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Otten Named April Colleague of the Month for System Resources at Memorial Health
SPRINGFIELD – Daniel Otten, a telecom engineer with Information Systems, is the Memorial Health System Resources Colleague of the Month for April. Recently a system outage caused a loss of cell service that disrupted the work of specialists, and they were unable to take calls or pages. The outage caused them to have to move to a temporary location. Otten worked diligently to follow up, trying different potential solutions to resolve the issue. “Dan always goes above and beyond to solve any issue we throw
Memorial Health Names Drew Early as Chief Operating Officer
Springfield, IL — Memorial Health has named Drew Early as its Chief Operating Officer (COO), a newly created position that reflects the health system’s continued evolution as an integrated, high-performing enterprise.Early, who currently serves as CEO of Decatur Memorial Hospital, will assume responsibilities as COO while continuing to lead DMH until a new CEO is appointed. In this new role, he will partner with Memorial Health President and CEO, Mandy Eaton, to oversee system operations and drive greater
Little Miracles 5K race marks 10 years of benefiting tiniest patients at HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — HSHS St. John’s Foundation invites area residents to lace up their running shoes for premature and critically ill infants at HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital by participating in the Little Miracles 5K set for June 21 at Springfield’s Washington Park. The annual event began in 2016, part of a fundraising effort for a multimillion-dollar renovation and upgrade of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at St. John’s Children’s Hospital. The NICU annually serves over 700 infants across
Downtown Springfield, Inc. Announces the 26th Annual Old Capitol Farmers Market, Presented by HSHS S
SPRINGFIELD, IL; May 7, 2025 - The 26th season of the Old Capitol Farmers Market, presented by HSHS St. John's begins next week with a soft opening on May 14 and a ribbon cutting on May 17 at 9:00am. Every market begins at 8:00am and ends at 12:30pm, with the season continuing on each Wednesday and Saturday through October 25. This morning-focused schedule allows vendors and patrons to avoid the scorching heat that can come with Illinois summers, while also giving downtown employees a chance to visit the
Elisabeth Klar Named to Becker’s National “Chief Resource Officers to Know” List
SPRINGFIELD – Becker’s Hospital Review released its “CHROs and Chief People Officers to Know” list, which included Elisabeth Klar, senior vice president and CHRO for Memorial Health. The list honors executives who hold a broad range of responsibilities related to human resources and are deeply committed to improving their healthcare organizations. These individuals are essential to the successes of their respective organizations. Since arriving at Memorial Health in February of 2022, Dr. Klar has led
LLCC professor Dr. Deborah Brothers honored
SPRINGFIELD — Dr. Deborah Brothers of Springfield, professor of English at Lincoln Land Community College, was recently recognized as a 2025 Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award winner by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) at their annual conference in Nashville. 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
LLCC student and professor win state geography awards
SPRINGFIELD — Eleanor Stuckey, Lincoln Land Community College student from Springfield, and Dean Butzow, LLCC professor of geography from Chatham, were honored at the Illinois Geographical Society’s annual awards banquet held in Vincennes, Ind. on April 25. Stuckey received the Charles Womack Award, which was established to honor the memory and spirit of Charles “Chuck” Womack, geography professor at Lakeland Community College. The award is given to one student who has excelled in both academics and
Taylor-Welch Named April Colleague of the Month for Springfield Memorial Hospital
SPRINGFIELD – Corrie Taylor-Welch, an RN IV on the adult psychiatric unit at Springfield Memorial Hospital, is the nonprofit hospital’s Colleague of the Month for April. Taylor-Welch is often nominated for DAISY awards for nursing excellence by patients and colleagues for the level of quality care she provides patients who are experiencing stressful situations. She was a part of the Behavioral Response Team trial and worked closely with the medical surgery units to provide top-quality care to patients with
Kuehnel celebrates 25 years with Hanson
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Jimmie Kuehnel, GIS specialist, recently celebrated 25 years of service with Hanson Professional Services Inc. Kuehnel, who joined the company in 2000, works at the firm’s Springfield headquarters. He spent the first part of his Hanson career with the land surveying group, using computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) to design cross-sections; contour, topographic, hydrographic and navigational maps; and survey plats, as well as providing field services. Today, he provides
McGlothin Named April Memorial Health Ambulatory Colleague of the Month
