Events Upcoming
New Members
Ambassador of the Quarter: Schyler Hollis
Schyler Hollis AVP, Commercial Lending Bank of Springfield (217) 241-6218shollis@bankwithbos.com In the first quarter of 2024, Schyler Hollis, Commercial Lending Officer with Bank of Springfield, earned the Ambassador of the Quarter honor. Schyler attended 17 out of 17 ribbon cuttings, made eight member contacts, worked at three Chamber on Tap events, worked at one Coffee & Connections event, and attended three Ambassador committee meetings. Schyler will receive a gift certificate to a Chamber
Experience design, advocacy and fantasy through the work of UIS emerging artists
The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery presents “Inter | Action,” a group exhibition featuring works by an all-women roster of five visual arts students as they prepare to transition from student artists to emerging professionals.An opening reception will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on April 25 in the gallery, located in the UIS Health and Sciences Building, 2295 William Maxwell Lane, Springfield, Room 201. The exhibition will be open to the public until May 9.Exhibiting artists
Memorial Health Accepting Applications for Healthcare Careers Camp
SPRINGFIELD – Memorial Health is accepting applications to a free three-day health care careers summer camp for rising junior and senior high school students to be held June 10-12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Memorial Learning Center. Campers will participate in hands-on learning activities that bring the medical field to life. Informative learning opportunities include interaction with Memorial colleagues, college faculty and undergraduate students. Career assessments, guest speakers, simulated
UIS part of a $25,000 National Endowment for the Humanities grant aimed at navigating AI
Date: April 17, 2024 Contact: Blake Wood, 217-206-6716 SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is part of a $25,000 National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grant aimed at helping public colleges and universities navigate the world of artificial intelligence. The funding was awarded to Miriam Wallace, dean of the UIS College of Liberal Arts and
Five to join the Samuel K. Gove Legislative Internship Hall of Fame at UIS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDate: April 16, 2024 Contact: Blake Wood, 217-206-6716 SPRINGFIELD – The Samuel K. Gove Illinois Legislative Internship Hall of Fame at the University of Illinois Springfield will induct five new members during a ceremony at 7 p.m. on April 23 at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield. Prior to the awards ceremony, a reception will be held at 6 p.m. This award honors former Illinois Legislative Staff
Snyder joins Hanson’s headquarters as project administrator
Keri Snyder, project administrator, recently joined Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s Springfield headquarters. She will assist project managers in all areas of the project process, including planning, startup, execution, monitoring and closeout, as well as the financial aspects, such as invoicing, budget reports and accounts receivable tracking. Snyder was previously the director of rehabilitation services and sports medicine for HSHS St. John’s Hospital. She received an associate degree in liberal
UIS unveils two new high-tech anatomage tables donated by Memorial Health
The University of Illinois Springfield and the University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing Springfield Campus unveiled two new anatomage tables on April 15. The high-tech tables, donated by Memorial Health, let students fully visualize and learn about human anatomy layer by layer. The tool will be utilized by UIS students studying athletic training, biology and exercise science, as well as by UIC Nursing Springfield students. The technology enables users to visualize anatomy as they would on a
UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership to host summit on policy and social innovation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: April 16, 2024
John Fidler to Retire May 2024
John Fidler, Assistant Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Heartland Credit Union, will retire in May 2024, after 22 years of service to the organization. During Fidler’s tenure, he has held the positions of Mortgage Loan Officer, Assistant Vice President of Mortgage Lending and Branch Manager of the facility on West White Oaks Drive. He has been active in the community, volunteering for Rotary Club of Springfield-South, Association of Mortgage Professionals (President, 2006-2008), Springfield Area
CWLP Awarded for Outstanding Safety Practices
Springfield, Ill.– City Water, Light and Power has earned the American Public Power Association’s Safety Award of Excellence for its Electric Division’s safe operating practices in 2023. The utility earned the Diamond Award in the category for utilities with 250,000 to 999,000 worker-hours annually along with 13 other utilities at the APPA’s Engineering & Operations Conference this week. “I am immensely proud of our City Water, Light and Power Electric Division for earning the prestigious Safety Award
Illinois Symphony Orchestra Announces Changes to the Opposites Attract Performances
The Illinois Symphony Orchestra announces that Music Director candidate Naomi Woo has withdrawn from the ISO’s Music Director search due to her recent appointments as Music Director of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, Assistant Conductor of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Artistic Partner of the Orchestre Métropolitain Montréal as well as her growing international guest conducting career. The ISO is excited to welcome back Alejandro Gómez Guillén, now as a finalist for the Music Director position.
