Maybe you’re wondering: What the heck is “poke”? It wasn’t that long ago I asked the same question. That seems surprising now because I like sushi, tuna, rice and spicy food. So, perhaps unsurprisingly, I like poke. But until Nami Poke opened in Springfield, I’m not sure I could have told you exactly what poke […]
Columns
Posted inProfessional Development
The workplace has a maybe problem
I recently had the opportunity to learn about the Entrepreneurial Operating System and incorporate several EOS concepts into a leadership development program. If you’re unfamiliar, EOS is a business operating framework designed to help organizations gain clarity, accountability and traction by identifying issues, making decisions and focusing on what matters most. One EOS concept immediately […]
Posted inPhilanthropy
New building for Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery
The Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery sits behind a white picket fence in a quiet, historic neighborhood on North Seventh Street. For nearly four decades the nonprofit has worked to prevent child abuse and neglect by providing free 24-hour emergency childcare to families in need. The nursery has been a neighbor to Fletcher Farrar and his […]
Posted inAsk an Attorney
50/50 Ownership
You and your bestie decide to start a business together. One of you has the idea and the other has the expertise to make it work. You’re both going to devote time and money to the new venture. So, how should you divide the company? Fifty-50 seems fair. And sometimes it is – until you […]
Posted inQ & A
Q&A With Aaron Rios
In March, Heartland Credit Union selected Aaron Rios to serve as its new chief executive, succeeding longtime CEO Tom Lex. Rios brings more than 26 years of leadership experience in the financial services industry to the position, having served in key executive roles at Citigroup, Midland States Bank, QCR Holdings and most recently as chief […]
Posted inColumns
Hotel files petition to convert to apartments
The owners of MainStay Suites on South Dirksen Parkway have filed a zoning petition with the city of Springfield for a permit to convert the extended-stay hotel into apartments. Hazur Hospitality is seeking to turn the 109 hotel units in the property at 3185 S. Dirksen Parkway into 109 apartments, including a mix of 450-square-foot […]
Posted inColumns
Memorial’s West Lake campus to close
The winding down of residential services at Memorial Behavioral Health’s West Lake campus could create a temporary gap in the region for people going through a mental health crisis, but the move is part of a shift toward a more sustainable and comprehensive model of care. That’s according to Alicia Lehman, vice president of behavioral […]
Posted inBuilding Permits
Building permits – Oct. 26 to Nov. 1
Core Springfield LLC received a commercial permit (new construction) for 2343 N. Dirksen Parkway. Contractor is Ayazz Construction and the project is valued at $1 million. Core Springfield LLC received a commercial demolition permit for 2343 N. Dirksen Parkway. Contractor is Azazz Construction and the project is valued at $60,000. Sangamon County received a commercial […]
Posted inColumns
Abe’s Old Hat closes brick-and-mortar store
Abe’s Old Hat, the downtown antique store owned by Mike and Trudy Naylor, has closed after 16 years in business. Saturday was the last day of business at the shop at 111 N. Sixth St. However, the Naylors are not retiring from the antiques business. They will continue to sell antiques at markets and shows […]
Posted inColumns
South Grand McDonald’s to close
The McDonald’s at the intersection of South Grand and Fifth Street will be permanently closing this weekend. Sunday will be the last day of business for the fast-food restaurant at 501 S. Grand Ave. The decision to shutter the restaurant was prompted by a look at demand in the Springfield market, according to Caleb Canada, […]
Posted inColumns
Ribbon cutting for Golden Yolk Café
After spending more than a decade working at his uncle’s restaurants in Decatur, Timmy Islami has stepped out on his own at the Golden Yolk Café at the corner of Stevenson and Baker Drive. The café, which will celebrate its recent opening with an official ribbon cutting on Oct. 29, serves classic American food with […]
Posted inBuilding Permits
Building permits – Oct. 19 to Oct. 25
Wal-Mart Real Estate Business Trust received a commercial remodel permit for 2760 N. Dirksen Parkway. Contractor is Prime Retail Services and the project is valued at $120,000. Austin J. Padfield received a commercial remodel permit for 2808 Monmouth Court, Apt. A. Contractor is Tom Streder and the project is valued at $68,750. Austin J. Padfield […]