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The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Business Relief Fund Provides Grants to 35 Local Businesses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: April 6, 2020 Contact: Chris Hembrough, (217) 525-1173 x-205   SPRINGFIELD – The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce (GSCC) established the Chamber Business Relief Fund on March 20 to provide timely and meaningful financial resources to businesses significantly impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. GSCC seeded the Fund with $15,000 and has received over $22,000 in additional contributions as of April 3, for a total of over $37,000. The Chamber has issued grants up to a

Anne Moseley to lead UIS’ Sangamon Experience historic exhibition and Center for Lincoln Studies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: April 6, 2020 Contact: Derek Schnapp, 217-206-6716 SPRINGFIELD – Anne Moseley has been selected to lead the University of Illinois Springfield’s new Sangamon Experience historic exhibition and Center for Lincoln Studies. Moseley started working today as director of engagement and curator for Sangamon Experience and acting director for the Center for Lincoln Studies. A UIS alumna, Moseley previously worked as director and curator of the Lincoln Heritage Museum at Lincoln

Long-Time Employee Steve Schroll is Retiring from CMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Steve Schroll, PE, is retiring from Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. (CMT) after a 31-year career with the firm that saw him rise to the positions of Director of Building & Site Services and Senior Vice President. He also served on the firm’s Board of Directors from 2008 to 2015. “During his three decades with CMT, Steve did an excellent job in living out our firm’s values, both in his work and the relationships he developed with clients,” said Dan Meckes, CMT CEO. “His leadership

LLCC offering free online infection control course

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               April 2, 2020 Contact: Lynn Whalen, lynn.whalen@llcc.edu   SPRINGFIELD – Lincoln Land Community College’s Capital City Training Center is offering a free online training course on infection control in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.   In partnership with CareerStep, the short course “Certificate of Infection Control and Barrier Protection Proficiency (CICBP)” is available at no charge through April 30. The course takes one to three

LLCC to hold virtual information sessions for MacMurray students

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               April 2, 2020 Contact: Lynn Whalen, lynn.whalen@llcc.edu   SPRINGFIELD – Lincoln Land Community College will hold two virtual information sessions for MacMurray College students next week.   The virtual sessions will be held Wednesday, April 8 from 2-3 p.m. at https://zoom.us/j/901051803 and Thursday, April 9 from 7-8 p.m. athttps://zoom.us/j/301465826. No pre-registration is necessary.   Led by Keri Mason, director of

SMTD Response to COVID-19

SMTD Response to COVID-19 Steve Schoeffel, Deputy Managing Director, SMTD While much of the population is hunkered down in their homes and the rest go to work in jobs deemed “essential,” Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) fixed route buses can be seen running routes and paratransit vans picking up disabled passengers throughout Springfield. There are good reasons for that – reasons many in our community might not be aware of. So we at SMTD want you to know more about what we and many of our industry

COVID-19 Response Fund Awards $40,000 in Second Week of Grantmaking

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 02, 2020  Contact:  John Stremsterfer, President & CEO Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln 217/836-3386 stremsterfer@CFLL.org John Kelker, President & CPO  United Way of Central Illinois  217/741-1913  jkelker@uwcil.org COVID-19 Response Fund Awards $40,000 in Second Week of Grantmaking More than $140,000 has been donated to the Fund to support frontline nonprofit organizations in the greater capital region  SPRINGFIELD – The Community Foundation for the Land

Virtual Office Visits Now Available at HSHS Medical Group

For Immediate Release April 2, 2020   CONTACT:           Amanda Mack                              Marketing Project Manager HSHS Medical Group 217.381.4741                     Amanda.Mack@HSHS.org                                 Interviews available with Loren Hughes, MD, HSHS Medical Group president.   Virtual Office Visits Now Available at HSHS Medical Group HSHS Medical Group making it safe and easy to keep medical appointments   (Central and Southern Illinois) HSHS Medical Group is

CITY & CHAMBER REMIND SMALL BUSINESSES PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM APPLICATIONS OPEN APRIL 3

IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 2, 2020     Springfield, Illinois — The City of Springfield, together with the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, would like to remind small businesses that the application for the CARES Act Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) opens tomorrow, April 3.  The program will be offered through a number of local lending institutions (attached).   The PPP is a tool for businesses with fewer than 500 employees to get immediate assistance with meeting

