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future
look to the the to look
A bicentennial bicentennial A
2018 JUNE 2 u June 2018 u Springfield Business Journal Building SpringfieldSpringfield Construction projects underway all over town
BY MICHELLE OWNBEY Springfield, including retail stores Here Today and HomeGoods, two locations for the daycare One sure sign of spring is construction proj- franchise Little Minds Learning Center, and ice ects taking shape all over town, and with the cream franchise Sweet Charlie’s. Local restau- City of Springfield issuing commercial permits rateur Will Hoecker has started a new venture worth more than $26 million dollars in the called Papo’s Café and brothers Adam, John first quarter of 2018, there are plenty of them and Mike Zerkle are preparing to open Anvil in progress. Not surprisingly, most of the high & Forge Brewing and Distilling Co. downtown. dollar projects tend to be in the Mid-Illinois Many other businesses are expanding or re- Medical District, with Memorial Health Sys- modeling, with the majority of the construction tem, HSHS St. John’s Hospital and Springfield activity concentrated on the west and south Clinic all in the midst of major renovations sides of Springfield. Here’s an overview of at multiple locations. However, a number of what’s been happening since the beginning of new businesses are also preparing to open in the year:
ing at 2965 S. MacArthur. Westside Dental Group is currently located at 2633 Chatham WEST Road. All three dentists will be combining their practices into the new 6,000-square-foot build- new location will be known as Springfield Dental the same building. Sweet Charlie’s prepares Here Today, a discount store with an ev- ing that is currently under construction. Profes- Care, it will be operating under the umbrella of made-to-order ice cream and frozen yogurt on a er-changing inventory of items at closeout prices, sional Resource Development obtained a permit Heartland Dental Care, a company based out of surface that is below 20 degrees, allowing small is getting ready to open a Springfield location at for the project, valued at $1 million. The con- Effingham that provides support services to more ice crystals to quickly form. It will be the first 1774 West Wabash. Evans Construction is the tractor is Bucker, Kentucky-based Jacobs Group, than 800 practices throughout the United States. Illinois location for the company founded in 2015 general contractor for the 17,400 square feet Inc., and subcontractors include Karhliker Plumb- The Gander Mountain in Springfield closed in Philadelphia. RAM Innovations, LLC obtained currently under construction in the Chatham ing and Allied Plumbing and Heating. While the at the end of last year but will soon be reopen- commercial remodel permits for the interior build Square Shopping Center. The project is valued outs. Other contractors include Ruby Electric, at $1,195,000. Here Today, based in St. Louis, Mundhenke Plumbing Company, and Ridings offers everything from home décor and accesso- Plumbing. ries to food and beverages. Aldi Food Market has been remodeling all The former AIG office building, now occupied three of its Springfield locations. The company by HSHS Medical Group Corporate Services, is obtained a commercial mechanical permit for being remodeled. Founders Properties obtained 3425 Freedom Dr. for general remodeling and a commercial demolition permit for 3051 Hollis upgrades to the Aldi store. The contractor is De- Drive. O’Shea Builders is the contractor and the catur-based King-Lar Company, and the project project is valued at $25,000. It also obtained a is valued at $600,000. commercial remodel permit for building mod- Two new businesses are preparing to open ifications at the same address; that project is and a third is adding an additional location in a valued at $863,799. newly constructed strip center on the west side Three different local dental practices are of Springfield. Longtime local business Primo getting ready to consolidate their offices into the Designs is expanding, having recently signed building at 3820 Wabash that has been taking a lease for a second location in the newly built shape next to Dick Van Dyke Appliance World. West Iles Business Center, which also includes Montvale Dental Care closed its location in space for Little Minds Learning Center and November and moved into Springfield Dental two additional tenants. An adjacent stand-alone Care, which currently operates out of a build- building will be Papo’s Café. Ben Call, a broker with The Real Estate Group, is the developer for the new center. Call has obtained a commercial remodel permit for the build-outs. The contractor is R. Hopkins Builders and other contractors The new home for three local dental practices is include Ryan Electrical, Inc. and Allied Plumbing emerging at 3820 Wabash next to Dick Van Dyke and Heating. Appliance World. PHOTO/ BY STACIE LEWIS The former Office Max location is being remodeled as HomeGoods prepares to open a ing as a Gander Outdoors. Gander Outdoors Springfield location. A chain of discount home is owned by Camping World Holdings, which furnishing stores, HomeGoods has hundreds purchased the Gander Mountain assets as part of of locations nationwide. TJX Companies, Inc. bankruptcy proceedings in 2017. National Retail obtained a commercial demolition permit for an properties obtained a commercial building permit interior, non-structural demo at 2951 W. Iles Ave. for an interior remodel at 2371 Chuckwagon Dr. and a remodel permit for the same address for a DBS Group is the contractor and the project is project valued at $800,000. Tower Commercial valued at $450,000. Subcontractors include B & B Construction is the contractor for both projects. Electrical, Inc. and Ace Sign Co. Other contractors include Prairie State, Inc. and The recently constructed 9,600-square-foot B & B Electric, Inc. retail building at 3450 Liberty Drive, directly In January, Blue Cross Blue Shield an- Evans Construction manages the development of the new building at 1774 West Wabash for across from Sky Zone, has its first tenant. Sue nounced they were leasing the remaining 30,000 Here Today. PHOTO/ BY STACIE LEWIS Schwartz, owner of Gypsy Soul, Gypsy Tribe square feet of space in the building at 3200 and Gypsy Dreamer, has consolidated all three Robbins Road that they previously occupied. COVER PHOTO of her locations into one 5,400-square-foot The two-story office building in the Southwest Mia Woods, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Illinois Capital Region. store. A second company, Sweet Charlie’s, has Plaza office park is nearly 76,000 square feet announced plans to take 1,686 square feet in total. Last summer, accounting firm Kerber, Eck PHOTO/ BY DAVID BLANCHETTE
Springfield Business Journal u June 2018 u 3 & Braeckel LLP left its office in the Myers Building downtown and moved into EAST the second floor of the Robbins Road building, AMC Springfield 8, located in the Capital City Shopping Center, has which is also the new recently completed a multimillion-dollar renovation project that in- home of Perten Instru- cluded adding plush recliner seats and new movie screens and sound ments. BCBS is keeping systems. The theater is also the only one in the Springfield market with their current office at 3045 a liquor license, allowing it to offer a line of adult beverages in addition Liberty Drive and moving to an enhanced menu selection. (May 2018. Plush recliners, wine and a 200 employees back into movie, Springfield Business Journal) Capital City Trust, c/o Mid-America the Robbins Road location. Asset Mgt., obtained a commercial plumbing remodeling permit to add AC Building has obtained head over soda dispensers and other work and fixtures at 2946 S. Dirk- a commercial remodeling sen Parkway. The contractor is F. J. Murphy & Son, Inc. and the project permit for the project, is valued at $2,247,973. valued at $400,000. The contractor is Evans Con- struction Company and AC Building also obtained The future location of Gypsy Soul at 3450 Liberty Drive. a commercial electric PHOTO/ BY STACIE LEWIS remodel permit for work to be done by B & B Electrical, Inc.
Construction Services, and the project is valued at $275,000. SOUTH Other recent permits for projects in this area include: The former law office building that was occupied Springfield Clinic has obtained a com- by Hodge Dwyer & Driver before its merger with mercial remodeling permit for 1025 S. Sixth St. HeplerBroom early last year is now being reno- The permit covers a mechanical, electrical and vated as a day care. plumbing remodel of the GI procedure room at The nearly 7,000-square-foot building is Springfield Clinic’s Main Campus East. The con- located in the Park South business park just off tractor is Springfield-based O’Shea Builders, and Stevenson Drive. Little Minds Learning Center the project is valued at $200,000. is a day care franchise that was founded 10 Shiva Developments obtained a commercial years ago by Stacy and Todd Barnhardt. There building permit for a new building at Shiva Plaza are seven operating locations in Wisconsin, Min- at 2730 S. Sixth St. Joyner Construction Services The AMC Springfield 8 now has power recliners in every auditorium. nesota, Colorado and Nebraska and their website is the contractor and the project is valued at PHOTO/ COURTESY AMC THEATRES lists another 19 as coming soon, including many $600,000. in the Chicago suburbs and central Illinois area. Aldi Food has obtained a commercial re- permit for an interior remodel at 3812 Octavus at $50,000. Little Minds will also have a location anchoring modeling permit for 3736 Octavus Via. The per- Via. Joyner Construction Services is the contrac- Springfield Park District obtained a com- the newly built West Iles Business Center. mit covers electrical and mechanical remodeling tor and the project is valued at $100,000. mercial electric remodel permit for work at the Roland Partners LLC has obtained a com- work. The contractor is Decatur-based King-Lar Solon, LLC obtained a commercial electric structure at Henson Robinson Zoo. Prairie State mercial remodeling permit for 3150 Roland Company, and the project is valued at $600,000. permit for work at 3804 Octavus Via. Speeks Plumbing and Heating, Inc. is the contractor and Ave., Lot 5 Park South. The contractor is Joyner Solon, LLC obtained a commercial building Electric is the contractor and the project is valued the project is valued at $320,900.
4 u June 2018 u Springfield Business Journal Construction and the project is valued at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran obtained a $1,300,000. commercial permit for work at 220 S. Second St. NORTH Rush Enterprises obtained a commercial DOWNTOWN The contractor is Request Electric and the project building permit for 3441 Gatlin Dr. for an ad- is valued at $700,000. A 5,800-square-foot visual arts center is under dition and remodeling at Rush Truck Center, Economic Growth Corporation, a company based Illinois State Police Heritage obtained a construction on the campus of the Springfield located off Sangamon Avenue. The contractor in Rock Island, is moving forward with renovation commercial building permit for the Illinois State Art Association, which will house a studio is Cambridge Companies, Inc. and the project of the former First United Methodist Church at Police Memorial Park site at 615 E. Lawrence. for ceramics, metal and glass blowing. The is valued at $1 million. Allied Plumbing and 501 E. Capitol. In September of 2017, Economic R. D. Lawrence is the contractor and the project SAA has raised $1.2 million in private funds Heating is a subcontractor on the project. Growth Corporation won approval from the city is valued at $2,580,000. over the past several years and also received Morpho Trust obtained a commercial council to increase TIF financing from $985,000 BB Properties obtained a commercial re- $450,000 in TIF financing from the Enos Park remodel permit for 3461 Gatlin Dr. Joyner to nearly $1.7 million. The project will include model permit for 1800 E. Washington for an TIF District. The SAA obtained a new commer- Construction Services is the contractor and the 25 apartments, a mix of nine two-bedroom units update and parking lot project that is valued at cial building permit for the project valued at project is valued at $250,000. Request Electric and 16 one-bedroom units. The Greater Spring- $626,665. $900,000. The electrical contractor is Lindsay and Wilkin Plumbing are subcontractors on the field Area Chamber of Commerce has com- Electric, Inc. project. mitted to being an anchor tenant for Other recent permits for projects in this The Springfield Police Department ob- the commercial space. In addition to area include: tained a new commercial building permit for the Chamber’s office space, the prop- Aldi Foods obtained a commercial build- a K-9 kennel facility at 3501 Color Plant Rd. erty includes 1,300 square feet for ing permit for work at the 2731 N. Dirksen Cloyd Builders, Inc. is the contractor and the commercial uses and an additional Parkway location. The contractor is Mariottini project is valued at $449,108. 1,500 square feet of space once used as a kitchen. (September 14, 2017. Downtown Church Renovation Moves Ahead, Illinois Times) The contractor is O’Shea Builders and the project is valued at $5.8 million. James and Carol Zerkle obtained a commercial mechanical permit for remodeling work at Anvil & Forge at 619 E. Washington. Henson Robinson Company is the contractor and the project is valued at $10,000. Brothers Adam, John and Mike Zerkle plan to open Anvil & Forge Brewing and Distilling Co. this sum- mer and have the whiskey distilling portion ready a few months later. They plan to focus distribution in the Springfield area first, providing kegs to bars and restaurants and using a canning line to package their beer for supermarkets and liquor stores. (May 2018. The business of beer, Spring- Left to right, brothers Adam, John and Mike Zerkle in the field Business Journal) brewing room of the soon-to-open Anvil & Forge Brewing Other significant projects under- The new studio addition to the Springfield Art Association is underway. and Distilling Co. PHOTO/ BY STACIE LEWIS way downtown include: PHOTO/ BY DAVID BLANCHETTE
Springfield Business Journal u June 2018 u 5 6 u June 2018 u Springfield Business Journal MEDICAL NEWS
MEDICAL DISTRICT
Memorial Medical Center Commercial remodel permit for 701 N. First St. O’Shea Builders is the contractor and the project is valued at $1.9 million. Commercial remodeling permit for 701 N. First St., 2E. The permit covers mechanical, electrical and plumbing work. The contractor is Springfield-based O’Shea Builders, and the project is valued at $4.5 million. Commercial electric remodel permit for 701 N. First St. Senergy Electric, Inc. is the contrac- tor and the project is valued at $1.9 million. Permit for renovation of the morgue, which is located in the lower level lab building at Memorial Medical Center at 701 N First St. The The emerging skywalk across Ninth Street for St. John’s Hospital. PHOTO/ BY STACIE LEWIS contractor is Springfield-based E.L. Pruitt Com- pany, and the project is valued at $293,536. St. John’s Hospital Commercial remodeling permit for 415 N. Ninth St. The permit Commercial remodeling permit for various mechanical work at 400 covers replacement café equipment at Hop N Go, located in the Carol Springfield Clinic N. Ninth St., the contractor is E.L. Pruitt. A commercial electrical permit Jo Vecchie Women & Children’s Center. The contractors are Spring- Commercial electric permit for 800 N. First was also issued for work at the same address, the contractor is Ander- field-based B&B Electrical, Inc. and Springfield-based Henson Robinson St. B & B Electric is the contractor and the proj- son Electric. The total project is valued at $17.5 million. Company and the project is valued at $80,000. ect is valued at $345,000. Commercial plumbing permits for new fixtures at 400 N. Ninth St., Commercial plumbing permit for 500 N. Ninth St. E. L. Pruitt Com- Commercial remodel permit for the Ortho Suite B and Suite C. G. A. Rich and Sons, Inc. is the contractor for both pany is the contractor and the project is valued at $7,429,329. 1st Clinic at 800 N. First St., lower level. O’Shea projects. The project at Suite B is valued at $4,140,000 and the project Commercial building permit for 500 N. Ninth St. The permit is for Builders is the contractor and the project is at Suite C is valued at $1,004,000. the St. John’s Madison Street parking ramp. The contractor is Spring- valued at $25,000. Nonstructural demo permit for 415 N. Ninth St. O’Shea Builders is field-based O’Shea Builders, and the project is valued at $7,429,329. Springfield Clinic Partnership obtained a the contractor and the project is valued at $109,713. Commercial electric permit for the smokestack at 800 E. Carpen- commercial remodel permit for 900 N. First Commercial building permit for remodeling work at 415 N. Ninth ter. The contractor is B & B Electrical, Inc. and the project is valued at Street. O’Shea Builders is the contractor and Street. The contractor is O’Shea Builders and the project is valued at $2,479,478. u the project is valued at $15,000. $1,938,498.
