Cory Brown hopes to use his years of experience in the funeral business to simplify the planning process for grieving families with the launch of his new business, Memorial Tributes by Cory Brown. Brown spent 13 years working at area funeral homes before taking a job in 2022 as director of music for the Dominican […]
Michelle Ownbey
Michelle Ownbey is the publisher of Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times.
Posted inArticles
Occupancy prohibited at downtown Wyndham
The city of Springfield has placarded the Wyndham City Centre, saying the downtown hotel does not meet life safety code standards due to nonworking elevators and out of service fire alarms and fire sprinkler systems. The Springfield Police Department is investigating the damage to the hotel as intentional vandalism, according to a statement issued by […]
Posted inColumns
Bonni Waters retiring from JREDC
Bonni Waters is retiring after nearly three decades with the Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation. Her journey with the JREDC began in 1996 as an administrative assistant. Over the years, her role evolved, first to market research analyst and eventually to vice president. Waters has helped to shape the organization’s strategies, ensuring that Jacksonville and the […]
Posted inColumns
Honey Baked Ham plans Springfield expansion
The Honey Baked Ham Company has set its sights on Springfield. “We started to look at markets across the county that we felt were the top markets that we wanted to be in, and Springfield is at the top of the list,” said Eric Edwards, who handles franchise development for the Georgia-based company. “The location, […]
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A demolition, planned renovation for Adams Street
Another of the fire-damaged buildings in the 400 block of East Adams Street in downtown Springfield is being demolished, but historic preservation advocates are pleased that the adjacent one will now be saved. The buildings at 417-421 E. Adams St., just east of where the June 19 fire occurred, are owned by a limited liability […]
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Ed Curtis to retire after 50-year career at Memorial Health
When Ed Curtis arrived at Springfield Memorial Hospital in 1975 as a new nursing graduate, he had no idea he was beginning a 50-year career that would culminate as president and CEO. Curtis, a native of Springfield and a graduate of Lanphier High School, had been inspired to become a registered nurse after witnessing the […]
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Primo Designs acquires Decatur company
Primo Designs, a Springfield-based business providing branded wearables and promotional items, has acquired Star Silkscreen Designs, a similar company based in Decatur. Star Silkscreen, founded in 1983 by Karen Ragee, will maintain operations at its Decatur facility with Ragee continuing to lead the location. Primo Designs, 2417 North Grand Ave. East, was founded in 1985 by […]
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Iris & Ivy to close
At 85 years old, Betty Salisbury says she’s finally ready to retire and close Iris & Ivy, the boutique she’s operated for decades. “I started with $50 and a booth at the Country Lace craft mall,” she said of her initial venture with a few other ladies. “We were just looking for something to do. […]
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Former Sportsman’s Lounge demolished to make way for apartment complex
It’s been more than a year since Sportsman’s Lounge served its last pork tenderloin, and the building at 229 W. Mason St. is being demolished to make way for a new development. The building, originally used as a livery stable, was constructed in the late 1800s. It later became a bar that operated under various […]
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Vine & Rind to open on west side
Chelsey Ziebler launched Ta Da Catering three years ago, and the business is now expanding to include a brick-and-mortar location with additional offerings. “Vine & Rind will be our storefront for wine and cheese,” Ziebler said. “The front of our space will be a store with wine for sale and a few different kinds of […]
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Four Springfield Subway stores reopening under new ownership
It’s been nearly two months since four of the Subway locations in Springfield closed, but those restaurants are now under new ownership and will be reopening soon. Vern Evans, who was the franchisee for eight Subway locations, retired after 25 years in the central Illinois market. He operated the store at 607 E. Adams St. […]
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Sinclair to sell WICS as part of package
An asset purchase agreement filed with the Federal Communications Commission outlines Sinclair Television Group’s plan to sell five of its stations to Rincon Broadcasting Group for $29.4 million. According to the agreement dated March 7, Springfield-based stations WICS/WICD will be included in the sale, along with KHQA in Quincy; KTVO in Ottumwa, Iowa; and WVTV […]