Kayla Graven has a new job with the state of Illinois, working for the Department of Agriculture as the domestic marketing manager. “I grew up on a farm, so it’s really getting back into the skills that I’m passionate about,” Graven said. “I wasn’t looking for a new job, but it’s just been my dream […]
Breaking News
Three businesses receive $20,000 awards from Isringhausen DRIVE Grant
Isringhausen Imports has announced the recipients of the 2024 Isringhausen DRIVE Grant, a program designed to support local entrepreneurs in establishing their businesses within downtown Springfield. This year, $20,000 grants have been awarded to three local business owners: Jacob Dinardo of Arrowroot Coffee, Kimsimone Manning of A Taste of Seoul and Alli Donaldson of Golden Hour […]
Rail project receives final piece of federal funding
Construction on the only overpass in Springfield’s rail improvements project is expected to commence in early 2025 after federal officials announced $157 million in final grant funds. The federal allocation, announced by U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield, and by U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin, D-Springfield, and Tammy Duckworth, D-Hoffman Estates, also will help pay for construction […]
Banking on change
Security Bank of Springfield is seeking approval from the federal government to change its ownership structure so that it is owned by investors rather than by the financial institution’s depositors. A recent bank filing with federal regulators also indicated the financial institution is deeply involved with state-licensed cannabis businesses. Bank president and CEO Stephan Paul […]
Big plans for Clear Lake Avenue
A 38-acre lot the city of Springfield owns along Clear Lake Avenue may become a $38-million complex of municipal warehouses and offices. The city is contemplating erecting a $24 million water distribution facility and a $14 million Public Works building in the 2100 block of Clear Lake Avenue. The matter was slated for consideration by […]
Making Springfield a distribution hub
A second large warehouse project to receive city approval in the past three months underscores Springfield’s growing footprint in the logistics and distribution industry, local economic development officials say. “It’s a nice diversification of our employment base,” Ryan McCrady, president and chief executive officer of the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance, told Illinois Times. “We have […]
Award recipients announced at Jacksonville Regional Economic Development event
Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation honored the recipients of JREDC’s two annual awards during the organization’s investor appreciation event held at Proud Richard’s Restaurant in Jacksonville on Oct. 10. Turner Scientific was recognized as the 2023 Harold Cox Industry of the Year, in recognition of its inspiring evolution and continued growth. The Jacksonville-based company is a […]
Whimsy Tea Company adds lunch menu
Whimsy Tea Company has released its fall menu, which includes soups and sandwiches in addition to the drinks and sweet treats for which the downtown business originally became known. Gordon Davis, who co-owns the business with his wife, Laura, said a menu expansion had been in the works for a while but the June 19 […]
Velvet & Rosemary opens boutique downtown
Velvet & Rosemary, a boutique specializing in both new and vintage women’s items, is opening a fashion house inside Willow & Birch Salon in downtown Springfield. “This is something you would see in Nashville. It is highly designed, thoughtfully curated and Instagram-worthy,” said co-owner Angela Holland, who also owns the interior design company Broad Strokes […]
Give & Take Professional Clothing Drive to be held Oct. 11-12
RISE Springfield is holding its annual Give & Take Professional Clothing Drive this week at the Lincoln Land Community College Trutter Center on Friday, Oct. 11, and Saturday, Oct. 12. Clothing donations will be accepted on Friday, Oct. 11, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Donations should be clean, gently used, professional clothing items with no holes […]
New tenant for former MOD Pizza location
Does the area near White Oaks Mall need another fast-food chicken restaurant? Representatives for Dave’s Hot Chicken, a Los Angeles-based company specializing in Nashville-style hot chicken, seem to think so. A building permit recently filed with the city of Springfield lists the chain as the new tenant planned for 2401 Wabash Ave., which most recently […]
The Painted Tin Bin moves into Red School Mall
The Painted Tin Bin is bringing paint parties to the Red School Mall. Owner Erin Saxton-Snodgrass said she initially worked for It’s Scrapicated, a metal-fabricating business in town, before deciding to go out on her own about eight years ago. “I had an idea to go to people with a paint party,” she said. “I […]