Springfield Business Journal u June 2018 u 7 SPECIAL SECTION: CORPORATE REVIEW 2018 A bicentennial look to the future Springfield leaders and thinkers say where we’re going, and where we ought to go
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY DAVID BLANCHETTE
The state’s bicentennial observance gives Illinois residents the chance to reflect on how far we’ve come in the past 200 years, but it also asks what the state will be like in 2218. Things will certainly change, but how will they be different? What would a current resident find familiar 200 years from now, and what would be completely foreign? Springfield has its share of people who think seriously about the future, and what they envision and hope for in the coming decades paints a picture of opportunities, challenges and, above all, change. Since this is a business publication, we’ll start with the economic forecast.
Experiencing the economy The experience economy will also impact one of Springfield’s key industries, tourism. “Baby Boomers show status by buying things. “Consumers aren’t going to take the static That’s not what younger people are doing,” ‘come and visit Lincoln sites’ any more,” Sims said Norm Sims, the former executive director said. “We are going to have to show a larger of the Springfield-Sangamon County Regional product than Lincoln. We must expand into oth- Planning Commission. “They show status by er areas to show that there are experiences you the experiences they have. The change in the can have here.” marketplace is coming, and will continue to Sims said the younger, experience-seeking come, from the demographics of the consumers shopper of the future will continue to desire themselves.” things that share value, such as local and hand- “Merchants are going to have to look at made items. Meanwhile, the aging generations the shopping experience, how you can provide of Baby Boomers and beyond may not buy as more things than just a place to shop,” Sims much “stuff,” but they will be in the market for said. “Around the country we are not seeing services. new construction of enclosed malls or larger “Look at the growth on the local level of strip centers, we are seeing more lifestyle businesses that mow lawns versus what was centers like what’s being developed around here 20 years ago,” Sims said. “When I was Scheels, where there are things not only to young you’d hire some kid in the neighborhood shop for, but to see and do in the same place.” to mow the lawn. Now we have seen a service Sims said that the resurgence of bookstores industry develop of people who mow lawns. and independent vinyl record stores is an ex- Services are becoming a larger part of that ample of this trend in action. Both types of busi- whole retail mix.” nesses have become adept at having events, A service-driven economy, where many of the “goods” offered are not taxed, means meetings, lectures, film showings and other Norman Sims activities in addition to things they sell. revenues to fund government will drop, Sims As prevalent as internet retail sales have said. That reduction, combined with outsourcing become, you still can’t receive a personal expe- of government work, means we can look for a “The issue is trying to figure out what we have established bylaws and officers and had rience while shopping via computer. decline in government jobs. On the upside, an want to be when we grow up,” said Sangamon their first organizational meeting in late April. “Big box stores are starting to adapt be- aging population means more jobs in the future County Administrator Brian McFadden, an orga- Next up is finding a CEO who can start the cause they are the ones that are most being for the health care industry, he said. nizer of the Economic Development Commis- visioning exercise which will drive everything beaten by internet sales,” Sims said. “A good More jobs is what the new Land of Lincoln sion. “We’ve kind of had fits and starts with that else, McFadden said. example is Hy-Vee in Springfield. They provide Economic Development Commission is all over time, but we really need to do that as a “The vision is important, obviously, but so a wide assortment of things along with grocer- about, and those involved hope to chart the community. When we decide ‘this is really what is the process,” McFadden said. “That’s where ies. You can do wine tasting there, learn how to community’s economic course for the future. we want to be,’ then we will need the commis- we’ve fallen down in the past, because we cook certain meals, learn more about cuts of But first, the community needs to decide what it sion to implement that.” haven’t had a process to put in place what we meat and so forth.” wants to be. The commission is officially formed; they want to do.”
Putting the “community” into community
We are living longer, but it’s where and how catching on, we are going to live those longer years in the Waldinger said, future that will see change, according to Mike as evidenced by Waldinger, the executive vice president of the the rise in com- American Institute of Architects (AIA) Illinois. panies where en- “As the Baby Boomer generation ages and trepreneurs can has longer life expectancy, we will design for rent a desk or how they want to live in their homes, but also office from which how they want to live in their community,” to conduct their Waldinger said. “These people have a lot of own businesses. time on their hands that they didn’t have before The same idea because they were working, so you have to could apply to fu- think of the community amenities as much as ture living, where you do the roof over their heads. residents would “The home of the future will be more have their own adapted to aging in place and will be designed private spaces so people who have limited mobility can use it, but perhaps but it isn’t obvious that it’s built for someone in share a kitchen, a wheelchair,” Waldinger said. “Their outdoor outdoor dining space doesn’t necessarily need to be their or indoor media own space – you might have several individual room spaces. homes that share a courtyard. There’s a lot of Sustainability Mike Waldinger, the executive vice president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Illinois, with articles about the climate- talk about shared communal spaces.” and green design driven construction design practice of resilience and examples of communal living design. The idea of a shared economy is already will be an ex-
8 u June 2018 u Springfield Business Journal pectation in all new construction, Groundwork for the future is laid modes bring people closer together, which based on quality of life factors like liveability, Waldinger said, but to that will be Simpson-Black thinks will be another feature walkability and community.” added a new design goal – re- of future life. The current volatile political and social climate Twenty-nine-year-old Springfield resident Steven silience. “Right now we are in a kind of situation where is also a sign that more change is coming in the Simpson-Black is an example of what that future “Structures will adapt to if you want to hide and pretend to be on your own future. In this case, change will be good. growth may look like. He’s a small-business owner whatever the climate is going to you can kind of do that, but I don’t think it will be “There has been a lot of political and social and what he looked for, and found, in Springfield throw at them,” Waldinger said. like that in a few decades,” Simpson-Black said. underbrush that had never been burned,” Simp- shows what might “Climate zones are in flux and attract more young in any given season you could residents like himself. have a 50-degree temperature “We have laid a lot difference in any 24-hour period. of the groundwork for Buildings need to adapt to these a really good, walk- broader swings in climate.” able community. A lot More young people will enter of people don’t notice the workforce and be able to it because it is not work remotely, they will carry useable to them right huge amounts of college debt, now. But as the econ- and they will want to be close to omy changes I think where the action is, Waldinger those things will be said. Because of these factors, more useful,” Simp- people will not want to locate in son-Black said. “We expensive cities but will instead are actually ahead of look for affordable, small to mid- the game on a lot of dle-sized cities with cultural ame- things, but because nities such as diverse dining and they don’t fit within entertainment options – places the current framework like Austin, Nashville, Columbus, of the economy, no Minneapolis and, if we play our one really sees them cards right, Springfield. as beneficial. But 20 “You have people coming into or more years from the workforce with a different now people will look idea of what the American Dream at that investment and is,” Waldinger said. “It’s not the say ‘Wow, we’re glad white picket fence and two-car we did that.’” garage. They want to be closer Simpson-Black to where the action is so we are likes the planned seeing a lot of growth in people high-speed rail line. returning to urban cores.” Springfield resident Steven Simpson-Black, 29, at the SMTD bus stop at Fifth and Capitol. He thinks Springfield will soon adopt bicycle “I think the definition of ‘job’ will change,” son-Black said. “There are a lot of disagreements sharing like some other cities have done and sees Simpson-Black said. “As the ‘gig economy’ takes that have been ignored for a long time. What we a future with more autonomous vehicles that could over, people will be able to live more where they are seeing right now is a lot of that stuff finally be shared. He considers the city’s public transpor- want, not based on what jobs are available, and coming to the surface. And it has to.” tation system a plus and thinks it will receive even they will make more judgments on where to live more use in the future. All of these transportation
Springfield Business Journal u June 2018 u 9 Bridging the gap formed.” Pittman feels high-speed rail will help lure An increase in the Springfield Hispanic popu- job-producing industries, and Springfield Black lation and more cohesiveness within the black Chamber of Commerce CEO and President community in the future could help bridge the Dominic Watson agrees. Watson is also opti- opportunity and income gap that has tradi- mistic about the jobs that the Land of Lincoln tionally existed between the city’s white and Economic Development Commission could minority populations. help create. “It’s important for the black community to “I think we are on the cusp of something have a cohesive economic base,” said Spring- great as long as our current leadership stays field entrepreneur Mike Pittman. “It will take focused and is willing to work with everyone,” a lot of small businesses to perform the eco- Watson said. “If we can get corporations that nomic development we need to turn around are employing individuals from all walks of the east side of Springfield.” life and different income levels coming into Pittman pointed to the gentrification of Springfield, I think we can continue on this traditionally minority areas in larger cities and path toward success.” noted that these areas are attractive because “Springfield can move to be a vibrant com- each has a significant drawing point. “Now munity. We have seen very high success rates, people are starting to see the importance of particularly for historic state capital cities being there,” which could help create “cool throughout the nation,” Watson said. “I think if neighborhoods” in the downtown Springfield we focus on driving economic development in area, Pittman said. Springfield with job creation, the community “You get a lot of the younger black kids will flourish.” now who are going off to colleges and not But the city won’t flourish if there remains wanting to come back to Springfield. So we an economic divide depending on the side need to start opportunities for them to come of town in which you live, Watson said. Any back and to do some things to bridge the eco- comprehensive approach to economic de- nomic gap that exists here for blacks,” Pittman velopment should not limit anyone based on said. “Within the coming decade there’s going income, race or gender, he added. to have to be some sort of cohesiveness as it “Those who come after us are going to be relates to the black community, for building at the forefront of not looking at race, but em- any wealth or power structure, because right bracing race,” Watson said. now we are fragmented as it relates to politi- cal, socioeconomic and religious lines.” One division which will be welcomed is the high-speed rail line that runs through Spring- field’s east side, something Pittman feels is a boost to the entire community but particularly for that part of town. “You will have more people who might ac- tually work in the Chicago area but live where it’s cheaper in Springfield and take the train back and forth to work,” Pittman said.”You are Springfield entrepreneur Mike Pittman. going to see the inner core of the city trans-
10 u June 2018 u Springfield Business Journal A more well-rounded approach to health care
Eighty percent of a person’s health is affected has not always been spoken correctly in the by what happens outside of the hospital or clin- way that insurance companies or those who ic, and the health care system of the future will speak business gather it up.” focus on that. Smith said health care professionals will “Someone’s health is affected by their com- get more creative with marketing in the future, munity, environment, family, trauma, food and not just to sell their services but to convince income,” said Dr. Tracey Smith, director of Pop- patients to do the right thing. ulation Health, Community Health and Commu- “You are selling patients on what is the best nity Outreach, and Family Community Medicine thing to do. We have to learn what clicks with for the SIU School of Medicine. “Health care is different generations and we have to market having to move outside the clinic and the hos- our messages correctly,” Smith said. “It’s not pital and I think you’re going to continue to see the same old ‘you know that you need to ex- that grow, because that’s really the only place ercise 30 minutes a day.’ That doesn’t work we’re starting to see success with improve- anymore.” ments in health.” Better medication management also needs “When we talk about violence, the crime to come in the future, and it begins with making that is going on in neighborhoods, it’s because better use of pharmacists. we’ve lost a sense of community. And when you “We know that when we have a pharmacist lose a sense of community you become isolated working alongside the physician it makes a and your health decreases,” Smith said. “So huge difference in the number of medications programs that we put in place will also have that are prescribed and we are choosing the to be measured by a return of community. Be- best meds for those patients,” Smith said. “We cause when you see a community get healthy, also have to teach people at a young age that that also means that people individually in that some pain is natural. You’re going to have pain community are healthy.” in life. We don’t always have to have a pill for But measuring a return on community, that.” rather than a return on investment, will mean finding new ways of communicating between those in health care administration and those providing the services. “Countries that do this really well spend at least two dollars on social services for every dollar that is spent on medical care, because we know the two dollars spent on social ser- vices goes so much farther to improve health,” Smith said. “The problem is that the language
Tracey Smith at the SIU School of Medicine’s Family Community Medicine clinic in downtown Springfield.
