News

Sara Linn, Americall Communications, Chamber Ambassador Spotlight

Ambassador Committee Member SpotlightSara LinnWhat products and services does your business offer?AmeriCall Communications has voice systems including hosted voice solutions, secure access controls and monitoring for all types of facilities. Creating customized structured cable systems to supply record breaking speeds.  What is one thing you'd like for people to know about your business?Our headquarters are located in Springfield, locally owned and operated with trained and certified union technicians. We

Land of Lincoln Credit Union donates $7,000 to Central Illinois Police Departments to Spread Goodwill

Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) has donated $7,000 in LLCU Visa Gift Cards to several Central Illinois Local Law Enforcement Agencies. The gift cards will be used, at the discretion of the patrolling officers, to spread good will throughout the community, offering them to citizens when they see a need. “LLCU serves 26 counties, with branches in 8 Central Illinois cities. As a credit union, we see firsthand how often people are in need of financial assistance in these communities,” stated Robert Ares,

UIS Lunch & Learn Series presents “Mysteries of the Past” exploring two historic archeological sites

WHAT:The University of Illinois Springfield’s Office of Advancement, Alumni SAGE Society and the Illinois State Historical Society presents an expert-led Lunch & Learn Series presentation on “Mysteries of the Past.” The discussion will explore the unearthing of the1908 Springfield Race Riot site and the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site.  WHEN:11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2020  WHERE:UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright Drive, SpringfieldDETAILS:UIS student Katie Brethorst, a

UIS, Junior League and United Way seek nominations for the 12th annual Good as Gold volunteer awards

The University of Illinois Springfield, Junior League of Springfield and the United Way of Central Illinois are seeking nominations for the 12th annual Good as Gold volunteer awards. The awards ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. on April 20 in the UIS Student Union.The awards recognize volunteers who use their time and talents to help improve the lives of others in the Springfield area. More than 40 awards will be given to Sangamon County community volunteers, organizations and businesses.Individuals and

Springfield Area Arts Council Announces Central Illinois Regional Winners of Poetry Out Loud Contet

POETRY OUT LOUD:  NATIONAL RECITATION CONTEST   After losing a land and then giving up a tongue, we stopped talking of grief Smiles began to brighten our faces. We laugh a lot, at our own mess. Things become beautiful, even hailstones in the strawberry fields. -From “Ways of Talking” By Ha Jin   These words, recited by Sylvia Hughes (Eureka High School), winner of the regional contest, were heard by about 150 people gathered for the Central Illinois POETRY OUT LOUD Contest held on Thursday,

Ace Sign Company was recently featured in a Wall Street Journal article regarding jobs

Ace Sign Company of Springfield was recently featured in a Wall Street Journal article regarding the U.S. economy adding 225,000 jobs in January.  For more on this article, click the link below.https://www.wsj.com/articles/january-jobs-report-11581076802?emailToken=654d3e0457f38acf54cf2aa1b216eeddg9bnAhwL9jSdaPZEKElA3OBAH5hhUOtCF8ChfoNDYcH3kQjd6NL7f/hUKVQ38mfv&reflink=article_email_share

LLCC seeks 20 additional students for free career training program

Lincoln Land Community College is seeking 20 additional students for its Open Door Workforce Equity Initiative program, which provides free career training in highly skilled, in-demand occupations.  The purpose of the initiative is to provide minority and low income individuals with short-term career training that will lead to employment locally in less than a year. The effort aims to improve workforce equity and address identified workforce gaps in local communities.  “Currently, we have openings for

Program to Give Springfield District 186 Students with Disabilities On-The-Job Training

A nationally known program proven successful at helping young people with disabilities gain on-the-job experience so they can land jobs with market pay after high school will begin this summer in Springfield through a partnership between Springfield Public Schools District 186, Memorial Health System and Sparc. “I’m more excited about this project than any venture I professionally have been a part of,” said Meg Thurman, director of student support services at District 186. “I truly believe this project can

Experts Warn Flu Poses Greater Health Risk Than Coronavirus

Illnesses and deaths associated with the novel coronavirus are growing worldwide, but medical experts in Springfield say influenza continues to pose a much greater risk to the public in central Illinois and the rest of the United States.There’s no vaccine yet for coronavirus, which so far has infected 12 people and resulted in no deaths in the United States.But two Springfield doctors say flu shots offer useful – though not perfect – protection against influenza, which has caused at least 22 million flu