No Joke! SMTD Reducing Saturday Service to Hourly This Weekend Low Ridership and Safety Lead To Reduced Hours

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 1, 2020 Contact: Steve Schoeffel (SMTD) 217.622.1217   Springfield, IL – Effective Saturday, April 4th, Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) will begin running an hourly schedule on Saturdays. As with weekday service, ridership has seen a drop of fifty percent in the last three weeks. Following Monday’s implementation of the emergency weekday reduced schedules, this reduction to hourly service on Saturdays reflects lower ridership and SMTD’s ongoing efforts to provide

Illinois Small Business Development Center at LLCC offering free assistance to small businesses during pandemic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               April 1, 2020 Contact: Lynn Whalen, lynn.whalen@llcc.edu   SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) at Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) is reaching out to small businesses in the area to offer assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our small businesses are being affected due to closures and reduction in foot traffic,” said Kevin Lust, director of the ISBDC at LLCC. “These are difficult and

Central Illinois Senior Celebration Postponed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nonprofit Contact: Tessa French Telephone: 217-528-4035              Springfield, IL – April 1, 2020   The Central Illinois Senior Celebration that was scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, 2020 has been postponed until Wednesday, September 30, 2020 due to the ongoing COVID-19 virus pandemic. "We want to keep all of our seniors and our exhibitor friends safe and healthy, and feel this is the best way to do that. Hopefully by September we will be beyond this virus and can once again

ZG Worldwide Now Offers Only Handheld Ultrasound On Market With Probe For Podiatrists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MEDIA CONTACT: Springfield, IL March 31, 2020 ZG Worldwide (Business Consultants - Software - Subject Matter Experts) provides one-stop shopping for solutions in business, technology, healthcare and marketing locally and remotely. Based in Springfield, in the Central Illinois Technology Triangle, ZG Worldwide was founded after identifying a void in diverse, global business consulting in Illinois outside of Chicago. ZG Worldwide gives business development and other assistance to

LLCC offering special assistance to MacMurray College students

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               March 30, 2020 Contact: Lynn Whalen, lynn.whalen@llcc.edu   SPRINGFIELD – Lincoln Land Community College is offering special assistance to students of MacMurray College displaced by Friday’s announcement of MacMurray’s closure at the end of spring semester.   “We are deeply saddened to hear of the closure of this longstanding institution located within the LLCC district,” said Charlotte Warren, Ph.D., president of LLCC. “We invite

OSF HealthCare Seeks Public Donations for COVID-19 Response

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Shelli Dankoff, Media Relations Supervisor – OSF HealthCare  (309) 655-3897(Peoria, IL | March 27, 2020) – OSF HealthCare has launched a Pandemic Response Fundraising campaign to ensure it is successful in the fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. OSF has taken unprecedented measures to respond to the outbreak, including the launch of digital solutions that can educate and screen individuals for the virus at home.  “We know it’s going to take a team effort

Free COVID-19 Virtual Assessments at HSHS Medical Group Anytime Care

For Immediate Release March 26, 2020   CONTACT:          Amanda Mack                             Marketing Project Manager HSHS Medical Group 217.381.4741   (call or text)                  Amanda.Mack@HSHS.org                                 Interviews available with Loren Hughes, MD, HSHS Medical Group president.   Free COVID-19 Virtual Assessments at HSHS Medical Group Anytime Care Speak to a Medical Provider Regarding COVID-19 Symptoms   (Central and Southern Illinois) For the health of

NORTH-BOUND NINTH DETOURED FOR WATER REPAIRS

News Release   March 26, 2020 Amber Sabin, 217.789.2116 ext.2629 Mobile, 217.899.5497   NORTH-BOUND NINTH DETOURED FOR WATER REPAIRS   North-bound traffic on Ninth Street is being detoured for a closure between Madison and Reynolds Streets to accommodate City Water, Light and Power’s emergency repairs to a water leak. All lanes will reopen after road surface repairs are complete. Motorists should plan to take alternative routes and should slow down and be aware of crews and equipment in and near

Town and Country Bank Welcomes Yolanda Stout as Branch Manager of MacArthur Blvd. Location

