Events Upcoming
New Members
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Tiffany Bauman
Tiffany BaumanBilling CoordinatorHanson Professional Services Inc. 217-747-9225tbauman@hanson-inc.comWhat products and services does your business offer? Hanson’s mission is to help our clients succeed in meeting their business- or government-sector goals by providing quality professional engineering, planning and allied services while protecting the public and environment. Additionally, we provide our clients with environmentally sensitive options through our knowledge and implementation of
VISIT SPRINGFIELD ANNOUNCES OPENING OF THE ROUTE 66 BOB WALDMIRE ART EXHIBITION AT THE PHARMACY GALLERY & ART SPACE
Visit Springfield is excited to unveil an art exhibition of curated work from Bob Waldmire. Bob Waldmire-Nomadic Hippie, gifted artist, and Route 66 icon well known for his creative expression of the Mother Road and all her glory. This exhibit allows you to immerse yourself in this creative expression and awe-inspiring attention to detail, celebrating the nostalgia and culture of Route 66. OFFICIAL RIBBON WITH CUTTING WITH GSCC & MEDIA EVENT –JULY 11, 2025 at 3:00PMThe Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space623 E.
LLCC names new softball coach
Lincoln Land Community College has named Leslie Messina as the new head coach of the Loggers softball program, following the retirement of longtime coach John Marsaglia. “We are excited to announce that Leslie Messina has agreed to become the next head softball coach at Lincoln Land Community College,” said Diana Couch, LLCC Athletics Director. “From the beginning, it was clear that Leslie aligned with the vision and direction that we are working toward. Her experience this past year as an assistant with
Visit Springfield Offers Free Online Tourism Ambassador Academy
We’re excited to invite you to participate in this course, developed in collaboration with Learn Tourism! This program aims to certify community members, stakeholders and professionals of all walks as a tourism ambassador, empowering them to share Springfield’s story with pride and authenticity. This course that has been created by Visit Springfield with the intention that participants will gain insight into the program’s unique training modules, which cover topics like visitor engagement,
Become a Lifelong Walker or Runner
CITP Offers Technology Leadership Based In Illinois
CITP Offers Technology Leadership (CIOs, CTOs & CISOs) Based In Illinois Central Illinois Tech Partners (CITP), headquartered in Springfield, Illinois, was founded as a single source for a variety of technology experts to meet the growing technology needs of the region. Companies don't need to leave the region to get the technology services they want. We have been asked where the CITP technology leaders are located. CITP is the only entity in Illinois outside the Chicago area that promotes Technology
A Monetary Policy Discussion with the Chicago Fed, featuring Austan D. Goolsbee, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce is pleased to host A Monetary Policy Discussion with the Chicago Fed, featuring Austan D. Goolsbee, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. This special event will include a Fireside Chat moderated by Mark Denzler, President & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. As President of the Chicago Fed, Goolsbee plays a key role in shaping national monetary policy as a member of the Federal Open Market Committee. He also oversees the Bank’s
CWLP Opening Enrollment in Its Home Weatherization Program For Low-Income Homeowners
Beginning Tuesday, July 15th at 9 a.m., City Water, Light and Power’s Energy Services Office is opening enrollment in “Helping Homes,” its home weatherization and energy efficiency program. This special assistance program helps qualifying low-income homeowners reduce their energy costs through installation of new energy-saving retrofits in their homes.Awarded applicants will first be scheduled for a home energy audit to determine the type and scope of retrofit for weatherization and efficiency improvements
UIS study shows political messages affect refugee policy support
A University of Illinois Springfield researcher has co-authored a new study showing that the way political leaders talk about refugees can significantly influence public opinion.The study, published June 26 in the Journal of Elections, Public Opinion and Parties, found that people are more likely to support stricter refugee policies when refugees are described as “potential terrorists.” When described as “families fleeing violence,” support for restrictions drops.Isabel Skinner, assistant professor in the
Mitchell Named June Colleague of the Month for Springfield Memorial Hospital
Victoria Mitchell, a research nurse in the Cancer Center at Springfield Memorial Hospital, is the nonprofit hospital’s Colleague of the Month for June. As a research nurse, Mitchell works closely with oncologists to help patients get enrolled in clinical trials, and she follows them throughout the process to make sure everything is on track—from treatments to follow-ups. She was nominated for the care she provided to support a patient who qualified for a clinical trial to treat squamous cell carcinoma but
Downtown Springfield Inc. Community Meeting
On Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., Downtown Springfield, Inc. (DSI) welcomed community members to a public meeting held at Horace Mann. The event brought together a passionate crowd dedicated to the future of downtown Springfield and provided a comprehensive update on DSI’s progress, upcoming initiatives, and long-term vision.During the meeting, DSI presented key highlights from the first half of 2025, offered a preview of initiatives planned for the remainder of the year, and shared insights from
UIS Innocence Project secures exoneration of six men after 124 years of wrongful imprisonment
