By Mark Grant Social distancing is a sensible response to the spreading coronavirus, but it’s taking a toll on Illinois’ small businesses. A new survey from my association, the National Federation of Independent Business, says that 76% of small businesses report being impacted by the response to COVID-19. Not surprisingly, most small businesses say sales […]
Comings & Goings
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Bella Boutique gets new owner
Elizabeth Eckert recently became the new owner of Bella Boutique, 2805 W. White Oaks Dr., but has been a part of the business for her entire adult life. At the age of 18, she began working at the store for the original owner, Regina Santarelli, and later helped facilitate the sale of the business by […]
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Perry Greene hired as general manager of Panther Creek Country Club
Panther Creek Country Club in Springfield has hired Perry Greene as the new general manager, effective March 5. For more than two decades, Greene worked at the Stone Creek Golf Club in Urbana, first as the golf course superintendent and more recently as the general manager. However, the owner’s death in 2010 marked a turning […]
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Local First Springfield launches gift cards
Local First Springfield has launched a digital gift card and, in light of recent events, is giving away $1,500 to support independent businesses in the city. “The Shop Local Springfield Gift Card makes it easy to keep local spending right here in Springfield with member businesses,” said Local First Springfield president Jamie Stout. “We have […]
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Building permit roundup – Mar. 9 – Mar. 15
Read which building permits were approved by the City of Springfield between Mar. 9 and Mar. 15. Sangamon Holdings, LLC obtained a commercial remodel permit for 1724 Sangamon Ave. Donald Gorbert is the contractor and the project is valued at $10,000. Isringhausen Imports obtained a commercial remodel permit for 229 E. Jefferson St. Joyner Construction […]
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Fire puts steakhouse plans on hold
At the end of February, Chip Kennedy announced plans to open a high-end steakhouse at 2242. S. Sixth St. in the building that previously housed Gallagher’s Steakhouse, most recently known as Charlie R’s Steakhouse. However, a two-alarm fire that broke out late in the evening on Friday, March 13, changed all that. “That project’s over; […]
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Building permit roundup – March 2 – March 8
Read which building permits were approved by the City of Springfield between March 2 and March 8. Springfield Clinic obtained a commercial remodel permit for 1025 S. Sixth St. O’Shea Builders is the contractor and the project is valued at $215,000. City of Springfield in care of CWLP Property Management obtained a commercial remodel permit […]
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Best Places to Work awards ceremony
Join Springfield Business Journal and United Community Bank in recognizing the 2020 Best Places to Work: B&B Electric; Brown, Hay & Stephens; Dan Deweese Panting & Woodfinishing and Springfield Clinic. A reception and awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday, March 18 from 5-7:30 p.m.at United Community Bank, 1900 W. Iles Ave. There is no […]
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Cocktails for a Cause
United Way’s Cocktails for a Cause, benefiting local summer learning programs, will take place on Wednesday, March 4 at Crows Mill Pub, 1220 Toronto Rd. in Springfield. From 5-7 p.m., volunteer bartenders will be serving drinks and all tips will go toward United Way’s programs to help children in the community learn, achieve and succeed. […]
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Oak Terrace available for purchase
The former Oak Terrace property at 1750 W. Washington in Springfield has gone up for auction, and the listing agent describes it as a great redevelopment opportunity, despite the deferred maintenance. “Where it’s positioned between Fairhills Mall and Hickory Glen Senior Living and being across from SHG, it’s prime for some type of multi-family use, […]
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Building permit roundup – Feb. 24 – Mar. 1
Read which building permits were approved by the City of Springfield between Feb. 24 and Mar. 1. RLR Investment LLC obtained a commercial remodel permit for 3401 Remington St. M&M Mid-Valley Service and Supply is the contractor and the project is valued at $345,000. ARCP MT Springfield, IL, LLC in care of Ryan, LLC PTS […]
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Terra Ferment opens downtown
The building at 206 S. Sixth St. in Springfield that formerly housed the Andiamo coffee shop is now home to Terra Ferment, the newest addition to the downtown beer scene. Terra Ferment officially opened to the public on Feb. 29, and owner William Tubbs described the weekend as a “steady and sometimes frightening stream of […]