Cover Story
2025 class of Forty Under 40
The July issue of Springfield Business Journal highlights 40 young professionals who are under the age of 40 in the Springfield and neighboring business communities. These individuals are selected based on their contributions to our local business community and the community in which they reside. Click to view 2025 winners Click to view past winners For…
New child care center to open in Springfield
A new child care center is preparing to open in Springfield, which will be the third location for a local business owner. Janene Purdon-Menke plans to open the first phase of Little Yellow Wagon, 2160 S. Sixth St., by August, which will serve kids age three to five years old. By November, she hopes to…
RISE to host Give & Take Professional Clothing Drive
Have good quality, professional clothing you don’t need any more or looking to update or build your professional wardrobe? RISE, the young professionals group of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, is holding a Give & Take Professional Clothing Drive on Aug. 22-23. All clothing donations will be accepted from 10 a.m. -7 p.m. on Friday,…
Eck, Schafer, & Punke acquires Pehlman & Dold, doubles office space
Accounting firm Eck, Schafer, & Punke has acquired another practice and significantly expanded its downtown office. ESP was founded in 1994 and has always been headquartered in downtown Springfield, although not in the same building. The firm moved to its current location, 227 S. Seventh St., in 2014 and originally occupied the second floor. Conn’s…
NAPA Auto Parts to open in Chatham
McKay NAPA Auto Parts, headquartered in Litchfield, is preparing to open a Chatham location. The former Family Video store at 210 N. Main St. is currently undergoing renovations. McKay Corporation was established in 1937 and became aligned with NAPA in 2003. Since then, McKay has expanded from 16 stores to 26 stores, stretching from Mt. Sterling…
Federal housing credit expansion could increase affordable rental units in Illinois
Expansion of the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit could allow construction of tens of thousands more affordable housing units in Illinois. The latest domestic policy plan signed by President Donald Trump on July 4 will increase available funding by 12% for a key tax credit used by developers to offset a portion of construction costs. It…
Budzinski hosts Springfield forum on postal service problems
Local mail service is in crisis, and it will likely get worse if the federal government follows through with a proposal to move a Springfield letter distribution center to St. Louis, contended a group that gathered Monday in a public forum at Lincoln Land Community College. The meeting, led by U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield,…
Chamber Job Fair to be held Tuesday, Aug. 26
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce’s fall job fair will feature dozens of employers ready to hire qualified candidates. A list of the participating employers can be found on the event calendar for The Chamber at www.gscc.org. Whether you’re looking to advance within your current industry or start a new career, there are plenty of…
Studio on 6th has new owner
Jenny Suttill, who calls herself a hairdresser by trade, is now also the new owner of Studio on 6th, an artist co-op in downtown Springfield. “I am officially the fourth owner,” said Suttill, who has been involved with the business at 215 S. Sixth St. since November 2019. “Our previous owner, Laura Camp, is one…
Building permits – July 21 to July 27
EMS Midwest LLC C/O Chris Stone received a commercial accessory permit structure permit for 710 Patton Ave. Contractor is EMS Midwest LLC and the project is valued at $10,000. Crown Castle USA, Inc. received a commercial accessory structure permit for 2701 Sangamon Ave. Contractor is Heights Tower Services and the project is valued at $20,000.…
Coz’s Pizza owners, landlord involved in legal dispute
The owners of Coz’s Pizza and Pub and the longtime property owner are embroiled in a legal dispute, which appears to have led to the announcement that July 27 will be the last day of operations for the business at its current location. Louis and Elsa Ezzo purchased Coz’s Pizza and Pub in March 2023,…
Illinois bet on solar to meet its climate goals. Trump has the industry in his crosshairs.