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight - Brittany Clark
Brittany Clark Community Sourcing Strategist Hospital Sisters Health System (217) 492-2276 brittany.clark1@hshs.orgWhat products and services does your business offer? HSHS is a non-profit multi-institutional health care system comprised of 15 hospitals, scores of community-based health centers, and clinics, and more than 13,000 colleagues across IL and WI. HSHS provides high-quality, cost-effective, and compassionate health care for millions of people in Illinois and Wisconsin. Our health care
Visit Springfield To Sponsor Free Admission to the 2024 Memorial Health Championship Presented By LRS
The Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS announced their continued partnership with Visit Springfield today that allows free access to all four rounds of competitive play during this year’s Korn Ferry Tour competition. The tournament is scheduled for June 27 – June 30 at Panther Creek Country Club. “We have a fantastic event planned for central Illinois and are thrilled to partner with the Visit Springfield to make this event accessible to everyone,” said Kate Peters, Executive Director. “We are
UIS Unveils Innovative 2024 Summer Courses
The University of Illinois Springfield is excited to introduce its lineup of future-oriented summer courses for 2024. UIS is offering more than 250 courses starting June 3 for students who want to learn on campus or online.“These classes are a great tool for current UIS students and students from any college or university who needs a course or two to continue their education over the summer,” said Vickie Cook, UIS vice chancellor for enrollment and retention management. “Reduced fees this year make it more
LLCC student Olivia Marchizza named 2024 New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar
Lincoln Land Community College student Olivia Marchizza of Auburn has been named a Phi Theta Kappa 2024 New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar and will receive a $2,250 scholarship. She was recognized during the American Association of Community College’s (AACC’s) annual conference held April 5-9 in Louisville, Kentucky. More than 2,200 students from more than 1,300 college campuses nationwide were nominated. Only one New Century Transfer Scholar is selected from each state. “This is a very prestigious
CFO Bretz Retiring from Heartland Credit Union
Dave Bretz, Chief Financial Officer of Heartland Credit Union (HCU), will retire from his position effective May 1, after over 33 years of service to the organization. Bretz joined the HCU Board of Directors in February 1991 and served on the board until June 1998. Following his tenure on the Board, Bretz was hired at the credit union as Chief Financial Officer. Under Bretz’s leadership, HCU has grown from $72 million to nearly $462 million in assets. “On behalf of the board and Heartland Credit
UIS students to place blue pinwheels on campus for Child Abuse Prevention Month
WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Campus Child Advocates student organization will place blue pinwheels to honor the lives of children who died as the result of child abuse or neglect in 2023. WHEN: 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 9 WHERE: UIS Quad by the colonnade DETAILS: The pinwheels will be placed in planters near the UIS colonnade and a brief ceremony will be held.
Joe Bonamassa Returns to the UIS Performing Arts Center - November 26th
Following the momentum from his U.S. Spring Tour and the ninth annual voyage of his KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE AT SEA cruise, Joe Bonamassa has announced his U.S. Fall 2024 Tour, promising an extraordinary series of performances that underscore his unparalleled prowess and contribution to the blues-rock genre. Recognized globally as one of the most talented guitarists of his era and dubbed “the world's biggest blues guitarist” by Guitar World Magazine, Bonamassa continues to redefine blues-rock, bringing it
Damon Priddy State Farm partners with One Tree Planted!
