The owners of Coz’s Pizza and Pub and the longtime property owner are embroiled in a legal dispute, which appears to have led to the announcement that July 27 will be the last day of operations for the business at its current location. Louis and Elsa Ezzo purchased Coz’s Pizza and Pub in March 2023, […]
Newsletter – Biz Bites
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Illinois bet on solar to meet its climate goals. Trump has the industry in his crosshairs.
President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans earlier this month curtailed federal tax incentives for the solar energy industry and for individuals and companies that purchase solar panels. The move sent shockwaves through the industry nationwide, pulling key incentives for major projects and residential rooftop solar alike. But in Illinois, members of the industry say state […]
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Look to modern manufacturing for high-paying, high-impact careers
Look to modern manufacturing for high-paying, high-impact careers Did you know that manufacturing plays a significant role in our local, central Illinois economy? From small- and medium-sized local businesses to national brands employing almost 1,000 people, the effect of these businesses is critical for our area. However, after spending much time talking with these employers, […]
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Westside Market to launch in June
A group of five women who are all small business owners with interests on the west side of Springfield are launching a Westside Market that will take place the first Sunday of each month, starting in June. Celeste Malham, who owns FED Kitchen, which recently merged with Papo’s Café, said she had a vision for […]
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Loukinens’ on 4th closing permanently
Loukinens’ on 4th is closing again, this time for good. Co-owner and chef Keith Loukinen has announced Saturday, May 3, will be the last day of operations. “With the changes that have occurred in the dynamic of downtown Springfield these past few years, coupled with the skyrocketing cost of doing business, he has deemed it no […]
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Illinois scrambles to boost locally produced farm products after Trump’s funding freeze
When Illinois named small farmer Nathan Ryder a finalist for a federal $100,000 Local Food Infrastructure Grant, he made big plans for his farm in the southeastern tip of the state. Then the U.S. Department of Agriculture cut his funding. The Ryder family farm, a 10-acre operation in Pope County that produces chicken eggs, sheep […]
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Pro Com Services sold to St. Louis-area company
Pro Com Services of Illinois, a Springfield-based debt collection company, has been acquired by CACi of St. Ann, Missouri. “We do still have a local workforce; however, the local office (on Constitution Drive) has closed,” said Connie Matrisch, the former Pro Com owner who is now vice president of client relations for CACi. “There were […]
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Will Stevenson returns to WTAX
Will Stevenson is returning to Springfield and will once again be working for radio station WTAX. Stevenson will start his new role as editor-in-chief of CapitolCityNow.com on May 5. He will also have some anchoring and reporting duties and be the fill-in host for WTAX Morning Newswatch. Stevenson was previously employed at WTAX from 2015-2017, […]
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Bonni Waters retiring from JREDC
Bonni Waters is retiring after nearly three decades with the Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation. Her journey with the JREDC began in 1996 as an administrative assistant. Over the years, her role evolved, first to market research analyst and eventually to vice president. Waters has helped to shape the organization’s strategies, ensuring that Jacksonville and the […]
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Honey Baked Ham plans Springfield expansion
The Honey Baked Ham Company has set its sights on Springfield. “We started to look at markets across the county that we felt were the top markets that we wanted to be in, and Springfield is at the top of the list,” said Eric Edwards, who handles franchise development for the Georgia-based company. “The location, […]
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Building permits – March 17 to March 23
Memorial Health System received a commercial remodel permit for 701 N. First St. Contractor is O’Shea Builders and the project is valued at $4.99 million. Third Monroe LLC % Andrew Fendrich received a commercial remodel permit for 305/307 E. Monroe St. Contractor is Third Monroe LLC % Andrew Fendrich and the project is valued at […]
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A demolition, planned renovation for Adams Street
Another of the fire-damaged buildings in the 400 block of East Adams Street in downtown Springfield is being demolished, but historic preservation advocates are pleased that the adjacent one will now be saved. The buildings at 417-421 E. Adams St., just east of where the June 19 fire occurred, are owned by a limited liability […]