Springfield Business Journal Illinois

07/24/2025

President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans earlier this month curtailed federal tax incentives for the solar energy industry and for individuals and companies that purchase solar panels.

But in Illinois, members of the industry say state policy gives a bit of cover. While they have seen a wave of business before Biden-era tax breaks sunset, solar companies are left with uncertainty in the long-term.

President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans earlier this month curtailed federal tax incentives for the solar energy industry and for individuals and companies that purchase...

07/23/2025

Vine & Rind, a wine bar, cheese shop and bistro on Springfield's west side, is holding a grand opening on Saturday, July 26.

Vine & Rind, a wine bar, cheese shop and bistro on Springfield's west side, is holding a grand opening on Saturday, July 26. Chelsea Ziebler...

07/22/2025

Isringhausen Imports and Downtown Springfield, Inc. have opened applications for the 2025 Isringhausen DRIVE Grant, a $20,000 cash grant presented yearly to individuals looking to kick start or expand a business in downtown Springfield.

Isringhausen Imports and Downtown Springfield, Inc. have opened applications for the 2025 Isringhausen DRIVE Grant, a $20,000 cash grant presented yearly to individuals looking to...

07/22/2025

Alysse Hewell has joined INB as the director of marketing and communications.

Alysse Hewell has joined INB as the director of marketing and communications. She replaces Marilyn Titone-Schaefer, who retired earlier this month. Hewell spent more than...

07/21/2025

Ava Carpenter-McPike has been chosen as the recipient of the 2025 Athena Award, sponsored by Illinois Women in Leadership.

Ava Carpenter-McPike has been chosen as the recipient of the 2025 Athena Award, sponsored by Illinois Women in Leadership. IWIL held an awards ceremony at...

07/21/2025

Skechers is planning to open its first freestanding store in Springfield. A company spokesperson told SBJ a late August or early September opening is tentatively planned for the store at 2691 Veterans Parkway.

Skechers is planning to open its first freestanding store in Springfield. A company spokesperson told SBJ a late August or early September opening is tentatively...

07/19/2025

Know a teen or young adult interested in exploring a career in construction?

Solid Ground, 816 S. 11th St., will be holding exploration sessions from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, and Wednesday, July 30.

07/18/2025

Fluid Lounge, 319 E. Jefferson St., is holding a grand opening on Saturday, July 19. Doors open at 2 p.m. with a ribbon cutting at 7 p.m.

SBJ interviewed the owners earlier this year when plans were first announced. The goal was initially to open in May, but construction delays caused it to be postponed.

https://www.springfieldbusinessjournal.com/columns/new-downtown-bar-fluid-to-open-in-may-15695660

07/18/2025

Congratulations to the 2025 class of Forty Under 40, who were honored at a reception and award ceremony held last night at the UIS Student Union.

View the photo gallery here:

https://1221photography.client-gallery.com/gallery/40-under-40-2025

Thanks to our sponsors, Security Bank, Mark Cortesi - State Farm Insurance Agent and University of Illinois Springfield for making it possible for us to recognize this outstanding group of young professionals.

Image gallery by 1221 Photography

07/17/2025

A new 3% hotel tax is under consideration by Sangamon County officials as a means to finance an expansion of the BOS Center and bring a 300-room hotel downtown to accommodate the hoped-for increase in convention goers, but the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association doesn't believe higher hotel taxes will bring more visitors:

https://www.springfieldbusinessjournal.com/articles/higher-hotel-taxes-wont-bring-more-visitors-15844190

07/16/2025

Join RISE Young Professionals for a summer kickoff picnic at Knight's Action Park from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23.

Registration closes Friday:

https://www.springfieldbusinessjournal.com/event/rise-springfield-summer-kickoff-picnic-15803942

07/16/2025

Creative Reuse Marketplace has reopened in White Oaks Mall on the upper level next to Malibu Jack’s. CRM is much more than a retail store. It is a nonprofit organization that inspires creativity, provides a place to donate items for reuse, keeps materials out of the landfill and engages in educational programs with art as the foundation.

Creative Reuse Marketplace has reopened in White Oaks Mall on the upper level next to Malibu Jack’s. CRM is much more than a retail store....