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 25, 2020 Contact: Heath Bruce Phone: 217.321.3809 Email: hbruce@townandcountrybank.com   Town and Country Bank Welcomes Yolanda Stout as Branch Manager of MacArthur Blvd. Location SPRINGFIELD, IL - Town and Country Bank is pleased to announce that Yolanda Stout will serve as Branch Manager for the company’s MacArthur Boulevard location in Springfield. “Town and Country Bank is thrilled to welcome Yolanda as the newest addition to our Branch Services team. Her

First Grant Deployed from COVID-19 Response Fund

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 25, 2020 Contact:  John Stremsterfer, President & CEO Community Foundation 217/836-3386 stremsterfer@CFLL.org John Kelker, President & CPO  United Way of Central for the Land of Lincoln Illinois  217/741-1913  jkelker@uwcil.org First Grant Deployed from COVID-19 Response Fund Additional grant recipients to be announced in coming weeksSPRINGFIELD – The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln and United Way of Central Illinois announce Central Illinois Foodbank as

SMTD To Reduce Weekday Service to Saturday Hours Starting Monday Passengers will Board through Rear Doors; Front Doors for ADA passengers only

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 25, 2020 Contact: Steve Schoeffel (SMTD) 217.622.1217   SMTD To Reduce Weekday Service to Saturday Hours Starting Monday Passengers will Board through Rear Doors; Front Doors for ADA passengers only Springfield, IL – Effective Monday, March 30th, Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) will begin running an emergency reduced schedule, which is similar to current Saturday schedules with the addition of the three hours of night service currently being run during the week. The

Christian County Residents Can Donate Needed Medical Supplies at Taylorville Clinic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 25, 2020 Contacts:HSHS St. John’s Hospital Amanda Mack: 217-381-4741 Email: amanda.mack@hshs.orgMemorial Medical Center Michael Leathers: 217-725-8370 Email: leathers.michael@mhsil.com Dean Olsen: 217-836-1068 Email: olsen.dean@mhsil.com Media Phone: 217-303-1583   TAYLORVILLE – Community residents can drop off donations of supplies to help local health care organizations as they respond to the COVID-19 virus pandemic. Donations will be accepted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jeff Dillman, MASCO Packaging & Industrial Supply, Chamber Ambassador Spotlight

Ambassador Committee Member SpotlightJeff DillmanWhat products and services does your business offer?MASCO offers paper products including toilet tissue, paper towels, facial tissue, hand towels, copy paper, boxes, ice melt, corrugated and all your warehouse and shipping needs. Full line of janitorial chemical supplies and complete systems to create a clean and healthy environment. Floor equipment including vacuums, floor scrubbers, carpet extractors, and commercial units. MASCO services and repairs

All In One Offering $1 Wash & Fold

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All In One Laundry Center & Services Providing Curbside Wash, Dry & Fold Service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 21, 2020 Contact: Pamela Frazier, President & CEO All In One Laundry Center & Services 801 South Grand Avenue East Springfield, IL 62703 pamela@allinonelaundry.co 217-544-5058   All In One Laundry Center & Services Providing Valuable Service Through COVID-19 Crisis CURBSIDE WASH, DRY & FOLD SERVICE 217-544-5058 SPRINGFIELD – March 21, 2020 – With hygiene being a key component to slowing the spread of COVID-19, All In One Laundry Center & Services remains open to ensure

Donations of Medical Supplies Being Accepted

March 23, 2020 For more information contact: Sara Jimenez sara.jimenez@hshs.org 217-741-1643   (SPRINGFIELD) At the request of HSHS Illinois (including HSHS St. John’s Hospital and HSHS Medical Group), Memorial Health System, Springfield Clinic and SIU Medicine, Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach will start accepting donations from the community related to COVID-19 supply shortages on Wednesday, March 25 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. The donations can include boxed, unused surgical type masks (including

The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Establishes Business Relief Fund for COVID-19 Crisis Assistance

The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce (GSCC) has created the Chamber Business Relief Fund to provide timely and meaningful financial resources to businesses significantly impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. GSCC has seeded the Fund with $15,000, and members of its Board of Directors have contributed more than $10,000 in less than 24 hours to establish an initial fund of over $25,000.  Businesses can apply for funding beginning Friday, March 20 at www.gscc.org. The intent of the funding is to act as a

HSHS Illinois, Memorial Health System Hospitals Will Implement No-Visitor Policy to Reduce Spread of COVID-19