Springfield Business Journal u June 2018 u 11 Children as partners
Your partner in the future may be younger than you expect. “We need to look at and invest in our children as our partners,” said Mia Woods, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Illinois Capital Region. “We need to make sure that they have better educational settings, similar opportunities and access, and recognize that their future is our future too.” “It’s realistic but it’s huge, daunting, tiring and never-ending,” Woods said. “That means it’s everybody’s problem, everybody’s work, but it’s also everybody’s blessing. When children are failing at school we are all failing.” Job number one is reinforcing each child’s value. “We tap into the inherent awesomeness that all kids possess through mentorship, pull- ing that out of them and letting them see what they are worth and what they are capable of and what they can accomplish,” Woods said. “They will be our future leaders one day, mak- ing our laws, raising children, and being our workforce. We must make sure they understand that and find value in it so they will work hard at being the best they can be at those things.” Children learn by example, and Woods said if they see adults investing in their future they will respond in kind. “When kids see us being involved they understand that community feel and sense, and they want to do that too,” Woods said. “We want to make sure we have future engineers and police officers, but also that we have future people who are invested in their community.” u
Mia Woods, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Illinois Capital Region.
12 u June 2018 u Springfield Business Journal Sources: “Manufacts” produced by the Quantum Growth Initiative; Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation; the manufacturers MANUFACTURERS – MORGAN COUNTY Ranked by number of full-time employees.
FULL-TIME YEAR NAME / ADDRESS PHONE / FAX (=) WEBSITE EMPLOYEES FACILITY SIZE (SQ. FT.) PRINCIPAL(S) PRODUCT/SERVICE EST’D
Reynolds Consumer Products 360,000 (west 217-243-3311 reynoldsconsumerproducts. 500 E. Superior 800 plant), 508,000 (east Jeff Phillips, plant manager Polyethylene bags and films 1962 217-479=1222 com 1 Jacksonville, IL 62650 plant)
Perma-Bound Hertzberg New Method Inc. 217-243-5451 James Orr, CEO Prebound books for schools perma-bound.com 300 320,000 1953 2 617 E. Vandalia Rd. 217-243=7505 Bill Hull, plant manager and libraries Jacksonville, IL 62650
Nestlé USA 217-245-9511 Brent Keener, general 1111 Carnation Drive nestleusa.com 181 30 acres Non-dairy creamer 1970 217-479=2280 manager/plant manager 3 Jacksonville, IL 62650
Bound to Stay Bound Books 217-245-5191 Bob Sibert, president 1880 W. Morton Ave. btsb.com 147 110,000 Prebound children’s library books 1920 217-245=0424 Rob Crain, plant manager 4 Jacksonville, IL 62650
ILMO Products Company Wholesale/retail distributor of indus- 217-245-2183 Linda Standley, CEO trial, medical, laboratory EPA protocol 7 Eastgate Drive ilmoproducts.com 100 40,000 (8 acres) 1913 217-243=7634 Brad Floreth, president & specialty gases and welding 5 Jacksonville, IL 62650 equipment sales & service
Brahler’s Truckers Supply 217-243-6471 Richard Brahler, CEO Retread truck tires and sales, truck 21 Harold Cox Drive brahlers.com 92 80,000 (4 buildings) and industrial tire sales and service, 1972 217-245=0565 Terry Ranson, plant manager 6 Jacksonville, IL 62650 farm tires
CCK Automations, Inc. 217-243-6040 Printed circuit board assemblies, 500 Capitol Way cckautomations.com 72 100,000 JJ Richardson, CEO industrial control panels, injection 1999 217-245=4105 7 Jacksonville, IL 62650 molded parts, engineering services
Jacksonville Machine Inc. 217-243-1119 2265 W. Morton Ave. jmimachine.com 55 40,000 Jeff Rodems, president CNC job shop 1919 217-243=3631 8 Jacksonville, IL 62650
Rutland Manufacturer of stove and fireplace 7 Crabtree Road 217-245-7810 rutland.com 30 60,000 Faith Nergenah repair products 1961 9 Jacksonville, IL 62650
UGL 550 Capitol Way 217-243-7878 ugl.com 30 43,000 George Crolly Home maintenance and repair items 1985 9 Jacksonville, IL 62650
Eli Bridge Company Amusement ride manufacturing and 800 Case Ave. 217-245-7145 elibridge.com 23 66,000 Patty Sullivan metal fabrication 1919 10 Jacksonville, IL 62650
Pallet Repair Systems (PRS) OEM Machinery and job shop 2 Eastgate Drive 217-291-0009 prsgroupinc.com 20 50,000 Jeff Williams services, machining/fabrication 1989 11 Jacksonville, IL 62650
Crop protection products, fertilizer 4 buildings including Helena Chemical and fertilizer application services, a 12,000 square ft. specialized nutrients, seed and seed 1995 Old Grace Road 217-584-1133 helenachemical.com 16 Jason Smith 1980 liquid fertilizer and treatments, financial services and 12 Meredosia, IL 62665 chemical builiding precision agricultural services and software
Conducts comprehensive analytical BPC, LLC 217-584-1110 Michael Krause, testing of resin compounds and 1933 Old Naples Rd. N/A 15 DND conducts trials and DOE to produce 2012 217-584=1110 general manager 13 Meredosia, IL 62665 specially compounded materials and engineered resins
Tarps Manufacturing 1000 State Highway 104 217-584-1900 tarpsmfg.com 15 28,000 Rich Ott Custom tarps 2003 13 Meredosia, IL 62665
Springfield Business Journal u June 2018 u 13 Albert Luo, right, is founder and president of DVT, which tests materials by subjecting them to high- frequency vibrations. PHOTOS/ BY COLIN PATRICK BRADY Good vibrations A whole lot of shaking going on at Dynamics Vibration Testing BY COLIN PATRICK BRADY are all about quality control and testing,” says Huang. “No production takes place here. Our In an industrial park in southwest Springfield, clients send us the materials fully produced and at 3501 Mayflower Drive, “there’s a whole lot ready to be analyzed.” of shaking going on.” So reads the plaque that When asked why he chose Springfield to set greets visitors at the gargantuan facility that up shop in 2015, Luo does not hesitate. “Spring- is Dynamics Vibration Testing, LLC. Albert Luo, field has been a very supportive community to Ph.D., is founder and president of DVT, a compa- DVT. The mayor has toured the facility twice.” ny that performs an array of tests on materials He adds, “We provide a unique service in all the and equipment by subjecting them to high-fre- United States. Plus, we are centrally located from quency vibrations. several major manufacturing cities, like Chicago, It is a bit of a heavy load to describe exactly St. Louis, Indianapolis and the Quad Cities.” All what services DVT provides for its clients. They those cities host industries that have provided are mostly conceptual and include quality control material for testing by DVT. aspects and the modification of materials based Perhaps the most intriguing place at DVT is upon the stress and strain they encounter over the isolation room, which evokes a spy thriller. It a range of vibrational frequencies and tempera- is a large (at least 30 feet high) white outcrop- tures. Luo explains in brief a core element that ping that leads out to a retractable bay door. A DVT provides: “We provide an array of dynamics, semi or similar truck could back up into this bay
Tim Copeland, left, and Luo. DVT tests equipment for automotive, aerospace, electronics and defense industries.
vibration and fatigue testing. This allows us to and deposit a piece of material that is totally serve several areas of industry, including auto- unseen by all but authorized personnel. There motive, aerospace, electronics, computer sys- are DVT cameras pointing outwards and similar tems and the defense industry.” cameras pointing within this white isolation room DVT is all about superlatives. Some of the to ensure that no prying eyes spy the secrets largest and costliest machines of their kind exist held within. Luo explains, “This isolation room within its 79,000 square feet of floor space and was developed for high security systems – mis- nowhere else in the world. The crown jewel of sile testing, for example.” the myriad shaking and vibrating machines at Luo expounds on the virtue of information DVT is what the employees term “the mighty fluidity. “High-tech research not only attracts 35-ton shaker.” It is complete with an overhead more revenue to the area, but it informs our gantry equipped with a 35-ton loading crane to existing technology, and allows other agencies to move the giant shaker around, or to place heavy provide applied sciences for future generations.” specimens upon it to be shaken. “I designed the Further, Luo says, “After 100 to 200 years people base upon which the 35-ton shaker sits,” says will have a greater appreciation and understand- Luo. “NASA spent something like $500,000 on ing of the advancements we have innovated the same base, and we did it for $10,000.” Luo here. Those innovations will be woven into the is a full-time professor of mechanical engineer- fabric of people’s daily lives and experiences ing at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. through their technology.” u “My students supply solutions for some of the larger problems we face at DVT.” Luo’s teaching obligations keep him at SIU-E Dynamics Vibration Testing, LLC, has an in- much of the time, so the operation of DVT falls to tuitive and informative website that can be found Sherry Huang, manager and chief engineer. “We at http://www.dvttesting.com.
14 u June 2018 u Springfield Business Journal Sources: “Large Employers and Manufacturers” produced by the Quantum Growth Partnership; the manufacturers MANUFACTURERS – SANGAMON COUNTY DND - Did Not Disclose. Ranked by number of full-time employees.
FULL-TIME YEAR NAME / ADDRESS PHONE / FAX (=) WEBSITE EMPLOYEES FACILITY SIZE (SQ. FT.) PRINCIPAL(S) PRODUCT/SERVICE EST’D
Manufacturer of a complete line Bunn-O-Matic Corporation 217-529-6601 of commercial dispensed bever- 1400 Stevenson Dr. bunn.com 500 DND Arthur Bunn, president & CEO 1957 217-542=2827 age equipment, paper filters and 1 Springfield, IL 62703 home coffee brewers
Arch Coal Viper Mine 217-566-3000 Garrett Barton, 5945 Lester Road N/A 276 DND Coal producer 1982 217-566=3051 general manager 2 Williamsville, IL 62693
Standard Aero 800-731-7371 James Campbell, 1200 N. Airport Dr. standardaero.com 219 250,000+ Aircraft service, modification 1911 217-541=3365 vice pres./general manager 3 Springfield, IL 62707
Brandt Consolidated, Inc. Fertilizers, crop protection, 217-547-5800 2935 S. Koke Mill Road brandt.co 209 25,000 Rick Brandt, CEO micronutrients, spray adjuvants, 1953 217-547=5801 4 Springfield, IL 62711 seed Nudo Products, Inc. Manufacturer of wall and 217-528-5636 1500 Taylor Ave. nudo.com 181 400,000 Darryl Rosser, president & CEO ceiling panels with a variety of 1954 217-528=8722 5 Springfield, IL 62703 substrates Simplex, Inc. 217-483-1600 Load banks, day tanks, PO Box 7388 simplexdirect.com 150 125,000 Thomas Debrey, president 1952 217-483=1616 fuel supply systems 6 Springfield, IL 62791 DICKEY-john Corporation Electronic design and manu- 217-438-3371 Jeff Schertz, vice pres. 5200 Dickey John Road dickey-john.com 135 225,000 facture of systems controls for 1966 217-438=6012 of operations 7 Auburn, IL 62615 agriculture and public works
Solomon Colors, Inc. Richard Solomon, pres./CEO; Manufacturing of iron oxide 217-522-3112 4050 Color Plant Road solomoncolors.com 100 250,000 Charles Kreutzer, vice pres./ pigments, color for concrete, 1927 217-522=3145 8 Springfield, IL 62702 CFO mortar and concrete products
Henry Technologies 217-483-2406 John Murry, operations Components for HVAC/industrial 701 S. Main St. henrytech.com 90 DND 1914 217-483=2462 director & commercial refrigeration 9 Chatham, IL 62629
Mel-O-Cream Donuts Intl., Inc. David Waltrip, president; 217-483-7272 Frozen dough products and 5456 International Parkway mel-o-cream.com 80 70,000 Dan Alewelt, 1932 217-483=7744 frozen pre-fried donuts 10 Springfield, IL 62711 director of operations
Sources: The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. * - State of Illinois number includes all state government MAJOR EMPLOYERS agencies, including education institutions within Sangamon County. Ranked by number of employees.
