Mel-O-Cream Donuts, 3010 S. Sixth St., held a ribbon cutting Aug. 20 celebrating its new Route 66 shield-shaped doughnut sign and an extended menu and hours. Sangamon Donuts, the owner and operator of five Mel-O-Cream stores in Springfield, applied for a grant in December 2024 to create a large Route 66 shield-shaped doughnut sign in […]
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Memorial Health names senior vice president
Dr. Ted Clark has been named Memorial Health’s senior vice president and chief clinical officer, effective Aug. 4. In his new role, Clark will oversee Memorial Medical Group, Memorial Behavioral Health and the health system’s quality and safety teams and its home health services. Clark has served as Decatur Memorial Hospital’s chief medical officer since […]
Using generative AI as a collaborator
“There’s so much information about artificial intelligence and how it can change the way people work – from writers to photographers to designers to information officers to those in health care – this is why we chose to offer the AI for Communicators workshop,” said Christy Broccardo-Grove, communications director for Safe Electricity, and webmaster, past […]
Aunt Lous Soul Food
With all the hits downtown Springfield has taken over the last few weeks, I figured it would be good to review one of its remaining restaurants. I’m glad that I did. Aunt Lou’s is at the southwest corner of Sixth and Monroe streets. There’s a small bar area zoned off from the main dining room, […]
NAPA Auto Parts to open in Chatham
McKay NAPA Auto Parts, headquartered in Litchfield, is preparing to open a Chatham location. The former Family Video store at 210 N. Main St. is currently undergoing renovations. McKay Corporation was established in 1937 and became aligned with NAPA in 2003. Since then, McKay has expanded from 16 stores to 26 stores, stretching from Mt. Sterling […]
UCB announces Springfield-area market reorganization
United Community Bank has announced key leadership transitions and market reorganizations for the Springfield area. Steve Otten, who serves as the current Springfield market president, is transitioning to a mentorship role. He has been named UCB Ambassador, which will allow him to provide strategic guidance and leadership support while enjoying more time with his family, […]
Q&A with Monica Zanetti
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay area, Monica Zanetti moved to Springfield six years ago and quickly made a name for herself in the community. After initially being one of five artists exhibiting at Wild Rose, she bought the downtown art studio and retail shop and now provides space for more than 30 […]
Springfield Chamber announces Small Business Award winners
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce hosted the 40th Annual Small Business Awards on June 24 at the Crowne Plaza Springfield Convention Center. The event recognized outstanding community entrepreneurs in the following four categories: Not-for-Profit Director of the Year, New & Emerging Business Owner of the Year, Small Business Owner of the Year and Lifetime […]
Women of Influence recipients honored at event
Each year, Springfield Business Journal partners with Security Bank to recognize women from the public and private sectors who have made outstanding contributions to the local community. The recipients are selected from nominations submitted by community members throughout the year. On Tuesday, May 20, Security Bank hosted a reception at Island Bay Yacht Club for […]
Springfield Art Association
Established: 1910 Director: Betsy Dollar Employees: 11 Services: nonprofit The Springfield Art Association was created in 1910 as The Springfield Amateur Art Study Club. The club drew more than 100 members rather quickly. “There was a great deal of interest in the arts and the power of the arts to improve society overall,” said […]
Storyteller Studios
Established: 2013 Owners: Josh and Andrea Hester Employees: 7 Services: video production Josh and Andrea Hester, owners of Storyteller Studios, opened the business in 2013 with a simple goal of creating videos that tell real stories and make a difference. “After years of working in documentary film and corporate marketing, I saw the power of […]
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce
Established: 1869 President: Mike Murphy Employees: 7 Services: business advocacy The roots of The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce go back to 1869 when the Springfield Board of Trade was founded. The GSCC has been a driving force for the local business community, as it is committed to enhancing member success and advocating for […]