As COVID-19 cases spike throughout Illinois, nine central Illinois hospitals with HSHS Illinois system and Memorial Health System will no longer allow visitors – with some exceptions. The restrictions took effect at HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital and Decatur Memorial Hospital Friday morning. They will begin at the other seven hospitals at 7 a.m. Saturday, March 21.  The decision was made as part of the hospitals’ ongoing efforts to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus and protect patients and healthcare

LLCC classes move to remote delivery; offices open remotely

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               March 20, 2020 Contact: Lynn Whalen, lynn.whalen@llcc.edu   LLCC classes move to remote delivery Monday; offices open remotely   SPRINGFIELD – Lincoln Land Community College classes will resume Monday, March 23, transitioning to remote (online) or alternate delivery for the remainder of the semester. Students have been contacted regarding details of their individual classes. Also beginning Monday, March 23, all LLCC offices will

Memorial Health System Provides Online Digital Assistant to Assess COVID-19 Risk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 19, 2020  CONTACTS: Michael Leathers - 217-788-7086 Dean Olsen - 217-588-3208 Media Phone - 217-303-1583SPRINGFIELD – Memorial Health System has an online digital assistant to assess individuals for COVID-19 risk based on criteria from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The confidential digital assistant, named “AnneSarah,” will assess individuals’ risk and, if necessary, inform them on how to seek treatment. “Our online tool is another way we want to help the

SMTD To Suspend Service to Chatham, Riverton, Rochester, Sherman

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 19, 2020 Contact: Steve Schoeffel (SMTD) 217.622.1217   SMTD To Suspend Service to Chatham, Riverton, Rochester, Sherman;Passengers in those areas may schedule rides through Access Paratransit; SMTD Also Closing Office To Public At Close Of Business Today   Springfield, IL – Effective Monday, March 23rd, Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) is suspending its urbanized area service to Chatham, Riverton, Rochester, and Sherman due to low ridership during the COVID-19

American Red Cross Facing Severe Blood Shortage due to Coronavirus

The American Red Cross now faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this Coronavirus outbreak. Healthy individuals are needed to donate now to help patients counting on lifesaving blood. Please see attached flier and information below.   Through March 18, more than 4,500 Red Cross blood drives have been canceled across the country due to Coronavirus concerns, resulting in about 150,000 fewer blood donations.  Q: I tried to make an appointment to

All CEFCU Illinois Member Center Lobbies Closed Effective March 20

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 19, 2020   CONTACT: Martha Kamp                                               CEFCU                                                          5401 W. Dirksen Pkwy.                                         Peoria IL 61607 (309) 633-3675   Peoria, IL – In order to comply with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation of social distancing, CEFCU is temporarily closing the lobbies of all Illinois Member Centers effective Friday, March 20 until further

Memorial Behavioral Health Offers Free Community Hotline

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 18, 2020  CONTACT: Dean Olsen - 217-588-3208 Media Phone - 217-303-1583 SPRINGFIELD – Central Illinois residents experiencing stress and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic or other issues in their lives can call a free, emotional-support hotline operated by Memorial Behavioral Health.The hotline, 217-588-5509, operated by trained mental-health professionals, will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, for the foreseeable future.“During this time of

Memorial Health System Postpones Elective Surgeries in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 17, 2020  CONTACT: Dean Olsen - 217-588-3208 Media Phone - 217-303-1583   SPRINGFIELD -- Memorial Health System on Tuesday began to postpone elective medical procedures and non-urgent surgeries at its five hospitals and affiliated ambulatory surgical facilities until further notice.          Beginning on Wednesday, March 18, Memorial Physician Services and Decatur Memorial Hospital Medical Group will cancel all non-essential appointments until further notice. The

United Way, Community Foundation Establish COVID-19 Response Fund

               COVID-19 Response Fund    United Way of Central Illinois and The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln have joined together to create the COVID-19 Response Fund to deploy resources to community-based organizations at the front lines of a coronavirus spread in Illinois’ greater capital region. The Community Foundation and United Way have seeded the Fund with $50,000. Both organizations hope individuals, families and companies will support these efforts.  Hosted by the

Website available listing business status

The Chamber is working in tandem with other business organizations in Sangamon County, from DCEO to Local First, to provide resources that help all of our businesses make it through this COVID-19 shutdown. We're excited to share a new website that will help consumers find out the status of their favorite local businesses and their services in one, easily searchable, website. We will all market this website as the one-stop source for business information here in Sangamon County. All you have to do, as a

