Garrison Group, a Springfield-based commercial real estate brokerage firm, has joined Keller Williams Capital. “We’ve been an independent brokerage since Glen (Garrison) started Garrison Group in the early 90s,” said David Plake, president and CEO of Garrison Group. Plake purchased the business from Garrison in 2022, but the company’s namesake remains active in day-to-day operations. […]
Newsletter – Biz Bites
State’s Attorney Dan Wright a candidate for judge
Sangamon County State’s Attorney Dan Wright is among seven candidates vying to be appointed to an associate circuit judge vacancy created by the July 23 death of Matthew Mauer. And former State’s Attorney John Milhiser, Wright’s former boss when Wright was an assistant state’s attorney, is now working for Wright as an assistant state’s attorney […]
Justin Stone joins Hickory Point Bank
Justin Stone has joined Hickory Point Bank as senior vice president, mortgage lending. He will work out of the branch at 3131 W. Wabash Ave. Stone has 21 years of banking experience and previously worked for Morton Community Bank, formerly Marine Bank, in Springfield as well as Bank of Springfield. “Justin is one of the […]
Eagle Golf and Grill to open on Springfield’s west side
Eagle Golf and Grill, a public golf training facility with a full-service restaurant and bar, is in the works on Springfield’s west side. “If you think of the competitive sports market, we’re trying to serve that market for golf,” said Jim Lee, who co-owns the business along with his wife, Amber Lee, and Josh Edison, […]
Building permits – Sept. 25– Oct. 1
The city of Springfield received a commercial building permit for 2121 S. 11th St. Contractor is O’Shea Builders and the project is valued at $4.7 million. USR-DESCO Montvale Commons LLL received a commercial remodel permit for 2757 Chatham Road. Contractor is Commercial Installation & Construction and the project is valued at $40,000. Nayyer Syed Kashif […]
The Crafted Stag Supply planned for west side
A new specialty business catering to men is in the works on Springfield’s west side. The Crafted Stag Supply is the brainchild of Grant and Jennifer Hammer, who purchased the property at 3455 Freedom Dr. in May and hope to be open for business by spring 2024. “It will be a men’s clothing and gift […]
The Keep Store reopening
The Keep Store, Springfield’s first and only refillery, has moved one door down to 312 E. Adams St. “The previous space was very segmented,” said owner Ami Shelton. “People walk in now thinking we have double the inventory, and I tell them, ‘No, you can just see it all now.’” While the total square footage […]
Building permits – Sept. 18 – Sept. 24
Lincoln Memorial Garden % James Matheis received a commercial accessory structure permit for 2301 East Lake Shore Drive. Contractor is Michael Von Behren Builder, Inc., and the project is valued at $1,078,560. The Yard Springfield LLC received a commercial remodel permit for 1650 Wabash Ave., Suite J. Contractor is Joyner Construction Services, Inc., and the […]
15 Under Fifteen
This is the 21st year that Springfield Business Journal has partnered with United Community Bank to recognize 15 outstanding small businesses in the local area. To qualify, a business must be located in Sangamon or Morgan county, have been open for at least two years and have 15 or fewer full-time employees. A business is […]
Steve Gnuse joins First Bankers Trust
Steve Gnuse has joined First Bankers Trust Company, N.A., a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Bankers Trustshares, Inc., as senior vice president of commercial banking, effective Sept. 18. Gnuse has 40 years of experience in the banking industry and most recently was a senior vice president at Heartland Bank and Trust Company, formerly Town and Country […]
Springfield Clinic to be major sponsor for Scheels Sports Park
Springfield Clinic’s name and logo will appear on the inflated dome of a 190,000-square-foot structure for indoor practices and competitions at Scheels Sports Park at Legacy Pointe. That name recognition for the clinic, one of the largest multispecialty medical groups in Illinois, is just one part of its involvement as the park’s official Health and […]
Virginia Colletti, Kathy Seadler join Compass for Kids
Compass for Kids has hired two staff members for newly created positions as part of the organization’s expansion. Virginia Colletti is serving as the coordinator of the new youth leadership development program, which will allow Compass to expand services to older students. Colletti previously worked as a teacher in the Ball-Chatham and Springfield school districts, […]

