Year in Review: Reflections on a year just passed
By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE IBJ Managing Editor [email protected] As the Illinois Business Journal turned 25, another year has wrapped up, and as we moved toward our quarter century mark, a new chapter had begun for the publication. As the IBJ leaned into its 25th year, what was once a monthly in-print publication became a fully…
Read MoreIllinois celebrates economic development milestones in 2025
State incentive program investments drive a record $13 billion Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) recently released data highlighting record-breaking economic development milestones from 2025. Guided by Governor Pritzker’s strategic economic growth plan, Illinois reached a record $13 billion in incentivized investments, delivered record tourism accomplishments, and marked…
Read MoreHSHS names Mark Thorn as Southern Illinois Market CFO
Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), a leading Catholic health ministry with operations in Illinois and Wisconsin, recently announced that Mark Thorn, MBA, FACHE, has been named chief financial officer (CFO) for its Southern Illinois Market. He begins his role Jan. 26, 2026. In this role, Thorn is responsible for monitoring financial performance and maintaining appropriate…
Read MoreCongress advances whole milk bill
By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek After more than a decade of whole milk being absent from school cafeterias, legislation allowing for more milk options awaits the president’s signature. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, passed by the U.S. House on Dec. 15 and the Senate in November, would overturn USDA’s 2012 restrictions that have…
Read MorePoettker Construction celebrates 45 years in 2025
Poettker Construction, a company specializing in construction management, design-build, and general contracting services, finished 2025 without a lost-time incident. With safety as a core value, Poettker employees completed over 400,000 work hours without a lost-time incident and 5,120 hours of safety training in 2025. Poettker Construction also launched a drone program to benefit risk management…
Read MoreNew laws: Illinois education measures focus on immigrant rights, AI in the classroom
Measures that provide legal protections for students, guidelines for schools take effect Jan. 1 By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois Article Summary Illinois lawmakers responded to President Trump’s crackdown on immigrant communities with new legal protections for students and guidelines for schools that will take effect Jan. 1. Community colleges will be barred from using…
Read MoreThriVe Metro East/Vitality Women’s Clinic: Republicans launch baby supply drive in support
The Madison County Republicans have launched a holiday baby supply drive in support of ThriVe Metro East / Vitality Women’s Clinic The Madison County Republicans kicked off the holiday season with generosity and purpose, launching a baby supply drive in support of ThriVe Metro East Community/Vitality Women’s Clinic during their recent Christmas Party held…
Read MoreHSHS Medical Group welcomes Shaelin Heiman, PA-C, to O’Fallon Orthopedic & Sports Medicine
HSHS Medical Group welcomes Shaelin Heiman, PA-C, to HSHS Medical Group Orthopedic & Sports Medicine at 670 Pierce Blvd. in O’Fallon. Heiman brings a strong background in orthopedics. She holds a Master of Physician Assistant Science from the University of Evansville in Evansville, