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Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Taylor Stevens
Taylor StevensRegional Community LiaisonSYNERGY HomeCare(217) 303-8555taylorstevens@synergyhomecare.com What products and services does your business offer?At SYNERGY HomeCare, we understand that people are happiest and healthiest where they are most comfortable–in their homes. From companionship to around-the-clock care, we offer a range of in-home care services so your elder loved one can confidently age in place in the familiarity and comfort of their own home. In addition to seniors, we proudly
Springfield’s CLP Insurance Solutions Fulfills Founder’s Vision with Launch of “Give Back” Community Grant
Cheri Plummer, a 16-year veteran of the insurance industry, is turning a career-long dream into a reality. Today, CLP Insurance Solutions LLC officially announces the CLP Give Back Community Grant, a program that will transform 2026 business success into direct financial support for Springfield-area nonprofits in 2027.When Cheri Plummer opened the doors to her independent agency in November 2024, she did so with a specific mission: to build a business that serves as a pillar for the local community. Having
HSHS St. John’s Hospital Announces 2025 Colleague of the Year
It is with great pride that HSHS St. John’s Hospital announces its 2025 Colleague of the Year. Doug Thurman, a surgical technologist in the Surgical Services department, received the award. Doug was also the recipient of the Colleague of the Month award in July. “Every day, Doug reminds us that health care is ultimately about people,” said Brian Brennan, President and CEO of HSHS St. John’s Hospital and President and CEO of HSHS Central Illinois Market. “Doug’s dedication to patients is exactly what we
Sarah Matlin Named Chief Strategy Officer at Memorial Health
Sarah Matlin has been named senior vice president and chief strategy officer at Memorial Health.Matlin will help guide the strategic direction of Memorial, which includes five hospitals, primary and urgent care clinics, behavioral health and home health services across central Illinois.She is the founder and CEO of OKTO Strategic Advisory, which works to transform healthcare organizations through innovation. She previously served as chief strategy officer at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, an independent health
A Grassroots Campaign Invites Springfield to Fall in Love with Downtown Again
This February, downtown Springfield is leaning into love, community, and connection with My Heart’s Downtown, a family-friendly Valentine’s weekend initiative designed to celebrate local businesses and bring people back downtown. Running February 13–15, My Heart’s Downtown brings together downtown businesses, special promotions, public art, and family-centered experiences to create a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere throughout the district. “2026 is going to be a big year for downtown,” said Karen Conn of
UIS online bachelor’s programs ranked among the best in the country
The University of Illinois Springfield’s online bachelor’s degree programs have been ranked among the nation’s best in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings, earning a 48th-place national ranking out of 348 institutions and placing third in Illinois among public universities.The online bachelor’s degree in psychology ranked seventh in the nation, rising 14 spots, and was the highest-ranked online psychology program offered by a public university in Illinois. The online bachelor’s
Tabb Named 2025 Colleague of the Year for Springfield Memorial Hospital
Jobi Tabb, a social worker with Advanced Care Management at Springfield Memorial Hospital, is the nonprofit hospital’s Colleague of the Year for 2025. Tabb, who has served Springfield Memorial Hospital since 2000, was previously named Colleague of the Month for February 2025. She is widely recognized for treating every patient with respect and dignity, taking time to understand each individual's unique situation and needs. "Jobi is an outstanding human being in so many ways," wrote her nominator. "In the
LLCC announces fall 2025 full-time President’s and Vice President’s lists
Lincoln Land Community College has announced its full-time President’s and Vice President’s lists for the fall 2025 semester. Full-time students who earned a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) are noted with an asterisk and earned President’s list honors. Full-time students who earned between a GPA of 3.5-3.99 earned Vice President’s list honors. Full-time students are enrolled in 12 or more credit hours. Alexander – Baylie L. Colwell* Arenzville – Kaylee Z. Beck, KJ Beck, Kimberly Gallegos, Addison N.
