Cover Story
2023 Women of Influence
2023 Women of Influence
Walnut Street Winery to close June 25
Walnut Street Winery was a second career for owner Loren Shanle, and now it is also coming to a close. Sunday, June 25, will be the last day of operations for the Rochester winery. “My son-in-law has received a better paying job and can’t continue with it,” said Shanle, who noted that his son-in-law, Josh…
Building permits – May 8-May 14
2222 South LLC received a commercial permit to install shipping containers to be used as food and drink distribution units for 2242 S. Sixth St. Contractor is 2222 South LLC and the project is valued at $10,000. Hope Evangelical Free Church of Springfield received a commercial accessory structure permit for 3000 Lenhart Road. Contractor is…
American Metals Supply acquired by MacArthur Company
MacArthur Company, a 110-year-old employee-owned building supplies distributer, completed its acquisition of American Metals Supply this week. American Metals Supply, a leading wholesale distributor of sheet and coil steel, prefabricated duct and fittings, and a complete line of HVAC products, is headquartered at 5651 International Parkway in Springfield. The company operates nine locations throughout Missouri,…
Hanger Management, “fun food that tastes good,” opening at White Oaks Mall
Feeling so hungry that you’re getting hangry? Hanger Management is coming to White Oaks Mall, opening Saturday, May 13, in the food court space formerly occupied by Jerk Shop Go. “This is my first physical location,” said owner and head chef Keah Garner, who has operated Hanger Management and Catering since 2018. She said she…
Butler Funeral Homes to be acquired by Service Corporation International
Butler Funeral Homes and Cremation Tribute Center has been family owned for five generations, but changes are the works for the longtime Springfield business, which was founded in 1893. “I am working toward a transition after a couple years of discerning the next steps,” said owner Chris Butler. “We have an agreement with a company…
Mayor Misty Buscher announces department directors
In her first full day of office, May 8, Mayor Misty Buscher has announced City of Springfield department directors and staff as follows: Police Chief – Chief Ken Scarlette, current Springfield Police Department Chief, who has been with the department since 1998. Fire Chief – Ed Canny, current Springfield Fire Department Division Chief and Captain,…
Building Permits May 1- May 7
Joyner Construction Services received a permit for new commercial construction of Friedman Plaza on Ginger Creek Drive. The project is valued at $900,000. White Oaks Plaza LLC received a commercial remodel permit for 2733 S. Veterans Parkway. Commercial Contractors Inc. is the general contractor. TR 530043 Marine Bank Trustee received a commercial fence permit for…
Lincoln Library to host lunch and learn workshops for business owners
Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance (SSGA) is partnering with the Lincoln Library to host a series of lunch and learn workshops throughout the summer, with the first workshop happening on May 10. The four-part series called “Leveraging the Library: Grow Your Business by Maximizing Library Resources” will showcase the numerous tools and resources available for entrepreneurs…
2023 Best Places to Work reception and awards ceremony
The business community is invited to a reception and award ceremony honoring the 2023 Best Places to Work, sponsored by United Community Bank and Springfield Business Journal: American Metals Supply, Conn’s Hospitality Group, Inc., Kuhn & Trello Consulting Engineers, MJ Kellner and KEB. Join us on Thursday, May 18, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the…
Keeping it in the family
Sheehan & Sheehan is a third-generation law firm By Scott Reeder For Sheehan & Sheehan, Lawyers P.C., law is a family affair. “I can’t think of any other law practice in Springfield that has lasted three generations, yet alone one that has had two sets of brothers from each generation,” said retired Sangamon County associate…
Building permits April 24-April 30
Target Corporation has obtained a commercial remodel permit for 3445 Freedom Dr. for parking lot re-striping, stall parking signage and new light poles. The project is valued at $72,500. Niemann Holdings LLC has obtained a commercial accessory structure permit for 1700 W. Jefferson St. for a new Tesla charging station. The contractor is AEC Systems…
Charlie Parker’s