NUMBER OF YEAR EMPLOYER NAME EMPLOYEES PRINCIPAL PRODUCT/SERVICE EST’D WEBSITE
1 State of Illinois 17,800 Bruce Rauner, Governor Government 1818 illinois.gov 2 Memorial Health System 5,181 Edgar J. Curtis, President and CEO Health Care 1897 memorialmedical.com Mary Starmann-Harrison (HSHS) Hospital Sisters Health System 4,123 Charles Lucore (St. John’s) Health Care 1875 st-johns.org 3 Presidents and CEOs 4 Springfield Clinic 2,350 Ray Williams, CEO Health Care 1939 springfieldclinic.com 5 Springfield Public Schools #186 2,144 Jennifer Gill, Superintendent Education 1854 sps186.org
Susan J. Koch, Ed.D., University of Illinois-Springfield 1,551 Higher Education 1969 uis.edu 6 Vice President and Chancellor
Jerry Kruse, M.D., MSPH SIU School of Medicine 1,526 Higher Education/Health Care 1970 siumed.edu 7 Dean/Provost 8 City of Springfield 1,393 James O. Langfelder, Mayor Government 1832 springfield.il.us 9 Horace Mann 1,127 Marita Zuraitis, President & CEO Insurance 1945 horacemann.com
Charlotte J. Warren, PhD., Lincoln Land Community College 950 Higher Education 1967 llcc.edu 10 President
Springfield Business Journal u June 2018 u 15 Long Bridge is 20 years old and growing A golf course, restaurant, beer bar, wedding venue
BY KAREN ACKERMAN WITTER her father with the golf course from “Exceptional golf and so much more,” is how the very beginning. Michelle Buerkett describes Long Bridge Golf She took over the Course. Buerkett is the owner and general day-to-day oper- manager of this family-owned business, which ations after her celebrated its 20th anniversary on May 15. father was diag- Long Bridge is located just north of Abraham nosed with cancer. Lincoln Capital Airport off of Route 29. Al- It has been a labor though it’s only a 15-20-minute drive from just of love for her over about anywhere in Springfield, it has the feel the past 20 years, of being in the country. Long Bridge offers a continuing and nine-hole golf course open to the public, golf growing what her leagues, a full-service restaurant, live music father started. on Friday nights, outdoor patio, wide selection In the begin- of craft beers and the first self-pouring craft ning, Long Bridge beer bar in Springfield. It is also a popular was a golf course venue for weddings and other celebrations. with a snack bar. Long Bridge gets its name from the “long It was completely bridge” that is part of the golf course. Golfers remodeled and enjoy the natural setting and scenery. The expanded in 2011. nine-hole course is located along the Sangam- An outdoor patio on River and features rolling terrain, ponds, was added, and trees and vistas unimpaired by houses, streets the restaurant was or other developments. The family owns an expanded. Long additional 85 acres of timber, which surrounds Bridge began pre- the golf course. Although Long Bridge is senting live bands known as a golf course, Buerkett welcomes on Friday evenings golfers and non-golfers alike and says there is and hosting wed- something for everyone. She and her team are dings on Satur- committed to providing a relaxing, friendly and days. Long Bridge welcoming environment for all. has become a In May, Long Bridge opened the first popular setting for self-pouring craft beer venue in Springfield, weddings and oth- with a variety of craft beers. Customers check er celebrations and in at the bar and provide a debit or credit card has hosted 122 to purchase a wristband. Then they simply tap weddings. There is the band on the screen by the beer they want a large tent near to pour. Customers make their own selections the outdoor patio, Michelle Buerkett, left, owner and general manager of Long Bridge Golf Course, with her team that includes her husband, and can pour individual samples, make their which is ideal for Mike Kovarik, her daughter, Stephanie Alford, and her son, Mason Alford. own flights or pour a full glass. The system weddings, class PHOTOS/ COURTESY LONG BRIDGE accommodates a selection of 10 types of reunions, birthday craft beers, and customers are charged by parties and other the ounce. Local beers from Rolling Meadows, celebrations. Hand of Fate and Engrained, as well as beers Long Bridge is a family operation. Michelle from other central Illinois communities and took over what her father began. Her daughter, beyond, are some of the current selections. Stephanie Alford, manages the kitchen and Buerkett saw this system at the National Bar is a graduate of the Lincoln Land Culinary Show in Las Vegas several years ago and was Institute. Her son, Mason Alford, works on the determined to bring this to Springfield. overall course maintenance and bartends on Michelle’s father, Merle Buerkett, founded weekends. and built the golf course 20 years ago. He had Her husband, Mike Kovarik, an anesthe- a local business, Buerkett Wrecking. An avid siologist with HSHS Medical Group, is her golfer, he designed and built the golf course on business partner. Michelle gives him credit a former landfill of demolition debris from his for the beautiful landscaping. Both Stephanie business operations. His daughter, Michelle, and Mason helped out when they were young, spent two years in nursing school, but helped worked during the summers, added hours
Long Bridge now has a wide range of craft beers on self-pouring taps.
and are now fast becoming part of the family She knows that her father would be proud of business. what’s been accomplished and the plans for Buerkett says she is proud of where they the future. came from and even more proud of where Long Bridge is open daily during the sum- they are going. She has been a part of Long mer and for lunch during the winter. For more Bridge since the beginning and responsible information on hours, menus, live bands, wed- for fulfilling and expanding her father’s dream. ding rentals and other details, go to She credits her wonderful staff and is happy www.longbridgegc.com. u that her business provides local jobs with a positive work environment. She is grateful for Karen Ackerman Witter is a freelance superintendent Arden Lear, assistant manager writer who enjoys writing about interesting Dan Ladyman and all of the hard-working wait people, places, organizations and businesses. staff and cooks. “We could not be a success As a longtime resident of Springfield, she is without all of them behind us,” said Buerkett. interested in promoting local businesses, es- Another expansion is on the drawing pecially in this year of the Illinois Bicentennial board and will be completed later this sum- and its theme: BORN, BUILT & GROWN, honor- mer. Buerkett was filled with emotion on the ing the tremendous people, places and things 20th anniversary of Long Bridge, reflecting on that make Illinois enduringly strong, kind and what her father’s small business has become. beautiful.
16 u June 2018 u Springfield Business Journal mentioned an experience he had where the fact that a McDonald’s was within 300 feet kept him from setting up. “I don’t think I’m going to hurt McDonald’s business,” he said. “Honestly, I would have liked to do lunches but it’s just too much hassle.” Keep on truckin’ Gilly’s BBQ is a trailer, rather than a truck. “I don’t drive,” said owner-operator Gil Taft, whose mobile kitchen – which specializes in ribs, rib Springfield’s food trucks are learning to navigate city regulations tips, pork, brisket, chicken and other barbe- cue-style favorites – stays put in the parking lot BY SCOTT FAINGOLD order to participate in ‘Food Truck Fridays’ at St. so we kind of partner up with them,” he said. between JoAnn Fabrics and GFS on Wabash Ave. John’s Hospital for a second year, all paperwork The newest truck on the block in Spring- “I pay rent there so I stay there. I do one event a “Last summer, the Illinois Future Farmers of had to be redone. “I don’t understand why we field is Robert’s Seafood. “We launched the year, for the sheet metal workers on Labor Day America asked us and AZTCA to come set our have to go through the full process of getting the truck about three weeks ago,” said Brian Aiello. and that’s about it. I meet all the requirements food trucks up on the south side of the con- property management’s consent and everything “Everything we do is fresh made – we want to from the city. My dad and family have been in the vention center for an event there,” said Randy else again. They don’t have time to take out of replicate what we do in the store, with the same restaurant business all their life, so I understand Twyford, owner and operator of the Twyford their schedule to sit down and fill out paperwork quality of food.” He says that so far, customers where they’re coming from. I sit on my little spot BBQ food truck. “There were spots already and neither do we.” seem to love their seafood and shrimp tacos. The and try to mind my own business and take care pre-approved by the city on the south side of the Cooper, whose truck’s motto is “Fresh fish used in their tacos depends on the season. of business.” convention center and we were set up there but Cuisine You Can’t Pass Up,” says she finds the “We’ve got wild cod or wild mahi throughout the “We obviously would like to see a fair bal- then the mayor sent his people over. A nearby public image of food trucks to be improving. “I season and we have other seasonal sauces or ance and we appreciate the concern that there restaurant said we were affecting their business is about fair competition between and we had to move to the other side of the con- mobile food vendors and brick- vention center.” and-mortar restaurants,” said Val Twyford’s experience seems typical of the Yazell, economic development challenges being faced by food truck operators director for the city of Springfield. in Springfield. While the popularity of the trucks “We know brick-and-mortar can be observed in the well-attended local “food restaurants want to ensure that truck meet-ups” such as the MacArthur Boule- food trucks are subject to the vard Association’s Bites on the Boulevard and same operating regulations, while Downtown Springfield’s Street Food Festival, a the food truck operators would perception among the food truck community of like regulators to think more about hostility toward the trucks from brick-and-mortar what regulations are appropriate restaurants, along with unreasonable paperwork for their industry. We understand demands from the city, are keeping a potential that there is that kind of balancing economic engine from reaching full steam. act.” She said that while the city “On the food truck, we try to make ourselves applauds the fact that small-busi- friendly and hospitable. We truly do appreciate ness owners have thought outside the business because if it weren’t for our cus- the box and realize that food tomers we wouldn’t be in existence. Springfield trucks represent a unique opportu- is so supportive of us,” said Twyford, whose truck nity, they also understand the frus- was voted “Best Barbecue” by readers of the tration of restaurants that might Illinois Times in 2017. “It just amazes me every find a competitor parking in front Wayne Kidd, owner of Jamaican Me Hungry, stands ready to serve you. day. We get a lot of repeat customers and a lot of PHOTO/ BY STACIE LEWIS of or very near to their business. new customers.” “We just want to ensure that everyone feels that “We like to team up with local farmers based know there used to be a perception that food toppings, like pico de gallo or mango fruit salsa, they have a fair advantage for their business.” on the availability of produce,” said Kendra Coo- trucks are nasty, they’re dirty, but I think we’ve and we change those up as well.” Outside of For his part, Twyford contends that permit per of Cooper’s StrEATside. “Our menu changes overcome that stereotype. I think people are seafood, Aiello enthusiastically touts his truck’s problems and other issues with the city have weekly, monthly, seasonally, based on what the supporting food trucks now in the Springfield bison burger. “It’s a little bit leaner but it’s a very affected his business in a negative way. “You farmers have. We like to use fresh products, area.” As for competition from other food trucks, flavorful burger that we do on the grill. It comes hear people say food trucks don’t have any our French fries are hand-cut daily, we use her attitude can be summed up as the more the with a pretzel bun and aioli sauce. People who overhead. Oh really? We’ve got trucks and we fresh meats as well. Everything is homemade.” merrier. “I think it would be nice to have one haven’t had bison are very skeptical but they are pay real estate tax and it would probably scare Cooper’s husband, Justin, is the chef, and she location in Springfield where all the trucks could very pleasantly surprised.” people how much sales tax we have to pay to says he likes to take ownership and pride in the go, like a food truck park. St. Louis does it, a lot As for dealing with the city, Aiello says the the city of Springfield.” He mentioned that he has food he serves and keeps up with the latest food of larger cities do that – they could even have it only learning curve on their part so far involves worked with the city council and has found sup- trends. In addition to setting up regularly at the out at the fairgrounds, like a weekly or monthly the timing of some of the processes. “If someone port from Ward 6 alderman Kristin DiCenso but Old Capitol Farmers Market, the StrEATside truck thing.” comes along and says they want us to do some- has concluded that this kind of support only goes keeps busy providing lunch service for large Hector Lopez of Los Rancheros has had his thing this Saturday, we don’t have time to submit so far. “It’s just one of those deals – if somebody office buildings and other private businesses. truck operational for a year. Specializing in tacos paperwork to the city, because that takes up to complains about it, that’s it. If they come in and Cooper says she hasn’t run into any hassles with and burritos, the truck is a mobile addition to his two weeks,” he said. “I’d love to help those guys blindside you, there’s nothing to be done. In the city but does find some of the paperwork stand on South Grand Avenue. “Our habanero get a better process.” Peoria and St. Louis things are very food truck required to set up a food truck to be excessive. “I burrito is very popular on South Grand and we Jason Richardson of Skippers Island Oasis friendly, but here, just an hour down the road, understand having policies for setting up on the tend to carry that to the stops or events that we doesn’t set up for lunches, primarily choosing to you’ve got the opposite.” u street. However, when we are in private parking go to.” As far as the permitting, Lopez has so focus on special events. “My food is higher-end, lots, I don’t think the paperwork should be as re- far been able to avoid complications. “We found so to do lunches I’d have to change the menu. Scott Faingold can be reached at sfaingold@ dundant as it is.” As an example, she said that in a couple of businesses that want us to be next It’s also not really worth the additional permits illinoistimes.com. door to them, like Hair of the Dog Bar/ber shop, just to be able to park at a certain spot.” He
Springfield Business Journal u June 2018 u 17 Sources: The caterers CATERERS & FOOD TRUCKS Listed alphabetically.
