Each year, Springfield Business Journal partners with Security Bank to recognize women from the public and private sectors who have made outstanding contributions to the local community. The recipients are selected from nominations submitted by community members throughout the year. On Tuesday, May 20, Security Bank hosted a reception at Island Bay Yacht Club for […]
Articles
Posted inArticles
Lawmakers seek to reverse Illinois law penalizing companies that boycott Israel
A growing number of state lawmakers are moving to repeal a 2015 Illinois law penalizing companies that boycott Israel to protest its policies toward Palestinians. Amid concerns about Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, lawmakers in Springfield supporting human rights for Palestinians have increasingly signed on to legislation opposing the decade-old anti-boycott law. But so far, […]
Posted inArticles
Urban farming in Jacksonville
Juan Caballero plants seeds a little differently than most people. “I use my finger to make a hole in the potted soil and that way I can judge how deep the seed will go,” Caballero said. “When I’m in the potting room sometimes I would rather have the light off than on, but it depends […]
Posted inArticles
Major solar development opens in Sangamon County
Sangamon County is now home to the largest solar power development east of the Mississippi River. On April 30, Swift Current Energy, a Boston-based firm, held a ribbon-cutting at its Auburn office for the Double Black Diamond solar farm. The collection of solar panels was erected on more than 4,000 acres in western Sangamon County […]
Posted inArticles
Q&A with Karen Conn
Karen Conn has made it her life’s mission to preserve history through hospitality, which is the motto of Conn’s Hospitality Group. She first began working for the family-owned business at just 15 years old, then became a part owner in 1986 and a primary owner in 1996. Conn attended Lincoln Land Community College before transferring […]
Posted inArticles
2025 staffing trends: More selective employers and unemployment up
Area employers are more selective when hiring and unemployment is up, according to Dixie Ladd, owner of StaffQuick in Chatham, a staffing agency providing temporary and permanent placements in a variety of industries. Ladd encourages job seekers to establish a solid employment history and discourages switching jobs too quickly. “It is not in their best […]
Posted inArticles
Creating integrated, flexible workspaces
Working from home during the pandemic has shaped the look and feel of the American workforce. Some employers are demanding employees return to work, while others are trying to make the workplace so appealing that staff will want to return to the office. Chris Davis, vice president of operations at Resource One, 321 E. Adams […]
Posted inArticles
Growing justice where it’s gone dry
In large swaths of rural Illinois, spotting a law firm is about as rare as spotting a skyscraper. These legal deserts – communities with few or no practicing attorneys – are quietly eroding access to justice for the people who call them home. In response, the Illinois State Bar Association has launched initiatives aimed at […]
Posted inArticles
217 Taco, Nacho and Margarita Week
217 Taco, Nacho and Margarita Week continues through Sunday, May 4. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo for a whole week. Explore the amazing taco and nacho dishes area chefs have created for these seven days. Many restaurants will also offer LALO Tequila margaritas. Participating restaurants are Legacy Pointe Eatery, Curve Inn, Pease’s at BUNN Gourmet, The […]
Posted inArticles
State of Illinois Career Fair
The Illinois Department of Central Management Services, Illinois Department of Public Health and Lincoln Land Community College will host a State of Illinois Career Fair from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7. Taking place on LLCC’s campus in Springfield, members of the public can learn about job opportunities at the state and connect […]
Posted inArticles
Boutique Drive to showcase women-owned businesses
Meghan Ramirez, owner of Elodie Grace Boutique, is organizing an event meant to showcase other women-owned businesses. Abe’s Babes Boutique Drive will take place from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, with nearly two dozen businesses participating in Springfield, Chatham, Rochester, Waverly and Farmersville. “I wanted […]
Posted inArticles
A bill to boost beer breweries
A bill currently being considered by the General Assembly is aimed at making life easier – and more profitable – for small craft beer companies throughout the state. “The majority of Illinois liquor law is pretty much from the 1930s, like Prohibition era,” said Brent Schwoerer, owner, founder and brewmaster at Springfield’s Engrained Brewing Co. […]