Trent R. Nelson speaks with Michelle Ownbey, publisher of the Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times, about the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: WILD Canine Rescue plans to open an upscale thrift store on North Dirksen Parkway to help support the organization's mission: Join Downtown Springfield, Inc. for a ribbon cutting at The Cats' Pyjamas Cat Cafe on Thursday, May 2, at 2 p.m. Crave Cookies is coming to Springfield, becoming the second gourmet cookie company to open a franchise in the capital city this year. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo for a whole week, April 29-May 5, and explore the amazing taco and nacho dishes area chefs have created at these participating restaurants. Many locations will also offer signature Tequila Herradura or el Jimador margaritas. Find more details at 217FoodWeek.com and download your 217 Taco, Nacho & Margarita Week passport to plan your food journey and for a chance to win gift cards from local restaurants. Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter.

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Amy Beadle about what the organization does, its upcoming events, how you can participate and nominate, and so much more! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge. You can find new episodes on Apple, Spotify, and anywhere else you get your podcasts!

On this episode of Full Disclosure, Trent R. Nelson speaks with the CEO and President of the Better Government Association, David Greising, concerning Governor JB Pritzker, immigration, libraries, Tier 2, and so much more! Don't forget to subscribe and share; don't forget to keep shining that light on Illinois state government!

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Michelle Ownbey, publisher of the Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times, about the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: A Sangamon County judge has issued an order to vacate to the parent company for MOD Pizza in response to an eviction complaint filed by the property owner. The New York investors who own Olde Towne Apartments are more than $100,000 behind on water and electric bills, and the city of Springfield has said CWLP will shut off service May 1, displacing the remaining tenants, if the past utility bills are not paid. Brian Barstead has announced plans to retire within the next month and has transferred ownership of his Ameriprise franchise to Jennifer Sylvia. The May issue of SBJ is out today and includes profiles on this year’s Women of Influence: Jennifer Bettis, Kayla Edwards and Ava McPike-Carpenter. Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter.

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Michelle Ownbey, publisher of the Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times, about the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: The wait is almost over for fans of Wm. Van's Coffee House, with the relocated and revamped coffee shop scheduled to open at 7 a.m. on Friday, April 19, in Vinegar Hill Mall. The Railyard has reopened for the season, following a brief opening last November. A greenhouse in Scott County, fifty miles west of Springfield, is drawing national attention for a self-serve operation in a small building that is addressing the issue of rural American food deserts. Doubling the BOS Center's size would result in a similar increase in conventions coming to the capital city, and construction of a new 300-bed hotel adjacent to the center is needed, according to a recently completed feasibility study of the potential impact of a newly formed tourism improvement district on downtown Springfield. Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter.

Trent R. Nelson speaks with the Executive Director of the Springfield Area Arts Council, Bella Szabo, about art, creativity, getting involved in the community, what the organization does, local grants, and so much more! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge. You can find new episodes on Apple, Spotify, and anywhere else you get your podcasts!

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Michelle Ownbey, publisher of the Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times, about the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: Your Corner Office and Synergetic Solutions will be relocating from downtown to a new west-side location on the corner of Monroe Street and Chatham Road. Aviatori Coffeehouse has closed, but the business is still for sale and the owner hopes to find someone to carry on the aviation-themed coffee shop. Karen Conn, president of Conn’s Hospitality Group in Springfield, spoke at a news conference Wednesday at the Capitol. She said she will have to raise prices and cut employees’ hours and benefits if the state eliminates a tipped wage credit: Citing an increase in violent incidents and concerns for public safety, the Sangamon County Board voted Monday to eliminate 3 a.m. liquor licenses for bars. Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter.

Trent R. Nelson speaks with the Central Illinois and Springfield Phoenix Center's own Dr. Jonna Cooley about PRIDE 2024, other upcoming events, the past, the future, drag, and so much more! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge. You can find new episodes on Apple, Spotify, and anywhere else you get your podcasts!

