1724 S. MacArthur Blvd. The closure appears to be permanent, as the website and Facebook page for the business are no longer active. Google also lists the location in Bloomington as permanently closed. The Carlinville location had already closed in March […]