Events Upcoming
New Members
Safranski celebrates 20 years with Hanson
Elizabeth Safranski, a traffic modeler at Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s Springfield headquarters, recently celebrated 20 years of service at the firm. Safranski, who joined Hanson in 2006, has prepared traffic and travel-demand models for various transportation projects, including the Capitol Avenue streetscape design and beautification, Springfield rail consolidation study, Interstate 55 reconstruction and widening and Stanford Avenue extension, all in Springfield; a roadway study for the
MEMORIAL HEALTH CHAMPIONSHIP LAUNCHES 2026 TICKET PROMOTION VISIT SPRINGFIELD TO PROVIDE FREE ADMISSION
The Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS announces the continuation of its partnership with Visit Springfield to provide free access to all four rounds of this year’s Korn Ferry Tour competition. The tournament will take place June 25 – June 28 at Panther Creek Country Club. “We are excited to welcome fans back for another incredible week of golf,” said Kate Peters, Executive Director. “This year will feature new on-course experiences, and thanks to our continued partnership with Visit
LLCC professor Dean Butzow honored
Dean Butzow of Chatham, professor of geography at Lincoln Land Community College, was recently recognized as a 2026 Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award winner by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) at their annual conference in Seattle. The distinction, named for former AACC President and CEO Dale P. Parnell, was established to recognize individuals who demonstrate passion for the students and the classroom; show willingness to support students, inside and outside of the
UIS Good as Gold awards honor nearly 40 community volunteers, organizations and businesses
The University of Illinois Springfield, Junior League of Springfield and the United Way of Central Illinois honored more than 40 Sangamon County volunteers, businesses and organizations during the 19th annual Good as Gold Ceremony on April 20 in the UIS Student Union. The Good as Gold Ceremony was started in 2008 to honor people, businesses and organizations who freely give their time and talents to make Sangamon County a better place to live. Distinguished Volunteer Award Shirley McCandless
UIS, tenured and tenure-track faculty union reach tentative deal; classes resume Monday
The University of Illinois Springfield and the UPI Local 4100 Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty Union have reached a tentative agreement on the terms of a three-year contract. Union members have agreed to resume teaching on Monday, April 20, with classes expected to return to their regular schedules.In the coming weeks, both parties will complete their respective approval processes. Full details of the contract terms will be available for public release following that process.The University is grateful to all
Knob Hill Landscape Company Acquires Designer Landscapes in Farmersville
Knob Hill Landscape Company is proud to announce the acquisition of Designer Landscapes, a well-respected landscape business based in Farmersville, Illinois. This transition marks an exciting step forward for Knob Hill Landscape Company as it continues to grow its presence across central Illinois. Designer Landscapes has built a strong reputation in softscape and landscape maintenance services, serving the area for over 40 years. Knob Hill is honored to carry that legacy forward while continuing to provide
Engineering Society of Illinois chapter honors Fiorito
Ryne Fiorito, P.E., S.E., the building structural discipline manager at Hanson Professional Services Inc., has been named Engineer of the Year by the Capital Chapter of the Engineering Society of Illinois (ESI). Fiorito, who joined Hanson in 2009 and works at the Springfield headquarters, is a member of ESI and was named the Capital Chapter’s Young Engineer of the Year in 2017. He manages Hanson’s building structural engineering discipline and performs design, development and construction services for
LLCC Juried Student Art Show winners announced Exhibit open through May 7
The Lincoln Land Community College 2026 Student Art Show is now on display through May 7, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the Trutter Museum/James S. Murray Gallery, located on the upper floor of Menard Hall, Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Road. Students in LLCC’s integrated media design and associate in fine arts tracks submitted pieces for competition. During the reception, games from the Games Systems and Design classes were available for play and films and animation from the Film and Special Effects class
MEMORIAL HEALTH CHAMPIONSHIP LAUNCHES 2026 TICKET PROMOTION
MEMORIAL HEALTH CHAMPIONSHIP LAUNCHES 2026 TICKET PROMOTIONVISIT SPRINGFIELD TO PROVIDE FREE ADMISSION Springfield, IL — The Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS announces the continuation of its partnership with Visit Springfield to provide free access to all four rounds of this year’s Korn Ferry Tour competition. The tournament will take place June 25 – June 28 at Panther Creek Country Club. “We are excited to welcome fans back for another incredible week of golf,” said Kate Peters,
Navigator Wealth Strategies Shred Event & Sock Drive
SPRINGFIELD - Saturday, MAY 9th - Navigator Wealth Strategies On-site Shred Event, :00am-11:00am. Certified Financial Planners, Ryan Kaiser, Matthew Hutton, and Brandon Wellman have arranged for Affordable Shred to be at their Springfield office, located at 6300 South 6th St Frontage Road East (near the old Hen House, South of Toronto Road). Clear out your old files and papers and let Affordable Shred handle the rest with their on-site shred truck. In addition, Navigator Wealth Strategies will be
Ambassador of the Quarter Maggie Gullo