CATERER/ MIN/MAX PRICE RANGE TYPES OF EVENTS YEAR NAME / ADDRESS FOOD TRUCK PHONE / WEBSITE/ EMAIL OWNER(S) SERVED PER PERSON MENU SPECIALITIES CATERED EST’D
Playful spins on old classics to Intimate gatherings to 5Flavors Catering 217-787-4654 fundraising galas and cutting edge contemporary 3086 Normandy Rd. 5Flavors.com Chip Kennedy 30-2,000 $25-$100 everything in between 2009 cuisine and custom menus 1 Springfield, IL 62703 [email protected] including weddings and created just for you. corporate events.
Fully customized event Arena Food Service, Inc. 217-698-2944 Galas, fundraisers, Shaun Moore and services featuring modern corporate and private 3101 Greenhead Dr., Suite B arenafoodservice.com 25-5,000 varies 1985 Sherri Madonia renditions with a strong culinary events, weddings, class 2 Springfield, IL 62711 [email protected] foundation. reunions.
Private dinner parties, executive and corporate 217-717-5530 Artisan & Company Any size dinners, charity artisanandcompanylocal@gmail. Shannon Matheis varies Upscale customized. 2017 Springfield, IL 62704 group fundraisers, political 3 com functions, and in-home cooking demonstrations.
Chadito’s Mexican 217-529-8226 Any size Mexican American food, taco bar Chad Reese $10 All 2012 4 American Grill Taco Truck www.facebook.com/Chaditos group and nacho bar.
Full variety of catering options Conn’s Catering 217-523-4466 available, including hand- Karen and Court Corporate, weddings, 835 S. 2nd St. connshospitalitygroup.com 25-5,000 varies carved meat stations, plated or 1947 Conn fundraisers, farm retreats. 5 Springfield, IL 62704 [email protected] buffet meals, breakfast bars, and more.
Fresh local ingredients Cooper’s StrEATside Bistro 217-415-3852 Community, business, Justin and Kendra when available. We focus on Food Truck www.cooperstreatside.com 20 and up $8 and up luncheons, reunions, 2014 Cooper customized menus and event 6 [email protected] weddings, dinner, cocktail. design.
County Market Catering 217-717-0360 Taco bar, pulled pork, fried Weddings, business lunches, 3001 Veterans Parkway countymarketcatering@nieman- Niemann Foods 15-300 $8-$17.99 DND chicken. school events. 7 Springfield, IL 62704 nfoods.com
Full scale catering with an eye Cured Catering 217-494-2425 towards presentation. 2005 Barberry Dr. curedcaters.com Brian Reilly 25-1,000 varies Specializing in weddings and 2017 Gourmet hors d’oeuvres, soups, custom events. 8 Springfield, IL 62704 [email protected] salads, entrees.
Fields of Sweets 217-441-4639 Food truck events, Eleana & Ross Petit fours, cakes, cheesecake, PO Box 361 fieldsofsweets.com 25-250 $8-$35 weddings,festivals, holiday 2014 Fielding cookies and brownies. 9 Rochester, IL 62563 [email protected] events, and other events.
Weddings, holiday parties, Hamilton’s Catering 217-675-2720 Prime rib, pork loin with business parties, $8 101 Main St. hamiltonscatering.com George Hamilton 50-5,000 bourbon/peach glaze, parmesan family events, etc., and 1913 and up 10 Franklin, IL 62638 [email protected] crusted chicken, fried chicken. complete off-premise bar service.
All events Variety of catering options Hy-Vee 217-746-1001 Any size 2115 S. MacArthur Blvd. [email protected] Hy-Vee individually available. Customized menus All 2014 group 11 Springfield, IL 62704 Hy-vee.com quoted available.
Traditional Irie jerk chicken, 217-820-3722 Jamaican curry chicken, Irie Jerk Chicken Truck www.facebook.com/jamaican- Any size mehungry876 Wayne Kidd $2-$12 Caribbean style fish, Irie jerk All 2017 group 12 jamaicanmehungry876@gmail. pork, traditional Jamaican sides com and sodas.
Specializing in house crafted McCormick’s Catering award-winning meats and Business luncheons, house 217-726-3418 Jared and Sarah 1510 N. 15th St. www.mccormicksrestaurant.net 10-2,500 $15 bbq, fresh baked breads, wide parties, hog roasts, full 1994 McCormick wedding services including 13 Springfield, IL 62702 [email protected] variety of hot and cold sides, bar and consulting. salads and soups and desserts.
Small board meetings, Nelson’s Catering 787-9443 Menus tailored to your event. fundraising, galas, private Josh Lindvall, 3005 Great Northern Rd. Nelsonscatering.com 10-10,000 $8-$75 Upscale appetizers, grilled parties, weddings, large 1995 Jeff Lindvall 14 Springfield, IL 62711 [email protected] items, BBQ, seafood prime rib. corporate events, bar service.
Poe’s Catering 217-487-7601 Lance and Angela $9.50 and Prime rib, fried chicken, ribs, 295 East Andrew Rd. poescatering.com 20-10,000 All 1998 Poe up smoked meats. 15 Springfield IL 62707 [email protected]
18 u June 2018 u Springfield Business Journal CATERER/ MIN/MAX PRICE RANGE TYPES OF EVENTS YEAR NAME / ADDRESS FOOD TRUCK PHONE / WEBSITE/ EMAIL OWNER(S) SERVED PER PERSON MENU SPECIALITIES CATERED EST’D Bar service for your formal wedding, backyard party, or POUR Bars 217-679-2709 anything in between. Poured 3086 Normandy Rd. www.facebook.com/PourBars Chip Kennedy 30-2,000 varies All 2013 wine with your dinner, specialty 16 Springfield, IL 62703 [email protected] drinks, and professional bartenders.
Dean “Robbie” Variety of fresh prepared Robert’s Seafood 217-546-3089 Robert, Jr., Public events, festivals, All events seafood, bison burgers, new 1615 W. Jefferson St. www.robertsseafoodmarket.com Pamala Robert, individually $4-$13 private parties, lunches, 1916 zbeatty@robertsseafoodmarket. england crab roll, seasonal shrimp boils, weddings, small 17 Springfield, IL 62702 Andrea (Robert) quoted com soups, salads and more. or large events. McLaughlin
217-585-1100 Secret Recipes Catering American home style cuisine. SecretRecipesCateringCo.com 3086 Normandy Rd. Chip Kennedy 30-2,000 $15-$30 Chicken romano and our cheesy All 2003 Info@SecretRecipesCatering. 18 Springfield, IL 62703 potatoes are fan favorites. com
On-site grilling, stuffed pork chops, roast beef top round Wedding receptions, Turasky’s Catering 217-626-2803 golf outings, company with au jus gravy, marinated 1020 West Jefferson turaskyscatering.com Tony Turasky 50-5,000 $8 and up picnics, company parties, 1978 grilled chicken breasts, pulled 19 Springfield, IL 62702 [email protected] corporate events, banquets, pork, Italian beef, ribeyes and fundraisers, etc. ribeye sandwiches.
Food truck locations, festival 217-370-2274 Twyford BBQ & Catering vending, drop off, buffets 217-370-6353 Randy & Marla BBQ ribs, brisket, pork, whole for corporate events and 2562 Twyford Rd. 25-500 $10-$50 2008 twyfordbbq.com Twyford hog roasts, pork loin, chicken. employee appreciation, 20 Jacksonville, IL 62650 [email protected] weddings and other social events.
217-638-3063 Wafflelicious Cafe Belgian waffles & wings, waffle www.facebook.com/Waffleli- Abbas Zolghadr 50-200 $6-$10 All 2011 ciouscafe/ dogs, nutella and fruit waffle. 21 [email protected]
Chicken, chicken noodle, Yum Yum Hibachi on Faustino Dekock, 630-776-4854 Up to 50 $8 hibachi shrimp, salmon, steak All 2017 Wheels www.facebook.com/baindekock S. Hartawan 22 and vegetables.
Springfield Business Journal u June 2018 u 19 Sources: The Hotels. HOTELS Ranked by number of rooms.
NUMBER NUMBER OF OF MEETING ROOM RATE NAME / ADDRESS PHONE / FAX (=) / WEBSITE ROOMS ROOMS SINGLE/DOUBLE GENERAL MANAGER AMENITIES
Locally owned full-service hotel featuring 369 guest rooms, in- cluding 36 suites, 50,000 sq. ft of meeting space, complimentary Wi-Fi in guest rooms and meeting space, complimentary shuttle to Wyndham Springfield City Centre 217-789-1530 ariport and train station, award winning Nick & Nino’s Penthouse 700 E. Adams Street 217-789=0709 369 20 $109 - $209 Emily Mitchell Steakhouse on the 30th floor, The Grille at City Centre, Pinnacle Club 1 Springfield, IL 62701 wyndham.com/hotels/49084 Lounge, with a panoramic view of the city, Starbucks, heated indoor swimming pool, fitness center, located across the street from the Bank of Springfield Convention Center, within walking distance of Lincoln historical sites, pets welcome. President Abraham Lincoln Springfield Featuring 310 overnight guest rooms, 13,000 sq. ft. meeting space; - A DoubleTree by Hilton 217-544-8800 complimentary Wi-Fi access in all guest rooms, complimentary 217-544=9607 310 17 $109 - $209 Robert Sabin shuttle to Amtrak and Abraham Lincoln Capital airport, connected 2 701 E. Adams Street dtspringfieldil.com to Bank of Springfield Convention Center, heated indoor swimming Springfield, IL 62701 pool and 24-hour fitness center.
All rooms and suites with refrigerators and free Wi-Fi, 32-versatile meeting rooms, 70,000 sq. ft of flexible renovated meeting space, Crowne Plaza Hotel 217-529-7777 Long 9 Restaurant, Long 9 Bar & Grill with video gaming, proudly 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway 217-529=6666 288 32 $109 - $229 Alan Filer bew Starbucks coffe shop, 14th floor indoor pool, sundeck, and 3 Springfield, IL 62703 cpspringfield.com Lifecycle fitness center, 24-hour business center, complimentary shuttle to Amtrak & airport, 850 complimentary parking spaces, great for outdoor events and motorcoach travel. Mcrowaves and refrigerators in all rooms, daily complimentary hot Holiday Inn Express breakfast, free Wi-Fi and fully equipped business center, on-site fit- 217-529-7771 ness center, guest laundry facilities, access to all facilities at the 3050 S. Dirksen Parkway 217-529=1777 140 2 $89 - $165, (2 suites) Shane Blanford Crowne Plaza-including indoor pool, complimentary shuttle to and hiexpress.com 4 Springfield, IL 62703 from Amtrak & airport, free street -level and bus parking, free local and domestic long distance calls.