Ava McGlothlin, a phlebotomist and lab assistant with Memorial Care on S. 6th St. in Springfield, is the Memorial Health Ambulatory Group Colleague of the Month for April. McGlothlin treats each patient with respect and integrity. If a patient needs assistance at a different location, she finds out where they need to go and helps direct them. She is also conscientious about safety, making sure she closes her needles and deposits them directly into sharps containers. Recently, a patient experienced a
LLCC Commencement planned for May 16
SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College will conduct commencement exercises on Friday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield. Olivia Hentzien of Morrisonville has been selected as this year’s commencement speaker. She is earning an associate of arts degree with a concentration in psychology. Hentzien has served as a math tutor in the LLCC Center for Academic Success and has been actively engaged in the college’s TRIO program. After graduation, she will transfer to
LLCC student wins gold at Illinois SkillsUSA Competition
SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College student Mary Wichman, of Chatham, took home the gold medal in baking and pastry arts from the 2025 Illinois SkillsUSA Championship held April 24-26 in Peoria. The win qualifies her to compete at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference to be held in Atlanta, Ga., June 23-27, 2025. Wichman was one of 44 LLCC students competing at the state level. LLCC students competed in seven categories: automotive and diesel technologies, heavy equipment
MAYOR MISTY BUSCHER ANNOUNCES THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERSHIP IN SPRINGFIELD FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS
Springfield, IL – Today, Mayor Misty Buscher is recommending the promotion of Assistant Fire Chief Nicholas Zummoto Fire Chief and Assistant Police Chief Joseph Behlto Police Chief for the City of Springfield. These promotions are pending City Council approval. Alongside these recommendations, Mayor Buscher will also promote Captain Julie Plunk to Assistant Fire Chief and Commander Ryan Leach to Assistant Police Chief. “These appointments symbolize a bold step in our mission to enhance public
MACARTHUR BOULEVARD CLOSURE AT FAYETTE AND LAWRENCE AVENUES FOR SERVICE LINE REPAIRS
Both northbound lanes of MacArthur Boulevard will be closed today between Fayette and Lawrence Avenues to replace a leaking water service line. The pavement opening is necessary to do the work, so both northbound lanes will remain closed until road surface repairs are completed.Motorists are encouraged to plan for alternate routes.
CWLP TO HIGHLIGHT INFRASTRUCTURE AND WATER QUALITY WORK FOR DRINKING WATER WEEK
City Water, Light and Power is joining communities throughout North America in recognizing Drinking Water Week May 4-10, 2025. This annual observance led by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) serves to highlight the importance of healthy drinking water flowing around the clock to citizens. This year, CWLP is highlighting the importance of investment in the infrastructure needed to deliver it, as well as efforts to protect its source, Lake Springfield. In the utility’s just released, 2024 Water
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Community Invited to Celebrate Loved Ones at Memorial Butterfly Release Ceremonies
Ceremonies to be held in Effingham, Decatur, Litchfield, Shelbyville and Springfield hosted by HSHS Home Care SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — HSHS Home Care invites community members to join them for butterfly release ceremonies at locations throughout central Illinois at these Hospital Sisters Health System hospitals: HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, EffinghamThursday, May 15 at 5:30 p.m. in the Healing Garden. HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, DecaturTuesday, May 20 at 5:30 p.m. in the Cancer Center
CONVERSE AVENUE TO CLOSE FOR WATER MAIN INSTALLATION
Beginning Monday, May 5th, Converse Avenue will be closed between 11th Street and Carolina Avenue for CWLP’s new six-inch water main installation. This project is expected to last several days and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Traffic lanes will remain closed until the surface pavement repairs are completed. Motorists are advised to take alternate routes to avoid delays and to drive slowly and cautiously around the work zone
NORTH GRAND TO CLOSE FOR WATER MAIN RELOCATION WORK FOR RAILROAD PROJECT
Beginning Monday, May 5th, the CWLP Water Department will begin a project to relocate 2,000 feet of 24-inch water main for the Springfield Rail Improvements Project on North Grand Avenue. The first phase of work requires a street opening and road closure on North Grand Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets and is expected to last 5 weeks. This project represents part of the City of Springfield’s match towards the Springfield Rail Improvements Project, and this phase is the largest piece of the multi-year
ISO’s Music Director Taichi Fukumura Appointed Assistant Conductor of The Cleveland Orchestra
The Illinois Symphony Orchestra (ISO) is thrilled to announce that our innovative Music Director Taichi Fukumura has been selected to assume the position of Assistant Conductor of The Cleveland Orchestra in Fall 2025. This prestigious appointment signals Music Director Taichi Fukumura’s exceptional talent, dedication, and visionary leadership in the world of classical music. Taichi Fukumura will continue to serve as Music Director of the ISO and remains deeply committed to the vision and mission of our
Ambassador of the Quarter Wendell Zulauf, Jr.