Additional website lists local establishments open for drive-thru, curbside and/or pickup service

Capitol Radio Group announced that it is keeping a database updated on a regular basis, letting the public know what establishments are offering and the best way to communicate with them. This information is below, or you may visit any of their radio websites. If you are a local business that would like to be added to this list please send your information to mdrewes@capitolradiogroup.com.   Anchors Away (Springfield) 518 E Capital Ave. 217-679-0166 Anvil & Forge (Springfield) pick up at 619 E

LAND OF LINCOLN CREDIT UNION WILL BEGIN OPERATING AS DRIVE-UP ONLY FACILITIES

PRESS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Cayla Hittmeier, Chief Marketing Officer Land of Lincoln Credit Union (217) 615-3717 chittmeier@llcu.org   LAND OF LINCOLN CREDIT UNION WILL BEGIN OPERATING AS DRIVE-UP ONLY FACILITIES EFFECTIVE THURSDAY, MARCH 19th  Decatur, Illinois, March 18, 2020 – Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) announced today that all LLCU offices throughout central Illinois will begin operating as DRIVE-UP ONLY facilities beginning Thursday, March 19th until further

Memorial Health System to Open Respiratory Screening Clinic at DMH Express Care Site

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 18, 2020  CONTACTS: Michael Leathers - 217-788-7086 Dean Olsen - 217-588-3208 Media Phone - 217-303-1583    DECATUR – Memorial Health System will open a respiratory screening clinic at its DMH Express Care location at 8 a.m. Thursday to screen people for the COVID-19 virus. The clinic at 4455 U.S. Route 36 East will operate seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. People coming to the respiratory clinic should call a hotline before they arrive.

ZG Worldwide Does Short Consults as Well as Major Projects Remotely

We are a hybrid traditional consultancy - on-line platform company headquartered in Springfield, providing services locally as well as globally. We’ve helped companies trim full-time staff and transition to the New World Order of Business by providing on-demand experts, many of whom work remotely. These firms appreciate ZG Worldwide's convenient one-stop shopping for specialists, managed services & quality outsourcing.  Use us as a single source for solutions in technology, business, healthcare &

UIS cancels or postpones events due to the COVID-19 outbreak

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: March 17, 2020                                               Contact: Derek Schnapp, 217-206-6716   UIS cancels or postpones events due to the COVID-19 outbreak   SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to promote public safety and social distancing, the University of Illinois Springfield has canceled or postponed several events due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The events listed below are the latest to be impacted. Rescheduled event dates will be announced in future press

Local establishments open for drive-thru, curbside and/or pickup service

The following is a list of local establishments open for drive-thru, curbside service and/or pickup service.  The Chamber encourages the public to support these businesses during this unprecedented time.   The list will be updated as quickly as possible.  Please email updates to Webmaster@WMAY.com Long Nine Junction at 5 W Old State Capitol Plaza – menu on Facebook and call (217) 210-2400 Arlington’s at 210 Broadway – menu online VELE will be offering a limited menu for carry out with pick-up

Illinois Department of Employment Security Closing Office Until Further Notice

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced on Tuesday, March 17 that their offices will be closed until further notice.IDES says it is closing the offices in order to protect everyone through social distancing.Residents can still access IDES services using the following methods:To file an Unemployment Insurance Claim, visit www.ides.illinois.govIf you have questions about Unemployment Insurance, call the customer service center at 800-244-5631 or 866-488-4016 TTYTo certify for

Memorial Health System makes virtual-care service free

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 17, 2020  CONTACT:Dean Olsen217-588-3208olsen.dean@mhsil.com   Media Phone217-303-1583    Memorial Health System makes virtual-care service free to promote social distancing amid COVID-19 pandemic  SPRINGFIELD -- Memorial Health System on Tuesday announced it has made its MemorialNow virtual-care service free to anyone in central Illinois. The normal $40 fee-per-virtual visit will be waived for the foreseeable future. New users can download the free MemorialNow app from

Memorial Medical Center & HSHS St. John’s Hospital Institute New Triage Protocol for Emergency Patients

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                     March 17, 2020                                                                                                                                                        Contact: Sara Jimenez                                                                                                             Phone: 217-741-1643                                                                                         

