Growth Corp, an SBA 504 lender for small and mid-sized businesses, has announced a leadership transition effective Jan. 1. After 35 years as president, Doug Kinley will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, while Sara Vanhala has been appointed president. Vanhala is a nearly 20-year veteran of the organization and current chair of the […]
Michelle Ownbey
Michelle Ownbey is the publisher of Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times.
Posted inComings & Goings
Food vendors announced for entertainment complex
Construction on Legends Entertainment in Legacy Pointe is underway, and the five local vendors for the food court have been finalized. In June, SBJ broke the news about the planned entertainment complex, which will include an indoor/outdoor food court, a 12-lane bowling alley and an 8,000-square-foot arcade with around 100 games for kids, plus adult […]
Posted inComings & Goings
Good Heart Tattoos relocating
Another downtown business is closing, but this time the owner says it’s because of a transition to a different business model rather than a lack of foot traffic. “I know there are a lot of other businesses leaving downtown, but mine is less about being downtown and more about life changes,” said Benny DeWitt, owner […]
Posted inAnnouncements
Make a nomination for Best Places to Work 2026
Each year, Springfield Business Journal and United Community Bank sponsor an awards program that recognizes the Best Places to Work in our community. This awards program is unique, because it requires employees to nominate their own company. The criteria include: Feb. 1 is the deadline to make a nomination for the 2026 awards. The winning […]
Posted inComings & Goings
New boutique for west side
For Brittney Hinkle-Dura, being called “beige” is a compliment. “They call me ‘beige Brittney;’ I like that warm tone and feel,” she said. Now she is launching her own business, Beige Bee Boutique, to offer neutral, veritable wardrobe staples to other women. The boutique will be located at 3255 Ginger Creek Dr. in the last […]
Posted inPeople on the Move
Frank Coffey joins BOS Asset Management
Frank Coffey has joined the financial services team of BOS Asset Management as a financial advisor. Coffey previously served as a vice president at The Baker Group, a financial services firm where he specialized in investment portfolios, and has also worked as a financial advisor for Equitable Advisors. Coffey has a bachelor’s degree from the […]
Posted inComings & Goings
Buzz Bomb owner addresses closure
Buzz Bomb Brewing Co. has been a downtown anchor since 2018, but co-owner Josh Flanders said the hobby-turned-business has reached “the end of the line, unfortunately.” Flanders, Benjie Gines and Bill Larson launched the business at 406 E. Adams St. in downtown Springfield after building a following via the Prairie Schooners Homebrew Club. The group […]
Posted inComings & Goings
A new phase for Taste of Seoul
After owning and operating a restaurant in downtown Springfield for two years, Kimsimone Manning says she’s ready to catch her breath before she decides on her next move. “I have a list of projects that I’ve pushed to the back burner that have nothing to do with cooking,” Manning said. “I’m going to breathe – […]
Posted inComings & Goings
The Barrel Head contents up for auction
The Barrel Head has been closed for more than two years, but those who are nostalgic about the longtime bar and grill now have a chance to own a piece of its history. Aumann Auctions is conducting a liquidation sale of the bar and grill’s inventory, ranging from beer and spirit signs and assorted draft […]
Posted inComings & Goings
Two more Hardee’s close in Springfield
The number of Hardee’s restaurants in the Springfield area continues to decline, with two more locations closing permanently within the past week. The stores at 317 E. Clear Lake Ave. and 2501 Stevenson Dr. both have “permanently closed” signs on the front doors directing customers to visit the remaining locations at 1835 Sangamon Ave. and […]
Posted inComings & Goings
Pop in Seoul Asian Market to open
A local couple is bringing a Korean convenience store concept to Springfield. Jung and Julie Kim have signed a lease for space at 2637 Chatham Road to open Pop In Seoul Asian Market in the shopping center that also houses Café Moxo and Papa Murphy’s. “An Asian convenience store is a little different than an […]
Posted inPeople on the Move
Jennifer Bettis joins LLCC
Jennifer Bettis has joined the Lincoln Land Community College Foundation as director of major gifts. She most recently spent four years as a director of development for University of Illinois Springfield, after 17 years as director of advancement for Sacred-Heart Griffin High School. Related “Connecting donors with causes that matter deeply to them is a […]