As Gordon Gates, managing partner at Gates, Wise and Schlosser, is preparing for retirement, the law firm bearing his name is finalizing the details of a merger with another local firm. Gates, Wise and Schlosser PC and Frazier and Sabin LLP are merging to become Frazier, Sabin and Schlosser. The merger should be complete by […]
Columns
Posted inColumns
BUNN appoints new CEO
The Ali Group, which acquired Springfield-based BUNN in March, has appointed a new president and CEO to lead the beverage equipment manufacturer. Brad Willis, who is currently the chief financial officer of Ali Group, will take the reins at BUNN as of May 11, according to a statement from Chicago-based Ali Group. As president and […]
Posted inColumns
Ben Hage leaving Innovate Springfield
After nearly three years leading the University of Illinois Springfield’s downtown business incubator, Ben Hage’s last day at Innovate Springfield will be May 31. Hage has been named director of the Petrick Idea Center at Illinois Wesleyan University, effective June 1. The Petrick Idea Center is set to open this fall in a 15,000-square-foot facility […]
Posted inRestaurant review
Richard’s Family Restaurant
Richard’s Family Restaurant is the latest diner to open in Springfield and is a most welcome addition to the genre. Located on Ninth Street, just south of North Grand Avenue, Richard’s operates in the space formerly occupied by Homestyle Café. Homestyle had gotten a little long in the tooth, but Richard’s started with a deep […]
Posted inPhilanthropy
Military Families Together meets the needs of local veterans
“Thank you for your service” is often said when encountering a member of the military or a veteran, given the many sacrifices involved. Military service can bring challenges and financial hardships for military families. When Mike and Shelly Pawelczak attended their son’s graduation from Marine boot camp in August 2022, they were grateful they had […]
Posted inProfessional Development
Conflict resolution handled well leads to positive outcomes
When employees don’t click: Curing workplace conflict Conflict at work is inevitable, and apparently very frequent, as I’ve been asked to advise on three different situations in the past month. It’s surprising how bad chemistry can happen even among experienced professionals. Differences in personality, communication style, values or work pace can collide — sometimes quietly, […]
Posted inBuilding Permits
Building permits – April 20 to April 26
Legacy Point Development Co. LLC received a commercial remodel permit for 1250 W. Llincolnshire Blvd. Contractor is Scott Cox and the project is valued at $3,000. Legacy Point Development Co. LLC received a commercial remodel permit for 1250 W. Llincolnshire Blvd. Contractor is Ben Call and the project is valued at $3,000. Legends Entertainment LLC […]
Posted inQ & A
Q&A with Gordon Gates
Gordon Gates is the managing partner of Springfield law firm Gates, Wise, Schlosser & Goebel and plans to retire at the end of May. He has a degree in business from University of Iowa and a juris doctorate from Northern Illinois University College of Law. Gates moved to Springfield following his law school graduation in […]
Posted inColumns
If you build it, they will come
The ghosts of Shoeless Joe Jackson and Ty Cobb did not emerge from a cornfield Tuesday afternoon at Scheels Sports Park at Legacy Pointe. But Springfield’s version of Field of Dreams became another step closer to reality when Gov. JB Pritzker came to a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the $70 million development just off MacArthur Boulevard. […]
Posted inColumns
Smokey Bones closes abruptly
The Smokey Bones in Springfield closed abruptly Tuesday, although the restaurant may not stay shuttered for long. A sign posted on the door at 2660 S. Dirksen Parkway reads: “This location is permanently closed. Smokey Bones has ceased operations at all locations. We thank you for all the years of letting us serve you.” However, […]
Posted inColumns
Changes for Cousin Eddie’s
Cousin Eddie’s Sports Bar and Grill has new owners and a new look. Brothers Brandon and Erik Turley bought Cousin Eddie’s, located at 1951 W. Monroe, from Will Hoecker at the beginning of March. They then closed the bar and grill and went to work giving the place a facelift. The Turleys recently reopened the […]
Posted inColumns
Lumpia House owners to launch new restaurant
The owners of the Lumpia House restaurant and food truck are opening a new restaurant with a menu designed around the Filipino grilled chicken dish known as inasal. Mcinasal Filipino Grilled Chicken will be opening in the first or second week of June at 1501 Wabash Ave., according to Rolando Cabral, who owns both Lumpia […]