Truth Radio Interview with Channetta Williams: Using God-Given Gifts in Ministry & Business February 14, 2020

Berry celebrates 25 years at Hanson’s headquarters

Darrel Berry, manager of Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s marketing communications department, recently celebrated 25 years of service at the firm’s Springfield headquarters. Berry joined the company in 1995 as a graphic designer. He provides services for and oversees the production of marketing materials, employee and client newsletters, Hanson’s blogs and social media, presentations, advertising, videos and websites for the company and clients. He also assists with public-involvement activities

HSHS Medical Group Awards Provider of the Month to Rajinder Balasuriya, DO

HSHS Medical Group is pleased to award Rajinder Balasuriya, DO, with our February Provider of the Month Award. Dr. Balasuriya serves as an internal medicine physician at HSHS Medical Group Family & Internal Medicine - Panther Creek in Springfield, Illinois.   The Provider of the Month is chosen from nominations submitted by fellow HSHS Medical Group team members. Dr. Balasuriya was nominated by a colleague who said that he “goes above and beyond to demonstrate utmost care, compassion and diligence.” A

UIS Speaker Series explores slavery reparations in college as part of Black History Month

WHAT:The University of Illinois Springfield Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speaker Series presents “College Students and Reparations: A Georgetown University Slavery Descendant’s Story” with speaker Melisande Short-Colomb.  WHEN:6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, 2020  WHERE:UIS Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of Brookens Library  DETAILS:Melisande Short-Colomb was recently informed that two of her ancestors were two of the 272 enslaved people owned by the Jesuits of Georgetown

Memorial’s Festival of Trees Sets Record, Raises Over $400,000

More than 32,000 people attended Memorial’s 30th anniversary Festival of Trees, which raised $401,304 to fund health-related projects and programs at Memorial Health System and in the Springfield community.The family-friendly event continues to be a success because of the support of generous sponsors, talented designers, dedicated committee members and more than 1,000 volunteers who staff the nine-day event, said Amanda Johnson, event manager for the Memorial Medical Center Foundation.“We are thrilled with

Bistro Verde at LLCC open for spring semester

Bistro Verde, Lincoln Land Community College’s student-run café, is open during the spring 2020 semester on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March 5 and March 26 to April 23. The community is invited to experience food prepared and served by LLCC culinary arts, baking and pastry, and hospitality students.  Bistro Verde, located inside the Workforce Careers Center on LLCC’s Springfield campus at 5250 Shepherd Road, is offering a full-service dining experience this spring. Reservations are

Traffic Light Repairs at Jefferson & Bruns Planned

On Wednesday, February 19th, lanes will be reduced at the intersection of Jefferson Street and Bruns Lane to accommodate repairs to the overhead traffic signal by City Water, Light and Power. One west-bound lane of Jefferson Street and a south-bound lane of Bruns Lane at the Northwest corner will be closed during repairs. Work is expected to last the entire day. In the event of inclement weather, this work will be rescheduled.Motorists should plan to take alternative routes and should slow down and drive

That Golden Girls Show! a puppet parody

That Golden Girls Show! a puppet parodyFriday, April 17 at 8:00 pm  Tickets go on sale Friday, February 14th at 10 am.   Tickets available online at UISpac.com or by phone (217) 206-6160 for $69, $59, $49, $39 and $29. Pre-sale tickets will be available to FRIENDS of UIS Performing Arts Center donors beginning Wednesday, February 12th at 10 am and our Email Club beginning Thursday, February 13th at 10 am; all remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, February 14th at 10 am. To

Chamber celebrates accomplishments, volunteers at Annual Gala

At its 151st Annual Gala, The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce celebrated the successes of 2019 and revealed crucial priorities in 2020. As part of the celebration, The Chamber recognized those who have helped enhance its organization and lead the business community. The Class of 2020 Leadership Springfield graduates were also recognized at the event.   Three awards were given to Chamber leaders who went above and beyond their positions to help enhance our members’ success and advocate on their

UIS Chancellor Koch announces retirement

Susan J. Koch, chancellor of the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) since 2011, announced Friday she will retire as chancellor of UIS and vice president of the University of Illinois System effective June 30. She is currently the longest-serving chancellor of the U of I System. During her tenure, Koch has provided leadership and vision for UIS, which is ranked the top regional public university in Illinois by U.S. News & World Report. “The past nine years have been among the most fulfilling of my