President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans earlier this month curtailed federal tax incentives for the solar energy industry and for individuals and companies that purchase solar panels. The move sent shockwaves through the industry nationwide, pulling key incentives for major projects and residential rooftop solar alike. But in Illinois, members of the industry say state…
Vine & Rind to hold grand opening July 26
Vine & Rind, a wine bar, cheese shop and bistro on Springfield’s west side, is holding a grand opening on Saturday, July 26. Chelsey Ziebler launched Ta Da Catering three years ago, and the business has expanded to include a brick-and-mortar location with additional offerings. “Vine & Rind will be our storefront for wine and…
Applications open for the 2025 Isringhausen DRIVE Grant
Isringhausen Imports and Downtown Springfield, Inc. have opened applications for the 2025 Isringhausen DRIVE Grant, a $20,000 cash grant presented yearly to individuals looking to kick start or expand a business in downtown Springfield. Now in its fourth year, the Isringhausen DRIVE Grant is committed to fostering entrepreneurship and supporting the growth of small businesses…
Alysse Hewell joins INB
Alysse Hewell has joined INB as the director of marketing and communications. She replaces Marilyn Titone-Schaefer, who retired earlier this month. Hewell spent more than 11 years with Troxell, first as the marketing manager and and marketing director and later as the chief experience officer. “I was looking for something new and challenging,” Hewell said. “I…
Ava Carpenter-McPike recognized with 2025 Athena Award
Ava Carpenter-McPike has been chosen as the recipient of the 2025 Athena Award, sponsored by Illinois Women in Leadership. IWIL held an awards ceremony at Erin’s Pavilion in Southwind Park on July 17 to recognize the 10 nominees for this year’s award and announce the recipient. Carpenter-McPike is a senior probation officer with Sangamon County…
Building permits – July 14 to July 20
Halle Properties LLC dba Discount Tire Dept. 1100 received a commercial remodel permit for 2871 S. Veterans Parkway. Contractor is Koester Construction Company, Inc., and the project is valued at $225,000. FOE Rental and Removal LLC received a commercial remodel permit for 933 North Grand Ave. W. Contractor is FOE Rental and Removal LLC and…
Skechers to open store in Springfield
Skechers is planning to open its first freestanding store in Springfield. A company spokesperson told SBJ a late August or early September opening is tentatively planned for the store at 2691 Veterans Parkway. The space is currently being remodeled following the departure of Treasure Hunt Deals, which relocated to 2930 Constitution Dr., across from Target,…
Higher hotel taxes won’t bring more visitors
From Route 66 nostalgia and Abraham Lincoln sites to a vibrant dining scene and a new sports park that is poised to make our city a regional destination, Springfield has a lot to offer visitors. Yet, what should be our crown jewel – our beautiful and historic downtown – has become stagnant in recent years…
Building permits – July 7 to July 13
Sangamon County received a commercial permit for new construction at 100 S. Ninth St. for SSCTC West. Contractor is O’Shea Builders and the architect is Hanson Professional Services. 1828 Property LLC received a commercial remodel permit for 1244 E. Sangamon Ave. Contractor is Krunal Patel and architect is Evan Lloyd Architects. The project is valued…
Creative Reuse Marketplace relocates to White Oaks Mall
Creative Reuse Marketplace has reopened in White Oaks Mall on the upper level next to Malibu Jack’s. CRM is much more than a retail store. It is a nonprofit organization that inspires creativity, provides a place to donate items for reuse, keeps materials out of the landfill and engages in educational programs with art as…
Another downtown Springfield business closes
The Keep Store, Springfield’s first refillery, has joined a growing list of downtown businesses that have announced closures over the past few weeks. A July 12 Facebook post announced the business at 314 E. Adams St. had closed its doors for good. The statement from owners Ami and Mike Shelton noted they had considered relocating…
Don Smith Paint closes
A “business closed” sign is posted on the Don Smith Paint Co. building at 1724 S. MacArthur Blvd. The closure appears to be permanent, as the website and Facebook page for the business are no longer active. Google also lists the location in Bloomington as permanently closed. The Carlinville location had already closed in March…
Zach Adams joins Illinois Times, Springfield Business Journal
