By Jerry Nowicki, Capitol News Illinois The state announced a $250 million “Back to Business” grant program aimed at assisting small businesses in the recovery from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and associated economic shutdowns. The program is funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act signed by President Joe Biden, and it includes specific set-aside […]
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Horace Mann to acquire Madison National Life in $172 million transaction
Horace Mann Educators Corporation has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Madison National Life Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Independence Holding Company. Madison National is a leading writer of employer-paid and sponsored benefits provided to educators by K-12 school districts. The transaction is expected to close early in the first quarter of 2022, subject to […]
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Downtown Springfield, Inc. workshop
Despite the demonstrated demand for apartments in downtown Springfield in the 2013 Bowen Housing Study, less than half of the number of units have been constructed to meet that demand in the eight years since the report came out. Downtown advocates are hoping that a new workshop will jumpstart more property owners to make the […]
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O’Shea Builders hires three new employees
O’Shea Builders has hired three new staff members who will be based out of the Springfield office. Evan Dorks, a project engineer, joins the O’Shea team after starting his professional career with S.M. Wilson. He has a bachelor’s degree in construction management from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville. Dorks resides in Glenarm with his wife, […]
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Shatonya Adams expanding her salon business
After four years in business, Shatonya Adams is ready to expand her salon to a larger location with additional services. “I started Tink’s Beauty Bar in 2017, but things have gotten bigger,” she said. After working on her own for the past several years, Adams says she wants to bring others on board to create […]
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UIS’ Innovate Springfield and College of Business and Management launching a pilot startup fellowship
By Blake Wood The University of Illinois Springfield’s Innovate Springfield and College of Business and Management is launching a pilot startup fellowship program, with support from the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln. They have also partnered with iVenturED and the Sangamon CEO program. The fellowship is open to Sangamon CEO alums, UIS entrepreneurship students and local aspiring entrepreneurs […]
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Applications now open for free tech skills training course
Applications are now being accepted for a unique tech training program that aims to build a more inclusive tech workforce in Central Illinois. Illinois Reboot is a free, live virtual course created and presented by the University of Illinois Research Park, with sponsorship support from American Family Insurance. It provides participants with a foundation in […]
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J&J Ventures Gaming acquires Illinois Gaming Systems
J&J Ventures Gaming has acquired Illinois Gaming Systems, and the purchase of all gaming operations of IGS will give J&J Ventures nearly 3,000 locations in gaming and amusements. J&J Ventures Gaming and J&J Ventures Amusements are headquartered in Effingham, Illinois, where their predecessor, J&J Ventures, Inc., began route operations in 1929. IGS is headquartered in […]
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Arena Food Service acquires GÜDgut.life
Arena Food Service has acquired GÜDgut.life, but not much has changed, other than the company’s plans for growth. In 2018, David Radwine, who had previously worked as executive chef at the Sangamo Club, and Dennis Bringuet, owner of Ace Sign Company, teamed up to launch a new company that would provide healthier options for workplace […]
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BOS Asset Management has acquired L.A. Burton & Associates
BOS Asset Management, a newly created registered investment advisory firm, has acquired L.A. Burton & Associates following the retirement of owner Larry Burton. “It was an acquisition of his book of business; he was retiring after 27 years,” said Brian Brewer, senior vice president and program manager for BOS Investment Services. Brewer also serves as […]
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SJ-R building back on the market, asking price reduced by more than $1 million
The State Journal-Register building at 915 E. Capitol Ave. is back on the market, with a significant price reduction. Last month, Illinois Times reported that the building was under contract to an undisclosed buyer for slightly less than the asking price of $2.9 million. Now, the property is back on the market at a list […]
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New data tracker shows decline in small business — hospitality businesses experienced largest decrease
By Sarah Mansur, Capitol News Illinois Hospitality jobs in Illinois have declined nearly 52% since the pandemic began, according to new data, as lawsuits continue against the governor’s orders to close nonessential businesses. While leisure and hospitality jobs were hit the hardest, the number of small businesses open in Illinois overall has fallen by about […]