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Crafted Stag's owner. Grant Hammer, regarding the grand opening, what the store will have to offer, and so much more! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge. You can find new episodes on Apple, Spotify, and anywhere else you get your podcasts!

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Chief Storyteller Jaime Toole regarding what the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes is set for this upcoming season, new innovations, promotions, deals, fun, and so much more! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge. You can find new episodes on Apple, Spotify, and anywhere else you get your podcasts!

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Visit Springfield's own Amy Beadle regarding how March was, and what the community has to look forward to this April.  Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge. You can find new episodes on Apple, Spotify, and anywhere else you get your podcasts!

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Michelle Ownbey, publisher of the Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times, about the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: The Crafted Stag Supply, a new specialty business catering to men, is scheduled to open Saturday, April 6, on Springfield’s west side. It's Scrapicated LLC, a galvanized steel home décor company, is consolidating into one location and expanding its hours of operation. A local hotel ownership group plans to break ground next month on a Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott at Legacy Pointe. Lutheran Senior Services and Diakon have signed an agreement to bring senior living operations and four life plan communities under LSS, which will make it one of the largest nonprofit senior living organization in the country.. Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter.

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Executive Director Eric Hill of SkillsUSA Illinois and Trinity Muszynski regarding what the organization wishes to do provide the community of Illinois with, why job training is so important, recaps of past events as well as additional information on upcoming events and so much more! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge. You can find new episodes on Apple, Spotify, and anywhere else you get your podcasts!

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Michelle Ownbey, publisher of the Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times, about the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: Potbelly Sandwich Shop opened its first Springfield location on March 26 inside the Memorial Learning Center, 228 W. Miller St. The Memorial Health Board of Directors has approved a succession plan that includes Kevin England becoming Memorial Health president, effective July 1. A year from now, Dominic Watson expects to open a shared kitchen and culinary incubator for dozens of emerging minority-owned businesses in a 30,000-square-foot building at 11th Street and South Grand Avenue East. New issue of SBJ is out today, focuses on nonprofits, associations and education Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter.

On this episode of Business in the 217, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Heather Briggs - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Trent R. Nelson spoke with Heather Briggs of BCBSIL regarding their upcoming Saturday morning event, why staying on top of your health is so critical, and how to learn more and get involved too! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge; you can find us on Apple, Spotify, and anywhere else you get your podcasts from!

On this episode of Business in the 217, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Harrison Gray - Citizens Club of Springfield Trent R. Nelson spoke with Harrison Gray regarding their upcoming Friday morning event, why discussion is so critical, about Gen Z and so much more! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge; you can find us on Apple, Spotify, and anywhere else you get your podcasts from!

On this episode of Business in the 217, Trent R. Nelson talks with: April Poole & Brian Sylvester - CORAL Trent R. Nelson spoke with April Poole & Brian Sylvester of CORAL concerning their upcoming gala event, the joy of being kind to others, and how you can be an ally to those that require it the most! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge; you can find us on Apple, Spotify, and anywhere else you get your podcasts from!

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Michelle Ownbey, publisher of the Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times, about the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: Charro Mexican Restaurant, a family-owned business based in Chesterfield, Missouri, with additional locations in Taylorville and Decatur, is coming to Springfield. Brezie's Roasted Beans is a new addition to the Springfield area's growing coffee scene, but it also offers breakfast and lunch options, plus activities for kids. Less than a year after closing its brick-and-mortar store, Alinda Hale has merged Eye Candy Boutique with Deep South Pout, an online boutique based in Mississippi. After 149 years and four generations, the family-owned Armbruster Manufacturing Company is closing its doors. The facility has been sold to a national franchise business. Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter.

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Michelle Ownbey, publisher of the Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times, about the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: Loukinens' on 4th has reopened after closing suddenly in mid-February, but it's not clear how long it will be able to continue operations. The property is no longer listed for sale, but a foreclosure suit is pending. Potter Drug is planning to open a west-side location this summer. AR Luxury Event Spaces is scheduled to open in Springfield on April 13. Women Entrepreneurs of Central Illinois will hold its 4th annual Women’s Business Showcase event on Wednesday, March 6, from 4:30-7 p.m. at Crowne Plaza Springfield. Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter.