The Damon Priddy State Farm Agency has announced a partnership for the month of April with the One Tree Planted organization. For every household quote with the agency and/or every client review online, the Damon Priddy team plants one tree! "Working with One Tree Planted is a great fit for our agency this month to celebrate Earth Month!" said Owner & Principal Agent Damon Priddy. "Sustainability, community involvement and giving back is at the core of my agency culture. This is another fun way to give
New Full-Service Travel Agency Opens in Springfield
New Travel Agency Opens in Springfield Welcomed by the Chamber of Commerce Springfield, Illinois, April 5, 2024 – launch of the Kristin Croenne Dream Vacations franchise “I’m thrilled to announce the opening of my web-based travel franchise,” said Kristin Croenne, Dream Vacations travel specialist and franchise owner of the Springfield, IL location. “With the support of our home office and partnerships with multiple land, tour, resort and cruise travel company partners, I can help make your dream
Dittmer celebrates 40 years of service at Hanson
Judy Dittmer, P.E., civil engineer, recently celebrated 40 years of service at Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s Springfield headquarters. Dittmer joined the company in 1984. She has provided site development, roadway and railroad design for many projects, including the Interstate 55 bridge over Lake Springfield, MacArthur Boulevard and Stanford Avenue extensions and Capital City Railroad Relocation project, all in Springfield; roadway design for the Clark Bridge in Alton; Interstate 90 widening and
Family Services Center - Bags & Brews
Family Service Center is having its first fundraiser since 2019! Come and enjoy in the fun on 6/02/2024 from 12:00 - 5:00 pm for Bags and Brews! Capital City Cornhole will be hosting a bags tournament which includes placement winnings for Pros 1st and 2nd place plus Amateurs 1st and 2nd place. The event will be hosted at Buzz Bomb with food from Seoul 4 Soul along with music by Sun of Circumstances. Ticket prices will be $20 for the bags tournament only or $35 for the bags tournament, a food ticket, and a
City Of Springfield Yard Waste Update
Waste Management announces a slight Yard Waste/Leaf Pickup Program change. Starting this week, Waste Management will be taking over the bi-weekly program of Yard Waste/Leaf Pickup. The current schedule will remain the same.North – area North of South Grand Avenue and Old Jacksonville Road, including properties west of Veterans Parkway/north of Iles Avenue.April 8, April 22May 6, May 20 June 3, June 17 July 15, July 29August 12, August 29 September 9, September 23 October 7, October 21 November 4,
Springfield Area Arts Council Presents “Friday Night Jazz & Blues”
The Springfield Area Arts Council is pleased to announce the April 2024 roster for “Friday Night Jazz & Blues,” hosted by Boone’s in downtown Springfield, IL. April 5 Andrew Binder’s Little Trio April 12 The Jaybirds April 19 The Mark Tonelli Group April 26 Victoria Capo Trio “Friday Night Jazz & Blues” is a renewed program that began as “Uptown Friday Night” and was revitalized in 2021 under a new moniker. This year-round series of jazz and blues concerts features area bands and is held
Millburg Named March Colleague of the Month for System Resources at Memorial Health
Doug Millburg, a customer support specialist, is the Memorial Health System Resources Colleague of the Month for March. Millburg resolves computer or phone issues with a “can-do” attitude and always in a timely manner. He has been with Memorial for more than 30 years and promotes a positive work environment and mentors team members. He supports the main campus in Springfield but also assists in off-site support, driving to more than 20 locations to troubleshoot and resolve issues in person. “Doug is an
House Named March Memorial Health Ambulatory Colleague of the Month
Joni House, a medical assistant with Memorial Care in Chatham, is the Memorial Health Ambulatory Group Colleague of the Month for March. Considered a “linchpin” at the Memorial Care in Chatham, House works as a medical assistant and is appreciated by patients and colleagues alike for her professionalism and work ethic. “She is always the first one to volunteer for any new project or extra hours that need filled,” wrote a leader. “She is a self-starter who is always helping others in the clinic. Her
Local owners to build a new hotel at Legacy Pointe next to planned SCHEELS Sports Park Complex
A local hotel ownership group, Legacy Hospitality, plans to break ground on a new hotel next month at Legacy Pointe. The new hotel, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, will be located just south of and adjacent to the existing SpringHill Suites by Marriott (3921 S. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield, Ill.). The new hotel will open in the summer of 2025. This announcement comes just six months after the groundbreaking of the SCHEELS Sports Park, which is also located in Legacy Pointe. “The families that end
