Isringhausen Imports, 229 E. Jefferson St. in downtown Springfield, was founded 45 years ago by car enthusiast Rob Isringhausen. His brother Geoff joined him as the company’s fourth employee in January 1984. The business has remained family owned and operated throughout its history. Below is a Q&A with Geoff Isringhausen regarding plans to continue that […]
Articles
Posted inArticles
Preserving a legacy
Allstate has been a part of Lisa Plumb’s life for nearly 40 years. Her father, Jack Readicker, was an Allstate agent operating at a kiosk inside Sears at White Oaks Mall in the late 1980s. From a young age, Plumb watched her father in action and eventually followed his footsteps to join the insurance business. […]
Posted inArticles
Springfield Chamber announces Small Business Award winners
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce hosted the 41st Annual Small Business Awards on June 23 at the Crowne Plaza Springfield Convention Center. The event recognized outstanding community entrepreneurs in the following four categories: Not-for-Profit Director of the Year, New & Emerging Business Owner of the Year, Small Business Owner of the Year and Lifetime […]
Posted inArticles
Denial for Springfield solar project
The Sangamon County Board voted 15-8 to reject a proposed 20-acre solar farm adjacent to a residential subdivision on the west side of Springfield, even as the board’s lawyer warned Summit Ridge Energy, the petitioner, may be able to sue the board and get the solar panels installed anyway. Assistant state’s attorney Joel Benoit, who […]
Posted inArticles
Catering companies try to stay competitive
The business of catering in Springfield is highly competitive, with businesses vying to cater events large and small in a city known for people who love to eat. Many caterers – in Springfield and beyond – are seeking ways to diversify and find other revenue streams beyond the traditional catering. That is why Jesse Taielua […]
Posted inArticles
Springfield area sheds jobs
Despite no major business layoffs or closures, the Springfield area led the state in job losses year over year, according to Illinois Department of Employment Security non-farm employment data released early this month. Springfield lost 3,300 jobs from March of last year to this year, nearly two-fifths of all the jobs lost by the state […]
Posted inArticles
Building a skilled workforce
Businesses large and small nationwide partner with community colleges to secure their future workforce. Locally, employers increasingly are teaming up with Lincoln Land Community College to train employees.For instance, O’Shea Builders helped design the college’s new construction lab and provides several instructors for the program. Memorial Health funded the expansion of LLCC’s nursing program and […]
Posted inArticles
Women for Women awards $70,000 to area nonprofits
Women for Women awarded a record-breaking $70,000 in grants to three local nonprofits during its 18th Annual Grant Reception on Wednesday, May 13, recognizing organizations addressing some of central Illinois’ most pressing challenges facing women and children. This year’s grants will support programs focused on childhood food insecurity, family support services, and care for children […]
Posted inArticles
Practicing law is nothing like it looks on TV
Myth versus reality All too often, people’s perceptions and beliefs about lawyers and the practice of law are formed from watching any number of TV shows. Television law emphasizes high-stakes drama, surprise evidence and rapid courtroom victories, while the reality involves months of methodical, behind-the-scenes research, negotiations and settlements. Real lawyers rarely rely on theatrical […]
Posted inArticles
U of I law students turn AI into a legal-tech startup
The rapid rise of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT has forced educators into a difficult position: How should students be using this technology? Some institutions have moved to restrict it, while others are experimenting with ways to integrate it into the classroom. At the University of Illinois College of Law, a group of entrepreneurs […]
Posted inArticles
A post-pandemic reset in local staffing
Express Employment Professionals’ Kayla Edwards, the managing partner overseeing the Springfield, Jacksonville and Bloomington locations, sees a post-pandemic reset in staffing. “After a period of elevated demand and fluctuation coming out of the pandemic, the staffing industry is seeing a more balanced and sustainable phase,” she said. “Employers are once again able to focus on […]
Posted inArticles
Jennifer Gill (alumna)
Jennifer Gill is a champion for Springfield School District 186 – its students, staff, teachers, administrators and families, but her influence extends far beyond the district. She is a collaborator and deeply engaged in the community. Gill is retiring as District 186 superintendent on June 30 after 12 years of outstanding leadership. A product of […]