Two Springfield doctors are part of Gov. JB Pritzker’s push to reform what he called “predatory health insurance practices.” The Democratic governor’s proposed Healthcare Protection Act would ban “step therapy,” which can delay patients’ access to more-expensive medicines until cheaper medicines are tried first. House Bill 5395 also would ban prior authorization for inpatient admissions […]
Newsletter – Biz Bites
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Building “an ecosystem of solutions” on the east side
A year from now, Dominic Watson expects to open a shared kitchen and culinary incubator for dozens of emerging minority-owned businesses in a 30,000-square-foot building at 11th Street and South Grand Avenue East. A year or two after that, his plans call for the former South Town Theater building – on the same block on […]
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Building permits – March 18 – March 24
D.E.R. JR LLC received a commercial building permit for 1713 W. Jefferson St. Contractor is SEI Builders and the project is valued at $800,000. SOLON LLC received a commercial remodel permit for 3808 Octavus Via. Contractor is Joyner Construction and the project is valued at $75,000. Young Men’s Christian Association of Springfield received a commercial […]
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Memorial Health announces succession plan
The Memorial Health Board of Directors has approved a succession plan to ensure continuity of leadership for the nonprofit health system. Effective July 1, current president and CEO Ed Curtis will assume the title of Memorial Health CEO and Kevin England, who currently serves as senior vice president and chief administrative officer, will become Memorial […]
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Green Hyundai to hold grand opening for new dealership
The public is invited to the grand opening celebration of the new Green Hyundai dealership at 601 W. Stanford Ave. on Friday, March 22, from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Green Family Stores opened the doors of its new 30,000-square-foot Hyundai dealership Nov. 1. The Stanford Avenue location is one of five prototypes nationwide to roll out the […]
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Nathan Essex joins Springfield Park District
The Springfield Park District has appointed Nathan Essex as the director of recreation and marketing, effective March 18. Originally from Farmington, Illinois, Essex relocated to Sangamon County in 2002. Before joining the Springfield Park District, he served as the principal of Auburn High School from 2012-2023, and as assistant principal for three years prior to […]
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USPS announces plans to redirect Springfield mail to St. Louis
In a significant development impacting Springfield and neighboring communities, the United States Postal Service has announced a network consolidation plan that will have far-reaching effects. As part of this plan, 58 Processing and Distribution Centers in smaller communities are slated to be converted to Local Mail Processing Centers. There is a proposed decision to redirect […]
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Charro Mexican Restaurant to open in April
Charro Mexican Restaurant is coming to Springfield. The family-owned business started in the St. Louis area and also has locations in Taylorville and Decatur. Now, owner Ezequiel Camacho has purchased the building at 2500 Sunrise Dr. and is in the process of remodeling it for a fourth Charro’s location. “Back in 2011, I was planning […]
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Eye Candy Boutique merges with Deep South Pout
Less than a year after closing its brick-and-mortar store, there are more changes in the works for Eye Candy Boutique. Owner Alinda Hale has merged her business with Deep South Pout, an online boutique based in Mississippi. “It all came about because in the boutique word, everybody is familiar with everybody,” Hale said. “I’ve run […]
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Building permits – March 11 – March 17
Blackstone Group-Cranmer LLC doing business as McDonald’s Corp received a commercial remodel permit for 2303 W. Monroe St. Stratus Unlimited is the contractor and the project is valued at $50,000. CGM Management LLC received a commercial remodel permit for 2205 Wabash Ave. Contractor is Marriott Real Estate Serv. and the project is valued at $3,000. […]
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The end of an era
A 149-year-old family manufacturing business in Chatham is closing its doors in early June and an unrelated, but well-known, national franchise business will move into its space along Interstate 55. Armbruster Manufacturing Company will close and its 33,000-square-foot facility will be the new home of the central Illinois Roto-Rooter franchise. The sale of the legacy […]
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Brezie’s Roasted Beans & Gaming opens in Southern View
Brezie’s Roasted Beans & Gaming is a new addition to the Springfield area’s growing coffee scene, but it also offers breakfast and lunch options plus activities for kids. “I’ve been in the restaurant and bar industry my whole life,” said owner Bree Richardson. “Plus, my mom owns Jamie’s Route 66, so when the suite next […]