Maggie Gullo Account Executive LRS Web Solutions(217) 862-9727maggie.gullo@lrs.com In the first quarter of 2026, Maggie Gullo, Account Executive, LRS Web Solutions earned the Ambassador of the Quarter honor. Maggie had one member lead join The Chamber, made 11 member contacts, attended six ribbon cuttings, worked at four Chamber on Tap events, and attended three Ambassador committee meetings. Maggie will receive a gift card to a Chamber member business. Earning honorable mention for the 1st Quarter
NAB Leadership Foundation Honors Outstanding Broadcasters with 2026 Celebration of Service to America Awards
The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF) today announced the recipients of the 2026 Celebration of Service to America Awards, which recognize local television and radio stations for the essential role they play in communities across the country. Winners will be honored at the awards ceremony on June 9, 2026, at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. The Celebration of Service to America Awards, presented by Bonneville International and Hearst Television, is part of the Foundation’s
Bored Teachers Comedy Tour Coming Back to the UIS Performing Arts Center on November 15th
Teachers, consider this your permission slip to clock out and laugh it off. The Bored Teachers: “Is It Friday Yet?!” Comedy Tour has all-new jokes, bigger punchlines, and the kind of classroom chaos you can finally enjoy from the audience. After a packed start to the year, the tour continues with a new fall leg in 2026, with 38 additional dates! The Bored Teachers are hitting cities all over the US and Canada from September through December. The “Is It Friday Yet?!” Comedy Tour kicked off on January 15,
Amber Sperry Named March Colleague of the Month for Ambulatory Group
Amber Sperry, a virtual care nurse practitioner with Memorial Care on Koke Mill in Springfield, was recently named March Colleague of the Month for the Memorial Health Ambulatory Group. Patient feedback highlighted Sperry’s ability to connect with patients across a video screen and her ability to regularly create an environment of trust, patience and compassion for patients needing assistance. “What sets Amber apart is her ability to genuinely listen, not just to the words said, but to the concerns,
Illinois SBDC for Central Illinois, Innovate Springfield, and Illinois Local Partner to Host Free Small Business Skill Share during National Small Business Week 2026
SPRINGFIELD, IL – April 14, 2026 – The Illinois Small Business Development Center for Central Illinois, Innovate Springfield, and Illinois Local today announced a collaborative, free morning event designed to provide area entrepreneurs with actionable strategies for immediate business growth and improved well-being. The Small Business Skill Share is scheduled for Thursday, May 7th, taking place at Innovate Springfield. Held during National Small Business Week 2026 (May 3–9), this event supports local
HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital recognizes Child Abuse Prevention Month with speakers, pinwheel planting
A wind of change rippled blue pinwheels on the lawn of HSHS St. John’s Pavilion in Springfield on Thursday, as Hospital Sisters Health System leaders, advocates, and state and city officials gathered for a press conference kicking off National Child Abuse Prevention Month. “Pinwheels of Possibility” is the theme of this year’s month-long recognition of the need to safeguard children, and speakers stressed the importance of community in those efforts. Brian Brennan, President and CEO of HSHS St. John’s
High School Healthcare Bootcamps set for HSHS hospitals in Springfield, Decatur and Effingham
High school students interested in a career in health care are invited to apply for the Summer 2026 High School Healthcare Bootcamps at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur and HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham. The bootcamps are designed for high school juniors and seniors interested in a career in health care to experience a realistic look into various health care roles and make connections in their field of interest. “This job shadowing experience
Matthew Gasparin Named Colleague of the Month for Memorial Health System Resources
Matthew Gasparin was recently named March Colleague of the Month for Memorial Health System Resources. Gasparin started at Lincoln Memorial Hospital in 2024 as a member of the Environmental Services team. In that role, which is where his Colleague of the Month nomination originated, he consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and dedication to supporting those around him. He would always lend a hand, responding immediately when extra assistance was needed, even when tasks typically fell outside his
LLCC’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society inducts new members
The Alpha Epsilon Kappa chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Lincoln Land Community College held its spring induction ceremony April 6 in the Student Union in Menard Hall on the Springfield campus. The event formally recognized 28 new chapter members with a ceremony and reception attended by family and friends of the inductees and several representatives from LLCC administration. LLCC President Dr. Charlotte Warren served as the guest speaker for the event. Dr. Warren was recently honored with the
Free Mental Health Advocates Training
Grace Roberts Named Colleague of the Month at Springfield Memorial Hospital
Labor and delivery nurse Grace Roberts, RN, was recently named the March Colleague of the Month for Springfield Memorial Hospital. A patient nominated Roberts for the award after a challenging labor, writing: “From the minute I was placed in a delivery room to the birth of my new baby and the end of her shift, Grace was a blessing. She was attentive, caring, engaging and committed to me and my comfort.” During a challenging epidural procedure, the patient appreciated how Roberts offered comfort and
UIS exhibit “Up to Eleven” features graduating artists