LLCC announces fall 2025 part-time President’s and Vice President’s lists
— Lincoln Land Community College has announced its part-time President’s and Vice President’s lists for the fall 2025 semester. Part-time students, enrolled in six to 11 credit hours, who earned a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) are noted with an asterisk and achieved President’s list honors. Part-time students who earned a GPA of 3.5-3.99 achieved Vice President’s list honors. Albion – John A. Brown* Ashland – Heidi L. Sipes*, Bella Smith* Athens – Ellie N. Alderman, Grace A. Brock*, McKayla A. Clark*,
LLCC announces fall 2025 Dual Credit President’s and Vice President’s lists
Lincoln Land Community College has announced its Dual Credit President’s and Vice President’s lists for the fall 2025 semester. Students who earned a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) are noted with an asterisk and achieved President’s list honors. Students who earned a GPA of 3.5-3.99 achieved Vice President’s list honors. LLCC partners with area high schools to provide college-level classes through Dual Credit (taught by teachers in high schools) and College Now (taught by LLCC instructors at one of the
New Central Illinois Tech Partners Team Member, Sri Harsha Tenali, Provides Software Development, Automation & Data Monitoring Solutions
Central Illinois Tech Partners (CITP), based in Springfield, offers managed IT services; interim or full-time CIOs, CTOs, and CISOs; digital solutions; and various AI capabilities in the Central Illinois region and beyond. Sri Harsha builds full-stack web applications and internal tools using React on the frontend and Python (Flask/Django) on the backend, with REST APIs, authentication, scheduling, and database integration. He also has hands-on experience in infrastructure monitoring—setting up
Bistro Verde reopens Jan. 27 at LLCC
Bistro Verde, Lincoln Land Community College’s student-led café, reopens Jan. 27 and will serve customers Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The café is open as Bistro To Go, a counter service concept, from Jan. 27-Feb. 26, offering soups, salads, sandwiches, baked goods, coffees and drinks. From March 25-April 30 (closed April 21-23), the café transforms into Bistro Verde, a casual, dine-in restaurant experience. The full-service lunch features appetizers, soups, salads,
UIS introduces free tax filing assistance for lower-income individuals through IRS program
The University of Illinois Springfield is offering free tax preparation services for the first time through the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, expanding access to professional tax help for eligible members of the Springfield-area community. The program is hosted by the UIS’ College of Business and Management.Through the VITA program, trained and IRS-certified volunteers assist with preparing and filing federal and state income tax returns at no cost. The program
BOS Announced Promotions of Menelle Cycholl, Monica Dyson, Renee Hopkins
Menelle Cycholl was named Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer and has been with the bank 28 years in July. In her role, Menelle oversees regulatory compliance, policies and controls for lending and deposit operations, Residential Mortgage Quality Control, and Home Mortgage Disclosure Act validation. Monica Dyson was named Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer. In her 31st year with BOS, Monica leads the bank’s marketing initiatives including brand management, internal and external
Ambassador of the Quarter Angelyn Howe
In the fourth quarter of 2025, Angelyn Howe, Realtor, Keller Williams Capital Realty earned the Ambassador of the Quarter honor. Angie submitted one member lead that joined The Chamber, attended 14 ribbon cuttings, made 11 member contacts, worked at two Chamber on Tap events, attended three Ambassador committee meetings, and worked at ‘Shoes, Brews & Biz. Angie will receive a gift certificate to a Chamber member business. Earning honorable mention for the 4th Quarter were: Wendell Zulauf Jr, Sunbelt
Kidzeum Receives National Science Foundation Grant to Create Center for STEAM Education with the Springfield Area Community
Kidzeum is engaging the community in the co-design of a cutting-edge STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Center and learning network that will work to improve learning outcomes for students in Springfield and surrounding communities. The project is made possible by a grant from the Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) Program at the National Science Foundation (NSF). Led by Leah Wilson, Executive Director of Kidzeum, Dr. Catherine Haden of Loyola University, and Dr. David Uttal of
Knob Hill Landscape Company Announces True-North: Its New Company Headquarters
Knob Hill Landscape Company is proud to announce the development of a transformative new facility that will become the company’s new headquarters as operations, staff, and day-to-day functions transition into this expanded space, referred to as Knob Hill True-North. Since its founding in 2011, Knob Hill Landscape Company has continued to grow into an award winning and nationally recognized leader in the industry—most recently marked by the opening of Knob Hill West, a turn-key outdoor living showroom
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SPRINGFIELD PARK DISTRICT RECEIVES $600,000 OSLAD GRANT TO REDEVELOP DREAMLAND PARK
The Springfield Park District is pleased to announce that Dreamland Park has been awarded a $600,000 grant through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). This competitive state grant will support the redevelopment and enhancement of Dreamland Park, ensuring improved recreational amenities and expanded outdoor opportunities for residents. The OSLAD program – funded in part through the state’s real estate transfer
Chili Cookoff Challenge 2026
17th Annual Lake Council Chili ChallengeProceeds will be donated to Springfield Zoological Society. Chili Challenge schedule: 1/18/26 at Motor Boat Club for the Western Regional 2/1/26 at Ski & Boat Club for the Southern Regional 2/15/26 at Anchor Boat Club for the East Regional 3/1/26 at Prop Club for the Finals Doors open at 12pm. Tasting for the Public starts at 2pm. $5 at the door.
