Three certified financial planners have joined forces to create Navigator Wealth Strategies, a Springfield-based financial planning firm serving central Illinois. Brandon Wellman opened a new Prudential Financial office in 2017, originally operating out of leased space on Wabash Avenue. Four years later, he purchased a building at 6300 S. Sixth St. to allow for expansion […]
Michelle Ownbey
Michelle Ownbey is the publisher of Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times.
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Maureen Faller joins Brown, Hay & Stephens
Maureen Faller has joined the law firm of Brown, Hay & Stephens. She focuses her practice on trusts and estate planning, fiduciary representation in trust and estate administration, banking, real estate, commercial transactions, employment law and the rights of minors as a guardian ad litem. Prior to joining Brown, Hay & Stephens, Faller served as […]
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Joey McLaughlin leaving WTAX
Joey McLaughlin, the longtime Morning Newswatch radio host on WTAX, is leaving to join the Illinois Department of Public Health communications team. His last day on air is June 25. McLaughlin worked in radio in Alton, Carbondale, Vandalia and Decatur before moving to Springfield in 1998. Initially, he hosted a morning show on the station […]
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Vondra Social House to open this fall
A former restaurant in a historic Springfield neighborhood has new owners who plan to reopen it with a different focus. Eric and Sierra Ferrell purchased the property at 724 E. Edwards St. in April for $110,000, according to Sangamon County tax records. The historic two-story building just south of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site […]
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Simplex sells to Canadian company
Simplex, one of Springfield’s largest manufacturing companies, has been sold to a Canadian-based company for $28 million. Simplex was founded in 1934 in Burlington, Iowa, by Michael Debrey, according to the company’s website. A Hungarian immigrant and self-taught inventor, Debrey introduced multiple innovations to the electrical engineering field. The company later operated out of East […]
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Entertainment complex with food court under construction in Legacy Pointe
A new entertainment complex and indoor/outdoor food court is under construction in Legacy Pointe. A group of local developers has broken ground for Legends Entertainment, a 46,000-square-foot complex that will house a food court with five local restaurants, two bars, a bowling alley and gaming for both kids and adults. While plans for the new […]
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Groundbreaking for Friendly Honda expansion
Friendly Honda of Springfield will hold a groundbreaking ceremony June 20 for a major renovation and expansion of the dealership at 2500 Prairie Crossing Drive. The year-long renovation aims to modernize the dealership’s facilities, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. Key aspects of the renovation include a modernized showroom, upgraded service center with additional service bays […]
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New ownership for Turasky Meats
Kris Sterbinsky, a longtime employee of Turasky Meats, has purchased the business founded in 1949. Sterbinsky said he is already familiar with both small business ownership and the meat industry. “I grew up as part of a family lawncare company,” he said. “And I’ve been in the meat industry for 21 years now. Prior to […]
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Jay Shanle joins SAAC
The Springfield Area Arts Council has hired Jay Shanle as its new program director, effective May 27. His position will primarily focus on organizing the 2026 Levitt AMP concert series under the direction of SAAC’s board of directors and with the guidance of former Levitt AMP organizers. SAAC has assumed direction of the 2025 Levitt […]
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New ownership for The Track Shack
The Track Shack has been owned and operated by the same family since 1959, but that is about to change. Joe Jannazzo, who has owned the iconic bar and grill at 233 E. Laurel St. since 1979, told SBJ that he is selling the business to Todd Rauthenberg. Rauthenberg most recently served as the general […]
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Fourth Springfield location for Club Car Wash
Club Car Wash is preparing to open its fourth Springfield location in four years. A “coming soon” sign is on display at 1700 W. Jefferson St. But unlike the first three locations, this one will involve remodeling an existing car wash rather than new construction. Niemann Holdings LLC purchased the property in April 2021 for […]
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Cowork Springfield opens on west side
Cowork Springfield has launched to provide flexible workspaces for small businesses looking for an alternative to working from home or in traditional offices. “We saw a growing need in Springfield for a space that offers both flexibility and a sense of connection,” said John Curry, CEO and founder of Cowork Springfield, 2532 Farragut Drive. “This […]