Lincoln Land Community College’s community education program is offering 10 free, non-credit online classes from now until June 30. Once signed up, participants can complete these courses at their own pace within three months. Classes include 12 Steps to a Successful Job Search, Managing Customer Service, Fundamentals of Supervision and Management, Personal Finance, Creating Webpages, […]
Comings & Goings
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Lenz Sales & Distributing has broken ground on a new facility in New Berlin
Lenz Sales & Distributing, currently located in Jacksonville, has broken ground for a new distribution center in New Berlin. The property on the west side of New Berlin, just north of Dollar General, is located in a TIF district, which Village President Michael Krall said was a factor in attracting the business. “There was property […]
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Don’t panic, pivot
By Lisa Clemmons Stott In 1976, M. F. Weiner wrote an article in the journal Medical Economics entitled “Don’t Waste a Crisis — Your Patient’s or Your Own.” According to the Freakonomics blog, Weiner meant that a medical crisis can be used to improve aspects of one’s personality, mental health or lifestyle. At the moment, […]
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Nothing Bundt Cakes opening in Springfield
While many businesses remain closed or only partially open, Theo and Kristen Spilman are preparing to open a new business. The husband and wife are new franchisees for Nothing Bundt Cakes, a bakery chain that started in Las Vegas. The Spilmans, who are originally from Springfield, most recently lived in Austria and managed a cafeteria […]
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Pier 1 plans to permanently close all locations
After filing for bankruptcy three months ago, Pier 1 has announced plans to close all of its locations nationwide. A press release put out by the company cited shutdowns caused by COVID-19 and failure to find a buyer as reasons for the decision. “This decision follows months of working to identify a buyer who would […]
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Specialty retailer Versona coming to Springfield
Once the governor’s stay-at-home order is lifted, Springfield-area residents will have a new retail option with the opening of Versona, an apparel, jewelry and accessories boutique. The specialty retailer is taking over the space at 2841 S. Veterans Pkwy. in White Oaks Plaza that was previously occupied by Charming Charlie. That retailer closed all its […]
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Fact or Fiction: Will TGI Fridays in Springfield reopen?
Like all other restaurants in Springfield, TGI Fridays has been closed since the governor’s stay-at-home order took effect in March. However, TGI Fridays is not offering curbside or delivery service and it appears unlikely the location will reopen even when allowed to do so. The location is listed as permanently closed on Google and both […]
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United Community Bank has recently hired three new employees in the marketing division.
Mallorie Lohman is a multimedia design and marketing specialist who duties include the development, design and placement of print advertisements and digital assets. She also works with the bank managers on their community marketing. Prior to joining UCB, Lohman worked as a marketing coordinator for Grand River Jackpot and Targeted Marketing Resources. David Gardner […]
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Awake to Woke to Work: Building a Race Equity Culture event to be held Tuesday, May 12
“Awake to Woke to Work: Building a Race Equity Culture” is a free training for companies and nonprofits looking to shift organizational culture toward race equity. The webinar, presented by the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, Forefront and Junior League of Springfield, will be held on Tuesday, May 12 from 6:30-8 p.m. Kerrien […]
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Biscuits & Brunch by Three Twigs set to open May 8
Despite not being allowed to open to dine-in customers, Emily and Tim Lewis are proceeding with a grand opening on May 8 for Biscuits & Brunch by Three Twigs, their new café location that was announced earlier this year. For the time being, the location at 2601 Chatham Rd. will only be able to offer […]
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Communicating with clients and customers during a time of crisis
By Holly Whisler Whether your business was deemed essential or non-essential by the state of Illinois during the COVID-19 pandemic, you are no doubt in crisis mode. These are uncertain times and the terrain is unfamiliar. How do you market your business and communicate with your customers during a pandemic? Mark Butler, director of marketing […]
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Innovate Springfield is offering a free four-part webinar series on “Finance for Startups.”
Innovate Springfield is offering a free four-part webinar series on “Finance for Startups.” The introductory session will be held on Thursday, May 7 from 3-4:15 p.m. In this interactive session, participants will learn how to understand and clearly communicate their financial model, cost structure and revenue streams, along with articulate their business’s financial position to […]