Community & Events
Event Highlights
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MacArthur Blvd. Assoc. Happy Hour
Thu., Sept. 3, 4-6 p.m.
217 Food Week
Through Aug. 26
Business Analytics Certification (CBAP) Training
Tue., Sept. 8, 9 a.m., Tue., Oct. 13, 9 a.m., Tue., Nov. 10, 9 a.m. and Tue., Dec. 8, 9 a.m.
Chamber Night with WPBL
Thu., Sept. 10, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Latest Events
MacArthur Blvd. Assoc. Happy Hour
Thu., Sept. 3, 4-6 p.m.
Papi’s Pizza Pub, 1710 S. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield
Join the MacArthur Blvd. Association for HAPPY HOUR with FREE appetizers and GREAT conversation about the BLVD. Learn more about the association, what is happening on MacArthur Blvd. and how you can help. We’ll see you there.
217 Food Week
Through Aug. 26
Various locations, Springfield, Springfield
Seven days wasn’t enough time to try all the burgers, so we’ve added three extra days to Burger Week. Check 217foodweek.com to view each location’s hours and offerings. Then gather your friends and start making plans. While enjoying the chef-inspired burgers, don’t forget your 217 Burger Week passport. Use it to plan your food journey and enter for a chance to win gift cards from local restaurants. Download your passport at 217foodweek.com or pick one up at the Illinois Times office from Aug. 17-26. Be sure to send it to the Illinois Times office by Monday, Aug. 31. Restaurants set their own burger prices, with the goal of keeping 217 Burger Week affordable while supporting local businesses. Special Jack Daniel’s drinks also are available at participating locations.
Business Analytics Certification (CBAP) Training
Tue., Sept. 8, 9 a.m., Tue., Oct. 13, 9 a.m., Tue., Nov. 10, 9 a.m. and Tue., Dec. 8, 9 a.m.
The Crowne Plaza, 3000 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield
CBAP® Certification Classroom Training – Upgrade Your Business Analyst & Business Analytics Career Accelerate your career as a senior business analyst with our intensive CBAP® Certification Classroom Training. Designed specifically for experienced professionals in business analysis and business analytics, this in-person CBAP Bootcamp aligns with IIBA® standards and prepares you to excel in both the exam and real-world strategic analysis roles. The globally recognized CBAP® Certification validates your ability to lead complex initiatives, drive analytical decision-making, and deliver value across projects and business functions. With hands-on guidance, interactive exercises, and BABOK®-aligned training, this classroom program offers the perfect pathway to become a high-impact business analyst. iCert Global is a global leader in classroom-based professional certification training. We specialize in business analysis, business analytics, project management, quality management, and IT governance programs across 100+ cities worldwide. Our courses include: CBAP®, PMP®, CAPM®, Lean Six Sigma, ITIL, Agile & Scrum, PRINCE2, CISA, CISSP, and more.
Chamber Night with WPBL
Thu., Sept. 10, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 North Grand Ave. East, Springfield
Join the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce at the Robin Roberts Stadium for Chamber Night with the Women’s Professional Baseball League. Chamber members will be able to showcase their products and services at the ballpark during a WPBL Playoff Game on Thursday, September 10, 2026. For $100 Chamber members will receive 10 tickets for the game and one table to display products and services before and during the game. Tickets will be provided via email prior to the game.
MacArthur Blvd Monthly Business Assoc Meeting
Second Thursday of every month
Southside Christian Church, 2600 S. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield
Meet neighbors, Boulevard business owners and local government leaders each month at this member meeting.
Ribbon Cutting – Little Corner Bar
Mon., Sept. 14, 4 p.m.
Little Corner Bar, 1601 E Converse Ave, Springfield
Please join us in celebrating the 2nd Anniversary of Ownership with the Little Corner Bar.
Coffee & Connections – HDR
Tue., Sept. 15, 7:30-8:45 a.m.
HDR, 2040 W. Iles Ave., Springfield
HDR will host our September Coffee & Connections. A lot can change in more than 100 years. Technologies improve, communities evolve, people come and go. But to withstand a century of disruptions, you must be built on a solid foundation. At HDR, that foundation has always been our communities. Complimentary coffee, juice and breakfast items will be provided as you network with other Chamber members! Coffee & Connections is The Chamber’s morning network building event held six times throughout the year. A Chamber member sponsor hosts the event at their facility providing them an opportunity to showcase their company and provide a light breakfast and a casual atmosphere conducive for making connections that matter.
Starting Your Business in Illinois
Wed., Sept. 16, 9-10:30 a.m., Tue., Oct. 13, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Wed., Nov. 4, 5:30-7 p.m. and Thu., Dec. 3, 9-10:30 a.m.
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Starting and owning a business can be exciting and frightening. There are so many things to consider – location, size, number of employees, ownership structure, and so on. Then, there are anxieties and concerns: “Where do I start?” “Am I in over my head?” “Will I make it?” If you’re thinking about starting your own business the SBDC can help! Just because you are in business for yourself doesn’t mean you have to figure it all out by yourself. The Illinois Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) offers consulting services and programs for individuals interested in starting or growing a business.
IWIL Symposium
Thu., Sept. 17, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Crowne Plaza, 3000 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield
This annual event brings together women leaders at all stages of their careers for a day filled with inspiring presentations, informative breakout sessions, exhibitors and networking. Guest speaker is health and productivity expert Michelle Cederberg. She will focus on how professionals can set worthy goals, revive energy and ignite high performance. Registration closes Sept. 11.
Compass for Kids Back to School Brunch Fundraiser
Sat., Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Erin’s Pavilion at Southwind Park, 4965 S 2nd St, Springfield
Join us as we celebrate the history and impact of Compass for Kids. Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, explore historic photos that tell our story, shop the Compass Marketplace (including unique pieces created from Compass kid art), visit the Blind Date with a Book sale, and bid on exciting items in our silent auction. Your presence helps celebrate our past and fules future opportunities for Compass for Kids. Event Schedule: 10:00am – doors open, grab a drink and an appetizer and enjoy shopping and networking 11:00am – brunch buffet is open 11:45am – program begins, let’s celebrate the success of our Compass kids 12:30pm – program ends, enjoy our fun enrichment activity on your way out, a Compass kid experience
Ribbon Cutting – Grime Busters
Tue., Sept. 22, 4:30-5 p.m.
Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, 501 E. Capitol Ave., Suite A, Springfield
Grime Busters Commercial Cleaning will be hosting a ribbon cutting at the Chamber office on September 22nd at 4:30 p.m. Please join them as they celebrate joining the Chamber for their business.
RISE Lunch & Learn: Leading by Example
Wed., Sept. 23, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Green Toyota, 3901 W. Wabash Ave., Springfield
Leading by Example: My Journey and the People I Choose to Lead In “Leading by Example: My Journey and the People I Choose to Lead,” Mylas will discuss the experiences, decisions, and lessons that helped shape his path to leadership. He’ll also offer valuable insight into what he looks for when hiring, developing, and promoting employees, highlighting the character traits, work ethic, and leadership qualities that set people apart. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, a young professional, or someone looking to grow in your career, you’ll leave with practical advice and fresh perspective on what it takes to succeed?and how great leaders recognize potential in others. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a respected business leader whose commitment to leading by example has helped build a culture of excellence and opportunity.