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight - Brandy Stabler
Brandy StablerSenior Donor Relations ManagerCompass for Kids (217) 481-4651brandy@compassforkids.orgWhat products and services does your business offer? Compass for Kids is a local not-for-profit organization whose mission is to provide academic and social-emotional support to empower children and families underserved by our community. Our vision is that all children in our community experience success and reach their full potential. Compass for Kids serves low-income Kindergarten through 12th grade
Gretchen Caldwell NP Integrative Aesthetic Wellness Introduces New Advanced Aesthetic Laser Technology
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:Gretchen Caldwell NP Integrative Aesthetic Wellness Introduces New Advanced Aesthetic Laser Technology to Enhance Patient Care SPRINGFIELD, IL — January 14, 2026 —Integrative Aesthetic Wellness is proud to announce the addition of a new state-of-the-art aesthetic laser to its growing portfolio of cosmetic and wellness services. This advanced technology expands the clinic’s ability to safely and effectively treat a wide range of skin concerns, including skin rejuvenation,
Lake Springfield Center Park to Receive $600,000 in Improvements Through State Grant
The City of Springfield, City Water, Light and Power (CWLP) has been awarded a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to support major improvements at Lake Springfield’s Center Park.The project’s main features include four new pickleball courts, a modern playground with high-quality safety surfacing, and a new walking path designed to connect Center Park amenities with the Lake Springfield Beach House, picnic areas, shoreline, and
Scholarship Funding Available to Students in Cass, Christian, Logan, Macoupin, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, and Sangamon Counties
The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln is now accepting applications for the 2026 scholarship program. There are more than 45 different post-secondary scholarships available. Last year, more than $250,000 was awarded in scholarships and scholarship renewals. The Community Foundation serves the counties of Cass, Christian, Logan, Macoupin, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan and Sangamon in central Illinois. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors as well as current and returning
UIS research finds employees with disabilities perform comparably to peers but face pay gaps
Siddharth K. Upadhyay, associate professor in the College of Business and Management at the University of Illinois Springfield, is a co-author of a new national research study that finds employees with disabilities perform at levels comparable to non-disabled employees but continue to face lower pay and higher levels of perceived discrimination.Published in the Journal of Vocational Behavior, the study examines workplace experiences of employees with and without disabilities across a wide range of measures,
HSHS Hospitals in Central Illinois Announce Top Baby Names of 2025
Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) hospitals in Illinois are pleased to announce the top names chosen for babies born at HSHS St. John’s in Springfield, HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial in Effingham and HSHS St. Francis in Litchfield last year. Over 3,350 babies were delivered at these three central Illinois hospitals in 2025. HSHS St. John’s Hospital, SpringfieldTop Boy NameOliverTop Girl NameCharlotte HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, EffinghamTop Boy NameOliverTop Girl NameLainey and Wrenley
LLCC’s Trutter Museum & Murray Gallery to feature “the neophobic kingdom” Jan. 12-Feb. 12
The Trutter Museum & Murray Gallery at Lincoln Land Community College will host the exhibit “the neophobic kingdom” featuring artwork by sculptor Thad Duhigg Jan. 12-Feb. 12. The public is invited to a closing reception on Thursday, Feb. 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m. The exhibit is open for viewing weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum and gallery are located on the upper level of Menard Hall on the LLCC Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Road. Duhigg’s work critically explores the intersection of tradition and
LLCC offering free three-part series on cryptocurrency
Lincoln Land Community College’s Academy of Lifelong Learning (ALL) has partnered with financial experts, Fidelity, J.P. Morgan and Capital Group, to offer a three-part speaker series on understanding cryptocurrency and the digital ecosystem. The virtual series is free and will be offered via Zoom. Jan. 21, 2026, 3-4:30 p.m., Fidelity will present “Bitcoin and Digital Assets – Understanding the Digital Ecosystem.” Attendees will learn how the Bitcoin network operates, what drives the value and how
Illinois Symphony Chamber Orchestra Opens 2026 with “Crown Jewels: A Celebration of New Beginnings”
The Illinois Symphony Orchestra rings in the New Year with a dazzling musical celebration designed to inspire, uplift, and launch audiences into 2026 with energy and imagination. Led by Resident Conductor Jacobsen Woollen, the concert displays the vibrant works of Chen Yi, Stravinsky, and Mozart—each work exploring the thrill of leaving the old behind and stepping boldly into what’s next. The evening opens with Chen Yi’s Shuo, meaning “to initiate,” a vivid musical journey through the beginnings of each