Zach Adams will join the staff of Illinois Times and Springfield Business Journal as a digital media coordinator, effective July 14. Adams is the owner of 1221 Photography and has done freelance work for IT and SBJ for the past several years. He said he has been interested in photography since high school, but began…
Minority Business Institute coming soon
The city of Springfield is developing a new program to provide training and resource education to minority business owners and nonprofit leaders. Plans for the new Springfield Minority Business Institute were recently announced by Office of Community Relations Director Ethan Posey. The institute intends to serve Black and other racial or ethnic minority, female and…
Downtown property owner seeks TIF assistance
Mike Alwood retired from CWLP last fall, but he has already taken on a new career and is now preparing to renovate a historic building downtown to house his office. Alwood, a U.S. Navy veteran, began working as a lineman for CWLP after his military service ended. After more than three decades, he retired as…
UCB announces Springfield-area market reorganization
United Community Bank has announced key leadership transitions and market reorganizations for the Springfield area. Steve Otten, who serves as the current Springfield market president, is transitioning to a mentorship role. He has been named UCB Ambassador, which will allow him to provide strategic guidance and leadership support while enjoying more time with his family,…
Maryflor Mexican Restaurant will close
It’s said that bad news comes in threes, and Maryflor Mexican Restaurant became the third downtown business in just two weeks to announce it would be closing. A notice posted on the door at 2 Old State Capitol Plaza Monday stated the restaurant would permanently close July 20. It read in part: “After years of…
Friday Night Live in downtown Springfield
Downtown Springfield is the place to go on four Friday nights this summer to enjoy food, drinks, entertainment, shopping and family fun at local businesses. Friday Night Live is a collaboration among downtown businesses and community supporters to bring people downtown and experience all those local businesses have to offer. It was born from a grassroots…
The Wakery owner addresses upcoming closure, what’s next
The Wakery opened downtown a little over two years ago, but owner Elizabeth Wake said the business has not proven to be sustainable, despite a strong public reception and winning several awards. “A lot of times a business closes and people say, ‘I didn’t even know that place existed,’ so then you know it’s more…
Springfield City Council passes amended TIF ordinances
The Springfield City Council passed two ordinances amending existing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts last night, putting an end to a weeklong debate. The ordinances each passed 9-1, with Ward 7 Ald. Brad Carlson as the dissenting vote in both cases. The two TIFs, which have existed for years in the Madison Park Place and…
Innovate Springfield moving to Horace Mann building
University of Illinois Springfield has pivoted from plans to open its new “Innovation Center” in a three-story building downtown and now will rent space for the center three blocks east, on half of the third floor inside Horace Mann Educators Corp.’s headquarters. A rental contract, finalized between UIS and Horace Mann in recent days, will…
Springfield Gymnastics prepares to open new location
A year after beginning construction, Springfield Gymnastics Center is preparing to move into a new facility on the west side that is nearly twice as large as its previous space. Springfield Gymnastics Center opened in September 2017 at 3040 Hamlin Parkway, but temporarily relocated to the former Shop ‘n Save property on the corner of…
From learning skills to getting a job
SkillsUSA, a national nonprofit trade organization, is expanding its presence in Illinois thanks to a recent $2 million state budget reauthorization for trades programs. It allows the organization to further bridge the gap between high school education and skilled trade employment. This increase in state funding for programs like the Illinois Works Program and other…
Illinois Road Contractors celebrates 100 years as a family-owned business
It started in 1925 as a way to keep dust down on country roads. One hundred years later, oil and chip road maintenance is still the core business of Illinois Road Contractors, Inc., based in Jacksonville. Over the last century, IRC has expanded with a terminal on the Illinois River, tarps manufacturing, trucking and transportation…
Kelsey Varner