State House Inn 217-528-5100 Complimentary full hot breakfast buffet, business center, fitness 101 E. Adams Street 217-528=4358 125 6 $89 - $139 Scott McKay center, lounge, complimentary on-site parking, complimentary in- 5 Springfield, IL 62701 redroof.com room wi-fi, 3 blocks from Amtrak, 6,500 sq. ft. of meeting space. Wingate Inn 217-529-1100 Complimentary hot deluxe breakfast, free wireless internet, indoor 3185 S. Dirksen Parkway 217-529=1105 124 3 $99 - $149 John McNutt pool and fitness center, easy interstate access, great location. 6 Springfield, IL 62711 hamptoninn.com Drury Inn & Suites Free hot quickstart breakfast, manager’s reception, hot foods, 217-529-3900 indoor pool/jacuzzi, exercise room, guest laundry room, micro/ 3180 S. Dirksen Parkway 877-732=0594 117 1 $99 - $159 Josh Chadbourne fridge combos, in-room coffee, wired & wireless internet, busi- druryhotels.com 7 Springfield, IL 62703 ness center, free long distance.
Indoor pool, whirlpool, exercise room, free wired / wireless high- Hilton Garden Inn Springfield 217-529-7171 speed internet, restaurant and lounge open daily, free local calls, 3100 S. Dirksen Parkway 217-529=7172 117 7 $95 - $199, (13 suites) Chris Fultz free business center with wireless printing from the rooms, Keurig®, 7 Springfield, IL 62703 springfieldil.gardeninn.com refrigerator and microwave in every room, complimentary parking, Fit Club passes. Outdoor swimming pool, wireless internet service, in-room coffee Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center 217-529-6626 maker, iron & hair dryer, on-site guest laundry, two-room suites 625 E. Saint Joseph Street 217-529=4666 114 4 $72 - $150, (8 suites) Jodi Tammisto available, free parking, bar on site, jacuzzi suites available, fridge 8 Springfield, IL 62703 rt66hotel.com and microwave in every room, video gaming and restaurant and bar on site.
20 u June 2018 u Springfield Business Journal Complimentary wireless high-speed Internet and full kitchens in Candlewood Suites 217-522-5100 spacious guest rooms for longer visits. Free laundry facilities, unlimited 2501 Sunrise Drive 217-522=5101 110 1 $99.99 - $129.99 Janie Deheve access to a state-of-the-art business center, an exercise room and 9 Springfield, IL 62703 candlewoodsuites.com the Candlewood Cupboard convenience store for meals and snacks, Green Certified hotel. Studios, 1-2 bedroom suites (w/full kitchens, separate living space, Residence Inn Springfield South work areas, sleeping areas), evening reception/social hour Mon.- 217-527-1100 Wed., 24 hr. fitness center, indoor pool, whirlpool, laundry facility, 2915 Stanford Avenue 217-527=1101 108 1 $149.99 - $199.99 Darin Dame coffee in lobby, coffee/tea in-room, complimentery buffet breakfast, residenceinnspringfieldil.com 10 Springfield, IL 62703 phone calls: toll-free, safe deposit boxes at front desk, pets allowed - contact hotel for details. Northfield Inn, Suites & Conference Free high-speed internet in Guestrooms and Conference Center. Center 217-523-7900 13,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, fitness center & business center. 217-523=7273 105 8 $89 - $149 Marianne Zarndt Free extended Continental Breakfast. In-room coffee makers, refrig- 11 3280 Northfield Drive northfieldinn.com erators, and microwaves. Jacuzzi Suites, Standard, and Accessible Springfield, IL 62702 Rooms available. Free parking and indoor pool. Motel 6 Kids 17 and under stay free (with parents), pets stay free, outdoor 217-529-1633 pool, free morning coffee, free local and long distance calls, Wi-Fi, 6011 S. Sixth Street Road 217-585=1271 105 0 $39.99 - $59.99 Jonathan Graham guest laundry, truck parking, expanded cable with two HBO channels motel6.com 11 Springfield, IL 62712 and three ESPN channels.
Ramada Springfield North Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, all 217-523-4000 non-smoking hotel, newly updated guest rooms, indoor pool, fit- 3281 Northfield Drive 217-523=4080 97 2 $89 - $149 Marianne Zarndt ness center, refrigerator/microwave in all rooms, business center, springfieldramada.com 12 Springfield, IL 62702 jacuzzi rooms, 32" flat screen TVs, guest laundry facilities.
Comfort Suites 217-753-4000 All rooms equipped with refrigerator, microwave, pull-out sofa bed, 2620 S. Dirksen Parkway 217-753=4166 92 1 $100 - $149 Justin Hamilton remote TV w/DVD upon request, free high-speed wireless internet 13 Springfield, IL 62703 comfortsuites.com access, separate work/leisure areas.
Hampton Inn & Suites Complimentary hot breakfast, indoor pool, 24-hr. fitness center, 217-793-7670 free high-speed internet, wireless internet, business center, 2-room 2300 Chuckwagon Drive 217-793=6522 83 2 $102-$182 Darrin Thurman suites, microwaves and refrigerators, Evening Sundowner Tues, hamptoninn.com 14 Springfield, IL 62711 Wed, Thurs in the reception area.
Complimentary hot & cold breakfast, free wireless & hard wired Staybridge Suites internet, free local calls, direct phone line w/ voice mail, indoor 217-793-6700 $100 - $200, pool, 24-hr. fitness center, convenience store, business ctr., com- 4231 Schooner Drive 217-793=6694 82 1 John Voyles plimentary evening social (M-Th 5:30-7:30) w/ soda, beer, wine & staybridge.com (all suite hotel) 15 Springfield, IL 62711 food), pets welcome, complimentery laundry facility, firepit, basket- ball court, grills.
Comfort Inn & Suites 217-529-8898 Cable/Satellite TV, free local calls, hair dryer, in-room coffee maker, 3675 S. Sixth Street 217-529=4354 80 1 $89 - $134 Sarah Dietrich in-room microwave and mini fridge, Wi-Fi, indoor pool, continental 16 Springfield, IL 62703 comfortinn.com breakfast, indoor hot tub, fitness center. Howard Johnson Inn & Suites 217-541-8762 Complimentary continental breakfast, free local calls, outdoor pool, 1701 J. David Jones Parkway 217-541=8774 79 3 $69 - $89 Shailesh Parekh 24 suites, truck parking, free wireless. 17 Springfield, IL 62702 hojo.com
Courtyard By Marriott 217-793-5300 All non-smoking hotel, heated indoor pool, spa, exercise room, 3462 Freedom Drive 217-793=5300 78 1 $109.99 - $179.99 Nathan Biermann lounge, in-room coffee, iron, free high-speed wireless internet, 18 Springfield, IL 62704 www.marriott.com/spicy restaurant - The Bistro, Starbuck's coffee, HD-TV in all rooms. Country Inn & Suites Complimentary hot breakfast, 18 suites, refrigerator/microwave in 217-544-5151 every room, heated indoor pool, free Wi-Fi, business center, free 3092 Stevenson Drive 217-544=5353 78 1 $119 - $199 Joe Council weekday newspaper, fitness center, Inn Case Market™, Read It & countryinns.com/springfieldil 18 Springfield, IL 62703 Return Lending Library™.
Springfield Business Journal u June 2018 u 21 22 u June 2018 u Springfield Business Journal Sources: The individual networking groups NETWORKING GROUPS Ranked by number of members.
NUMBER OF YEAR NAME / MEETING ADDRESS PHONE / WEBSITE / EMAIL MEETING TIME MEMBERS CONTACT DUES EST’D
Illinois Women in Leadership (IWIL) 11:30 am to 1 pm every third Thursday Sangamo Club 217-414-6220 in the month except September, 215 Jennifer Sublett Regular member: $80 2004 227 E. Adams St. iwil.biz December, March, June, July- dates 1 Springfield, IL 62701 [email protected] and times TBD
Women Entrepreneurs of Central Illinois 217-299-1366 (WE-CI) wecispringfield.org 2nd Wednesday of the month 48 Maureen Williams $96 annually DND 2 Meeting Location Varies [email protected]
The Association for Women $25 plus national in Communications dues, various Sangamo Club awcspringfield.org 40 [email protected] 2nd Wednesday of the month Melissa Hahn 1977 3 227 E. Adams St. membership Springfield, IL 62701 categories
McBrian Lincoln Douglas Toastmasters Club 217-546-8624 Our Savior’s Lutheran Church mcbrianlincolndouglas.toastmasters.org Thursdays, 6 pm 28 Nate Randall $51/6 months 1936 4 2645 Old Jacksonville Road [email protected] Springfield, IL 62704
Prospectors Referral Group Wednesdays, 11:30 am, 217-546-7310 20 Tammy Kaye Hearn Lunch cost only 1999 5 Meeting Location Varies [email protected] (1st & 3rd weeks)
Noontime Toastmasters Laurel United Methodist Church 217-414-7378 noontime.toastmastersclubs.org Mondays, Noon 20 Storm Wolff $53/6 months 1998 631 South Grand Ave. West [email protected] 5 Springfield, IL 62704
The Network Group The Sangamo Club 217-652-3686 217-496-3684 2nd Tuesday of the month, 11:45 am 19 Ed Clark Lunch $15/mo. 2000 227 E. Adams St. [email protected] 6 Springfield, IL 62701
League of Our Own Toastmasters Club Springfield Urban League Inc 217-789-0830 Ext. 1126 Fridays, 11:30 am 1179206.toastmastersclubs.org 16 Larry Hemingway, $10.50/mo. 2008 100 N. 11th St. [email protected] (2nd & 4th weeks) Sr. 7 Springfield, IL 62703
Central Illinois Networking Group Gem PR & Media Every other Thursday [email protected] 15 Dominic Carnduff $50 annual 2010 2121 W. White Oaks Dr. 8 to 9 am 8 Springfield, IL 62704
Capital City Toastmasters 217-698-8767 IDOT Building (Hanley Building) $55/6 months 1313356.toastmastersclubs.org Wednesdays, Noon 15 Kathy Brennan 2009 2300 Dirksen Parkway, Room 214 [email protected] $100/12 months 8 Springfield, IL 62764
BNI Business Insiders – Wed 7:45 am Jay Davis Country Financial 2011 BNI of Central Illinois 309-453-2463 BNI Business Builders – Thurs 7:30 15-25 $445/year. First year 3603 W. Bennington Ct. BNI-IL.com per Jeff Ensinger fee for books & 2000 am Schnuck’s on Iles 8 Peoria, IL 61615 [email protected] chapter training of $150 BNI Thurs Lunch – Thurs 11:30 am 2000 Brickhouse Grill & Pub
Springfield Business Journal u June 2018 u 23 Devi Harper, owner of Building Blocks, left, with a class of joyous students. PHOTO/ BY STACIE LEWIS Child care options in Springfield grow Though the market is contracting, more companies are coming
BY CATHERINE O’CONNOR Network, so that they can learn empathy and ter to open, probably at the end of January.” Journal in February 2018, Burrows said, “That support for sick children. The children also While representatives of Little Minds de- school is running really well, and I’m ready for One of Springfield’s most well-known child have opportunities to interact with seniors at clined comment for this article, their website a second one. I looked in Columbia, Missouri; care businesses, Building Blocks Preschool, the Fair Hills Residence, across the street from says they are not actively accepting or solic- Liberty, Missouri; and Ankeny, Iowa in addi- Center, Inc., has closed its second location Building Blocks, “which is great for both sides iting enrollments, but are currently seeking tion to Springfield when I was considering a at 770 Apple Orchard Road in the Park South of the equation,” Harper has found. highly motivated directors and teachers to new location. The main reason I ended up in complex, merging all of its operations into its Parents report that they choose Building join the LMLC Team. Those who are interest- Springfield was to take advantage of shared facility at 805 Chatham Road in Springfield. Blocks because of its central location and ed are referred to the website employment services between the two locations.” Owner Devi Harper, who has been affiliated extended hours – from 6 a.m. until 11:45 p.m. page for a complete list of openings. She explained that she will be able to use with Building Blocks since 1998, purchased – which is essential for those working in the Enrichment classes to be offered at Little many of the same vendors, and even some of the business in 2007. According to Harper, the health care and service industry. In addition to Minds include yoga, sign language and Span- the employees might ultimately work out of combined facility, which has had a couple of scheduling flexibility and community-oriented ish for children over age 2. There are discount both locations. Burrows said she is also using renovations and additions over the years, has approach, the families that Building Blocks rates for full-time EMS, fire response and law the same architecture firm that designed her 27 classrooms and now serves 365 children. serve appreciate that the facility is not a fran- enforcement personnel, and members of Unit- first location, Henderson Associates Architects The reason for the closure of the east Spring- chise but is independently-owned by Harper, ed States armed forces. out of Edwardsville, based on their familiarity field site was based on a decline in enrollment, who takes a “hands on” approach. “They like Their second location, Little Minds East, with the Goddard School specifications and which had dropped to 60 percent capacity. Of that I am here every day. That’s my job. I’m in was once a law office building at 3150 Roland safety requirements. However, she is using the 165 children who were being served there, the community and know all the employees Avenue, formerly occupied by Hodge Dwyer & local firm Joyner Construction as the general 130 have been transitioned to the west site. and many of the children, by name,” Harper Driver. The nearly 7,000-square-foot building, contractor, and Bank of Springfield is providing Based on Harper’s experience in the child said. located in the Park South business park, just financing for the project. care business for nearly two decades, declin- Little Minds Learning Center has an- off Stevenson Drive, was on the market for a Initially, Burrows was looking at exist- ing population and job prospects in the city nounced plans to open two Springfield loca- little over a year before being sold in August ing buildings on the market and originally have had an impact. “I have seen the trend tions at 3250 West Iles and 3150 Roland Av- 2017. No date has been given for the centers considered the Knights of