Wendell Zulauf, Jr. General Manager Sunbelt Rentals 217-528-1065 pcm389@sunbeltrentals.comIn the first quarter of 2025, Wendell Zulauf, Jr., General Manager, Sunbelt Rentals earned the Ambassador of the Quarter honor. Wendell submitted 15 member leads with one joining The Chamber, made seven member contacts, attended two ribbon cuttings, worked at one Chamber on Tap and one Coffee & Connections event, and attended three Ambassador committee meetings. Wendell will receive a gift certificate to a
Mother’s Day Remembrance Tribute May 10th at Roselawn Memorial Park
Mothers, grandmothers, wives, children, or other loved ones have lifted us up and touched our hearts and lives in countless ways. They are why Mother’s Day is such a special time to recognize and honor them. Yet for many of us, loss and grief are strong emotions on Mother’s Day, so the thought of celebrating — or not celebrating — can be daunting. To acknowledge and help reconcile these feelings, the Butler Family of Organizations (Butler Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center,
UIS to celebrate commencement during three ceremonies on May 9 and 10
SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield will hold its 54th annual commencement during three ceremonies in the UIS Performing Arts Center’s Sangamon Auditorium on Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10. A total of 1,071 students will participate in the ceremony out of the 1,587 students who are eligible to graduate.The ceremony for graduates in the College of Health, Science and Technology will be held at 7 p.m. on May 9. College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and College of Public Affairs and
Office Furniture Available for Chamber Members
Birth to Five Illinois: Region 51 will be relocating our office in June, and as part of the move, we have three desks in good condition that we would like to offer to any Greater Springfield Chamber member who may be interested.The desks are fully assembled and would need to be picked up between May 19th and May 23rd. For reference, I’ve attached a photo of the desk. Anyone interested can contact Amanda DeFord at adeford@birthtofiveil.com for further details.
LLCC offering discounted Essential Workplace Skills training through 2025
SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College is offering its Essential Workplace Skills (EWS) training series to individuals and organizations at a discounted rate through December 2025, or while funding remains. The training series is designed to meet the most pressing soft skills needs of today’s workforce and is being supported by a Noncredit Strategies at Work Grant through the Illinois Community College Board. The EWS series is offered in two formats to meet regional workforce needs: customized
UIS to celebrate National Astronomy Day and host accessible stargazing event May 3-4
SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield Astronomy-Physics Program will host two astronomy events the weekend of May 3-4, offering the public an opportunity to explore the night sky. The first event will be held in celebration of National Astronomy Day. The second is an accessible star party designed for individuals with limited mobility.Star Party celebrating Astronomy Day – May 3UIS, in partnership with Lincoln Memorial Garden and the Sangamon Astronomical Society, will co-host a
UIS student delegation wins top honor at 2025 Model United Nations Conference
SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield delegation earned the prestigious Outstanding Delegation award—the highest honor presented—at the 2025 National Model United Nations (NMUN) Conference held April 13-17 in New York City.The conference, which brings together college students from around the world to simulate the work of the United Nations, recognizes only the top 20 percent of participating delegations with the Outstanding Delegation designation. Delegates are evaluated on active
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight - Michelle Pulce-Flynn
Michelle Pulce-FlynnDirector, Grant Development and AdministrationLincoln Land Community College (217) 786-2446michelle.pulce-flynn@llcc.eduWhat products and services do your business offer? LLCC offers affordable education whether earning a two-year associate degree and transferring to a four-year institution or completing a program that allows students to enter directly into the workforce. LLCC also offers multiple certificate programs that in most cases are stackable, which means a person can earn
Chantome celebrates 25 years with Hanson
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Robert Chantome, P.E., S.E., senior geotechnical engineer, recently celebrated 25 years of service with Hanson Professional Services Inc. Chantome, who joined the company in 2000, works at the firm’s Springfield headquarters. He conducts soil investigations, performs the geotechnical design of slopes and foundations and the structural design of retaining walls and prepares plans and specifications. He has provided services for projects including underpasses for the Springfield Rail
