The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce hosted the 40th Annual Small Business Awards on June 24 at the Crowne Plaza Springfield Convention Center. The event recognized outstanding community entrepreneurs in the following four categories: Not-for-Profit Director of the Year, New & Emerging Business Owner of the Year, Small Business Owner of the Year and Lifetime […]
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Wellman Financial Services and Cornerstone Financial Services merge
Three certified financial planners have joined forces to create Navigator Wealth Strategies, a Springfield-based financial planning firm serving central Illinois. Brandon Wellman opened a new Prudential Financial office in 2017, originally operating out of leased space on Wabash Avenue. Four years later, he purchased a building at 6300 S. Sixth St. to allow for expansion […]
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Joey McLaughlin leaving WTAX
Joey McLaughlin, the longtime Morning Newswatch radio host on WTAX, is leaving to join the Illinois Department of Public Health communications team. His last day on air is June 25. McLaughlin worked in radio in Alton, Carbondale, Vandalia and Decatur before moving to Springfield in 1998. Initially, he hosted a morning show on the station […]
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Vondra Social House to open this fall
A former restaurant in a historic Springfield neighborhood has new owners who plan to reopen it with a different focus. Eric and Sierra Ferrell purchased the property at 724 E. Edwards St. in April for $110,000, according to Sangamon County tax records. The historic two-story building just south of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site […]
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Entertainment complex with food court under construction in Legacy Pointe
A new entertainment complex and indoor/outdoor food court is under construction in Legacy Pointe. A group of local developers has broken ground for Legends Entertainment, a 46,000-square-foot complex that will house a food court with five local restaurants, two bars, a bowling alley and gaming for both kids and adults. While plans for the new […]
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Groundbreaking for Friendly Honda expansion
Friendly Honda of Springfield will hold a groundbreaking ceremony June 20 for a major renovation and expansion of the dealership at 2500 Prairie Crossing Drive. The year-long renovation aims to modernize the dealership’s facilities, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. Key aspects of the renovation include a modernized showroom, upgraded service center with additional service bays […]
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Armory renovation plans detailed
The nearly $500 million effort to improve the Capitol Complex, including a major renovation of the long-vacant Illinois State Armory, continues to take shape in downtown Springfield. State officials presented updates about the project at a Citizens Club of Springfield gathering May 24, sharing details on completed segments, current construction efforts and secrets found. The […]
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New ownership for The Track Shack
The Track Shack has been owned and operated by the same family since 1959, but that is about to change. Joe Jannazzo, who has owned the iconic bar and grill at 233 E. Laurel St. since 1979, told SBJ that he is selling the business to Todd Rauthenberg. Rauthenberg most recently served as the general […]
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County Market to permanently close pharmacies
The pharmacies in all three of Springfield’s remaining County Market locations, as well as one in Chatham, will permanently close as of June 12. All ongoing prescriptions have been purchased by CVS. Customers will be able to fill their prescriptions at any CVS location in Springfield, according to a spokesperson for Quincy-based Niemann Foods, which […]
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Cowork Springfield opens on west side
Cowork Springfield has launched to provide flexible workspaces for small businesses looking for an alternative to working from home or in traditional offices. “We saw a growing need in Springfield for a space that offers both flexibility and a sense of connection,” said John Curry, CEO and founder of Cowork Springfield, 2532 Farragut Drive. “This […]
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Myers Building sells at auction for $500K
The Myers Building in downtown Springfield will celebrate its 100th anniversary in September, and the historic property now has a new owner after three generations of ownership by the Myers family. Marcus & Millichap, a commercial real estate firm, initially announced plans to auction the property in December, but it was later extended to allow […]
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Lana Shovlin joins Lincoln Library
Lana Shovlin, the new public relations manager for Lincoln Library, describes the role as her dream job. “I’m an avid reader, and I love the library,” she said. “I was not actively looking (for employment), but a girlfriend of mine sent me the job listing.” Shovlin said her love for libraries dates back to her […]