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Proven Strategies for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses to Drive Growth and Success
Launching or growing a small business is never a linear journey. Whether you're hiring your first employee, entering a new market, or upgrading your operational tools, each transition presents both opportunity and uncertainty. Success often comes down to how effectively you adapt, optimize, and make informed decisions in real time. In this guide, we break down key best practices that entrepreneurs and local business owners can apply immediately to improve efficiency, visibility, and long-term
EP!C TO HOLD GRAND OPENING OF NEW CAREER CENTER
on Sept. 25 at 4:00 PM, local non-profit, EP!C, will host a ribbon cutting with the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce to mark the grand opening of their new career center. The reception will include the ribbon cutting, tours, light refreshments, and giveaways. While EP!C has been providing job assistance for 45 years, this new career center will boast the latest technology and integrate with EP!C’s Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES®) Lab. Here, individuals with cognitive differences can build
Prairie Cardiovascular Welcomes Koby Kimball, PA-C, to Springfield
Prairie Cardiovascular is pleased to welcome Koby Kimball, PA-C, to its team in Springfield. Kimball is a dedicated and compassionate physician assistant specializing in general cardiology. He brings a holistic, patient-centered approach to care, focusing on treating each patient as a whole person rather than just addressing symptoms. His training included hands-on experience in general surgery, family medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics, internal medicine and emergency medicine with a strong background in
Lawless celebrates 25 years at Hanson
Ryan Lawless, environmental scientist, recently celebrated 25 years of service at Hanson Professional Services Inc. Lawless, who joined Hanson in 2000, provides environmental permitting, remediation and site assessment services for industry, commercial and transportation projects. Lawless has provided environmental services for numerous projects, including the Capitol Avenue and Eighth Street streetscape design and beautification projects in Springfield, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign site
Help Your Community Access Energy Bill Support- Ameren Illinois Workshop September 18th in Decatur
Ameren Illinois Community Development Workshop – Decatur&##128197;Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025&##128344;Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM&##128205;Location: Webster Cantrell Hall Youth Advocacy Center, 1942 E Cantrell St, Decatur, IL Why This Matters: Eligible attendees can receive a $300 bill credit toward their Ameren Illinois account by participating in a brief onsite workshop. Who Qualifies: Customers with an active Ameren Illinois electric or gas account and household income at or below 300% of the
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Schyler Hollis
Schyler HollisAVP, Commercial Lending Bank of Springfield 217-529-5555shollis@bankwithbos.comWhat products and services does your business offer? We offer a variety of products from commercial loans to wealth management tools and provide digital solutions to manage accounts through our online and mobile banking services. What is one thing you’d like for people to know about your business? We believe that Your Community is Our Community. Bank of Springfield was built with a focus on
MONROE STREET CLOSURE- FRIDAY 9/12/25
Public Works will be closing Monroe Street between Stange Ave and Feldkamp Ave on Friday September 12th, beginning at 9am. This closure is required for tree removal work. It is anticipated that work will be completed by 3pm on Friday. Detours will be posted. Motorists are advised to use caution and seek alternate routes.
