A recent survey found that 78% of U.S. employers say their workers are financially stressed, as compared to 71% in 2023. Meanwhile, survey findings also show that employers are continuing to feel the squeeze financially with the increased costs of benefits, worker retention and recruiting. PNC Bank released findings from its second annual Financial Wellness […]
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Accounting firm closing after more than a century
The accounting firm of Estes, Bridgewater & Ogden has been in business since 1918, but the current partners are getting ready to go their separate ways. “It’s a culmination of a lot of things, but lack of staffing is the biggest piece of it,” said partner Lori Milosevich. “Public accounting has taken a hit over […]
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Makers on the Move
“People may have no idea what’s made right in their backyard,” said Sarah Hartwick, vice president of education and workforce policy at the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “The purpose of the Makers on the Move bus tour is to bring awareness and celebrate modern manufacturing in Illinois – the incredible products that are made and careers […]
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Q&A with Brian Barstead
Brian Barstead graduated from Illinois State University with a bachelor’s degree in medical technology and biology and initially worked for HSHS St. John’s Hospital in hematology. He met his wife Nancy there, and the couple has now been married 41 years. They reside in Rochester and have one adult son, Alex. After receiving an MBA […]
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Veteran bankers weigh in on current trends
Lingering inflation, higher-than-desired interest rates and an upcoming election are just a few issues influencing the willingness of consumers to borrow money. On the other side of the coin, bankers are combatting epic proportions of fraud and navigating a commercial lending market that has been shaped by the pandemic. Mark Vance, regional president and senior […]
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Banking on change
Security Bank of Springfield is seeking approval from the federal government to change its ownership structure so that it is owned by investors rather than by the financial institution’s depositors. A recent bank filing with federal regulators also indicated the financial institution is deeply involved with state-licensed cannabis businesses. Bank president and CEO Stephan Paul […]
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Rail project receives final piece of federal funding
Construction on the only overpass in Springfield’s rail improvements project is expected to commence in early 2025 after federal officials announced $157 million in final grant funds. The federal allocation, announced by U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield, and by U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin, D-Springfield, and Tammy Duckworth, D-Hoffman Estates, also will help pay for construction […]
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Banking on change
Security Bank of Springfield is seeking approval from the federal government to change its ownership structure so that it is owned by investors rather than by the financial institution’s depositors. A recent bank filing with federal regulators also indicated the financial institution is deeply involved with state-licensed cannabis businesses. Bank president and CEO Stephan Paul […]
Posted inArticles
Makers on the Move
“People may have no idea what’s made right in their backyard,” said Sarah Hartwick, vice president of education and workforce policy at the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “The purpose of the Makers on the Move bus tour is to bring awareness and celebrate modern manufacturing in Illinois – the incredible products that are made and careers […]
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Award recipients announced at Jacksonville Regional Economic Development event
Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation honored the recipients of JREDC’s two annual awards during the organization’s investor appreciation event held at Proud Richard’s Restaurant in Jacksonville on Oct. 10. Turner Scientific was recognized as the 2023 Harold Cox Industry of the Year, in recognition of its inspiring evolution and continued growth. The Jacksonville-based company is a […]
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Governor’s Mansion block slated to become a park
The vacant block in downtown Springfield across from the Governor’s Mansion may be on the brink of becoming a city park, Mayor Misty Buscher told Illinois Times recently. “I’m referring to it as the ‘North Mansion Park,’” she said. “We’ve had conversations with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and with landscape architects to create […]
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Seeing crime in real time
Imagine being a police officer racing to an emergency at a school or business and being able to see what is happening inside the building while you’re driving to the scene. A new program adopted this year by the Springfield Police Department can transmit live images from security cameras across the city to computer screens […]