IMUA-CWLP Scholarships Available To High School Seniors

City Water, Light and Power (CWLP) and other Illinois Municipal Utilities Association (IMUA) member utilities, in partnership with the IMUA, are offering a scholarship program to eligible high school seniors for four $1,000 awards. Eligible students are asked to submit an application and an essay of 500 words or less addressing their choice of one of three utility-related questions. Applicants must be high school seniors whose parents or legal guardians are residential customers of CWLP or another

MASTERCHEF JUNIOR LIVE! TOUR 2020 ANNOUNCES ALL-STAR TALENT APPEARING, INCLUDING WINNERS & FAN FAVORITES FROM HIT SERIES “MASTERCHEF JUNIOR”

TCG Entertainment, leaders in live tour productions, and Endemol Shine North America, producer of the hit culinary competition series MASTERCHEF JUNIOR, announced today the lineup of winners and fan-favorite contestants appearing on the MasterChef Junior Live! 2020 tour.  MasterChef Junior Live! brings MASTERCHEF JUNIOR directly to fans and foodies alike…LIVE on stage! The family-friendly show will feature head-to-head cooking demonstrations and fun (sometimes messy!) challenges with past MASTERCHEF

Land of Lincoln Credit Union Employees Donate $6,000 to Local Charities

Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) staff worked throughout 2019 to raise funds for several designated Charities of the Year. As a result of the efforts driven exclusively by employees, LLCU recently delivered donations totaling $6,000 to several non-profit agencies throughout the LLCU service area of 26 Illinois counties. In addition, the staff at LLCU volunteered 2,236 hours of service to over 140 different local non-profit organizations. “Volunteering and giving back to the communities we serve is a

LLCC announces 2020 regional Academic Challenge winners

Approximately 280 students from 18 area high schools competed in the 24th annual regional Academic Challenge Tuesday, Feb. 4 at Lincoln Land Community College.            Students competed as individuals and as teams (of up to 14 students) testing in their choice of two of these subjects — biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering graphics, English, mathematics and physics. The tests are written by teams of college and university faculty and are designed to present a challenge to high school

HSHS Medical Group Welcomes Deana Stefko, APRN, Family Medicine

HSHS Medical Group is pleased to welcome Deana Stefko, APRN, to their medical team. Deana offers walk-in primary care for patients of all ages at HSHS Medical Group Multispecialty Care Taylorville, located at 1304 W. Burnett Dr., Taylorville, Illinois.   Deana completed her Master of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University at Buffalo (The State University of New York) in Buffalo, New York. Deana is board certified as a family nurse practitioner by the American Nurses

UIS Speaker Series welcomes Cori Bush, candidate featured in award-winning film “Knock Down The House''

WHAT:The University of Illinois Springfield Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speaker Series will welcome Cori Bush — one of four politicians featured in the award-winning documentary “Knock Down The House” — to discuss her experience, the goal of getting diverse voices into political office and why these voices matter. The documentary screening and discussion are free and open to the public.  WHEN:6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, discussion follows screening  WHERE:Brookens Auditorium, located

UIS Music Program invites high school, college and community flutists to take part in Flute Festival

WHAT:The University of Illinois Springfield Music Program invites high school, college and community flutists to take part in the UIS Flute Festival. The day will end with a free concert, which is open to the public.  WHEN:Workshops start at 1 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020  WHERE:Studio Theatre, located in the Public Affairs Center at UIS  DETAILS:Four afternoon workshops focusing on warm-up techniques, reading sessions, trials, coaching and rehearsals will be held before the

Senior Services of Central Illinois to hold 2nd Annual Boots & Bow Ties Fundraiser

Springfield, IL – February 5, 2020 Senior Services of Central Illinois is having their 2nd Annual Boots & Bow Ties Fundraiser on Friday, March 27, 2020.  The event will be held at the Sangamon County Fairgrounds in New Berlin, IL.  A Buffet Dinner will be provided, along with live entertainment by Captain Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters, and a wine pull.  Tickets are $25.00 and include both the meal and entertainment and must be purchased by Friday, March 20th.  $10.00 tickets are available to those

Memorial Medical Center Foundation to Hold Raffle to Raise Money for Patient Assistance Funds

SPRINGFIELD – Memorial Medical Center Foundation’s second annual raffle will offer up to $75,000 for the grand prizewinner and raise money to assist hospice patients, transplant recipients and others who have faced challenges.Ticket sales for the 75 Grand Raffle went on sale Feb. 3. Tickets cost $100 each. They can be purchased online at MemorialMedicalFoundation.com/Raffle or by visiting the foundation office at 1000 Churchill Road in Springfield or calling 217-788-4700.The grand-prize drawing will be held