Memorial Health Hospitals to Offer Free Mammograms during October
Free breast cancer screenings will be available at all five Memorial Health hospitals during October for women age 40 and older who are uninsured or underinsured. The free screenings are part of Memorial’s annual Mammogram Mondays program, held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Appointments are required; no walk-ins are available. Educational materials will be provided, including information on general breast health and how to perform breast self-exams. To schedule an appointment, call the number
University of Illinois Springfield sees growth in freshman enrollment for fall 2025
The University of Illinois Springfield has enrolled 312 first-year students for fall 2025, a 19.1% increase from last fall’s 262 freshmen. New students cite UIS’ academic programs, personalized attention and career outcomes as key reasons for enrolling.“We are pleased to see more first-year students choosing UIS to begin their college journey,” said Janet L. Gooch, UIS chancellor. “Through new scholarships like the Prairie Promise Program, innovative academic programs and hands-on experiences such as
UIS students to assemble care kits for active-duty military on Sept. 11 Day of Service
WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield will host a volunteer event as part of the Sept. 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance (9/11 Day). Students, faculty and staff will assemble care kits for active-duty military personnel in support of Operation: Care and Comfort. This event is a collaboration between the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center and Military and Veteran Student Services at UIS. WHEN: 12-6 p.m. Sept. 11 WHERE: UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright
UIS Chancellor Janet L. Gooch named to NCAA Committee on Access, Opportunity and Impact
University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Janet L. Gooch has been selected for a four-year term on the NCAA Committee on Access, Opportunity and Impact.The committee was established by consolidating four groups: the Committee on Women’s Athletics, the Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee, the Board of Governors Committee to Promote Cultural Diversity and Equity and the Gender Equity Task Force. Bringing them together into a single entity is intended to improve efficiency and maximize impact.
UIS to host five ECCE Speaker Series events
The University of Illinois Springfield will host five Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speaker Series events during fall 2025. The series presents events that promote and adhere to the value of engaged citizenship, cultural awareness and respect for diversity. All ECCE Speaker Series events are free and open to the public. “Asian American Youth Literature: Immigration, Imagination and the Library” 6 p.m. Sept. 10 in Brookens AuditoriumSarah Park Dahlen, an associate professor at the University
Lomeli Named August Memorial Health Ambulatory Colleague of the Month
Olga Lomeli, a medical assistant for the Memorial Wellness Center, is the Memorial Health Ambulatory Group Colleague of the Month for August. Lomeli started as a front office specialist and moved into the nurse’s station after completing her medical assistant certification. Her bilingual skills also help ensure quality care for patients who require language assistance. “Olga is an amazing addition to the clinical side of our department,” wrote her nominator. “She always puts patients first. She’s
Mayor Misty Buscher Expands Community Engagement Efforts
As part of the City of Springfield’s plan for community engagement, Mayor Misty Buscher is expanding opportunities for residents to connect with City leaders. Mayor Buscher launched an initiative focused on building stronger connections between the community and City government. The first step in this process was a series of open houses with four city agencies, Springfield Fire, Public Works, Springfield Police, and City Water, Light, and Power, which was held during the summer. The second step was the
UIS invites alumni and community to celebrate Homecoming Sept. 14-20
The University of Illinois Springfield invites alumni and the community to take part in its annual Homecoming celebration Sept. 14-20, 2025. This year’s theme, “Written in the Stars,” highlights the traditions and connections that unite Prairie Stars past and present.UIS Homecoming has been a campus tradition since 1996, offering a week of events designed to foster pride and spirit. The celebration is hosted by UIS Athletics, the UIS Alumni Association, Student Affairs, the Student Activities Committee and
Family Medicine Physician Joins Memorial Care on Koke Mill
Logan Grubb, MD, a family medicine physician, is now accepting new patients ages 13 and older at Memorial Care on Koke Mill. Dr. Grubb earned a bachelor of science in allied health and a minor in chemistry from the University of Tampa in Tampa, Florida. She earned a medical degree from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, where she also completed her residency. While she treats male and female patients of all ages as a family medicine physician, Dr. Grubb has a particular
New Learning Opportunity: Backstage 101 at UIS Performing Arts Center
