Farmstead Primitive Co., a women’s boutique in Chatham, has closed just shy of its five-year anniversary. “I’m going to miss all my customers, but between my health and the economy it didn’t make sense to keep going,” said owner Allyson Taapken-Matrisch. She originally launched the boutique retail store in November 2019 and had a location […]
Newsletter – Biz Bites
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Gail Lorenzini Aug. 7, 1952-July 4, 2024
Gail Lorenzini was an educator, an entrepreneur and a business owner who immersed herself into the community and took advantage of her varied points of contact to support area causes. Gail did nearly all of this in partnership with her husband, John, before she died unexpectedly July 4 at the age of 71. Gail and […]
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No more bitcoin for one Springfield business
A Springfield man has removed a once-prominent feature of his business after he witnessed an alarming trend. “One hundred percent of the time that we saw somebody at the machine they were being scammed,” said Matthieu Fortin. “So I was like, this machine has to go. I’m not going to be a part of that.” […]
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Sean Keeley joins Arena Food Service
Sean Keeley, a well-known name in the Springfield dining scene, is the new director of catering for Arena Food Service. Keeley spent the past two years as the executive chef at Broadgauge in Petersburg. Prior to that he was the lead culinary specialist at Lincoln Land Community College’s Culinary Institute and the executive chef and general […]
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Downtown’s festival dilemma
Downtown Springfield has been facing some difficult hurdles lately. In addition to the devastating fire which damaged several businesses on Adams Street in June, the Jaycees’ annual Fourth of July Capital City Celebration, with its popular downtown fireworks display, didn’t happen for the second year in a row (the derecho nixed it in 2023). AbeFest, […]
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Magnolia Lane moving to Chatham
Magnolia Lane Home Décor and More is preparing to relocate again, this time to Chatham. Marci Ridle purchased the business, originally known as 6th Street Home Décor and More, in April 2013 and moved into 3600 S. Sixth St. in July of that year. The business sells new and gently used furniture and home décor, […]
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Karen Gedrose joins United Way
Karen Gedrose has joined the United Way of Central Illinois as director of community initiatives, effective June 24. In this role, Gedrose will work with United Way’s grant partners and the community as a whole. “I am working with nonprofits in Sangamon and Menard counties and helping them apply for funding,” Gedrose said. She most […]
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Mark Forinash addresses future of Café Moxo and its staff
Despite the June 19 fire that forced Café Moxo to close indefinitely, owner Mark Forinash said the restaurant’s 18 employees still have a job, although their duties will change for the time being. “Our goal is to keep every employee on staff,” Forinash said. “We are 100% taking care of our employees; that’s non-negotiable for […]
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Building permits – June 17 – June 23
The city of Springfield received a commercial permit for 1440 Monument Drive. Contractor is AFE Construction and the project is valued at $565,500. TC Investment 4 LLC received a commercial permit for 3901 Wabash Ave. Contractor is CFI and the project is valued at $1 million. River Birch Christian Village LLC received a commercial remodel […]
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Doctor receives zoning approval to build apartments near medical district
Zoning for a $4 million project to construct an apartment complex on Springfield’s north side was unanimously approved June 18 by the Springfield City Council, despite continued opposition from neighbors who believe it will increase traffic hazards and otherwise detract from the feel of the residential neighborhood. Ward 5 Ald. Lakeisha Purchase, who represents the […]
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Pam Hulten named director of Springfield Memorial Foundation
Pam Hulten has been named the new director of the Springfield Memorial Foundation, effective June 17. Springfield Memorial Foundation supports the mission of Springfield Memorial Hospital by helping to fund patient care, education and community health activities. Hulten previously served as director of development at University of Illinois Springfield, where she helped UIS achieve and […]
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Fire damages multiple buildings on East Adams Street
A fire that started at 413-415 E. Adams St. Wednesday afternoon caused the interior of the building to collapse and damaged several nearby structures, although property owners and tenants said they had not yet been allowed back in their buildings to assess the damage. The buildings that initially caught fire are home to The Cat’s […]