Cybersecurity threats are one of the fastest-growing areas of concerns for businesses across almost every industry and in companies of almost every size, according to Nicholas Koch of Troxell, a Springfield-based insurance company.“You only hear about the large companies, but the regular person would be shocked at how often cyber incidents are happening in every […]
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Growth Alliance chosen for pilot research program
The Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance will be one of eight organizations in Illinois to partner with the Illinois Economic Development Corporation’s Economic Research Center in the inaugural cohort of the Regional Research Pilot Program (R2P2). The program will give the Growth Alliance access to the databases, and experts in analyzing these databases, used by site selectors […]
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Local small businesses put AI to work
Brittney Robinson and Caitlin Becker are using artificial intelligence to build an app for Bloom Wine Bar and Florals, streamlining what had been a manual task for their small business.Robinson said their vision was to create an app where members can log in, see their current perks, redeem benefits, track visits and stay updated on […]
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Heather Burton wins 2026 Athena Award
Heather Burton has been chosen as the recipient of the 2026 Athena Award, sponsored by Illinois Women in Leadership. IWIL held an awards ceremony at Erin’s Pavilion in Southwind Park on July 23 to recognize the six nominees for this year’s award and announce the recipient. Heather Burton is president and Chief Executive Officer of […]
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Isringhausen transitioning to second generation of leadership
Isringhausen Imports, 229 E. Jefferson St. in downtown Springfield, was founded 45 years ago by car enthusiast Rob Isringhausen. His brother Geoff joined him as the company’s fourth employee in January 1984. The business has remained family owned and operated throughout its history. Below is a Q&A with Geoff Isringhausen regarding plans to continue that […]
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Preserving a legacy
Allstate has been a part of Lisa Plumb’s life for nearly 40 years. Her father, Jack Readicker, was an Allstate agent operating at a kiosk inside Sears at White Oaks Mall in the late 1980s. From a young age, Plumb watched her father in action and eventually followed his footsteps to join the insurance business. […]
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Springfield Chamber announces Small Business Award winners
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce hosted the 41st Annual Small Business Awards on June 23 at the Crowne Plaza Springfield Convention Center. The event recognized outstanding community entrepreneurs in the following four categories: Not-for-Profit Director of the Year, New & Emerging Business Owner of the Year, Small Business Owner of the Year and Lifetime […]
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Denial for Springfield solar project
The Sangamon County Board voted 15-8 to reject a proposed 20-acre solar farm adjacent to a residential subdivision on the west side of Springfield, even as the board’s lawyer warned Summit Ridge Energy, the petitioner, may be able to sue the board and get the solar panels installed anyway. Assistant state’s attorney Joel Benoit, who […]
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Catering companies try to stay competitive
The business of catering in Springfield is highly competitive, with businesses vying to cater events large and small in a city known for people who love to eat. Many caterers – in Springfield and beyond – are seeking ways to diversify and find other revenue streams beyond the traditional catering. That is why Jesse Taielua […]
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Springfield area sheds jobs
Despite no major business layoffs or closures, the Springfield area led the state in job losses year over year, according to Illinois Department of Employment Security non-farm employment data released early this month. Springfield lost 3,300 jobs from March of last year to this year, nearly two-fifths of all the jobs lost by the state […]
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Building a skilled workforce
Businesses large and small nationwide partner with community colleges to secure their future workforce. Locally, employers increasingly are teaming up with Lincoln Land Community College to train employees.For instance, O’Shea Builders helped design the college’s new construction lab and provides several instructors for the program. Memorial Health funded the expansion of LLCC’s nursing program and […]
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Women for Women awards $70,000 to area nonprofits
Women for Women awarded a record-breaking $70,000 in grants to three local nonprofits during its 18th Annual Grant Reception on Wednesday, May 13, recognizing organizations addressing some of central Illinois’ most pressing challenges facing women and children. This year’s grants will support programs focused on childhood food insecurity, family support services, and care for children […]