Columbus Hall on overall for Springfield is downward for young enue. Little Minds is a day care franchise that to begin providing child care services. Meadowbrook Road. “At the end of the day, families.” More recently, over the past five was founded 10 years ago by Stacy and Todd According to their website, Little Minds the renovation number (on that building) was years, she has seen an increase in her cus- Barnhardt, who were seeking quality child Learning Centers operate in Wisconsin, Minne- extremely high. I could have done a ground up, tomer base of young families migrating from care options for their own children. The Little sota, Colorado and Nebraska, with several new brand new school for the price of the renova- the Chicago metro area, while the younger Minds Learning Center website states that locations planned for the Chicago suburbs and tions,” she said. generation of native Springfield families stay- they serve children between the ages of six central Illinois area. Ultimately, she purchased a piece of land ing here to utilize child care centers like hers, weeks to six years old, with “part child care, A third company, Goddard Systems, Inc., at 3411 Hedley Road, which she felt was close seems to be dwindling. part child development, and part preschool.” franchisor for the Goddard School, has also enough to have the same demographics she Building Blocks provides a structured cur- According to Ben Call, developer of the announced plans to open a facility in Spring- was seeking. The plan now is to construct a riculum that includes pre-math and pre-read- West Iles Business Center, Little Minds was field. A private preschool with nearly 500 lo- new 9,000 square foot building. In February, ing, with free movement throughout the day. planned as the anchor tenant for the develop- cations in 37 different states, Goddard School Burrows told SBJ the goal was to have the This has been their successful formula for the ment. Call told Springfield Business Journal in serves children ages six weeks through six center open in late October or early November. past 13 years. According to Harper, special December 2017 that Little Minds was, “cur- years old. Barbara Burrows, the local fran- Burrows said the facility would employ 30-35 community programming includes involving rently involved in the DCFS licensing process chisee, has operated the Goddard School in people and about 145 would be enrolled in the kids in supporting the Children’s Miracle with the understanding that takes about six Edwardsville for the past nine years. preschool. u weeks. They should be the first one in the cen- In an interview with Springfield Business
24 u June 2018 u Springfield Business Journal LEGAL AFFAIRS
Joint tenancy is a potential disaster Consider this simple option, an entirety different matter BY SARAH DELANO PAVLIK For example, assume that a husband the entirety and obtain the creditor protection desired result. For a parent and child, it may and wife own their home as tenants by the benefits. However, they will not obtain the not. For most personal transactions, people do not entirety and that the husband has a gambling benefits “if the property was transferred into The second significant consequence is consult their lawyers. Instead, they rely on ad- problem or is in a car accident or is a doctor tenancy by the entirety with the sole intent that at the death of the first party, the property vice and information from other professionals who is sued for malpractice, and that a cred- to avoid the payment of debts existing at the automatically passes by law to the surviving such as real estate brokers, financial planners, itor obtains a judgment against the husband. time of the transfer beyond the transferor’s party, separate and apart from any will or trust bankers, etc. When I ask most clients how they That creditor cannot force the home to be ability to pay those debts as they become agreement. Again, for husband and wife, this hold title to their property, they don’t know. It sold to pay the husband’s debt. A creditor can due.” That means you cannot wait until one may be acceptable, but it may not. For ex- is something they should know, as title has only force the home to be sold to pay a debt party already has a debt he or she cannot pay ample, if husband and wife have trusts under many legal consequences. if both husband and wife are liable on the to make the transfer. their will for tax purposes, the joint tenancy Regarding the purchase of a home by a debt. For example, if husband and wife jointly One further difference between joint ten- property cannot be used to fund those trusts. husband and wife, there is a simple option borrow money, then the home can be used to ancy and tenancy by the entireties is that in Or, if husband and wife do not leave their that is used infrequently that can provide satisfy that debt. The one major exception for joint tenancy, one spouse can transfer his or property to the same people under their wills, significant benefits. That option is owning the creditors is, as always, the Internal Revenue her interest in the property. With tenancy by joint tenancy may not be the right choice. residence as “tenants by the entirety.” Most Service. The IRS can seize a home held as the entireties, any interest in the home cannot For example, assume husband and wife each deeds that I see from title companies have a tenants by the entirety for the tax debt of only be sold, given away, etc., without the signa- have children from a previous marriage. The husband and wife taking title as “joint tenants one spouse. ture of both spouses. wife’s will says that her property goes to her with rights of survivorship” (“joint tenants”). Not all states have tenancy by the en- Now I would like to address joint tenancy children. Any assets she owns as joint tenants This form of ownership results in the husband tireties, and there are differences between in general. This is the default designation for with her husband will pass to him and not her and wife owning the property equally (unless the laws of various states. In Illinois, in order real property, bank accounts, brokerage ac- children as specified in her will. Or, assume otherwise specified) and further provides that to validly hold title as tenants by the entire- counts, etc., and often it may be the appropri- her will provides that all of her property goes the home will automatically pass to the surviv- ties, (1) two people must be married (or in a ate choice. However, no two people (whether into a trust. The husband receives the income ing spouse upon the death of the first spouse. civil union), (2) the deed must identify them husband and wife, parent and child, or anyone for his lifetime, but what is left when he dies Assuming that joint tenancy is a proper as married and that they are taking title as else) should take title to property as joint ten- passes to the wife’s children. Again, property choice for the couple, it is almost never the tenants by the entireties, (3) the property ants with rights of survivorship without com- held as joint tenants with the husband will not best option. In my opinion, a husband and wife must be their homestead residence (not a pletely understanding what that means. pass under the will but will instead go outright should almost never hold title to their resi- second home or rental property), and (4) both Any property held as joint tenants with to the husband. He may or may not then leave dence as joint tenants. Why? Because owning parties must live in the residence. If one or rights of survivorship has two significant legal that property to wife’s children at his death. the home as tenants by the entirety is almost both spouses moves out of the residence, the consequences. The first is that both parties Bottom line: Don’t automatically title your exactly the same as joint tenancy, but with spouses divorce or one spouse dies, the home have full rights and access to the entire property as joint tenants. Explore your options one significant advantage. Under Illinois law, is no longer held as tenants by the entirety property. For a bank account, this means that and talk to your lawyer or accountant if you if a home is held as tenants by the entirety, a even though the deed still says that it is. either party can legally withdraw the entire have questions. creditor cannot force the sale of the home to If a husband and wife currently own their account. It also means that the creditors of pay a debt of just one spouse. homestead residence as joint tenants, they either party can use the property to satisfy a Sarah Delano Pavlik is an attorney with can reconvey it to themselves as tenants by debt. For a husband and wife, this may be the Delano Law Offices, LLC. u
Springfield Business Journal u June 2018 u 25 Sliders launch new season
BY ZACH ROTH And expectations are high for 2018. Miller said this is the best team, on paper, that he For the last 90 years, Robin Roberts Stadium has had in his three years in Springfield. He in Springfield has played host to organized hopes to add to the 12 players that have been baseball. Whether it was the old Springfield drafted to major league clubs over the last two Redbirds or the yearly City Series, the ven- years while playing for the Sliders. erable facility has entertained Springfield’s However, the thing that Miller is most hardball fascination. proud of in his early years in Springfield is Todd Miller’s goal is to make people care revamping the Sliders’ product into a full- about professional baseball in Springfield fledged entertainment enterprise. once again. Now in his third season as owner/ “We’ve had people come from all over the general manager of the Prospect League’s world (to see the Sliders), because of what we Springfield Sliders, he has ambitious plans for do for our marketing of live entertainment,” the club. New food, a refurbished field . . . it all Miller said. “We’re one of the best summer goes back to Miller’s priority of quality on and collegiate teams in the nation in live entertain- off the field. However, it hasn’t been easy. ment, and since I’ve taken over, we’ve trans- “We just had to start promoting the Slid- formed into a live entertainment facility.” ers,” Miller said, referring to the team’s exis- To promote the team’s 10th year of exis- tence prior to his purchase of the team. “The tence, The Beach Boys held a May 25 show at previous ownership didn’t spend money ad- Robin Roberts Stadium. Miller said that no live vertising, didn’t spend money doing anything touring act, much less one with the worldwide of that nature, so it was a word of mouth/who- fame and prestige that the Beach Boys have, ever came, so people on the north end who would have come to Springfield under the old liked baseball knew about it.” ownership consortium. Miller, for his part, is When Miller arrived, attendance was low, changing that narrative. and people weren’t convinced that the Sliders “We’ve never had a national touring act at were a good investment for their dollars. Miller the stadium, we’ve never even had a concert is working to change that. here. But a real national touring act? So we “They’d get their 400-500 people per have the Beach Boys coming here,” Miller to where they’re supposed to be, for another who died recently of a rare form of cancer. game. On big nights when they had fireworks, said. organization somewhere else, even if it’s not “A donation to Make-A-Wish will be the they’d break 1,000 and sometimes 1,500. For Miller, there are three things that are sports-related, even if one of my interns works entry fee for the game,” Miller said. Well, we wanted to average over 1,500. Really, just as important as entertaining the fans: win- for the Wyndham or the paper, we want to Miller has settled into his role as owner/ we want to average over 2,000. If you look at ning, making money so the team can continue make sure we train them up to where they’re GM. Two years ago, the only thing the Sliders our market size, all you’re asking for is 2 per- to bring in more fans, and helping his staff supposed to be, so that way they can go out in could do to get the attention of the people of cent of the market. If you get 2,000 people per move forward in their careers. the real world.” Springfield was to give away a firearm. Now, game, you’re going to be pretty successful.” “Really, I just want to break even,” Miller Miller said he will not be doing a gun give- Miller is comfortable in a role that seems to The Sliders have had plenty of success said. “I want my players to get to the next away this year, but there will be plenty more suit him well. on the field in Miller’s short tenure. In his first level. I want my interns to get to the next level. giveaways of slightly less controversial things. “Maybe I’m cocky, but I feel if somebody is year, the team had the best record in the Pros- I want all my staff, my coaches, everybody to “We gave away 50-inch big-screen TVs, going to be able to do it, it’s going to be me,” pect League and made it to the postseason. get to the next level. If we can get everyone we’ve given away bikes, we’ve given away all Miller said. “I’ve got the drive, the passion, kinds of stuff, but the gun is most certainly the and I’m much younger than others who have biggest one in Springfield by far,” Miller said. been in this position.” u On opening night, anyone who enters the ballpark to watch the game will be allowed to pay whatever they want. The proceeds will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Zach Roth is a freelance writer based in Miller was inspired by his 16-year-old brother, Springfield.