Community Foundation & United Way Establish COVID-19 Response Fund for Greater Capitol Region in IL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  March 17, 2020 Contact: John Stremsterfer, President & CEO  Community Foundation 217/836-3386 stremsterfer@CFLL.org John Kelker, President & CPO United Way of Central for the Land of Lincoln Illinois  217/741-1913 jkelker@uwcil.org   SPRINGFIELD – The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln and United Way of Central Illinois have joined together to create the COVID-19 Response Fund to deploy resources to community-based organizations at the frontlines of a

LLCC Health Care Expo April 7 - POSTPONED

LLCC’s Health Care Expo on April 7 has been postponed. A new date will be announced as soon as possible.Lincoln Land Community College’s many health care career programs will be showcased at the Health Care Expo Tuesday, April 7 from 6-8 p.m. during National Public Health Week. Prospective students are invited to learn about the wide variety of LLCC’s health care degree, certificate and short-term program opportunities.  The free event begins in the Trutter Center on the LLCC campus, 5250 Shepherd Road.

Memorial Health System to Open Respiratory Screening Clinic at South Sixth ExpressCare Site

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 16, 2020  CONTACTS:Michael Leathers217-788-7086leathers.michael@mhsil.comDean Olsen217-588-3208olsen.dean@mhsil.comMedia Phone217-303-1583   SPRINGFIELD – Memorial Health System will open a respiratory screening clinic at its South Sixth ExpressCare location at 10 a.m. today to screen people for the COVID-19 virus. The clinic at 2950 South Sixth St. will operate seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. People coming to the respiratory clinic should call a hotline

CWLP Customers Reporting Scam Phone Calls

News Release  March 16, 2020Amber Sabin, 217.789.2116 ext.2629 Mobile, 217.899.5497                                CWLP CUSTOMERS REPORTING SCAM PHONE CALLS   City Water, Light and Power (CWLP) wants its customers to know to #HangUpDon’tPayUp as the utility is aware of an active phone scam. The utility’s Customer Service office has received numerous reports in this morning from customers who have received phone calls from a person acting as if they are calling from CWLP and requesting payment in order

CLWP Suspending Disconnects of Service

News Release  March 14, 2020 Amber Sabin, 217.789.2116 ext.2629 Mobile, 217.899.5497                                CWLP SUSPENDING DISCONNECTS OF SERVICE  In support of the efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus, City Water, Light and Power is suspending all disconnections for nonpayment for electric and water services for all of its customers effective immediately. This order remains in effect until May 1, 2020, at such time it will be re-evaluated.  To further support customers facing

SBA to work with Governor to Offer Small Business Loans

The Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that they will work directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits that have been severely impacted by COVID-19. As part of the process, the State of Illinois must collect information from small businesses that will be negatively impacted by COVID-19. This information will assist the State of Illinois in requesting an economic injury disaster declaration from the SBA. The State of Illinois

Chamber Updates Website with COVID-19 Resources

It is important for employers to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak and implement strategies to protect their workforce while ensuring continuity of operations whenever possible. The Chamber’s website contains links to a variety of resources provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Illinois Department of Public Health, Sangamon County Department of Public Health, U.S. Small Business Administration and others. You can access these resources at www.gscc.org/covid-19-resources.

SMART and SMTD to Suspend Fares Beginning Tuesday

                         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 16, 2020                                      Contact:    Steve Schoeffel (SMTD)    217.622.1217                         Kate Downing (SMART)    217.679.5009SMART and SMTD To Suspend Fares Beginning TuesdayNo Fares or Transfers Will Be Taken To Decrease Contact With Operators  Springfield, IL – Sangamon Menard Area Regional Transit (SMART) and Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) are announcing the suspension of fares for rural, fixed route, and

Memorial Health System Enacts Visitor Restrictions to Prevent Spread of COVID-19

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 13, 2020  CONTACTS:Michael Leathers217-788-7086leathers.michael@mhsil.comDean Olsen217-588-3208olsen.dean@mhsil.comMedia Phone217-303-1583  SPRINGFIELD – Memorial Health System has extended restrictions on visitors to patients at its hospitals in Springfield, Decatur, Jacksonville and Lincoln, and prohibited visitors to inpatients at its hospital in Taylorville, all to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Restrictions on visitors first were put in place at the system’s

