Articles

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Dr. Richa Pandey-Kochar sees approximately 30 patients a day as a nephrologist at Springfield Clinic, yet she still finds time to give back to the community she now calls home. Pandey-Kochar grew up in Mumbai, India, and describes Springfield as a “welcoming” community that gives her every opportunity to express her “whole self.”  Pandey-Kochar says […]

Helen Lea Moose began taking dance lessons at the age of 4, and her passion for dance was ignited. As a teenager, she knew wholeheartedly she wanted to be a professional dancer, but when it came time to prepare for college her father wanted her to “have a real job.”  Being the middle daughter of […]

Barbara “Barb” Malany is an ambassador of goodwill in all she does. She is a businesswoman, teacher, civic leader, mother and humanitarian.  Barb was one of the first women in the Rotary Club of Springfield, and gives of herself in her role as a Rotarian. Rotary is a service club that provides humanitarian service, encourages […]