By Thomas C. Pavlik It’s hard to believe that in all the years I’ve been doing restaurant reviews for Springfield Business Journal, I’ve never reviewed Charlie Parker’s Diner. Thanks to a group of friends who meet once a month for chili, this time has come. The group has been meeting monthly since 1999, and I…
Q&A with Val Yazell
By David Blanchette Val Yazell has held a wide variety of positions throughout her career, from working as a telemarketer and kindergarten teacher to serving as the interim CEO of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce and the director of the city of Springfield’s Office of Planning and Economic Development. She’s also been a small…
SHG says so long to a good habit
By Scott Reeder Soon, for the first time in its storied 128-year history, a member of a religious order will no longer be at the helm of Sacred Heart-Griffin High School. Sister Katherine O’Connor, the longtime president of the school, is retiring and a search is on for her replacement. The Dominican sister has led…
Replay Lounge
By Thomas C. Pavlik What with many former downtown businesses relocating elsewhere, downtown dining options have diminished as well. As a result, I’m generally on the lookout for anything new that pops up. I must have been asleep at the switch, however, as I completely missed that Replay Lounge is more than just a bar…
Kara Rapacz leaving Sacred Heart-Griffin High School
Kara Rapacz, the principal at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, announced her resignation April 28. Rapacz has been with SHG for 16 years. She was the assistant principal and director of academic support services before being hired as SHG’s first lay principal in July 2017. Rapacz was recognized as one of Springfield Business Journal’s Forty Under…
Matt Sebek joins Kopec, White & Spooner, Spooner retires
Kopec, White & Spooner, Attorneys at Law, has welcomed Matt Sebak as a new partner with the firm following the retirement of Scott Spooner. Sebek joins A. Michael Kopec and David V. White as a partner with the firm, and he will engage in the firm’s core civil law practice areas, providing counsel and representation…
HSHS St. John’s Hospital unveils newly renovated critical care units
HSHS St. John’s Hospital recently completed the renovation and expansion of its intensive care unit (ICU) and cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU). The multi-year, $17.2 million project was completed by O’Shea Builders and resulted in 28 new ICU patient rooms, with a net addition of 10 CVICU and six ICU rooms. With new and existing…
Building permits April 17-April 23
TR LT-28 has obtained a commercial remodel permit for 2000 S. Dirksen Parkway to install a new men and women’s bathroom addition. The contractor is Allied Plumbing & Heating and the project is valued at $50,000. Apex Hotels LLC has obtained a commercial permit for new hotel construction at 2975 S. Dirksen Parkway. The owner…
State of Greater Springfield lunch to be held on Wednesday, May 17
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce and the Commercial Real Estate Network (CREN) will be holding the State of Greater Springfield on Wednesday, May 17, at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel – a DoubleTree by Hilton from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Springfield’s Mayor-Elect, Misty Buscher, will provide the annual address for the city. In a new…
Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance hosts HR workshop for local business leaders
The Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance (SSGA) is hosting a workshop, “Talking Talent: Tools for Attracting and Retaining Qualified and Quality Employees,” on Tuesday, May 2, from 1:30-3 p.m. The program is designed to help local HR leaders identify tools and resources available to them and connect with other HR professionals who can help find and/or…
Saucy Rice Vietnamese Flavors will bring a taste of central Vietnam to Springfield’s south side
Chuyen Vo is preparing to open Saucy Rice Vietnamese Flavors, bringing a taste of central Vietnam to Springfield’s south side. “This is my first restaurant, but I’ve been working on the concept for a while,” he said of the space at 1374 Toronto Road. “Most of the flavors and recipes come from our family.” Vo…
Liquidation store A to Z Bargains has opened on North Grand Avenue East
A to Z Bargains has opened on North Grand Avenue East, selling new inventory from major retailers at a fraction of the cost. The liquidation store, which occupies the former Family Dollar building at 313 North Grand Ave. East, carries items from Target, Walmart, Lowe’s and Home Depot, plus online merchants such as Amazon and…