The Illinois Innocence Project, based at the University of Illinois Springfield, announced the full exoneration of six clients in Cook County today after they collectively served 124 years in prison for a murder they did not commit.Brothers Robert Cardona and Gregorio Cardona, Lowell Higgins-Bey, Harry Rodriguez, Michael McCastle and Fernando Gomez were all teenagers or young adults when they were wrongfully convicted in 1989. Their exoneration follows decades of advocacy and a 2022 post-conviction DNA test
Austin Named June Memorial Health Ambulatory Colleague of the Month
Schantel Austin, a medical assistant with Memorial Care in Chatham, is Colleague of the Month for the Memorial Health Ambulatory Group. Austin embodies the characteristics of teamwork according to her colleagues. When the waiting room is packed, she will step in to pick up additional nurse visits for urgent care patients to lessen their wait times. She displays exceptional time management skills and treats patients kindly with patience and positivity. “Schantel is a joyful person,” wrote one of her
UIS Innovation Center leasing space at Horace Mann to grow programs that support economic development
The University of Illinois Springfield Innovation Center will lease space at Horace Mann’s downtown Springfield campus to expand programs that support economic development in the region. The 2.5-year lease will allow the center to broaden programming and services focused on innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration. The move is expected to be completed by September.Innovate Springfield, the UIS business incubator that has supported regional entrepreneurs and startups for 10 years, will become part of
.png)
GARY CECIL JOINS LAND OF LINCOLN CREDIT UNION AS MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER
Decatur, Illinois, June 20th, 2025– Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) welcomes Gary Cecil as a Mortgage Loan Officer, serving membership in our Decatur, Bloomington, and Springfield regions. In this role, he will assist individuals in finding the right loan products and guide them through the mortgage loan application process. Gary comes to LLCU with a background in social work and education, holding previous positions as a Child Welfare Specialist for DCFS, a Teaching Assistant for Meridian Elementary
LLCC announces spring 2025 Dual Credit President’s and Vice President’s lists
SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College has announced its Dual Credit President’s and Vice President’s lists for the spring 2025 semester. Students who earned a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) are noted with an asterisk and achieved President’s list honors. Students who earned a GPA of 3.5-3.99 achieved Vice President’s list honors. LLCC partners with area high schools to provide college-level classes through Dual Credit (taught by teachers in high schools) and also College Now (taught by LLCC
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS REMINDS RESIDENTS OF JULY 2025 BRANCH PICKUP SCHEDULE
The City of Springfield’s Department of Public Works reminds residents that the next round of branch pickup for 2025 will start on July 7. This program, conducted in quadrants, provides residents with a scheduled week for collection. Residents must have their branches curbside by 7:00 am on their designated pickup week. 2025 July Branch Pickup Schedule by Quadrant:July 7- Northwest Quadrant (North of South Grand Avenue and Old Jacksonville Road, and West of Walnut Street/J David Jones Parkway)July 14-
Fun activities, emergency vehicles to make happy memories at Touch a Truck Back-to-School Supply Drive
A favorite summer tradition returns to HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital on July 17, when the hospital hosts the popular Touch a Truck Back-to-School Supply Drive from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the public. Pediatric patients at HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital and members of the community will get to see emergency vehicles up close, with a private time scheduled for patients. Other activities for the event located in front of the hospital will include temporary tattoos, bubble machines and fun photo
HSHS Executive, Central Illinois Market leaders honor new Central Illinois Market President and CEO
Members of Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) Executive and Central Illinois Market leadership teams today honored Brian Brennan, MHA, FACHE, with a Commissioning Ceremony in HSHS St. John’s Hospital’s chapel. Brennan joined HSHS as Central Illinois Market President and CEO and HSHS St. John’s Hospital President and CEO on May 27. In addition to HSHS St. John’s Hospital, hospitals in this market include HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur; HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, Effingham; HSHS St. Francis
RIBBON CUTTING FOR THE NEWLY OPENED CARPENTER PARK ROUTE 66 ALIGNMENT
Visit Springfield is excited to unveil a hidden gem from the past: the Carpenter Park Original Route 66 Pavement. Nestled beside the Sangamon River, this quarter-mile stretch of road has been hidden away, untouched and overgrown, for nearly 90 years. Initially part of the original stretch of Route 66, this segment was only in use for about a decade before the highway's alignment changed. Join us as the segment is officially opened for visitors, Route 66 enthusiasts and residents to enjoy this historic
City of Springfield to Launch “Community Connection” as Part of Mayor Buscher’s Communication Initia
As part of Mayor Misty Buscher’s ongoing effort to improve transparency, accessibility, and public trust in local government, the City of Springfield will officially launch Community Connection on June 30. This new tool represents the second prong of the Mayor’s three-part communication initiative, aimed at strengthening relationships between residents and their local government. Community Connection will be available through the new City Navigator, an online portal that centralizes access to City
