Brian Huff, founder and CEO of Midwest Technical Institute, speaks with zeal regarding the present and future economic opportunities for tradespeople in Springfield and the rest of the country. “There are 80,000 job openings in the country for electricians and only 7,000 to 8,000 are being trained right now. [The investment manager] BlackRock says there […]
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Audrey Wilton: Ironworker, mother and leader
The trades are mostly a male-dominated field, but Audrey Wilton has found ironworking to be the right fit for her as a single mother raising a daughter. As a member of Ironworkers Local 46, and a foreman, Wilton has worked with a variety of local employers on various job sites. “What I love most is […]
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Learn to do business with the state
The Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) Office of Supplier Diversity, in collaboration with the IT Procurement Office (ITPO), has announced the launch of a new webinar series titled “Mastering the State Contracting Game” as part of the Leveraging Diversity in Technology Procurement educational series. This five-part series is designed to equip current and […]
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HR essentials for business leaders
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, with presenting sponsor Brown, Hay &Stephens LLP, is offering a HR Essentials for Business Leaders Seminar on Thursday, Feb. 5. The event will take place from 7:30-10:30 a.m. at BRANDT, 2935 S. Koke Mill Road. “Many businesses don’t have a dedicated HR department, but they still face complex employment […]
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Rail consolidation a long time coming
Construction for Springfield’s Rail Improvement Project began in 2014 with construction of an underpass at Carpenter and 10th streets and the final phase will begin next month. Over the last decade-plus, new railroad bridges have been constructed at Fifth, Sixth, Ash, Laurel and Cook streets and South Grand Avenue with underpasses constructed at Madison and […]
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Regulations change for disadvantaged businesses
Federal regulations changed in October for all businesses seeking contracts as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Those businesses now need to provide additional documentation – including personal financial information – and must be recertified due to an “interim rule” from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The changes directly affect […]
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Notable projects underway in Springfield
Scheels Sports Park With the success of Legacy Pointe anchor SCHEELS, developers Steve Luker and Dirk McCormick have partnered with local organizations and the city of Springfield to create Scheels Sports Park, part of a 276-acre mixed-use development located off MacArthur Boulevard near the I-72 interchange. One of their innovative partnerships is with tenant Springfield […]
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Make a nomination for Best Places to Work 2026
Each year, Springfield Business Journal and United Community Bank sponsor an awards program that recognizes the Best Places to Work in our community. This awards program is unique, because it requires employees to nominate their own company. The criteria include: Feb. 1 is the deadline to make a nomination for the 2026 awards. The winning […]
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Diane Rutledge receives First Citizen Award
Dr. Diane Rutledge is the 63rd recipient of Springfield’s prestigious First Citizen Award. A lifelong educator, mentor and community leader, Rutledge has dedicated more than five decades to improving the lives of children, families and organizations across the Springfield area through her leadership, volunteerism and advocacy. It is, however, Rutledge’s impact outside her role as […]
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IDOT to host job fair Nov. 6
The Illinois Department of Transportation is hosting a career fair Thursday, Nov. 6, in Springfield. The fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in IDOT’s Harry R. Hanley Building at 2300 S. Dirksen Parkway. Representatives from IDOT offices and bureaus who oversee both technical and administrative support responsibilities will be available to […]
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Credit union to acquire local bank
Land of Lincoln Credit Union has announced plans to acquire Williamsville State Bank and Trust.While the agreement is contingent on obtaining regulatory and WSB Financial, Ltd. stockholder approvals, the proposed transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both institutions. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026. […]
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Credit card ‘swipe fee’ ban awaits judge’s ruling
A law that would make Illinois the first jurisdiction in the world to ban financial institutions from charging “interchange fees” on the tax and tip portions of debit and credit card transactions finally got its day in court Oct. 22, nearly 18 months after its passage. U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall’s ruling – expected in […]