The University of Illinois Springfield Performing Arts Center (UIS PAC) is excited to announce the launch of Backstage 101, a 2025–2026 learning collaborative designed for anyone interested in exploring the backstage and technical aspects of theater and live performance. Whether you’re a teacher managing technical responsibilities at your school, a high school student curious about stagecraft, or a community member eager to expand your skills, Backstage 101 offers a unique, hands-on opportunity to learn
Cockayne Named August Colleague of the Month for System Resources at Memorial Health
– Kelly Cockayne, a learning coordinator, is the Memorial Health System Resources Colleague of the Month for August. Cockayne recently assisted the nursing division with retraining all nurses on essential skills critical to quality care and patient safety. Working under a short turnaround time, Cockayne helped develop and lead an engaging and effective online module, along with in-person skill checkoffs. Among many other tasks, she also conducted a “train-the-trainer” session to help ensure the in-person
LLCC to host honey harvest demonstration Sept. 24
Lincoln Land Community College invites the public to a live honey extraction demonstration on Wednesday, Sept. 24, beginning at 10 a.m. at LLCC’s West Lake Nature Grove, located at 2321 West Lake Shore Drive, Springfield. The event will be led by Dave Cox, LLCC professor of biology, in collaboration with members of the Prairie State Beekeepers Association. Attendees will have the opportunity to observe the full process of honey extraction, beginning with hive demonstrations and the removal of honey supers
2025 World Clydesdale Show (WCS) to Showcase Majesty and Heritage of Clydesdales in Springfield, Illinois
The Clydesdale Breeders of the U.S.A. is proud to announce the 2025 World Clydesdale Show, taking place Oct. 1–5, 2025, at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois. The WCS is a celebration of one of the most iconic and beloved horse breeds on the planet. This prestigious event will welcome participants and fans from around the globe to experience the beauty, strength, versatility, and tradition of the Clydesdale like never before. The event is expected to draw more than 700
UIS expert featured in HBO Max, Magnolia Network series to speak at Chancellor’s Thinkers Series
WHAT: University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Janet L. Gooch will discuss the enduring legacy of President Abraham Lincoln during a Thinkers Series event featuring Jacob Friefeld, director of the UIS Center for Lincoln Studies. Friefeld was recently featured as a historical expert on the HBO Max and Magnolia Network series “Back to the Frontier.” WHEN: 5 p.m. Sept. 15 WHERE: Brookens Auditorium, lower level of Brookens Library at UIS (visitor parking available in Lot B)DETAILS:
Sangamon Experience and NPR Illinois present “Radio That Listens To You: 50 Years of NPR Illinois”
For 50 years, Springfield’s public radio station NPR Illinois has been a voice for news, music and community connection. A new exhibit created by the Sangamon Experience at the University of Illinois Springfield invites the public to discover its story. Special guest Michel Martin from NPR's “Morning Edition,” will join the celebration to help open the exhibit, which chronicles the first half-century. The opening for “Radio That Listens to You: 50 Years of NPR Illinois” will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept.
ROTARY CLUB OF PEORIA NORTH TO ESTABLISH ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP AT ILLINOIS CENTRAL COLLEGE
The Rotary Club of Peoria North will present a check for $40,000 to Illinois Central College to establish a perpetual endowed scholarship within their Workforce Equity Initiative.The earnings from this endowed scholarship will provide an education in high-demand technical and trade fields to a full or part-time student demonstrating financial need. The scholarship may cover eligible expenses such as tuition, books, transportation, childcare and any other academically related needs.Mike Unes, Vice President
Land of Lincoln Credit Union to acquire Williamsville State Bank and Trust
Decatur, IL and Williamsville, IL, August 29, 2025 – Land of Lincoln Credit Union (“Land of Lincoln”) of Decatur, IL and Williamsville State Bank and Trust (“Williamsville”) of Williamsville, IL and wholly-owned subsidiary of WSB Financial, Ltd., jointly announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement whereby Land of Lincoln will purchase substantially all of the assets and liabilities of Williamsville in an all-cash transaction. While the agreement is contingent on obtaining regulatory
UIS to host Constitution Day events Sept. 16-17
The University of Illinois Springfield Center for State Policy and Leadership will host a series of Constitution Day events Sept. 16-17. The programs are free and open to the public, but registration is required. Raising Politically Engaged Kids: Community Panel5:30–7:30 p.m. Sept. 16, Lanphier High School UIS and Springfield Public Schools District 186 will co-host a community panel discussion moderated by NPR Illinois. Panelists include Lindsey Cormack, author of “How to Raise a Citizen,” Illinois
Long-Time Country Financial Agent Leonard Williams Joins CLP Insurance Solutions as Commercial/Farm Agent
CLP Insurance Solutions, a full-service independent insurance agency, is proud to announce that Leonard Williams has joined its team. Williams, a seasoned insurance professional with more than 25 years of experience serving clients in Sangamon and Macon counties, retired from Country Financial in December 2023 and will now serve clients as a Commercial/Farm Agent at the independent agency located at 3050 Montvale Dr Suite C, Springfield, IL 62704. Originally from Macon County, Leonard has been a