In this episode of Business in the 217, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Melissa Horn - Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Trent R. Nelson spoke with Melissa Horn about recent and upcoming innovations, as well as opportunities that businesses and individuals across the community might benefit from. Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge. You can download and subscribe to more great interviews like this on Apple, Spotify, Google, and anywhere else you get your podcasts from.

On this episode of Business in the 217, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Tara Matheson - ImpactLife Trent R. Nelson spoke with Tara Matheson of ImpactLife concerning the joy of being kind to others, donating blood, and what kind of positive incentive those who give the gift of life can receive all March long! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge; you can find us on Apple, Spotify, and anywhere else you get your podcasts from!

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Ryan McCrady, CEO, and President Ryan McCrady, for their bi-weekly chat concerning the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: CWLP rate hikes City of Springfield budgets More on logistics Centers Local Small Businesses Dredging Lake Springfield Economics So much more! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge.

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Brooke Dunn of the Central Illinois Foodbank regarding what the organization is looking to provide the greater community with, how you can make a positive impact on your neighbors and neighborhood, and so much more! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge; you can find new episodes on Apple, Spotify, and anywhere else you get your podcasts!

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Michelle Ownbey, publisher of the Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times, about the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: Loukinens' on 4th has reopened after closing suddenly in mid-February, but it's not clear how long it will be able to continue operations. The property is no longer listed for sale, but a foreclosure suit is pending. Potter Drug is planning to open a west-side location this summer. AR Luxury Event Spaces is scheduled to open in Springfield on April 13. Women Entrepreneurs of Central Illinois will hold its 4th annual Women’s Business Showcase event on Wednesday, March 6, from 4:30-7 p.m. at Crowne Plaza Springfield. Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter.

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Executive Director Eric Hill of SkillsUSA Illinois regarding what the organization wishes to do provide the community of Illinois with, why job training is so important, upcoming events and so much more! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge. You can find new episodes on Apple, Spotify, and anywhere else you get your podcasts!

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Michelle Ownbey, publisher of the Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times, about the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: Knob Hill Landscape Company has acquired Evergreen Landscape, expanding its services and locations in Springfield. Makeover Dental, located at 687 E. Linton Ave. Springfield, IL, will be hosting a ribbon-cutting event on March 13th at 4:30 p.m. The March issue of SBJ is out today, featuring a special section on residential real estate. One article looks at the challenges of converting vacant office space downtown to residential use. Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter.

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Tiara Standage, CEO of "Intricate Minds," about what the organization wishes to do now that it is no longer "Everything Intricate," how folks can help those who need the help the most, a bit of background on the owner and establishment, and so much more! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge. You can find new episodes on Apple, Spotify, and anywhere else you get your podcasts!

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Professor Beverly Bunch concerning the upcoming Citizens Club of Springfield event, what the mayor will be speaking about during that Friday morning, February 23 event, and more! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge. You can find new episodes on Apple, Spotify, and anywhere else you get your podcasts!

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Ryan McCrady, CEO, and President Ryan McCrady, for their bi-weekly chat concerning the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: CWLP rate hikes City of Springfield budgets Logistics Centers Local Small Businesses So much more! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge.

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Michelle Ownbey, publisher of the Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times, about the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: The Southern Illinois University System office has moved into space above Resource One at the corner of Fourth and Adams Streets. A ribbon cutting and open house will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 12:30 p.m. for Tax Partners Holdings, 2060 W. Monroe St. Emmanuel "Manny" Davis, 24, has acquired the tax preparation and bookkeeping business founded by the late Don Fuener. The Filling Station in Rochester is now open, with food service scheduled to begin on Feb. 27. Two familiar names in the area construction industry, Matt Williams and Aaron Gorbett, are opening a Springfield office for CAD Construction Inc. Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter.