Memorial Health Hospitals to Host Flag-Raising Ceremony in Honor of Organ, Tissue Donors
All five Memorial Health hospitals will host flag-raising ceremonies in conjunction with National Donate Life Month. Hospital officials and representatives from Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network, as well as Saving Sight or Eversight will speak. Media and the public are invited to attend. Decatur Memorial Hospital: 1 p.m., April 22Jacksonville Memorial Hospital: 2 p.m., April 21Lincoln Memorial Hospital: 2 p.m., April 24Springfield Memorial Hospital: noon, April 23Taylorville Memorial Hospital:
400 Block of East Adams Street Reopens to Vehicular Traffic
Springfield, IL—The City of Springfield is pleased to announce that as of Tuesday, April 22, the 400 block of East Adams Street has officially reopened to vehicular traffic. This long-awaited development marks a significant step forward for both downtown residents and local businesses who have eagerly anticipated the return of regular traffic flow. The reopening also paves the way for the Old Capitol Farmers Market to return to its original location.The street closure was originally implemented following a
Correction: Dates for City Department Open Houses
Correction: Dates for City Department Open HousesSave the Dates: Upcoming Department Open Houses• Saturday, May 3 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Springfield Fire Department Open HouseStation One – 825 E. Capitol Ave. • Thursday, May 22 | 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.Public Works Open House222 N. 17th St. • Wednesday, June 18 | 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.Springfield Police Department (SPD) Open House3501 Color Plant Rd. • Wednesday, July 16 | 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.City Water, Light & Power (CWLP) Open House1600 Groth St.
UIS Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon launches Artist in Residence program
LEWISTOWN, Ill. – The University of Illinois Springfield’s Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon (TFSE) is launching a new Artist in Residence (AIR) program this summer to connect the science of floodplain restoration with artistic expression.The program invites artists to engage with the unique landscape and ecological work at the Emiquon Preserve—one of the Midwest’s largest floodplain restoration projects and a designated Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Selected artists will have access to
Willis joins Hanson’s headquarters as geospatial project manager
Austin Willis, GISP, geospatial project manager, recently joined Hanson Professional Services Inc. Working from the St. Louis area, he will manage and support geospatial projects, integrating geospatial solutions that enhance efficiency, foster innovation and strategically posture Hanson’s clients for success. Willis previously was chief of the Alton Field Division in Alton, Illinois, for the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. He also served in the
MAYOR MISTY BUSCHER LAUNCHES CITY-WIDE OPEN HOUSE SERIES TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS AND COMMUNICATION
Springfield, IL—In an ongoing effort to ensure the voices of Springfield residents are heard and valued, Mayor Misty Buscher is launching a new initiative focused on building stronger connections between the community and City government.Beginning this spring, Mayor Buscher and her administration will host a series of departmental open houses throughout the city, giving residents the chance to meet City staff, get firsthand knowledge of city operations, ask questions, and share their thoughts in a welcoming
Central IL Tech Partners Identifies Top 10 Consulting Industry Trends to Watch in 2025
The consulting industry is rapidly evolving, making it essential for professionals and organizations to stay current with the latest trends. Whether you’re a consultant aiming to grow your business or a company building a high-performance team, understanding these ten consulting trends for 2025 will be crucial for success. From emerging technologies that transform customer engagement to innovative strategies that sharpen competitive edges, staying informed is key to making smart decisions that support
MEMORIAL HEALTH CHAMPIONSHIP CELEBRATES 10 YEARS VISIT SPRINGFIELD TO SPONSOR FREE ADMISSION
Springfield, IL — The Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS is celebrating its 10th anniversary in a big way by announcing 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 26 – June 29 at Panther Creek Country Club.“As we mark our 10th year, we are excited to welcome fans back for another incredible week of golf,” said Kate Peters, Executive Director. “This milestone
RMLS Alliance and MRED Partner in MLS Data Share bringing together coverage in Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Indiana, benefiting nearly 50,000 agents and brokers.