The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Program is proud to present “Up to Eleven,” an exhibition featuring artworks by senior visual arts majors at UIS. This exhibition represents the culmination of years of artistic development, bringing together an ambitious and interdisciplinary body of work that pushes creative limits and celebrates the transition into professional practice. The exhibit will open on April 20 and runs through May 7. A reception will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on April
COMEDIAN BERT KREISCHER ADDS DATES TO THE PERMISSION TO PARTY WORLD TOUR
Tickets Go On-Sale to the Public on Friday, April 10 at 10 a.m. Due to popular demand, renowned comedian Bert Kreischer has added additional dates that will extend the PERMISSION TO PARTY WORLD TOUR through the end of 2026. Coming to the UIS Performing Arts Center on Saturday, December 12, 2026. Pre-sales for 2nd Act Campaign Donors $125+ start on Thursday, April 9 at 10 a.m. Remaining tickets will go on sale to the public on Friday, April 10 a.m. at UISpac.com. Tickets are $39.75 - $125 and available
Sangamon Experience launches rural initiative, inviting historical societies and teachers to apply
The Sangamon Experience at the University of Illinois Springfield announces the launch of its new rural initiative, a collaborative summer program designed to preserve, share and bring to life the rich local histories of communities across central Illinois.Titled “Beyond City Limits,” the initiative invites local historical societies and K-12 educators to partner in a unique, place-based project that connects community history with classroom learning.Running from May through August, the initiative will
How Springfield Businesses Use Media Kits to Shape Their Coverage
A media kit — also called a press kit — is a curated package of materials that gives journalists, investors, and partners what they need to write about or evaluate your business without having to track you down. Here's the number that matters: the Public Relations Society of America found that 75% of journalists use media kits when researching stories. For businesses in Springfield — a state capital where policy developments, chamber events, and community milestones create real local coverage
Community Child Care Connection to Host Fourth Annual “Ratucky Derby” Mouse Races Fundraiser May 1
Springfield, IL - Community members are invited to place their bets and enjoy an unforgettable evening of fun and philanthropy at the fourth annual Ratucky Derby, a lively mouse races fundraiser benefiting local children and families served by Community Child Care Connection. The event will take place Friday, May 1, at Motorheads Bar & Grill, 600 Toronto Road in Springfield, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and races beginning at 7:30 p.m. Guests can expect an entertaining night featuring mouse races, mouse
NOTICE OF CONTROLLED BURN
City of Springfield, City Water, Light and Power is issuing public notice of a controlled prairie burn planned to begin next week, which will occur over various periods through April.What: Controlled Burning of Prairie for Ecological Management.Where: Five sites within the marginal lands of Lake Springfield; Caravan Lane, Fox Mill Lane, Orchard Lane (2), and East Lake Shore Drive.When: Various days between April 6 - April 30 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when winds are
City of Springfield Announces Earth Fair Celebration and Free Community Shredding Event
The City of Springfield is inviting residents to take part in two upcoming community events focused on sustainability, environmental awareness, and personal security. Free Document Shredding Event – “Shred the Risk. Stop the Scams.” The City of Springfield Public Works Department is partnering with AARP Illinois to host a free document-shredding event aimed at helping residents protect themselves from identity theft. Tuesday, April 21, 20268:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.Chamberlain Park (Parking Lot)319 McCreery
American Medical Association President: Commitment of HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit sets example for all
American Medical Association President Dr. Bobby Mukkamala called the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital the “north” on the compass of today’s health care landscape because of its commitment to Springfield and the surrounding region. “To provide this kind of service needed and do it this well is a blessing for this community and an example for the rest of the country,” Dr. Mukkamala said today after a private tour of the NICU. He stopped in Springfield as part of
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Isaac Bartlett
Isaac BartlettAssistant Branch ManagerSecurity Bank (217) 541-1231ibartlett@securitybk.comWhat products and services does your business offer? We offer a full range of checking and savings options—from youth and student accounts to solutions designed for seniors—helping customers build strong financial foundations at every stage of life. Our consumer lending team offers mortgage, auto, and personal loan options, supporting life’s biggest milestones with local decision-making and personalized
SPRINGFIELD’S DRINKING WATER TASTES GREAT
City Water, Light and Power was recently awarded first place at the recent Illinois Section of the American Water Works Association District 3 taste test. Winning the Central Illinois Regional Competition qualifies the utility to compete at the statewide event in April. The water samples were rated by a panel of judges based on the clarity, taste, and odor of each.“We’re pleased to be recognized for our high-quality water,” said CWLP Water Division Manager Todd LaFountain. “Our plant operators, chemist, and
News Release: Rotary Wine Tasting
The Rotary Club of Springfield - Westside is hosting a wine tasting event at Cooper's Hawk on Thursday, April 30th from 5 until 7 pm. Representatives from the club will be on hand to discuss Rotary service and leadership opportunities which span from the local community to global programs. Complementary hors d'oeuvres will be served.