Kelsey Varner 26 Occupation: Assistant treasury management officer Email: kelseyvarner@carrolltonbanking.com Education: Bachelor’s in business administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville; 2025 graduate of Illinois Bankers Association’s Future Leaders Alliance Family: Husband, John; dogs, Tuff and Bandit Affiliations/community activities: Ambassador/team captain for the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce; 2022 Leadership Springfield graduate; Friends of Sangamon County…
Benjamin McGill
Benjamin McGill 39 Occupation: Sergeant with the Springfield Police Department Email: bmcgill2@gmail.com Education: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Family: Single with a golden retriever named Igloo Affiliations/community activities: Phi Beta Sigma Inc.; PBPA #5 Springfield; PBPA of Illinois; NOBLE; NAACP What is your guiding principle in life? My guiding principle is rooted in integrity and resilience. I…
Ginny Evans
Ginny Evans 39 Occupation: Director of patient experience and hospitality for Memorial Health Email: evans.ginny@mhsil.com Education: Bachelor of business administration and marketing from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; MBA from University of North Florida Family: Husband, Aaron Evans; sons, Desmond (8) and Emric (5) Affiliations/community activities: Project SEARCH host; Memorial patient experience advisory committees What is…
Manasi Hulyalkar
Manasi Hulyalkar 39 Occupation: Pediatrician and pediatric obesity specialist Email: mhulyalkar85@gmail.com Education: MD, MBA, Diplomat ABOM Family: Husband and two boys Affiliations/community activities: Asian Indian Women’s Organization What is your guiding principle in life? I treat my patients with the same care I want for my family. What led you to your current career? I wanted a…
Brandi Goodin
Brandi Goodin 39 Occupation: Vice president of marketing communications, BUNN Email: brandi.goodin@bunn.com Education: Bachelor’s degree from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Family: Spouse, Eric; children: Max, Pierce and Brooke Affiliations/community activities: Board member and executive committee member of United Way of Central Illinois What is your guiding principle in life? My guiding principle is simple: Work hard.…
Country Market supporting family-owned producers since 1967
Liz Havens remembers being 5 years old and standing on a milk crate to check out customers at her family’s produce business in Springfield. Now, more than four decades later, some of those same customers are regulars at Country Market, the family-owned grocery store Havens and her brother own and operate on Wabash Avenue. The…
Ramona Tacos + Mezcal
Ramona Tacos + Mezcal is a truly welcome entrant to Springfield’s Mexican food scene, and certainly one that elevates the genre. Although not open for lunch during the week, it is on the weekends. It’s a place you do not want to miss. The physical space is clean and elegant. But for the view out…
Brandon Damm
Brandon Damm 37 Occupation: Public information officer, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Email: damm.brandon@gmail.com Education: Bachelor of arts in communication from University of Illinois Springfield Family: Wife, Jill; son, Braydan Affiliations/community activities: Volunteer director for Rock & Run for Mental Health, member of Springfield Road Runners Club What is your greatest hope for Springfield? I hope we…
Greg Moredock
Greg Moredock 36 Occupation: Corporation counsel for the city of Springfield Email: Gregory.moredock@springfield.il.us Education: Bachelor of science in business administration, University of Dayton; juris doctorate, University of Cincinnati College of Law Family: Wife, Annie; daughter, Maggie and parents Bill and Sue Moredock Affiliations/community activities: Illinois State Bar Association, Board of Governors; Sangamon County Bar Association, board member;…
Marscia Anderson
Marscia Anderson 32 Occupation: President and CEO of Solid Rock Youth Transitional Services Email: Manderson@solidrockyts.org Education: Bachelor of Arts in communication, public relations and marketing Family: Husband, three brothers including a brother-in-law, sister and two nieces Affiliations/community activities: Board member of Abundant Faith Christian Center What is your guiding principle in life? “Well done, my good and…
Brandon Hughes
Brandon Hughes 33 Occupation: General manager at Cafe Moxo Email: brandonhughes23@gmail.com Education: Riverton High School Family: Wife, Gabby; children: Landon and Lux Affiliations/community activities: Head coach for Springfield Youth Football’s eigth-grade Bears; volunteer with Christ the King Men’s Club What is your guiding principle in life? Growing my faith, providing for my family and living a…
Jake Woollen