Sheppard Named March Colleague of the Month for Springfield Memorial Hospital
Mike Sheppard, clinical pharmacy specialist at Springfield Memorial Hospital, is the nonprofit hospital’s Colleague of the Month for March. Mike ensures medications are dosed and administered safely. He collaborates with other departments, always with an eye to provide efficient care for patients. He keeps his skills updated and shares his expertise with colleagues through conference presentations and education talks with Emergency Department residents. “Mike is always willing to answer any question and
UIS Theatre to present six performances of “John Proctor is the Villain” by Kimberly Belflower
The University of Illinois Springfield Theatre Program will present six performances of “John Proctor is the Villain” by Kimberly Belflower.The show will run for two weekends: Friday, April 12, through Sunday, April 14, and Thursday, April 18, through Saturday, April 20, in the Studio Theatre on the lower level of the Public Affairs Center at UIS. All performances will begin at 7:30 p.m., except for the Sunday show on April 14, which will start at 2 p.m.Belflower creatively focuses on how young adults today
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight - Brandy Stabler
Brandy StablerDirector of DevelopmentCompass for Kids (217) 481-4651brandy@compassforkids.orgWhat products and services does your business offer? Compass for Kids is a local not-for-profit organization whose mission is to provide academic and social-emotional support to empower children and families underserved by our community. Our vision is that all children in our community experience success and reach their full potential. Compass for Kids serves low-income Kindergarten through 12th grade children and
Join HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital at the Little Miracles 5K Walk/Run
HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital is encouraging people of any age or ability to participate in the Little Miracles 5K Walk/Run. All proceeds from this event will go towards the ongoing needs of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at St. John’s. “The Little Miracles 5K offers an opportunity for friends, families and colleagues to come together while supporting a great cause,” said Mary Rogers, philanthropy specialist for HSHS St. John’s Foundation. “It is truly remarkable to witness the community
Beauman joins Hanson’s headquarters as project administrator
Jacob Beauman, project administrator, recently joined Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s Springfield headquarters. He will assist project managers in all areas of the project process, including planning, startup, execution, monitoring and closeout, as well as the financial aspects, such as invoicing, budget reports and accounts receivable tracking. Beauman was previously a sales manager for Foundation Building Materials in Champaign. Hanson is a national, employee-owned consulting firm providing
LLCC Ag hosts national conference and excels in competitions
Lincoln Land Community College hosted the 2024 National Professional Agriculture Students Conference March 11-14 at its campus in Springfield for nearly 500 students and advisors. Eleven LLCC Ag students earned awards in the competitions. The LLCC Soils Specialist Team of Will Jenkins of Raymond, Maggie White of Murrayville and Jhia Walker of Morrisonville won second place. Another of LLCC’s Soils Specialist Teams earned fourth place honors. Team members included Matt Crow of Franklin, Braylee Gilmore of
Springfield Memorial Hospital Seeks Perspectives on Maternity Services
Springfield Memorial Hospital Family Maternity Suites is seeking feedback on the birth experience from families who have welcomed a baby at the hospital during the past two years. Former patients and family members are invited to attend a one-hour community breakfast at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 16, to join in a panel discussion on the importance of respectful maternity care. “Our goal is to collect a wide range of patient and family perspectives,” said Kathryn Patrick, nurse manager of Family Maternity
Springfield Memorial Hospital Seeks Perspectives on Maternity Services
Springfield Memorial Hospital Family Maternity Suites is seeking feedback on the birth experience from families who have welcomed a baby at the hospital during the past two years. Former patients and family members are invited to attend a one-hour community breakfast at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 16, to join in a panel discussion on the importance of respectful maternity care. “Our goal is to collect a wide range of patient and family perspectives,” said Kathryn Patrick, nurse manager of Family Maternity
Celebrate spring with your Illinois Symphony Orchestra at our Lush & Lyrical concert!