Patrick Pfingsten speaks with UIS Professor and Citizens Club Moderator Beverly Bunch regarding the upcoming Citizens Club of Springfield meeting on February 23, which will be dealing with the city's new budget! 

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Michelle Ownbey, publisher of the Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times, about the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: Loukinens’ on 4th has closed, although the owners describe it as “temporary.” The building at 319 Chatham Road has sold, and Dim Art House will close its studio and gallery space for now. After mine subsidence forced Lutheran High School to abandon its west-side Springfield campus in 2022, it is looking to rebuild on land owned by Cherry Hills Church, near the northeast corner of Chatham and Woodside roads. Do you know an outstanding woman who deserves recognition? Make a nomination for the annual Women of Influence program, sponsored by Security Bank and Springfield Business Journal. The deadline to make nominations is March 1. Recipients will be profiled in the May issue of SBJ. Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter.

Patrick Pfingsten speaks with Illinois Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Lou Sandoval on his tenure thus far, his background, the state of business across the capital city and entire Illinois, plus so much more!

On this episode of Business in the 217, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Tara Matheson - ImpactLife Trent R. Nelson spoke with Tara Matheson of ImpactLife concerning the joy of being kind to others, donating blood, and what kind of positive incentive those who give the gift of life can receive all February long! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge.

On this episode of Business in the 217, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Kaitlin Bostick - Girl Scouts of Central Illinois Trent R. Nelson spoke with Kaitlin Bostick of the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois, cookies, giving back to the community, what helping the girls means to them, what it teaches the kids for their very own future lives, and so much more. Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge.

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Michelle Ownbey, publisher of the Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times, about the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: CrossFit XLT is moving into a new building in Chatham just in time for its 10 year anniversary. Five Hardee’s locations throughout central Illinois have closed, but at least one won’t be vacant for long. The Chatham Hardee’s property has already changed hands. 217 Burger Week started Monday and continues through Feb. 13, because seven days just isn’t enough time to sample all these amazing burgers from area restaurants. Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter.

On this episode of Business in the 217, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Taylor Stevens - SYNERGY Homecare Zach Kerker - Springfield Clinic Trent R. Nelson spoke with both Taylor Stevens and Zach Kerker, concerning the joy of being kind to others, Sending Love Overseas, how you can make a positive impact on the lives of others, and so much more. Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge.

Business in the 217: DSI's Carlos Ortega and Blake Pryor join the program to discuss the next chapter of DSI and its impact upon the community On this episode of Business in the 217, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Carlos Ortega - DSI Blake Pryor - DSI Trent R. Nelson spoke with both Carlos Ortega and Blake Pryor of Downtown Springfield Inc., concerning the joy of being kind to others, developing Downtown Springfield,how Carlos plans to innovate DSI in his new position, and so much more. Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge.

Trent R. Nelson speaks with CEO, and President Ryan McCrady, for their bi-weekly chat concerning the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: Hunter Lake and Lake Springfield CWLP rate hikes SSGA and City of Springfield budgets So much more! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge.

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Michelle Ownbey, publisher of the Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times, about the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: Bistro Verde, Lincoln Land Community College’s student-led café, reopens Jan. 31. Downtown Springfield, Inc. (DSI) has named Carlos Ortega to lead the organization as executive director, effective Feb. 1. The Cats' Pyjamas, Springfield's first cat café, is holding an open house on Thursday, Feb. 1, from 5-8 p.m. featuring a variety of local vendors (but not the cats just yet) Crumbl Cookies is opening in the Parkway Pointe shopping center on Friday, Feb. 9, at 8 a.m. Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter.

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Michelle Ownbey, publisher of the Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times, about the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: Rob Wilbern, the central Illinois franchisee for Potbelly's Sandwich Shop, has announced the first Springfield location is in the works. Courtney Wilbern has relocated and renamed her medical spa practice, which is now known as Absolut Aesthetics & Wellness Medspa. Intricate Minds, a nonprofit that operates a community center with a variety of resources and services, is moving to North Grand Avenue. Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter.