Jake Woollen 33 Occupation: Orchestra and choir conductor, Illinois Symphony Orchestra and Springfield Choral Society Email: jwoollen@ilsymphony.org Education: Bachelor of music in cello; master’s in orchestral conducting from University of Michigan; post-graduate studies at the Vienna University for the Performing Arts Affiliations: Illinois Symphony Orchestra; Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestra; Springfield Choral Society; UIS Music; Sing…
Natalie Grider
Natalie Grider 38 Occupation: Hairstylist and owner of Appearances Salon and Retreat Email: appearancesng@gmail.com Education: USCA School of Cosmetology Family: Husband, Nathan; daughters, Hadley and Caroline Affiliations/community activities: Greater Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce; Women Entrepreneurs of Central Illinois; Sleep in Heavenly Peace; Central Illinois Food Bank and St. Agnes Church. What is your guiding…
Claire Kramer
Claire Kramer 39 Occupation: Organizational effectiveness specialist at Teachers’ Retirement System of the state of Illinois Email: TheKramers515@gmail.com Education: Bachelor of arts in communications, currently working toward a master of science in organizational leadership Family: Husband, Devon; Children: Leo (13), Julia (11) and Caroline (7) Affiliations/community activities: Helping Hands Meal Train, Elks Lodge #158 member What is your…
A new way to experience culture
The Culture Experience was founded two years ago by the mother-daughter duo of Alice Ivy- Wilson and Haley Williams as an initiative that invites you to connect with others and embark on a journey that demystifies cultural experiences. Earlier this year, TCE entered into a residency contract with the Pasfield House in Springfield, a historic…
Nick Koch
Nick Koch 29 Occupation: Strategic account representative, TechGuard Security Email: nicholas.koch@techguardsecurity.com Education: University of Mississippi Family: Parents, Steve and Jodie Koch; Mom, Lisa Kincaid; Wife, Dr. Allison Long Affiliations/community activities: RISE, chair-elect, community service subcommittee, events subcommittee; United Way of Central Illinois, board of directors and resource development committee; Local First Springfield, board member; Chatham Jaycees, member; Wooden It Be…
Cori Jahns
Cori Jahns 39 Occupation: Owner, Rose Aesthetics & Wellness Clinic, Family Nurse Practitioner Email: RoseAWclinic@gmail.com Education: Master of science in nursing, Saint Louis University Family: Husband, Aaron; Children, Rylan (14), Adalynn (10) and Callan (6) Affiliations/community activities: Actively involved and volunteer at West Side Christian Church What is your guiding principle in life? My guiding principle is keeping…
Jessica Barney
Jessica Barney 34 Occupation: Department administrator of internal medicine, SIU School of Medicine Email: jbarney@siumed.edu Education: MBA, Master's in nursing leadership Family: Husband, Justin; children, Noah and Sophia; Mom, Reny Drendel and sibling, Adam Drendel Affiliations/community activities: SIU Internal Medicine Community Advisory Board; volunteer with children’s programs at West Side Christian Church What is your guiding principle in life? My mother and my husband taught…
Nick Oehmke
Nick Oehmke 37 Occupation: Corporate business services officer, Clock Tower Community Bank Email: nick.oehmke@mortonbank.com Education: Bachelor’s degree in business management, Southern Illinois University Carbondale Family: Wife, Brittney; children, Olivia, Max and Nora Affiliations/community activities: Christ the King Men’s Club; member of Knights of Columbus 364; volunteer youth baseball and basketball coach What is your guiding…
Sunny Hampsey
Sunny Hampsey 39 Occupation: Vice president, operations and quality at Springfield Clinic Email: suhampsey@springfieldclinic.com Education: MBA, master of science in nursing, Benedictine University Family: Cindy and Robbie Affiliations/community activities: Board member, American Nurses Association Illinois; board member, Illinois Nurses Foundation; member of American College of Healthcare Executives; Illinois Women in Leadership and Sigma Theta Tau…
Free laundry services and much more
For most people, access to clean clothes is easy. For others, it’s not. A family may have housing without a washer and dryer, and limited income may place a burden on spending, usually prioritizing food, rent and utilities. But other circumstances factor in. “It’s a real public issue,” said Robert Frazier, executive director for Clean…
Ross Hager