Sangamon County new business registrations
D III Enterprise, 7 Amherst Drive. 572-6773. Derrek Robinson, Jr. EFS Property Maintenance, 2552 Wilshire. 720-5486. Erik Frank-Schaub. Kunz’s Flooring, 2236 Richards Lane. 685-3917. Cory R. Kunz. Anything Goes Hauling, 5858 N. Lake Road. 529-1601. Claude K. Jacobs. BMR Custom Flooring, 2907 Fox Bridge. 691-4104. Benjamin Reese. M P F Inflatable Rentals, 1952 E. Capitol. 741-2832. Michael Crafton. Prairie State Armory, 6237 Byron Street, Pleasant Plains. 725-1682. Michael L. Metzroth. Affordable Pet Grooming, LLC, 450 W. North Street, Suite B. 528-4504. Stacey McNear and Megan Williams. Pure Energy, LLC, 1605 E. Cummins Avenue. 816-9551. Michael Clark, Jr. Full House Improvements, 963 Kamm Road. 741-1389. Ray Burris. JAMB Technology, 815 S. State Street. 638-7796. David M. Cloyd. Amor Nails and Spa, 960 Clocktower Drive, Suite F3. 801-9913. Kristin M. Her- nandez-Renfro. Little Lincoln’s Toy Shop, 3450 Liberty Drive. 684-1081. Ryan Leake. Crazy Lemonade and Treats, 2312 S. 9th Street. 361-33670. Miyoshi Childrous. Fairway Lawn Care dba Border Creations, 2145 Catalina Lane. 553-4320. Pete Summers. Fusion Fitness Studio, 2434 Denver Drive. 741-2558. Monica A. Maggio. Twenty 712, 504 Colbrook Drive. 691-9674. Christina R. Geary. Critter Sitter, 2012 S. Whittier. 836-5695. Jacquie Floyd. 24/7 Pet Care, 2206 Westchester Boulevard, Unit 7. 615-3199. Elizabeth L. Hoag. Rogers Mop and Glow, 400 W. Mulberry, Chatham. 415-9822. Bertram M. Rogers. Double D Construction, P. O. Bo 2504. 971-4695. Darell D. Marshall. Integrity Home Inspectors, 5601 Oak Crest Road. 816-1674. Craig W. Walker, Sr. Schnake Sound, Inc. dba Schnake Sound and Light, 4916 West State Route 97. 553-2278. Carl W. Schnake. Seraphim Ink, 916 North 4th Street. 553-6884. Rafael Joseph. SVELTE Essentials, 1712 W. Jackson. 813/399-7636. Nathan D. Colliver. TLB Publishing, 915 North 3rd Street. 299-1005. Nigel L.Tiller.
26 u June 2018 u Springfield Business Journal Springfield Business Journal u June 2018 u 27 PHILANTHROPY
Address: P.O. Box 398, Springfield, IL 62705 Phone: 217-726-6600 Website: springfieldbusinessjournal.com Email: [email protected] Facebook: facebook.com/sbjmonthly Twitter: twitter.com/sbjmonthly
Editor: Fletcher Farrar [email protected]
Publisher: Michelle Ownbey [email protected]
Production Designer: Brandon Turley [email protected]
Faculty and students graciously accept the contribution from the estate of Charles and Irene Kreher. PHOTOS/ COURTESY LINCOLN LAND Editorial Designer: Blake Detherage [email protected]
Business Manager: Brenda Matheis Agriculture education is greening up [email protected] Major gift from Macon County farm family benefits Lincoln Land Business and Circulation Coordinator: Stacie Lewis BY JANET SEITZ precision agronomy program and is now farming.” [email protected] Both nationally and in central Illinois, growing the ag workforce A recent $18 million gift provides substantial seed money for an is important, given the predicted need for new workers in agricul- ture, natural resources and environmental science. Harmon said they Advertising: endowment fund to yield an estimated $500,000 annually to grow Lincoln Land’s agriculture program. The donation, from the estate of are working with community ag partners and businesses for training Beth Parkes-Irwin Macon County farmers Charles and Irene Kreher, will increase the to meet area employment needs. The ag program’s goal is to in- [email protected] program’s offerings, including scholarships and other improvements. crease enrollment to over 300 students by 2021. “We are marketing According to LLCC’s agriculture coordinator Bill Harmon, those the program more robustly, both to the traditional market of high John Mikels improvements may include expanding dual-credit opportunities for school students and to adults looking to change careers, reenter the [email protected] high school students and adding new technology, such as drones, workforce or acquire new skills.” GPS systems, and a simulator for learning about large agriculture Harmon added that their program will produce more and better COVER PHOTO / BY DAVID BLANCHETTE equipment, such as a combine. Some of the Krehers’ Blue Mound qualified candidates for applied associate degrees who will enter the farm – where they raised corn, soybeans and Angus cows – will be workforce. It will also increase the number of students who transfer June Contributors used for experiments by Lincoln Land students while a tenant farmer to four-year universities to earn degrees in agriculture, helping qual- will continue to operate part of the land. A newly created ag special- ify them for well-paying and fulfilling careers which “will positively David Blanchette ist position was added to recruit students into the ag program. impact the economy of our local communities.” Colin Patrick Brady A recent collab- Scott Faingold After Charles Stacie Lewis Kreher died in 2009, oration with Brandt Catherine O’Connor his widow, Irene, Consolidated, a local Michelle Ownbey worked with an leading agriculture Tom Pavlik adviser to put the retailer and manu- Sarah Delano Pavlik family’s assets into facturer of agricultur- Zachary Roth a charitable trust. al specialty products, Janet Seitz According to Karen will result in con- Karen Ackerman Witter Sanders, LLCC ducting trials at the Foundation executive main campus and director, Irene visited at the Kreher farm. the LLCC campus Brandt and LLCC will SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL is published in November 2012, work together on monthly by Central Illinois Communications., and LLCC President the main campus’ P.O. Box 5256, Springfield IL 62705. The Charlotte Warren, Bill 45-acre “Land Lab,” contents of SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL Harmon and Sanders focusing on corn and are copyrighted, and material contained herein took her on a tour of soybean production may not be copied or reproduced in any the LLCC Workforce best practices. In manner without the permission of the publisher. Careers Center and addition, Brandt will Manuscripts, photographs, illustrations and letters discussed the ag collaborate on re- Charles and Irene Kreher to the editor are welcome, but SPRINGFIELD program. “She was a search efforts at the BUSINESS JOURNAL can take no responsibility very private person,” Kreher Farm in Blue Mound. Both locations will be working to gain production agriculture for them while in transit or in the office of the said Sanders. “We respected that and her desire for confidentiality. We continued to cultivate the relationship with Mrs. Kreher through- knowledge, prepare students to further their education or develop publication. Letters may be edited. Information out the years and were truly honored to be a recipient of the Krehers’ students to enter the workforce. published in SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL is generosity.” Harmon said they have had other businesses inquire about offer- gathered from reliable sources, but the accuracy Irene died in February 2017. She established a financial legacy ing internships to students due to publicity surrounding the gift. They of this information cannot be guaranteed. in honor of her husband at LLCC because of the reputation of the are working with local and area businesses to lease farm equipment Opinions expressed in SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS college’s ag program, which serves students in the 15-county LLCC for students to use on the college land labs and expanding partner- JOURNAL are those of their authors, and no district, as well as students in the Lewis and Clark and Heartland ships with agricultural organizations. information or opinions expressed in SPRINGFIELD Community College districts. “She also believed strongly in the LLCC has invested in an ag program since the college opened in BUSINESS JOURNAL represent an endorsement or mission of LLCC, to improve lives of district residents through educa- 1968, and it was one of the original degree programs offered. Since solicitation for purchase or sale by SPRINGFIELD tion,” said Harman. then, LLCC has added applied science degrees and certificates, such BUSINESS JOURNAL or its staff. “Mrs. Kreher appreciated the fact that we have a robust transfer as precision agronomy. The Ag Club began in 1984, and it has grown program,” added Harmon. About 60-70 percent of ag students go on into the largest student club on campus, said Harmon. to a four-year university to earn a bachelor’s degree. The remaining “This amazing, transformative gift is an investment in edu- 30-40 percent earn applied science degrees and certificates, which cation,” said Sanders, “which improves lives and helps grow our prepare students to enter the workforce. “Her husband loved Angus communities. The gift is also an investment in promoting the value of cattle, so our award-winning livestock judging team was also of agriculture to the general public,” added Sanders. u great interest to her. One connection she had to LLCC is a nephew of the tenant farmer on the Kreher farm who is a graduate of the LLCC Contact Janet Seitz at [email protected].
28 u June 2018 u Springfield Business Journal The new downtown Italian Mixing self-serve lunch and evening sit-down dining
BY TOM PAVLIK South.) Then, diners adjourn to the next room to The salad was appropriately a buffet where pizza, bread and pasta are avail- portioned and contained fresh While we continue what seems to be the inter- able, depending on what was ordered. ingredients. Blissfully, La Piazza minable wait to learn what fate holds for the La Piazza’s lunch menu is pretty compact was quite generous with the goat YWCA block, at least some things are happen- and simple. Basically, you get to pick any two cheese, which paired well with ing downtown. And so it is with Springfield’s items for $10. The menu is comprised of soups the acidity of the olives. Also, newest downtown restaurant – La Piazza Cuci- (minestrone and the soup of the day – potato because the salads are on a tray na Italiana. the day we visited), two salads, a half-pasta op- for self-selection, I was able to La Piazza is located in the former Z Bistro/ tion, a half-sandwich option, and a slice of that choose from any number of differ- Udder Hut space on South Sixth Street, just day’s pizza special. The pasta options are spa- ent dressings. south of the Old State Capitol Plaza. It’s a bit of ghetti with red sauce and linguini alfredo (each The spaghetti portion was a hybrid in that it’s a mix of self-serve buffet served with bread, protein available for extra probably too generous with the and counter service dining at lunch, while for $1.75-$2). Salad options are the Di Casa salad noodles, but a little sparse when it dinner it’s traditional sit-down dining with a (romaine, tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, car- came to sauce. A quick request on larger menu. rots and avocado with a lemon herb vinaigrette) my side rectified the situation. The What intrigued us most, however, was ru- or the Mediterranean salad (arugula, grape to- sauce was bright and had a bit mor of a traditional brick oven imported from matoes, red onions, cucumbers, peppers, olives of spice. Thankfully, it wasn’t too Naples, Italy, designed to turn out authentic and goat cheese with an Italian vinaigrette). sweet. Pasta comes with a large Neapolitan-style pizza. For sandwiches, there’s a pesto chicken and hunk of fresh country bread, with In terms of décor, the space limited La an Italian sub-style sandwich. Pizza the day we an oil and herb dipping sauce if Piazza’s ability to tap into the feel of a tradi- visited was cheese or meat. desired. The meatballs were moist tional Italian Cucina. It would have been nice if the wood pizza oven were visible to diners, but that would have required some substantial remodeling. Still, the walls are adorned with pictures of Italian landmarks and scenery, and the colors are muted hues of green and ochre accentuated by faux brick. It doesn’t instantly transport one to Italy, but it was nicely done. My guest astutely pointed out that, given the buffet nature, La Piazza ap- propriately placed a hand sani- tizer by the front door. Better safe than sorry. La Piazza’s lasagna will keep you coming back My Leo and Patrizia Guerrier of La Piazza. for more Italian flavor. guest and PHOTOS/ BY STACIE LEWIS I decided to try La La and definitely added to the dish. liked about La Piazza was that you can make Piazza for Piazza The pasta itself – not surprisingly as it had been it a fast lunch. What you have to give up is the lunch. As has a sitting in a warming tray for some time – was made-to-order aspect. La Piazza fills a needed we stood more overcooked but not mushy. More on the buffet niche in Springfield’s downtown dining scene before the tradition- issue later. – something more substantial than a cold sand- counter, it Fichi and prosciutto pizza invites the zesty sweet palate of Italy to your al and My friend reported the pesto sandwich wich, but that’s fast and convenient. We will be was clear table and taste buds. compre- was excellent, again with a good dollop of back when the occasion calls. u we weren’t hensive goat cheese. The pizza, like the pasta, suffered the only menu, somewhat from sitting under a heating lamp – Thomas Pavlik is an attorney at Delano Law first-timers – we all seemed a little confused but those offerings are only available for the sort of limp and without that special “bite” that Offices, LLC. Contact him at tpavlik@delanolaw. about the process. Thankfully, the friendly staff dinner crowd. Neapolitan pizza normally delivers. Though he com. quickly set us straight. In short, one orders and We decided to cover as much of the menu reported that the pizza was just fine, it probably pays at the counter and gets a drink from the as we could. I opted for the Mediterranean sal- would have been excellent had it been served soda fountain. (Note to the owners: Please get ad and spaghetti. My guest went with the pesto straight from the wood-fired oven. LA PIAZZA an unsweetened iced tea option. This isn’t the chicken sandwich and the meat pizza. Therein lies the tradeoff. What we really 218 South Sixth Street, Springfield, IL (217) 572-1442 Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday – 11 am to 9 pm Friday & Saturday – 11 am to 11 pm Sunday – 2 pm to 8 pm Wheelchair access: Yes Credit cards: Yes Website: www.lapiazzaci.com Atmosphere: HHHH Service: HHHH Food: HHHH Price: HHHH Suitability for Business Lunch: HHHH
OVERALL: HHHH
Springfield Business Journal u June 2018 u 29 30 u June 2018 u Springfield Business Journal Springfield Business Journal u June 2018 u 31 32 u June 2018 u Springfield Business Journal