The Springfield Lucky Horseshoes have $10 million in ideas about how to improve Robin Roberts Stadium. But the question is: Who will pay for it? “First and foremost, it starts with the ownership group,” said Jamie Toole, an executive and an owner of the team. “Our ownership group has shown a commitment and a willingness […]
Newsletter – Biz Bites
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Non-alcoholic drinks gaining in popularity
For nearly 40 years the percentage of American adults who consume alcohol has consistently remained in the low 60s. However, over the past two decades, Gallup reports that alcohol consumption has been steadily declining amongst younger adults aged 18 to 34. Indeed, specialty non-alcoholic (NA) drink offerings have become commonplace in both fine dining restaurants […]
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Isabella Szabo to lead Springfield Area Arts Council
Following a nationwide search, Springfield resident Isabella Szabo has been chosen as the next executive director of the Springfield Area Arts Council. She will assume her new role Feb. 1. Szabo has been the manager of the University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery since 2022. She also is a UIS Art and Artifacts Committee […]
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Intricate Minds moving to North Grand Avenue
Intricate Minds, a nonprofit that operates a community center with a variety of resources and services, is moving to 619 North Grand Ave. East as of Feb. 1. Tiara Standage originally launched a for-profit event space, Everything Intricate, three years ago. In March 2023, she converted to a nonprofit and renamed it Intricate Minds, which […]
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Brandon Blackburn joins United Way
Brandon Blackburn has joined the United Way of Central Illinois as director of strategic partnerships, effective Jan. 22. Most recently, he was director of operations for Mission BBQ and previously held a similar role with Panera Bread, overseeing operations from Chicago to St. Louis. In between, he worked in banking and founded WayPoint Crown Consulting, […]
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Building permits – Jan. 15 – Jan. 21
LLD RE LLC received a commercial remodel permit for 3451 Lumber Lane. Contractor is LLD RE LLC and the project is valued at $1.6 million. Jackson Properties LLC received a commercial remodel permit for 4501 Alex Blvd. Contractor is Michael Von Behren Builder, Inc., and the project is valued at $380,115. White Oaks Plaza LLC […]
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Potbelly announces first Springfield location
Fans of Potbelly Sandwich Shop won’t have to wait much longer to get their fix in Springfield. In fall 2022, Rob Wilbern, a certified public accountant who also owns Robert’s Automotive and several other businesses in Springfield, signed a franchise agreement with the parent company for Potbelly. He announced plans to open a total of […]
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Courtney Wilbern relocates, renames med spa practice
Courtney Wilbern has relocated and renamed her medical spa practice, which is now known as Absolut Aesthetics & Wellness Medspa. It began operating Jan. 2 out of a new location at 949 Clock Tower Drive. Wilbern founded the business in November 2021, shortly after completing her masters of science degree in nursing. It was originally […]
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Nominations open for Good as Gold awards program
Nominations are now being accepted for the Good as Gold awards program, recognizing those that make Springfield a great place to live and thrive through their spirit of service in the Springfield community. The University of Illinois Springfield, the Junior League of Springfield and United Way of Central Illinois will host the 16th Annual Springfield […]
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Remarkable Resale owner retiring, seeking buyer for business
Remarkable Resale in Rochester has changed its name, location and inventory over the past three decades, and now owner Kitty Boyce is planning a change of ownership as well. Boyce opened The Kids Closet, a children’s resale shop, in 1991. She quickly outgrew the initial 1,000 square feet of space, and by 1994 moved into […]
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Building permits – Jan. 8 – Jan. 14
Family Service Center of Sangamon County received a commercial fence permit for 919 S. Spring St. Contractor is Allied Fence and the project is valued at $4,710. TR 1070 Prairie State Bank & Trust received a commercial remodel permit for 623 E. Adams St. Contractor is Wilkin Construction and the project is valued at $68,400. […]
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Little Lincoln’s Toy Shop to relocate
Little Lincoln’s Toy Shop isn’t so little any more. Ryan Leake opened the toy store in 2018 in a newly constructed retail center at 3450 Liberty Drive, but said, “We’ve outgrown our current location.” A move is in the works to 3001 W. White Oaks Drive, where two suites between the Gold Center and Wilson […]