Ross Hager 35 Occupation: Principal/senior wealth adviser Email: rossh@kebcpa.com Education: Bachelor of science in agricultural and consumer economics with a concentration in financial planning Family: Wife, Marlee; 2-year-old son Hank; 6-week-old daughter, Annie Affiliations/community activities: Central Illinois Saddle Up for St. Jude, Sangamon Valley Estate Planning Council What is your guiding principle in life? Treat…
Tim Flinn
Tim Flinn 38 Occupation: Financial adviser, Stifel Investments, Jacksonville Email: flinnt@stifel.com Education: Western Illinois University Family: Wife, Colleen; children, Cashin (11), Robyn (9) and Leo (7) Affiliations/community activities: Board member, Prairieland United Way; treasurer, Jacksonville Main Street What is your guiding principle in life? I strive to be a source of light in the lives of…
Jessica Sisk
Jessica Sisk 39 Occupation: Director of residential operations, Hope Email: jsisk@hope.us Education: Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University Family: My fur babies, Luna and Ryno What led you to your current career? I began working at Hope 15 years ago and quickly realized I was working with a team of amazing people to support a…
Rachel Thomas
Rachel Thomas 34 Occupation: Owner and jeweler of RLT Jewelry by Rachel Lauer Thomas Email: rltjewelry@yahoo.com Education: Bachelor's in psychology with a minor in art Family: Husband, Michael; daughter, Addy; bonus kids, Ethan and Jolee Affiliations/community activities: Partnerships with Butler Funeral Homes; First Steps Support Group; Five Star Vet; Staab Funeral Homes and Tails to Remember What…
Tim Sommer
Tim Sommer 39 Occupation: Chief of police, village of Rochester Email: tsom5985@gmail.com Education: Bachelor’s in law enforcement and justice administration Family: Spouse Ashleigh; daughter, Annabelle; son Henry Affiliations/community activities: Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police; Sangamon County Law Enforcement Executives; Central Illinois Association of Law Enforcement Executives; Massey Commission Law Enforcement Hiring, Training, Wellness and Cultural Competency Workgroup; Illinois Concerns of Police Survivors; Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special…
Evicting a tenant
Evicting a tenant is a legal process that can be complex and emotionally charged for both landlords and tenants. In Illinois, eviction laws are governed by state statutes, local ordinances and court procedures. For landlords, understanding the correct steps is essential to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to avoid potential financial or legal repercussions.…
Larry Luster III
Larry Luster II 39 Occupation: Lobbyist and real estate investor Email: larry@grconsultingil.com Education: William Rainey Harper College; Southern Illinois University Carbondale Family: Wife, Sierra; children, Kenadie, 17, Olivia, 6 Affiliations/community activities: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Omega Nu Chapter What is your guiding principle in life? If you make a mistake, make it going 200 miles…
Trae Covington
Trae Covington 33 Occupation: State Farm agent and partner at TD Capital Ventures, LLC Email: trae@traefromsf.com Education: Bachelor’s in criminal justice Family: Wife, Marguerite; parents, Terry and Carla Covington; siblings, Taija Charnley and Terry Grigsby Affiliations/community activities: American Business Club; community sponsors of Gonzo’s Legacy: The Zack Defreitas Project; Rumble Around the Lake; trunk or treat; Voices of…
Cory Libka
Cory Libka 39 Occupation: Director of operations, Isringhausen Imports Email: Cory@isringhausen.com Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing from Indiana University Kelley School of Business; master’s of health care administration from St. Louis University. Family: Wife, Brittney; Kids: Navy, Rome, Lily Affiliations/community activities: SLSIA, board member; member, Hope Church What is your guiding principle in life? Professionally, I have always…
John Curry
John Curry 37 Occupation: Chiropractor and owner, Curry Chiropractic in Springfield and Petersburg; owner, Cowork Springfield; adjunct biology instructor at LLCC and UIS Email: drjohn@currychiro.com Education: Bachelor of science in biological sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville; Master of Science in sports science and exercise rehabilitation, Logan University; doctorate of chiropractic, Logan University Family: Parents, Dan and Pat…
Sarah Moore
Sarah Moore 39 Occupation: Chief compliance officer, BOS Asset Management, LLC Email: sarah@bosassetmanagement.com Education: Industry qualifications include: Series 7 General Securities Representative; Series 24 General Securities Principal; Series 66 Uniform Combined State Law Exam Family: Husband, Troy; daughter, Corrine (18); son, Kingston (7) Affiliations/community activities: Community education co-chair, Springfield Old Capitol Art Fair executive board…