UIS Cyber Defense and Disaster Recovery Conference Postponed

The Department of Computer Science at the University of Illinois Springfield has made the very difficult decision to postpone the upcoming Cyber Defense and Disaster Recovery Conference to fall 2020 due to concerns regarding COVID-19 pandemic. We do regret having to make this decision. However, the health and safety of our conference speakers, attendees, students and staff is our highest priority. We will announce the new date for the conference in a few weeks.  For questions, participants may contact

Taylorville Memorial Hospital Officially Opens Doors to New Facility

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 12, 2020  CAPTION: James Daugherty, 94, was one of 17 patients transported from the old Taylorville Memorial Hospital to the acute-care unit on the second floor of the new hospital on March 11, the first day of operation for the facility. He is being transported by Susan Calvert, foreground, a registered nurse in the hospital’s surgery department, and Jessica Dooley, a surgery tech. (Photo: Bobbi Wiseman / Memorial Health System)   Taylorville Memorial Hospital Officially

UIS Performing Arts Center Event Updates

PRESS RELEASE - For Immediate ReleaseUniversity of Illinois Springfield Performing Arts Center For more information, contact Jen Tibbs – (217) 206-8284, jen.tibbs@uis.edu __________________________________________________________________SPRINGFIELD IL – March 13, 2020 – The UIS Performing Arts Center is adjusting operations as follows in response to the coronavirus pandemic.  Based on the latest information from Illinois Governor Pritzker, the Sangamon County Department of Public Health, the Association

LLCC announces preventative measures regarding COVID-19

  LLCCNEWSLincoln Land Community College ·  Office of Public Relations and Marketing5250 Shepherd Road · P O Box 19256 · Springfield, IL 62794-9256  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               March 12, 2020 Contact: Lynn Whalen, lynn.whalen@llcc.edu  LLCC announces preventative measures regarding COVID-19Spring break extended one week for students  SPRINGFIELD – Lincoln Land Community College will extend this week’s spring break for students by an additional week (March 16-22)

CWLP schedules free boating courses

The Land of Lincoln Power Squadron has scheduled its boating safety and instruction courses to be held at CWLP’s Property Management Center at Lake Springfield this spring. As of January 1, 2016, boaters in Illinois born after January 1st, 1998, with some exceptions, must have a valid Boating Safety Certificate from IDNR in order to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower while boating in Illinois. Participants that successfully complete any of these courses will receive this IDNR Boating Safety

Senior Services of Central Illinois Suspends Gathering Activities and Congregate Meals due to COVID-19

The Area Agency on Aging notified Senior Services of Central Illinois today that the Illinois Department on Aging is requiring Senior Services to temporarily suspend all gathering activities and congregate meals due to the risks associated with COVID-19.  This includes congregate meals, programs & activities, the Aging Mastery Program, and some transportation services.  All congregate locations will be closed until further notice.  This includes Athens, Chatham, Divernon, Greenview, Petersburg, Springfield

Springfield Art Association announces Nationally Juried Exhibition to Open This Weekend

The SAA Collective Gallery presents Go Figure!, a juried exhibition of works from across the United States that use and reference the human figure. The exhibition will run from Friday, March 13 through Thursday, April 30. An opening reception and awards presentation will be held, Friday March 13 from 5 to 7 PM at the Collective gallery in the H. D. Smith Gallery in the Hoogland Center for the Arts. The human figure has been the subject and focus of visual art since the beginning of time. This exhibition,

App Provides Virtual Health Care Visits To Patients Over Smartphones

Patients in the Decatur region who might not be able to make a trip to the doctor’s office can now get treatment for non-emergency illnesses over their smartphones.The service, called MemorialNow, is a secure, internet-based service available to adults who are 18 years old or older. The virtual-care service is staffed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, including weekends and holidays, and can be accessed around the clock.MemorialNow, which can diagnose multiple symptoms and treat non-emergency illnesses, is

CWLP announces Ninth Street Lanes to Reduce for Water Repairs

Beginning Tuesday, March 10th, Ninth Street lanes will be reduced by one lane in each direction between Lawrence Avenue and Scarritt Street to allow crews to make repairs to a broken water valve at Ninth and Clay Streets. Lanes will remain closed until road surface repairs are complete. This work will be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.  Motorists should plan to take alternative routes and should slow down and drive with caution around this work zone.

