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By Thomas C. Pavlik, Jr. As with chili, horseshoes and burgers, the topic of Springfield’s best pizza is usually going to be quite spirited. Perhaps that’s why Springfield has seen an influx of new pizza joints over the past few months.  The more the merrier, I say – it’s all good for Springfield.  And the […]

From catering to house-flipping, savvy entrepreneurs see opportunity By Gabe House Josh Sonneborn, owner of Signature Event Rental, describes the company as his mainstay, the business he truly works at. Considering he has ownership interest in myriad areas – from event rental supplies to catering to bars and restaurants to rental properties to flipping houses […]

Editor’s note: On Tuesday, May 10, the Springfield Business Journal invited a small group to a business luncheon for the purpose of discussing the present and future of Springfield’s downtown area.  It was held at the Inn at 835 from noon until 2 p.m. The panelists consisted of Brent Boesdorfer, owner and operator of Custom […]

By Thomas C. Pavlik, Jr. When a friend first suggested Trade Winds Pub and Eatery, I wasn’t sure where it was.  Sure enough, when I pulled up and saw the yellow metal building, I would have thought I was at a small town village hall or fraternal organization rather than a restaurant.  But looks can […]

By Rhonda Buckhold Just off Clocktower Drive between Durkin and Monroe stands 901 Studio Salons, a pink brick building with tall fluted columns and grand stairs. 901 is the face of a unique concept enabling small business ownership through a combination of shared resources, partnership and mentoring. Lisa LaRue, a color specialist who also offers […]

Results of year-long survey expected to guide future By Catherine O’Connor There is no question that the challenges facing Springfield Public School District 186 are not unique as demographic shifts, economic pressures and social issues continue to transform the educational landscape throughout the country.  Superintendent Jennifer Gill has embraced the challenge, opening the door for […]

UIS increases focus on international students By Zach Baliva Drive around the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) campus on a warm day, and you’re likely to notice a student bowling to a batsman on the cricket pitch. Step into a campus building, and you may find a meeting of the Asian student organization. International students […]

By Rhonda Buckhold The sounds of heavy construction and the rapidly changing landscape are a testament to the growth of the health care industry in Springfield. Carpenter Street, the main artery of the medical district, is the most visible area of in-process new construction. The district covers approximately one square mile, bordered by Madison Street, […]

By Roberta Codemo Nudo Products, Inc. has a long history dating back to 1954 when the late Sam Nudo, Sr. and his brother founded Economy Awning and Tile Co. Sam and his wife, Wanda, purchased his brother’s share of the business in 1962 and began manufacturing laminated products with the help of their sons. Today, […]

by Job Conger Ram Talluri is CEO and managing director of Lead IT Corporation, an international company which has recently announced plans to open two Sky Zone franchises. Sky Zone is a California firm which has patented “the first all-trampoline walled playing court” concept and currently operates 170 such courts, including two already in Illinois […]