SPRINGFIELD, IL – April 11, 2025 - RMLS Alliance and MRED (Midwest Real Estate Data) have entered into a data sharing agreement. This partnership enables RMLS Alliance and MRED to better serve subscribers by providing them with access to a broader range of listings across a larger geographic area within their respective MLS systems. RMLS Chair, Robin Simpson shared, "We are thrilled to announce this data share agreement between RMLS Alliance and MRED. The core mission of MLS is to empower licensed
LLCC to offer free health care class
SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College is offering Introduction to Health Care Professions (HLT 110) free this summer and fall as part of the Connect 2 Health Care (C2HC) program for those 18-24 years old. The class offers students the opportunity to learn from classroom, lab and job shadowing opportunities in various health care fields such as nursing, surgical technology, sonography, radiography, respiratory care, neurodiagnostic technology, occupational therapy assistant and emergency medical
SMH Flag-Raising Ceremony Highlights Importance of Organ Donation
SPRINGFIELD – Springfield Memorial Hospital will host a flag-raising ceremony on Wednesday, April 23, to call attention to the importance of organ and tissue donation. The event will be held at noon at the flagpole located near the hospital’s main entrance. According to Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network, which serves Illinois and northwest Indiana, nearly 5,000 Illinoisans are currently waiting for an organ transplant. “April is National Donate Life Month,” said Angela Hermes, nurse manager of
SPRINGFIELD FIRE CHIEF EDWARD CANNY AND MAYOR MISTY BUSCHER ANNOUNCE CHIEF CANNY'S UPCOMING RETIREMENT
Springfield, IL—Fire Chief Edward Canny and Mayor Misty Buscher are announcing today that Chief Canny will retire on May 16, 2025, marking the conclusion of his career in public service. Chief Canny stated, "My time with the department is something I will always treasure. Being able to serve the citizens of Springfield has always been my passion. I am stepping away now to focus more on my family. There are some private family health matters that need more of my attention at this point in my life. I am
DOWNTOWN SPRINGFIELD TO UNDERGO AERIAL AND UNDERGROUND DATA COLLECTION FOR SMART CITY INITIATIVE
Springfield, IL—As part of the Springfield Smart City and Asset Management Project, the City of Springfield is notifying residents and businesses of upcoming aerial and underground data collection activities in the downtown area. Weather permitting, from April 18 through April 21, residents may observe a low-flying helicopter performing a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) flyover. The aircraft will be operated by NV5, the City's project partner, and will make several passes north to south and east to
Muller Named March Colleague of the Month for System Resources at Memorial Health
SPRINGFIELD – Melinda Muller, an insurance pre-authorization specialist, is the Memorial Health System Resources Colleague of the Month for March. Muller is well regarded by colleagues for her exceptional skills, follow-through and enthusiasm for training and mentoring others. She is detail oriented, ensures best practices are followed and provides accurate and timely information. “Whether handling complex challenges or providing guidance to colleagues, Melinda’s insight and problem-solving abilities are
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
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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
Orion Marty with Damon Priddy State Farm recognized with Wow Award!
Join us in celebrating the latest Central Illinois Customer Service Association “WOW” Award Winner, Orion Marty, Senior Account Manager with Damon Priddy State Farm!The “WOW” Award, sponsored by 92.7 WMAY, is an opportunity to recognize those unsung heroes that lift our spirits and inspire us through their simple or extraordinary acts of kindness or superior customer service.?By recognizing those who make a difference in our lives, we are challenged to think about how we can do the same for others. It’s