Vistrit Choudhary
Vistrit Choudhary 32 Occupation: Health policy coordinator at SIU School of Medicine Email: vistrit.c@gmail.com Education: Master’s degree in public policy, University of Chicago Family: Wife, Melessia; cats, Luna and Benzene; dog, Nala Affiliations/community activities: Rural Health Leadership fellow, National Rural Health Association; chair, Administrative Professionals Council, SIU School of Medicine What led you to your current career? While…
Cuyler Coleman
Cuyler Coleman 37 Occupation: Owner and operator, Capital City Motorsports Email: ccmotorsports@sbcglobal.net Family: Wife, Emily; daughters, Cuylie, Brooklyn, Dakota, Ember and Oakley Community activities: Active member of Church of the Little Flower and its school. Den leader for the youth scouting groups. What is your guiding principle in life? My faith guides me, and I believe…
When to step back from a leadership role
Taking a step back: Does less responsibility lead to more fulfillment? For many seasoned leaders facing burnout, the idea of stepping back into an individual-contributor role can be tempting. The memory of simpler days, when success was measured by personal output rather than team performance, and evenings were free from after-hours emails, can be alluring.…
Steve Hott
Steve Hott 34 Occupation: Supervisor of Illinois electrical operations at Ameren; owner of Central Illinois Gutters Email: S.hott1190@gmail.com Education: Bachelor of arts in business administration, University of Maine Family: Wife, Katlyn; children, Mila (8), Sam (6) and Laila (4) Affiliations/community activities: National Society of Leadership; Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce; American Business Club; Better Business Bureau…
Zach Stead
Zach Stead 39 Occupation: General superintendent of generation for CWLP’s generating facilities Email: zach.stead@gmail.com Education: Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville; registered professional engineer. Family: Wife, Lauren; sons, Luke and Alex Affiliations/community activities: Rochester Competitive Baseball, head coach; Rochester Junior Football League, coach; Rochester Athletic Booster Club, member What is your guiding principle in life? Each morning I choose to be…
David Kienzler
David Kienzler 39 Occupation: Senior analyst, INB Email: dkienzler@inb.com Education: Bachelor of science in business administration with an emphasis in finance and a minor in economics from the University of Missouri Columbia Family: Wife, Sarah; sons, Owen and Nolan. Dogs, Archie and Albert. Affiliations/community activities: Leadership Springfield; Risk Management Association; former United Way funding panelist;…
John Pankau
John Pankau 39 Occupation: Senior vice president and commercial credit manager, United Community Bank Email: jpankau@ucbbank.com Education: Bachelor of Science in finance with minors in accounting and economics from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, MBA from Benedictine University Family: Wife, Maurielle; son, J.R.; parents, John and Holly Pankau What led you to your current career? I started my…
Adam McConnell
Adam McConnell 39 Occupation: Human Resources; associate HR business partner and employee relations lead at Horace Mann Email: adam.mcconnell@horacemann.com Education: Bachelor’s degree in human resources management from Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota Family: Single Affiliations/community activities: Legislative director, Central Illinois Society for Human Resource Management board of directors (2025-present); Legislative committee member, Central Illinois Chapter SHRM…
Elana Fiscus
Elana Fiscus 35 Occupation: Chief financial officer at Heartland Credit Union Email: efiscus@hcu.org Education: Bachelor’s in accountancy at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Master’s in accountancy at University of Illinois Springfield Family: Parents, Sari and Randy Fiscus; Levi the cavapoo; siblings, Rebecca, Gabe and Ariel; proud aunt of six nieces and nephews What is your guiding…
Memorial Health names chief information officer
Suresh Krishnan will join Memorial Health as chief information officer effective July 28. Krishnan most recently served as chief technology officer at Cone Health in Greensboro, North Carolina, and is very familiar with Illinois, having spent more than 30 years with health care organizations in the Chicago area earlier in his career. He graduated with…
Allison Long