Take a spring stroll in the lush and lyrical music of Elgar’s Introduction and Allegro, Vaughan Williams pastoral Oboe Concerto featuring the ISO’s Principal Oboist Russell Hoffman, and the energetic Fifth Symphony of Schubert, led by Music Director Candidate Tania Miller. This certainly will be a glorious night that awakens the optimism of spring! Listen LIVE on Friday, April 12, 2024 at 7:30 PM at the First Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Illinois and Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 7:30 PM at the
HSHS Offering Free Colorectal At-Home Cancer Screening Kit
HSHS St. John’s Hospital is partnering with Springfield Clinic to provide free FIT kits for colorectal screenings at a convenient drive-thru pickup. Kits will be available to be picked up on Tuesday, March 26 at HSHS St. John’s Pavilion from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The free FIT kit contains instructions and supplies for patients to collect a stool sample. Return completed kits via postage-paid envelope to Springfield Clinic lab for free processing. Test results will be sent by mail in three to four
SHG Announces Hiring of New Girls Basketball and Volleyball Coaches
Sacred Heart-Griffin High School is excited to announce the hiring of Dave Andrews as the new head coach of the Girl's Basketball program and the return of Sandy Hamilton as the head coach of the Volleyball program. Dave was an assistant coach at SHG for three seasons before taking the head coaching position at Lutheran for two years. He returned to SHG this past season as an assistant coach. “We are excited to have Dave as our new Head Girls Basketball coach,” said Bob Brenneisen. “Dave has a vision
Memorial Health Announces Leadership Succession Plan
Kevin England The Memorial Health Board of Directors has approved a succession plan to ensure continuity of leadership for the nonprofit health system. Effective July 1, 2024, 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 Health president. England will report directly to Curtis and is expected to be named president and CEO within a year, when Curtis
Monroe Street To Detour For State Parking Garage Work
On Thursday, March 21, Monroe Street will be closed between Pasfield and Spring Streets to accommodate construction for the new underground parking garage for the State Capitol complex. A detour will be in place at Walnut Street.Motorists should plan to take alternative routes and drive with caution around this work zone.
LLCC and Extension to host horticulture workshop for elementary teachers
Lincoln Land Community College and Illinois Extension are partnering to offer a Horticulture Institute for teachers of grades K-5 on June 25 and 26, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the Kreher Agriculture Center on the LLCC-Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Road. This two-day workshop will provide training on how to incorporate hands-on horticulture learning into classrooms. No green thumb is required. Participants will be able to get their hands dirty with hands-on activities about seed starting, plant cuttings,
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Awards Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce with 5-Star Accreditation
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce with its designation of Accredited with 5 Stars for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community. This is the third time the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce has achieved the 5-star accredited status. Local chambers are rated Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars, or 5-Stars. State chambers are recognized as either Accredited State Chamber or Accredited State Chamber with
Volunteer Registration is Now Open for Memorial Health Championship Presented by LRS
Volunteer registration is now open for the Memorial Health Championship, a PGA TOUR sanctioned golf tournament at Panther Creek Country Club. Tournament officials announced that COUNTRY® Financial will continue to serve as the Official Sponsor of the volunteer program. The tournament is looking to recruit more than 400 volunteers to fill over 20 different committees at this year’s event scheduled for June 24 - 30. As the sponsor of the volunteer program, COUNTRY will support this dedicated team of people
LLCC offering free digital literacy classes for older adults
SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College has partnered with AT&T to offer free digital literacy training classes throughout 2024 to help bridge the technological divide for older adults. A series of seven initial courses is available this spring. “The world has been moving toward more digital services and access, which has left many older adults feeling isolated, frustrated and socially excluded,” said Dr. Laurel Bretz, assistant vice president, continuing, corporate and professional education at
Register Now for the University of Illinois Springfield Spring Lunch & Learn Series
WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield will hold four Lunch & Learn Series events this spring. The series is presented by the UIS Alumni SAGE Society and the Illinois State Historical Society.WHERE: Illini Country Club, 1601 Illini Rd., SpringfieldDETAILS: Feb. 16 – “French Illinois” Doors open at 9:30 a.m., program at 10 a.m. (free - no lunch served) Mark J. Wagner, professor of anthropology and director for the Center for Archaeological Investigations at Southern Illinois University Carbondale