SMTD Access Paratransit Offers Access Sangamon App

Springfield, IL – Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) is announcing the release of a new smartphone app aimed at better serving their Access paratransit service customers. Access is an on-demand service, which provides door-to-door service and must be scheduled in advance. The new Access Sangamon app provides users a way to schedule their pickups without having to call SMTD to schedule rides. Access paratransit users must be approved to use the service, which is complimentary Americans With Disabilities

LLCC announces fall 2019 part-time President’s and Vice President’s lists

SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College has announced its part-time President’s and Vice President’s lists for the fall 2019 semester. To be eligible for the part-time Vice President’s and President’s lists, students must be enrolled in six to 11 credit hours and earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or above. Part-time students who earned a 4.0 GPA are noted with an asterisk.   Arenzville – Abigail F. Perry*  Ashland – Cheyanne G. Carter*, Tejay A. Crumly*  Athens – Ilona M. Ivers*, Sydnee A.

LLCC announces fall 2019 full-time President’s and Vice President’s lists

SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College has announced its full-time President’s and Vice President’s lists for the fall 2019 semester. To be eligible for the full-time Vice President’s and President’s lists, students must be enrolled in 12 or more credit hours and earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or above. Full-time students who earned a 4.0 GPA are noted with an asterisk.  Alexander – Caitlyn M. Braker*Arenzville – Chase W. Stock Ashland – Cheyenne C. Kesselring*, Dawn M. SmithAthens – Kaci L.

UIS report finds state and local public safety pension systems underfunded due to contribution method

SPRINGFIELD – A new report from the University of Illinois Springfield’s Institute for Illinois Public Finance finds that the state’s public employee pension systems and downstate police and fire pension systems are not contributing enough to fund their liabilities, due in part, to the method used to determine how much money is put into plans each year. The paper, “Are Illinois State and Local Governments Contributing Enough to Their Pension Plans to Pay Down Their Debt?,” takes a look at some of the

Kevin Pippin, Pro Com Services of Illinois, Inc. Chamber Ambassador Spotlight

Ambassador Committee Member SpotlightKevin PippinWhat products and services does your business offer?We provide professional collection services along with tools to help improve revenue cycle management. We are nimble with band-width to develop and implement customized services and products to provide solutions for specific billing cycle challenges.  What is one thing you'd like for people to know about your business?We have been in business and growing for over 95 years.  The Ambassadors are The

Crime Stoppers announces open Board positions

Crime Stoppers of Sangamon & Menard Counties has open Board positions to help carry out their important mission.  Contact President Jack Knuppel for more information.https://www.cashfortips.us/Home/fbclid/IwAR24WsvaPjZtvfXfIT2QbY1q3Wvb6VfmqAUG5Ijqnf8jmbATPQIzKabzLtA

UIS announces Black History Month events

SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield will celebrate Black History Month in February with a variety of events designed to educate and raise awareness. The theme of this year’s celebration is “We Are Deeply Rooted.” The following events are free and open to the public.  Candle Light Vigil11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1 – UIS Student UnionStudents and community members are invited to participate in a Candle Light Vigil honoring the life of anyone who they have lost. Participants are encouraged to

HSHS Medical Group Announces 2019 Annual C.A.R.E. Award Winners

HSHS Medical Group is proud to announce its 2019 Annual C.A.R.E. Award winners! Established in July 2016, the C.A.R.E. Awards recognize colleagues who live the mission, vision and customer C.A.R.E. Standards of HSHS Medical Group. The award recipients were Guy Venuti, MD, provider of the year; Amber Ford, colleague of the year; and Stacey Brummer, manager of the year. “We are proud to recognize Dr. Venuti, Amber and Stacey for living our mission and serving as an inspiration to us all,” said Melinda

LLCC celebrates African-American History Month in February

Lincoln Land Community College is celebrating African-American History Month during February with various events. The theme for this year’s observance is “Vision 2020: Elevate, Accentuate, Illuminate Your Future.”  Events are open to the public at no charge and held at LLCC’s Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Road. The LLCC African-American History Month Committee and LLCC Student Life are event co-sponsors unless otherwise noted.  Monday, Feb. 3 – “Vision 2020,” the African-American History Month