UIS professor’s research cited in California Supreme Court murder case involving gender bias
Research by University of Illinois Springfield Professor of Legal Studies Deborah Anthony was cited by the California Supreme Court in a 2025 decision that reversed a woman’s murder conviction and cautioned courts against relying on gender-based assumptions when determining a parent’s criminal liability for failing to protect a child.In People v. Collins, 561 P.3d 801 (Cal. 2025), the court overturned a second-degree murder conviction based on a failure-to-protect theory, concluding that the evidence did
CWLP SHARES REBATE OFFER FOR CUSTOMERS BUYING NEW TOILETS FOR THE NEW YEAR
City Water, Light and Power is reminding residential water customers of its $50 rebate for those that replace older toilets with high-efficiency WaterSense®-labeled models to save water and save money. Toilets installed before 1980 can use as much as 5 gallons of water with every flush, while the high-efficiency models use 1.28 gallons or less per flush. By replacing a 20- to 30-year-old toilet with a newer model, nearly 3,000 gallons of water per year for every person could be saved. Rebate funds are
UIS Visual Arts Gallery presents Trinidad-born artist Sherwin Ovid in a solo exhibition and lecture series
The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery is pleased to present “What is the Poesis of Dis-Possession? Cartographies of Spirit and Signal,” an exhibition featuring the work of Trinidad-born, Chicago-based artist Sherwin Ovid. The exhibition opens Jan. 12 and runs through Feb. 19. In conjunction with this exhibition, the artist will explore the themes of migration with curator Marissa H. Baker, visiting art history faculty in the Visual Arts Program, as part of the Engaged Citizenship
City Of Springfield Announces 2026 Springfield Minority Business Institute Program
Mayor Misty Buscher, along with Community Relations Director Ethan Posey, are pleased to announce that the City of Springfield in partnership with the Office of Community Relations, will launch the Springfield Minority Business Institute (SMBI), a new multi-week educational initiative beginning in February 2026. The program is designed to support minority-owned businesses and nonprofit organizations through targeted instruction, access to resources, and meaningful networking opportunities. “The
Ihnen Named December Colleague of the Month for System Resources at Memorial Health
Eric Ihnen, a patient experience liaison, is the Memorial Health System Resources Colleague of the Month for December. After helping a patient, Ihnen stepped up to assist with transport of another patient who needed a scan as soon as possible. The patient was accompanied by several poles and pumps, which made the transport challenging. “Eric assisted in the transport, which helped to get the patient moved quickly and safely,” wrote his nominator. “I was thankful he stayed. Great patient experience leads
LLCC launches Professional Development Institute
– Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) has announced the launch of its Professional Development Institute, featuring a wide range of training and continuing education opportunities designed to meet the evolving needs of employers and working professionals across central Illinois. The Professional Development Institute serves as LLCC’s central hub for workforce and professional learning — connecting employers, organizations and individuals to targeted training, credentials and customized solutions aligned
HSHS names Chief Financial Officers for Wisconsin Market, Central Illinois Market/Illinois Physician Enterprise, and Southern Illinois Market
Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), a leading Catholic health ministry with operations in Illinois and Wisconsin, announced today that they have named Chief Financial Officers (CFO) for their Wisconsin Market, Central Illinois Market/Illinois Physician Enterprise, and Southern Illinois Market. HSHS Wisconsin MarketAmy Crouch, MBA, CPA, FHFMA, has been named CFO for HSHS Wisconsin Marketwhich includes HSHS St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay; HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay; HSHS St.
Cowork Springfield Announces Expansion with 12 New Private Offices Now Available
Springfield, IL — Cowork Springfield is proud to announce a major expansion of its coworking space, adding 12 new private offices to meet the growing demand from local entrepreneurs, small businesses, and remote professionals throughout the Springfield area. This expansion reflects Cowork Springfield’s ongoing commitment to supporting the local business community by providing flexible, professional, and accessible workspace solutions. The new offices are designed to accommodate a range of needs—from solo
Damon Priddy State Farm Voted Best Insurance Agency for Fourth Consecutive Year; Named Platinum Winner City-Wide
Springfield, IL — Damon Priddy State Farm Insurance & Financial Services - a State Farm Agency is proud to announce it has been voted Best Insurance Agency by Community Choice community voting for the fourth consecutive year, while also recently earning the Community Votes Platinum winner distinction for the third consecutive year in the Insurance Agency & Broker category with Springfield Community Votes, another public voting program. The Community Choice Awards recognize outstanding local
$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
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