Damon Priddy State Farm Launches ''Red Nets Program'' to Revitalize Community Basketball Courts
Springfield, IL — Damon Priddy State Farm is proud to announce the launch of its Red Nets Program, a community-driven initiative focused on replacing worn and missing basketball nets on courts throughout the Springfield area and surrounding communities. The Red Nets Program is designed to bring new life to local courts, creating a more welcoming and engaging environment for families, kids, and athletes of all ages. By identifying courts in need and installing fresh, vibrant red nets, the initiative aims
Ninth Annual Women in Business Conference
The Women in Business Conference offers powerful strategies and techniques to help you advance your career by engaging with our outstanding presenters. You’ll discover how to accelerate your career growth, unlock exciting new opportunities, and achieve your personal goals. This is an invaluable chance to learn from top professionals and gain the competitive edge you need to succeed! Join us for a day filled with insightful talks and networking opportunities with successful women from various industries
Springfield Area Arts Council Seeks Program Director to Lead Signature Arts Programming
The Springfield Area Arts Council (SAAC) is accepting applications for a full-time Program Director, a key role dedicated to leading some of the community’s most visible and impactful arts programming, including the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series. Originally established in 2025 to support the long-term sustainability of Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series, the Program Director position has quickly become central to SAAC’s ability to deliver free, accessible arts experiences to its service area of
Jimmy Clayton Named President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce
The Illinois Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Jimmy Clayton will become the new President and CEO of the Chamber on April 1, 2026. Clayton was selected by the Chamber’s Search Committee and unanimously approved by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. “The Illinois Chamber of Commerce has a rich history from 1919 of advocating for Illinois Business of every size, sector, and region," stated Dan Wagner, Chairman of the Board and Senior VP of Government Relations at The Inland
Before You Design Anything: Branding Basics Every Springfield Startup Should Know
Building brand recognition takes 5–7 impressions, and 90% of consumers expect a consistent experience across every platform they use. For new business owners in Springfield — whether you're launching near the Statehouse, opening a retail shop downtown, or starting a healthcare practice — that math means your brand needs to work hard from the first interaction. Getting the foundation right early makes marketing, hiring, and pricing easier to build on.What Branding Actually Means Branding is not your logo.
Damon Priddy State Farm Sponsors Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for the Month of March in Partnership with United Way of Central Illinois
Damon Priddy Insurance & Financial Services - a State Farm Agency is proud to partner with the United Way of Central Illinois and its sponsorship of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for the month of March, reinforcing the agency’s continued commitment to education, literacy, and community investment. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a globally recognized literacy initiative founded by Dolly Parton that provides free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five. Each
Beyond the Inbox: How Direct Mail Creates High-Trust Customer Engagement
Direct mail marketing is a physical outreach strategy where businesses send printed materials such as postcards, letters, and catalogs to a targeted audience. In a world saturated with emails, ads, and notifications, direct mail creates a rare moment of focused attention. It arrives in a mailbox, gets held, opened, and often revisited. That physical presence changes how people respond.Key Takeaways Direct mail often achieves higher response rates because it feels personal and less intrusive than digital
$55 Million Extraordinary Dividend Distributed to CEFCU Members
A $55 million Extraordinary Dividend was approved by CEFCU’s Board of Directors and distributed to the Credit Union’s member/owners, matching last year’s record as the largest Extraordinary Dividend in CEFCU’s history. The amount returned to members in good standing is divided between savers and borrowers, with a portion also being returned to Debit Card users. On December 2, funds were deposited to members’ Savings accounts. Over the last 25 years, CEFCU has returned nearly $600 million dollars in
