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 […]
Columns
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 […]
Posted inColumns
Cainan Barnett launches nonprofit
Cainan Barnett, former marketing director for Isringhausen Imports, is launching a new nonprofit to help local small businesses and community organizations create and maintain their digital presence without breaking the budget. Blok by Blok Inc. builds custom websites for small businesses and nonprofits for a one-time flat fee of $1,000. Barnett, who has spent his […]
Posted inColumns
Knob Hill acquires Designer Landscapes
Knob Hill Landscape Company has acquired Designer Landscapes, marking the second time the business has recently changed hands. Patty Brockmeyer founded Designer Landscapes in 1985 and operated the Farmersville-based business for four decades before selling it in September to Bill Wells, who also owns Illinois Paving. “Since then, he’s had some health issues and made […]