Bistro Verde reopens Sept. 9 at LLCC
Bistro Verde, Lincoln Land Community College’s student-led café, reopens Sept. 9 and will serve customers Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The café will be open as Bistro To Go, a counter service concept, from Sept. 9-Oct. 9, offering soups, salads, sandwiches, baked goods, coffees and drinks. From Oct. 28-Nov. 20 (closed Nov. 4), the café transforms into Bistro Verde, a casual, dine-in restaurant experience. The full-service lunch features appetizers, soups, salads,
Healthy Communities Institute Data Dashboard Available for Public Use
Free access to the Healthy Communities Institute Data Dashboard is available online for researchers, grant writers or members of the public in counties served by Memorial Health including Christian, Logan, Macon, Morgan and Sangamon. The data, which includes community health dashboards, community demographics profiles, health equity data, hospitalization and Emergency Department data, an indicator list and health disparities, can be found on the Memorial Health website at
5K Run/Walk to Benefit Transplant Patients Planned for Sept. 20
The Alan G. Birtch, MD, Transplant Services at Memorial 5K Run/Walk will take place on Sept. 20 from 8 to 11 a.m. at Southwind Park, in Springfield. The 5K Run/Walk will begin at 9 a.m. Proceeds benefit Springfield Memorial Foundation’s transplant funds, which provide assistance with lodging, prescriptions and education and continuing program development to organ transplant patients.“This popular annual event shows the incredible power of community support in helping our transplant patients
Springfield Police Department Promotes Detective to Sergeant
In a private ceremony on August 26, 2025, Chief Joe Behl and Mayor Misty Buscher proudly promoted Detective Brian Harhausen to the rank of Sergeant in recognition of his outstanding service and dedication to the Springfield community. Sergeant Harhausen has been a member of the Springfield Police Department for 18 years, serving in a variety of critical roles including Field Training Officer, Street Crimes Unit, Neighborhood Police Officer, and Crisis Intervention Team. Most recently, he worked as a
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Jasen Best
Jasen BestVP, Business Development and Commercial BankerSecurity Bank(217) 541-1305jbest@securitybk.com What products and services does your business offer? As a full-service community bank, Security Bank offers a wide range of personal and business banking solutions. Our services include checking and savings accounts, home and auto loans, business lending, treasury management, digital banking, and more. We also offer specialized products like our Community Advantage Account and Security Cents savings
UIS Friday Night Star Parties return after Labor Day
The University of Illinois Springfield’s popular Friday Night Star Parties will resume the Friday after Labor Day and run through the end of October. The dates are Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26, and Oct. 3, 10, 17 and 24. Friday Night Star Parties are held from 8 to 10 p.m., weather permitting, at the UIS Observatory on the roof of Brookens Library.The Star Parties are hosted by John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy-physics. This fall, the observatory’s telescopes will be used to view celestial objects,
Raising Cane's Back to School
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers is committed to making a positive impact in our communities!! We're here to build school partnerships throughout the year through fundraisers, sponsorships, incentives, and more!! Submit your request for support today!https://www.raisingcanes.com/community-partnerships/
LLCC President Charlotte Warren announces retirement
After two decades of distinguished leadership and service, Lincoln Land Community College President Charlotte Warren, Ph.D., has announced she will retire from her role as LLCC’s sixth president in June 2026. Dr. Warren shared the news in a heartfelt message to faculty and staff during the college’s annual convocation on the morning of Aug. 22. “Serving our students and strengthening the communities we call home has been a privilege beyond measure. I am deeply proud of all that LLCC’s students, faculty,
Bret Mahoney Joining Memorial Health Human Resources Division
Bret Mahoney joined the Memorial Health Human Resources Division as system director of Talent Management effective Aug. 18. Mahoney has more than 14 years of experience in talent management, most recently as executive director of training and organizational design at Loma Linda University Health in Loma Linda, California. In his new role leading Memorial Talent Management, he will develop and educate leadership and support internal talent mobility initiatives. He has a Ph.D. in leadership from the
Explore timely topics at UIS’ Fall Lunch & Learn Series
The University of Illinois Springfield will host four Lunch & Learn Series events this fall, presented by the UIS Alumni SAGE Society and the Illinois State Historical Society.Sept. 15 – “Artificial Intelligence in Everyday Life”1:30 to 2:30 p.m., UIS Field Station at Lake Springfield, 9 Club Area, Springfield UIS faculty members Hei-Chi Chan and Neetu Singh, co-founders of the UIS AI Campus Learning Community, will lead a hands-on session exploring real-world applications of artificial intelligence.
