Picture two leaders sitting in the same meeting:The first hears a bold new idea and immediately thinks, “This is exciting. It could transform our business.”The second hears that same idea and thinks, “That is a crazy idea, and it will never work.”Too often, we celebrate the first leader as innovative and quietly dismiss the second […]
Columns
Posted inRestaurant review
The Spot 90’s bar & grill
If you grew up in the 1990s, a visit to The Spot 90’s Bar & Grill is likely to trigger a wave of nostalgia that approaches sensory overload. Located on Ginger Creek Drive on Springfield’s west side, The Spot pays homage to a decade that gave us everything from grunge music and compact discs to […]
Posted inAsk an Attorney
Environmental issues in commercial real estate
Environmental issues regarding real estate may seem commonplace these days, but the implications have real-world consequences for the uninformed.Imagine you’ve bought your first piece of income-producing property. After several months, you discover the prior owner dumped contaminants out the back door, and now the Environmental Protection Agency wants you to clean up the property. It […]
Posted inMedical News
Ceremony honors faculty leadership, pioneers of academic medicine
The June 29 investiture ceremony at the Memorial Learning Center in Springfield recognized three faculty leaders whose careers have shaped surgery, plastic surgery and emergency medicine across central and southern Illinois. Dr. Michael Neumeister was invested as the J. Roland Folse, MD, Endowed Chair of Surgery. Dr. Nicole Sommer became the Elvin G. Zook, MD, Endowed Chair […]
Posted inPhilanthropy
Supporting local charities with local dollars
While the American Business Club of Springfield is part of the national AMBUCS nonprofit organization, its impact has been locally focused for 100 years.“Springfield volunteers raising Springfield dollars impacting Springfield lives,” said Kevin Lust, one of the club’s recent presidents.Lust said ABC of Springfield is “dedicated to inspiring people to conquer challenges related to mobility […]
Posted inQ & A
Q&A with Mark Watson
While in high school, Mark Watson started working at CDS Office Technologies, the office equipment, printing and copying business founded by his father, Jay Watson, in 1971. Mark came back to the family business after graduating from University of Illinois in 1987 and has been there ever since. Mark saw CDS diversify in the 1990s […]
Posted inColumns
New owners for DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen
After more than 20 years in business, Curt and Deb Trampe have sold DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen of Springfield. Matt and Beth Bozarth purchased the local franchise of DreamMaker, a full-service kitchen, bath and interior remodeling company, from the Trampes. “We are committed and excited to continue serving customers in a way that keeps DreamMaker […]
Posted inColumns
Vault 66 Pinball Arcade opens downtown
Downtown developer Chris Nickell has turned his pinball hobby into a new use for the former Cafe Moxo space, at least for now. “I bought a machine to play with my kids and had a personal interest in pinball,” Nickell said. “My son and I played in a tournament at Dumb Records.” Now, Nickell has […]
Posted inColumns
Trade Winds Pub closes
Trade Winds Pub and Eatery, the restaurant next door to Knight’s Action Park, has closed. Owner Doug Knight said staff were informed of the closing on Sunday, and the restaurant did not open for business on Monday. “There’s no easy way to do this, but it’s just not performing like it should,” Knight said. Knight […]
Posted inColumns
Retirement planning firm adds second location
Gruening Health and Wealth, a Medicare and retirement planning firm, has acquired a second Springfield building to support its ongoing growth. Gruening purchased the 10,000-square-foot building at 2941 Greenbriar Drive for $1.47 million earlier this month, according to Sangamon County tax records. The company plans to relocate its 20-member local staff from its current building […]
Posted inBuilding Permits
Building permits – July 13 to July 19
Durkin LLC received a commercial remodel permit for 400 S. Durkin Drive. Contractor is Joyner Construction and the project is valued at $60,000. Eastview Baptist Church received a commercial accessory structure permit for 2257 Black Ave. Contractor is Jeff Kadyk and the project is valued at $2,000. Hospital Sisters Health Systems received a commercial remodel […]
Posted inColumns
Illinois Press Association names new CEO
Jeff Rogers will become the next president and chief executive officer of the Illinois Press Association, IPA Board President Jim Slonoff announced July 20. Rogers will also remain as executive director of the Illinois Press Foundation. He will begin his leadership role with the Illinois Press Association on July 21, focusing on member relations and […]