Economy & Business

Mike Murphy, President and CEO of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce and former owner of Charlie Parker's diner, recently spoke at the Citizens Club of Springfield forum. He provided an update on the business community and shared how state and local politicians are addressing business people's needs.Update: In a previous version of this forum Springfield's "second lake project" was discussed. The deadline to submit public comments ended on Sept. 25, 2023.

Only all-electric vehicles from licensed Illinois dealers are eligible.

John Stremsterfer, President & CEO of the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln shares the continued execution and growth of the Next 10 project along with events Nov. 6-7.

Sojourn Shelter and Services is an organization that provides shelter and other services to domestic violence survivors. Reilly Tebrugge spoke to Community Voices about the organization and the upcoming fundraiser featuring comedian Tom Arnold.

Trainees will receive a minimum yearly salary of $54,000 from the state while pursuing tracks in one of five high-need concentration areas.

Haley Wilson is the founder of The Culture Experience. She started the business with her mom Alice Ivy Wilson in hopes to provide a safe space where people from all backgrounds can learn about different cultures through planned activities. Haley Wilson spoke to Community Voices about the Culture Experience and the upcoming event on Oct. 21 titled "The Adams Family Culture Crawl."

Alli Donaldson, owner of Golden Hour Bake House, has had a love for cooking and baking since she was a child, and that love has grown all the more since. She sat down with Logan Bricker to talk about how her business grew from a pandemic hobby, her experience at the farmers markets and how she collaborates with others.

This Citizens Club of Springfield program features Ashley Earles, Birth to Five Illinois Regional Council Manager for Region 51, and Monique Nally, a member of the Birth to Five Family Council and a Parent Educator at Riverton Families First Birth to Three Program, who discuss the region’s strengths, gaps, and challenges, as well as recommendations for improvement.

The educational series begins Oct. 5.

Mark Denzler is the President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. He spoke to Community Voices about Illinois manufacturing, the future of electric vehicles in Illinois and a state-wide tour called Makers on the Move.