.png)
LAND OF LINCOLN CREDIT UNION ANNOUNCES DESIREE BEHL AS THE NEW BRANCH MANAGER OF EFFINGHAM SOUTH BRANCH
Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) announced that Desiree Behl has been hired as the new Branch Manager of the Effingham South branch. Behl will oversee the sales and operations of the Effingham South branch, as well as serving as a Loan Officer. Over the last 25 years, Desiree has gained experience in the financial industry as an Administrative Assistant in wealth management, Loan Deposit Specialist, and a Mortgage Underwriter. Most recently, Desiree was employed as Branch Manager for United Fidelity Bank
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Jeremy Logue
Jeremy Logue AVP, Mortgage LendingHeartland Credit Union (217) 726-2101 Ext. 236 jlogue@hcu.orgWhat products and services does your business offer? Mortgage purchases Mortgage refinances HELOCs Auto Loans Personal Loans Savings Accounts Checking Accounts Heartland Credit Union offers a variety of products and services for all stages of life. Members can enjoy the convenience of one of our three locations in Springfield or our user-friendly online services. What is one thing you’d like
Local High School Students Step into World of Health Care
Ever want to observe a gastric bypass surgery, meet babies in the NICU or learn CPR with hands-on demonstrations? Area students got a glimpse into a career at HSHS St. John’s Hospital by participating in a recent High School Healthcare Bootcamp. “It’s one thing to read about health care in a textbook or to see your parents leave for their shift at the hospital each morning, but seeing it in person brings the career to life. Many of these students will remember this experience for years to come,” said
Official field for the 2025 Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS
The Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS announced the official field list for the 2025 Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS. Two past champions and seven of the top ten on the current Korn Ferry Tour points list will be competing June 26 – June 29 in Springfield, giving the 2025 Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS one of its strongest and most entertaining player fields competing at Panther Creek Country Club. Former champions in the field include Paul Haley II (2022), and
REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN FOR EXCITING PICKLEBALL EVENTS IN THE CAPITAL CITY
The Springfield Park District reminds all area pickleball enthusiasts that the registration deadline for the Scheels Capital City Classic Pickleball Tournament is fast approaching. Players must register by Monday, July 1, 2025, to secure their spot in this exciting event held at Iles Park, located in the heart of Springfield. The tournament, proudly sponsored for many years by Scheels and Springfield Clinic, will take place on Friday, July 17th through Sunday, July 20th, welcoming players of all skill
Suresh Krishnan Named Memorial Health Chief Information Officer
Suresh Krishnan will join Memorial Health as chief information officer effective July 28. Krishnan most recently served as chief technology officer at Cone Health in Greensboro, North Carolina, and is very familiar with Illinois, having spent more than 30 years with health care organizations in the Chicago area earlier in his career.He graduated with honors from the University of Madras in Chennai, India, earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.“I was fortunate to work with Suresh at Cone
SECOND PHASE OF WATER MAIN RELOCATION WORK TO CLOSE NEXT SECTION OF 9th STREET
Beginning Tuesday, June 24, CWLP’s Water Department will move to the second phase of a project to relocate 2,000 feet of 24-inch water main for the Springfield Rail Improvements Project on North Grand Avenue. This phase of work, expected to last three weeks, requires a street opening and road closure on N. 9th Street from the North Grand Avenue intersection to Reservoir Street. This project represents part of the City of Springfield’s match towards the Springfield Rail Improvements Project, and is the
The Damon Priddy State Farm Team is Growing!
Springfield Illinois - March 2025 - Damon Priddy Insurance & Financial Services - a State Farm Agency is proud to announce the addition of three talented professionals - Chadd Pfeiffer, Marc Reeves and Heath Bilyeu - to it's growing team. As the agency continues to expand its footprint in the Springfield community, these new team members bring a wealth of knowledge, industry experience and a commitment to delivering exceptional service to clients. "This growth reflects our dedication to helping more
Damon Priddy State Farm recognized as both Best Agency & Best Agent in Springfield!
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS - November 2024 The Damon Priddy State Farm Team, a leader in providing quality insurance & financial service solutions, is proud to announce it's recent awards for Best Insurance Agency and Best Insurance Agent in Springfield by the Community Choice Awards. These prestigious honors reflect the agency's dedication to clients, community engagement and exceptional service. This is the third consecutive year that the agency has taken home both awards! The awards were presented at the
.jpeg)
Damon Priddy State Farm Team Rebrands ''What is Service''
This week the agency has taken part in multiple events and recognized their service team for National Customer Service Week! Nearly four years into the launch of the Damon Priddy State Farm Agency, our team is "rebranding" the customer service team and the way we "do service". "I came from a background in hospitality, managing multiple hotels and major brands along the way. Taking care of people is engrained in who I am. That hospitality training and care for detail doesn't go away. Launching the agency in
