By Monica Stabile Gov. Bruce Rauner intervened in the Illinois Senate on Wednesday to stop a “grand bargain” on the state budget, prompting frustration among Senate President John Cullerton, his fellow Democratic senators and even Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno. Without Republican support for the grand bargain, chances of the package passing the Illinois Senate […]
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Springfield economy would take a hit if state workers strike
By Monica Stabile The largest union of state employees has authorized a possible strike to force Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner to negotiate a contract with them. A strike isn’t certain to happen, but if it does, Springfield’s economy would likely take a hit. In a vote on Feb. 23, more than 80 percent of state […]
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New jobs at two Springfield companies if enterprise zone expands
By Patrick Yeagle At Solomon Colors Inc. on Springfield’s far north side, iron oxide powder is turned into a variety of vibrant dyes for concrete and other masonry products. Halfway across the city, Levi, Ray & Shoup Inc. designs and manages information technology systems. The two companies exist in completely different indstries, but they have […]
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Family Christian closing book stores, including Springfield location
Family Christian Stores announced this week it is closing its retail stores, including its Springfield location at Parkway Pointe. The company is closing all of its 240 stores across 36 states, although it’s unclear whether online sales will continue. Ron Ayers, store manager at Family Christian, 3435 Freedom Drive in Springfield, said he said he […]
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Garrison Group moving out of Centrum Building
Springfield commercial real estate firm Garrison Group Inc. is moving to a new location on south Fifth Street. Currently located in the Centrum Building at 319 E. Madison St., the company is in the process of moving to 739 S. Fifth St., which Garrison Group CEO Glen Garrison recently purchased. Garrison said his company’s furniture […]
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Springfield Clinic to open rehab facility at Sherman senior community
Springfield Clinic Rehabilitation Services is slated to open a new rehabilitation facility in March at The Villas Senior Care Community in Sherman. Rachel Gasperin, a spokesperson for Springfield Clinic, says the new Springfield Clinic at The Villas will offer more convenient care for patients in outlying communities. “Springfield Clinic has offered care to residents of […]
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Sobi Sushi to open downtown Feb. 24
A new sushi shop is opening downtown later this month, hoping to cater to the lunch crowd. Sobi Sushi will open on Feb. 24 at 420 E. Monroe St. Owner Tuyen Nguyen says she decided to open downtown because she saw a lack of restaurants in that area serving Asian fusion and sushi during lunch […]
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Becker to leave Sangamo Club
By Patrick Yeagle Emily Becker, general manager at the Sangamo Club in Springfield, is stepping down in June. Becker is relocating to Louisiana, and she says she hopes to leave the club well-positioned for the future. “I absolutely loved our membership,” Becker said, describing what she liked most about the Sangamo Club. “I loved being […]
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Legislation would force quick updates to health insurance networks
By Monica Stabile New legislation in the Illinois Statehouse would require health insurance companies to quickly update provider networks. A pair of identical bills in the Illinois General Assembly target insurers whose customers are allegedly thrown into disarray when they find out too late that their doctor is no longer in the insurer’s coverage network. […]
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IAR requesting $1m in TIF for Bicentennial Plaza
Illinois Realtors is requesting $1 million in downtown TIF funds to remove a vacant bank building, enabling progress on a larger city project aimed at improving tourism. The $2.5-million IR project would facilitate the proposed Jackson Street Corridor, linking Abraham Lincoln’s home to the Illinois Capitol Complex. Illinois Realtors, based at 522 S. Fifth St. […]
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SBJ publisher Ownbey appointed to Mid-Illinois Medical District
Gov. Bruce Rauner today appointed Michelle Ownbey, associate publisher of the Springfield Business Journal, to the board of the Mid-Illinois Medical District in Springfield. “Ownbey’s economic experience will be influential in her new role,” said a statement from Rauner’s office announcing the appointment. The Mid-Illinois Medical District sits on the north end of Springfield’s downtown […]
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State budget grand bargain “still alive” despite setback
By Patrick Yeagle Illinois lawmakers are drawing closer to a “grand bargain” on the state budget crisis, despite the defeat today of one bill in the bargain package. Three of the 13 bills in the package passed the Illinois Senate today, while a fourth was defeated. However, the defeated bill may be reconsidered, and the […]