UIS announces ''Whose Live Anyway'' performance

Pre-sale tickets will be available to FRIENDS of UIS Performing Arts Center donors beginning Tuesday, March 10th at 10 am and to our Email Club beginning Thursday, March 12th at 10 am; all remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, March 13th at 10 am. To become a FRIEND call the UIS Ticket Office at (217) 206-6160.   The current cast members of the Emmy-nominated TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? are proud to present their new improv tour: WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY?   WHOSE LIVE

UIS Speaker Series to screen and discuss the historically blacklisted film “Salt of the Earth”

WHAT:The University of Illinois Springfield Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speaker Series will screen and discuss the historically blacklisted film “Salt of the Earth.” The film presents the true story of Mexican-American zinc miners who strike to end unsafe work conditions and unequal wages with their white counterparts. This film and discussion are free and open to the public.  WHEN:7 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2020  WHERE:Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of Brookens

ZG Worldwide’s New Partner DeepBench Offers Thousands Of Niche Experts

ZG Worldwide (Business Consultants - Software - Subject Matter Experts) now provides even greater capabilities for locating specialized and niche services in various industries. Headquartered in Springfield, in the Central Illinois Technology Triangle, ZG Worldwide was founded after identifying a void in diverse, global business consulting in Illinois outside of Chicago. While ZG Worldwide’s offers a larger variety of specialized services than any other Downstate Illinois consultancy, there are times when

LLCC to host Health Care Expo April 7

LLCC’s Health Care Expo on April 7 has been postponed. A new date will be announced as soon as possible.Lincoln Land Community College’s many health care career programs will be showcased at the Health Care Expo Tuesday, April 7 from 6-8 p.m. during National Public Health Week. Prospective students are invited to learn about the wide variety of LLCC’s health care degree, certificate and short-term program opportunities.  The free event begins in the Trutter Center on the LLCC campus, 5250 Shepherd Road.

Brian Anderson, Bank of Springfield, Chamber Ambassador Spotlight

Ambassador Committee Member SpotlightBrian AndersonWhat products and services does your business offer?Bank of Springfield offers traditional banking products and services including checking, savings and certificate of deposit accounts, commercial, installment and mortgage loans and several ancillary services such as safe deposit boxes, online banking and ATMs. Additionally, BOS offers both wealth management services and a wide range of business service products which includes an ebusiness platform, remote

UIS Computer Science Department to host Cyber Defense and Disaster Recovery Conference

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Computer Science Department will host the 14th annual Cyber Defense and Disaster Recovery Conference (CDDR) for local information technology and cybersecurity professionals in the Midwest. This year’s theme is cyber threat hunting and incident response.  WHEN: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2020 (registration opens at 7:30 a.m.)  WHERE: UIS Public Affairs Center, 2200 Ernest Hemingway Drive, SpringfieldDETAILS: Cyberattacks are on the rise and

Dale Carnegie partnering with Chamber to offer leadership development series

The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce and Dale Carnegie Training are partnering to offer “Powerful People Skills”, a 3-part leadership development series available to members only.  Join us as presenter Steve Garland discusses employee engagement, creating a work culture, and achieving goals.  Each seminar also includes applications for individuals involved in sales.   Attendees can register for individual seminars or all three at www.gscc.org.Seminar 1: Building Employee Engagement to Improve

Chamber to hold Job Fair April 9

The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce and Title Sponsor Express Employment Professionals will offer Chamber members an opportunity to seek out quality candidates for openings in their businesses or organizations at its April 9 Job Fair. Employees from all over Sangamon County and Central Illinois looking for full-time, part-time and/or seasonal employment will be attending. The event is promoted via print, radio and social media extensively to bring quality candidates in front of employers. 

UIS Visual Arts Gallery presents “Convergence,” a solo exhibition by Associate Professor Shane Harris

The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery presents “Convergence,” an exhibition of recent works by UIS Associate Professor of Visual Arts Shane Harris. The exhibit will open on Thursday, Feb. 27, and run through Thursday, April 9 and is free and open to the public. An opening reception will be held from 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27 in the Visual Arts Gallery.  “Convergence” presents new sculptural works that combine various technologies, such as 3D printing, vacuum forming, laser cutting