Surgeons to Host Informational Sessions About Weight-Loss Surgery

The Memorial Weight Loss and Wellness Center will hold monthly sessions for people who want to learn more about weight-loss surgery.Sessions are held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 3, March 9, April 9 and May 4. All sessions meet in Room 1A of the Memorial Center for Learning and Innovation, 228 W. Miller St., Springfield.Dr. Orlando Icaza, a surgeon with Springfield Clinic, and Dr. Adam Reid, a surgeon with SIU Medicine, will discuss the risks and benefits of weight-loss surgery during the free informational

Risk of Infection from Respiratory Virus ‘Very Low’ for Central Illinois

A respiratory virus that has sickened hundreds and killed at least 17 people in China saw its first confirmed case in the United States this week, but a health official in Springfield said Thursday that the risk of transmission in central Illinois remains low.“This is an ever-changing virus, and we’re learning more and more about it every day,” said Gina Carnduff, director of infection prevention for Memorial Health System, which has hospitals in Springfield, Decatur, Jacksonville, Lincoln and

Express Employment Professionals announces its January Express Employee of the Month

Express Employment Professionals is proud to announce Lonnie Cain as the January Express Employee of the Month. Lonnie has been a steady employee of Express since 2006 as a Driver for both Prairie Cardiovascular Consultants and St. John's Hospital. Recently, there was a day on his route where the request for a driver was accidentally overlooked. Lonnie, knowing the doctor's weekly schedule, proactively showed up to make sure the doctor arrived where they were needed. His supervisor can count on him to

LLCC hosts Illinois Freedom Project exhibit Feb. 11-13; other Lincoln’s birthday events at Outreach Centers

In observance of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, Lincoln Land Community College will host the Illinois Freedom Project travelling exhibit from Feb. 11-13 in A. Lincoln Commons on the Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Road.  The Illinois Freedom Project is a multimedia initiative that teaches about the journey from slavery to freedom in Illinois. A website, videos, printed materials, curriculum and a traveling exhibit share the stories of freedom through the lens of the people, places and events in Illinois

Jameson Joins Decatur Memorial Hospital Medical Group

Dr. Travis Jameson has begun his practice at Decatur Memorial Hospital Medical Group as a nephrologist.Jameson served in a nephrology fellowship program at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood from 2017 to 2019 and in an internal medical residency program at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine from 2010 to 2013.Jameson earned his doctorate in medicine from SIU School of Medicine in 2010 and received a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and sciences with a concentration in molecular

UIS and LLCC to host the Career Connections Expo for students, alumni and community members

WHAT:The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) and Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) are excited to announce the 2020 Career Connections Expo. Students and alumni from the hosting institutions as well as community members are invited to attend the free event to explore career opportunities and network with participating employers.   WHEN:11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020  WHERE:The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) on the UIS campus  DETAILS:The Expo is designed to help attendees

UIS invites prospective students to learn about master’s degree programs at the Graduate School Fair

WHAT:The University of Illinois Springfield will showcase its 20 master’s degree programs during the annual Graduate School Fair. Students from any institution who are considering earning a master’s degree or who want to learn more about UIS’ programs are invited to attend.  WHEN:4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020  WHERE:UIS Student Union, 2251 Richard Wright Drive, Springfield  DETAILS:Attendees will have the opportunity to speak face-to-face with academic program representatives and be able to apply for

Jeff Dillman, MASCO Packaging, earns Ambassador of the Quarter

Ambassador of the Quarter In the fourth quarter, Jeff Dillman, MASCO Packaging & Industrial Supply earned the Ambassador of the Quarter honor.  Jeff worked two shifts at Business After Hours, two shifts at Good Morning Springfield, attended six ribbon cuttings, and made all of his member contact calls within 24 hours.  Jeff will receive a gift certificate to a Chamber member business.   Earning honorable mention for Fourth Quarter was: Fred Weber, Little Flower Catholic SchoolBrian Anderson, Bank of

ZG Worldwide owner/author releases book in Spanish

Business Adviser’s Consulting & Coaching, written by Lothar Soliwon, is now available in Spanish in the US and other countries as Asesor de Negocios: Consultor y Coach. It gives companies an overview of how consultants and coaches can improve their businesses and how to hire the right experts. This book clarifies what business coaches and consultants do, how their services overlap and how they differ. Both consultants and coaches play increasingly prominent roles in the business world globally. Since