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Michelle Ownbey, publisher of the Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times, about the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: Remarkable Resale in Rochester has changed its name, location, and inventory over the past three decades, and now owner Kitty Boyce is planning a change of ownership as well. Little Lincoln's Toy Shop is relocating to a larger space on West White Oaks Drive. Many businesses are still dealing with the aftereffects of the pandemic, and those in the hospitality industry say it could take years to recover fully. State grants have helped many businesses over the last few years, and a new round of grants will assist businesses launched in 2020 or 2021. Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter.

On this episode of Business in the 217, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Julie Davis - CILCSA Liz Parker - Springfield Clinic Trent R. Nelson spoke with both Julie Davis and Liz Parker concerning the joy of being kind to others, CILCSA, a recent WOW Award winner, how you can nominate kind people you know and see around the Springfield area, and so much more. Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge.

On this episode of Business in the 217, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Executive Director Mark Hanna - Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport Authority Trent R. Nelson spoke with Mark Hanna, the executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, regarding Breeze Airways, how to "get fresh," new deals, as well as the future of the airport and what the denizens of Springfield and the Central Illinois area might see next - plus so much more. Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge.

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Michelle Ownbey, publisher of the Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times, about the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: Planet Fitness is expanding its presence in Springfield with a second location in the works. Dabble Springfield, a do-it-yourself arts and crafts studio, is relocating to Sangamon Avenue as of Jan. 10. Brunchfield Café closed on Dec. 31, and the restaurant has already reopened under new ownership as Clock Tower Cafe. Godfather’s Pizza in Chatham is now a Dew Chili Parlor. Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter.

On this episode of Business in the 217, Trent R. Nelson talks with:  Jordan Coffey -  Luminary Kitchen & Provisions and Gold Leaf Catering and Events Trent R. Nelson spoke with Chef Jordan Coffey of  Luminary Kitchen & Provisions, as well as Gold Leaf Catering and Events, concerning their origins, work, finding meaning in work, why seasonal ingredients and dishes rule, their new catering venture, and so much more. Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge.

On this episode of Business in the 217, Trent R. Nelson talks with:  Len Naumovich - Primo Designs Trent R. Nelson spoke with Len Naumovich of Primo Designs concerning their origins, work, finding meaning in work, what to look for when appraising employees, how failure leads to success, and so much more. Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge.

On this episode of Business in the 217, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Michael L Thomas and Jordan Stott - Express Employment Professionals and the Specialized Recruiting Group Trent R. Nelson spoke with Michael L Thomas and Jordan Stott of Express Employment Professionals and the Specialized Recruiting Group concerning work, finding meaningful employment, and what brings each pleasure during the course of their own work finding jobs for others. Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge.

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Michelle Ownbey, publisher of the Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times, about the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: Fairgrounds Cafe will open soon at the site of the former Jungle Jim’s Café on Peoria Road. Eagle Golf and Grill, a public golf training facility with a full-service restaurant and bar, has opened on Springfield’s west side.  After two years of financial and emotional stress for thousands of central Illinois patients, those covered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois regained in-network access to Springfield Clinic medical providers on Jan. 1. Completion of Springfield’s rail improvement project will be delayed beyond 2025 because the project failed to secure $138 million in funding from the federal government. Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter.

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Michelle Ownbey, publisher of the Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times, about the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: Alliance Community Bank is expanding its Springfield presence with a new branch on the far west side. HDR, a national engineering, architecture, and natural resources consulting firm, has expanded its presence in Springfield with the opening of a new office on West Iles Avenue. Despite recent questions from the Springfield City Council about how public money will flow to the Scheels Sports Park project and the viability of private financing, the project remains on track to be fully operational by spring 2025, according to Ryan McCrady, president of the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance. Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter.