By Mary Beth Stephens One definition of art provided by Merriam-Webster.com is “something that is created with imagination and skill and that is beautiful or that expresses important ideas or feelings.” While everyone might not agree with this definition, one point is universal – art is the creation of something. The Springfield Art Association was […]
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Manufacturing: Where does Springfield stand?
By Scott Faingold As director of the Office of Planning and Economic Development for the City of Springfield, Mike Farmer has no illusions. “An overall decrease in manufacturing is the case everywhere,” he says. “It’s a historical trend and probably irreversible. Still, I think Springfield is a very desirable place for manufacturing, and have felt […]
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New Business Listings May 2014
AJ’s Towing 2125 E. Clearlake, Springfield IL 62703 Phone: 528-0000 Business Owner(s) Ahmad Jebailat Betty Amabo’s Tradings 1105 N. Park, Springfield IL 62702 Phone: 763/607-8326 Business Owner(s) Betty Amabo Blessing’s Beauty Salon 131 Chatham Rd Suite D, Springfield IL 62704 Phone: 217/331-2085 Business Owner(s) Stephen Awator Busy Bee Lawn Care 543 E. Wood Ave, Springfield […]
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A decade of influential women
By Michelle Higginbotham, associate publisher Reading this year’s nominations for Women of Influence brought one of my favorite sayings to mind, “People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it,” attributed to the author George Bernard Shaw. Reviewing the list of accomplishments of this talented group of ladies makes […]
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Are college athletes school employees?
By Sarah Delano Pavlik, Delano Law Offices, LLC There is no denying that college football is big business. The clear leader is the University of Texas which, according to ESPN, made a $77.9 million profit in 2012 and which, according to Forbes, is worth $139 million. Other top value football programs according to Forbes include […]
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Early education boosts the Illinois economy
New research fuels a call to strengthen childhood programs By ReadyNation/America’s Edge Investments in early care and education for children provides an impressive and nearly immediate business boost for local communities throughout Illinois, with potential to generate thousands more jobs and more than $1 billion in new economic activity, a group of business leaders said […]
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New Business Listings April 2014
Affordable Cleaning Services 2428 Tamaroa Trail City/St/Zip: Springfield IL 62702 Phone: 303-6584 Business Owner(s) Barbara S. Hamlin David A. Hamlin Alpha Properties 365 Walnut Glen Dr. City/St/Zip: Springfield IL 62707 Phone: 487-9144 Business Owner(s) Eric A. Hansen America’s Cup 100 West Main Street City/St/Zip: Pleasant Plains IL 62677 Phone: 626-1258 Business Owner(s) Larry W. Pankey […]
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Why so many corporations do not pay Illinois corporate income tax
by Douglas L. Whitley The Illinois corporate income tax has been under attack for some time by organized labor, social service agencies, community groups and even the director of the Illinois Department of Revenue. People and organizations who favor more government spending have seized upon the mantra that corporations don’t pay “their fair share.” The […]
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Differentiation key to local business success
Case study: The Market on Koke Mill By Bruce Sommer If you ever attended one of my business classes, you heard me say: “Entrepreneurs do three things – create, deliver and capture value,” and, “There are only two strategic ways businesses compete – cost or differentiation.” A cost leadership strategy aims to take advantage of […]
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Bitcoins: How do they work?
By Thomas C. Pavlik, Jr. Although Bitcoins have been around since 2009, it is only recently that they have been all over the news. Most of us understand that Bitcoins are basically Internet cash, but beyond that there seems to be confusion and misunderstanding. Bitcoin is a digital currency. Rather than coins or paper bills, […]
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Nehemiah to build another 30 east side homes this spring
By Lavern McNeese Like Nehemiah of the Bible, Rev. Silas Johnson saw a distressing situation in his neighborhood that stirred him to action. He explained that when the biblical Nehemiah learned that the protective walls around Jerusalem had been torn down, he immediately started the rebuilding process. He got the king’s permission first and then […]
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Out of Africa aspires to spotlight local African-American artists
By Scott Faingold In early 2013, Lynn Williamson came to a disturbing realization while visiting art galleries in anticipation of a visit from her college-age artist daughter. “I would ask if there were any African-American artists represented,” she recalls, “and 100 percent of the places we went to either said ‘no’ or ‘well, there’s one […]