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: Sean Keeley, a well-known name in the Springfield dining scene, is the new director of catering for Arena Food Service.     Several popular downtown festivals aren't returning this year, with organizers citing increased costs and fewer attendees and volunteers:   The Cats’ Pyjamas is holding an open house this Thursday from 6-8 p.m. to give everyone a sneak peak at the new space at 524 E. Capitol Ave.   A Springfield man has removed a once-prominent feature of his business after he witnessed an alarming trend and is cautioning other business owners to be wary.   Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: Springfield Mass Transit District is receiving a $17.8 million federal grant to purchase 12 hybrid buses that are powered by a combination of diesel fuel and batteries, along with seven buses that burn natural gas.   The move is being made in anticipation of future regulations that may eventually force transit districts to eliminate all emissions. Kevin England, who assumed the title of Memorial Health president July 1, is stepping down from the role due to "an unexpected and recent health issue," according to a statement from a Memorial spokesperson.   Springfield will soon have a new option for soul food. Jenita Harris is opening 710 Rippy G’s in the food court at White Oaks Mall on Saturday, July 27.   The Springfield Maid-Rite is planning a 100th Birthday Bash on Saturday, July 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Owners of classic cars are invited to attend, with no pre-registration or entry fee required. There will also be music and throwback food and drink prices.   Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Business in the 217, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Casey Claypool - Docs Just Off 66 Trent R. Nelson spoke with the owner of Docs Just off 66 Casey Claypool regarding the historic origins of the spot. the food innovations made since it was purchased by Casey, ice cream, Route 66, and so much more. Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Business in the 217, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Jay Shanlee - Conn's Hospitality Group Trent R. Nelson spoke with Jay Shanlee of Conn's Hospitality Group regarding the food innovations from across Springfield, the Adams Street fire and recovery effort thus far, where to get some good BBQ and so much more. Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: Twelve residents, seven businesses and one nonprofit affected by the June 19 fire at 413 E Adams St. in downtown Springfield have received checks from the INB Benefit for the Businesses Affected by the Adams Family Fire fund.   Springfield Gymnastics Center has a new facility under construction on the west side, but in the meantime, the business will operate out of the former Shop ‘n Save property on the corner of Wabash Avenue and Chatham Road.   Information about the tragic death of Aviatori Coffeehouse owner Juliana Turchetti in Montana. The Springfield City Council has approved zoning that would allow for construction of a distribution center for Frito Lay. Employing 150 to 200 full-time workers at a warehouse the size of almost four football fields, it would be built along Interstate 55 near the Chatham exit.   Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: Progress Of Railway and Legacy Pointe Projects Local Small Businesses and the Adams Street Fire from Juneteenth New Warehouse on the outskirts of Springfield General Economics and Infrastructure So much more! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Business in the 217, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Heather Burton  - Illinois Women In Leadership Trent R. Nelson spoke with Heather Burton of IWIL regarding the organization, its history and goals, plus a bit about the ATHENA Award, this year's nominees. and the upcoming gala that the group is putting on! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 new restaurant is under construction on the west side of Springfield, with additional space available for a second restaurant or retail use.   Shangri-La Dispensaries will hold a grand opening at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 11, for its new Springfield dispensary. Shangri-La, 3128 S. Dirksen Parkway, represents the company’s first entrance into Illinois’ adult-use cannabis market. The event will include area vendors, food trucks and live music.   Wildflowers and Barley is holding a grand opening and vendor fair from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, July 12.   The first $10,000 raised by the community for the businesses and residents affected by the fire at 413 E Adams Street on June 19 will be disbursed next week.   Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: Progress Of Railway and Legacy Pointe Projects Local Small Businesses and the Adams Street Fire from Juneteenth Liquor License Resolutions General Economics and Infrastructure So much more! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: Terrie Malmstrom has been in the pet grooming business for years, but now she has a new venture called Doggie Stylez. The Neuhoff Media radio stations in Springfield and Bloomington have been sold to Woodward Communications, Inc., the final sale of the divestiture as part of a strategic decision by the Neuhoff family to exit the broadcast industry after nearly 70 years. Gov. JB Pritzker has given final approval to a plan to bolster the state’s tech industry, including an incentives package – backed by $500 million in the state budget – aimed at making Illinois the nation’s leader in quantum computing. For the first time, there is now a long-term master plan for the Illinois State Fairgrounds. It identifies opportunities to increase year-round events, attendance and economic impact. Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.