Allison Long 29 Occupation: Dentist at Prairie Dental Group Email: drlong@prairiedentalgroup.com Education: Rhodes College, Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine Family: Parents, Rae and Scott Long; husband, Nicholas Koch Affiliations/community activities: Vice president of G.V. Black District Dental Society; board member and volunteer for Wooden It Be Lovely; executive committee member and community service chair of…
Q&A with Monica Zanetti
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay area, Monica Zanetti moved to Springfield six years ago and quickly made a name for herself in the community. After initially being one of five artists exhibiting at Wild Rose, she bought the downtown art studio and retail shop and now provides space for more than 30…
Katie Beveridge
Katie Beveridge 38 Occupation: System director of talent acquisition at Memorial Health Email: Beveridge.katie@mhsil.com Education: Bachelor of science in business administration with a concentration in human resources management and a minor in Spanish from Saint Louis University; master of human resources and industrial relations from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Family: Husband, Colin; children, Graham and Abigail Affiliations/community activities:…
Amanda M. Brown
Amanda M. Brown, 24 Occupation: Member engagement coordinator, Illinois Senate Email: amandamarie275@gmail.com Education: Bachelor of arts in communication and education from UIS; Master’s in public administration with a certificate in community planning, UIS (in progress) Family: Parents and two younger brothers Affiliations/community activities: Board member and event committee for Kiwanis Club of Springfield Downtown, creator…
Erika Eigenbrod
Erika Eigenbrod 37 Occupation: Veterinarian Email: eigenbrod3@gmail.com Education: Bachelor’s of science in animal science from University of Illinois Champaign Urbana and doctorate from University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Family: Husband, John; Our kids, Kaleb, Kodi and Kolt Affiliations/community activities: Vice president of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association What led you to your current career? A love of…
Local high school students step into world of health care
Ever wanted to observe a gastric bypass surgery, meet babies in the NICU or learn CPR with hands-on demonstrations? Area students got a glimpse into a career at HSHS St. John’s Hospital by participating in a recent High School Healthcare Bootcamp. “It’s one thing to read about health care in a textbook or to see…
Becky Gabany
Becky Gabany 38 Occupation: Owner, ChangeBridge Consulting Email: Becky@ChangeBridgeConsulting.com Education: Bachelor of arts in communications; master of arts in human services Family: Husband, Adam; two sons, Julian and Arlo; 30-plus pets Affiliations/community activities: National Association for Community and Restorative Justice, co-chair, DEI committee; Washington Street Mission, life skills training facilitator, volunteer; St. Patrick’s Catholic School, community advisory…
Tacology 201 closes
Tacology 201 was launched as the second version of the popular Mexican restaurant, which also experimented with bar partnerships at one point, but owner James Hamilton has announced that his time in the restaurant business has come to an end. On June 24, a post on Tacology’s Facebook page said the restaurant would be closed…
The Fountain on 66 opens in former Sonrise Donuts building
The small brick building at 1101 S. Ninth St. has a new name, a new motif and a new menu. A retro diner, The Fountain on 66, has opened in the building that many Springfield natives still remember as Sonrise Donuts. It opened in 1947 and lasted more than four decades, until owner Don Greenslade…
City Council has a tiff over TIFs
The Springfield City Council engaged in a heated debate Tuesday over grants for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts. Frustration mounted as supporters of the ordinances questioned why their fellow council members sought further discussion on this initiative but not others, suggesting that it came down to the demographics of those who would benefit from the…
Jerome plans to create TIF district
An average of 25,000 to 27,000 cars drive on Wabash Avenue through Jerome each day, making that stretch of road one of the busiest in the Springfield area. The commercial and retail corridor appears bustling. But side roads and underground utility lines that are undersized and deteriorating, as well an almost total lack of sidewalks…
Building permits – June 23 to June 29
A commercial building permit was issued for 4801 Wabash Ave. Property owner was not listed. Contractor is E.L. Pruitt Co. and the project is valued at $2.78 million. Max D. Hammer and Cheri Cox received a commercial remodel permit for 2941 Greenbriar Drive. Contractor is Cox Builders Inc. and the project is valued at $450,000.…