Knutelski celebrates 25 years with Hanson
Jim Knutelski, P.E., G.E., senior geotechnical engineer, recently celebrated 25 years of service at Hanson Professional Services Inc. Knutelski, who joined the Springfield headquarters in 2000, performs geotechnical and forensic engineering investigations; provides foundation, geotechnical and seismic design recommendations; inspects the safety of dams and levees; and manages construction inspection services. He has provided services for projects including the Southern Illinois University School of
The Heroes Open
Firearms Frenzy for Guns or Cash Tickets
Firearms Frenzy for a chance to win Guns or Cash tickets are still available. Firefighters Postal Lake Club is still selling chances to win one of 20 guns or cash. Tickets are $25 each. Buy tickets through this link below:https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/firefighters-postal-lake-clubs-gun-raffle--2025 Your emailed receipt is your ticket to the Drawing Party on 9/16/25 at 6pm. Firefighters Postal Lake Club 940 West Lake Shore Drive, Springfield, IL Food-Prizes-Beer-Drawings-Fun
Prairie Engineers Celebrates 15 Years of Growth, Innovation, and Impact
The sta&##1049007; of Prairie Engineers is proud to celebrate its 15th anniversary. This marks a decade and a half of purposeful growth, trusted client partnerships, and a flexible, people-first culture. Since its founding in 2010 by President and Owner Lisa Kramer, the company has grown from a one-person startup into a multidisciplinary powerhouse. Currently, there are more than 100 employees across 12 o&##1049007;ices in five states. From day one, Prairie Engineers set out to deliver practical, lasting
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CENTRAL IL BUSINESSES ARE INVITED TO HELP FIGHT HUNGER AT MIDWEST MISSION SEPTEMBER 25 + 26
08/07/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information: Contact Mallory Webster, Communications ManagerPhone: 217.415.0456 Email: mallory@midwestmission.org CENTRAL IL BUSINESSES ARE INVITED TO HELP FIGHT HUNGER AT MIDWEST MISSION SEPTEMBER 25 + 26 Midwest Mission is inviting businesses around Central Illinois to participate in their annual Rice and Soy Blessing Bag Pack on September 25 and 26. They are hosting two days of making meals for the food insecure around the world. Their goal
WIN GUN OR CASH RAFFLE
WIN one of 20 GUNS or CASH - Firearm Frenzy drawn 9/16/25.$25.00 each ticket sold through link below:https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/firefighters-postal-lake-clubs-gun-raffle--2025Sponsored by the Firefighters Postal Lake Club 940 W. Lake Shore Drive, Springfield, IL (217-691-6472) Your emailed receipt is your ticket to the drawing party on September 16, 2025 at 6pm.Winners need not to be present, must follow all State and Federal Firearms Laws. FOOD * PRIZES * BEER * DRAWINGS * FUNFirearms to
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
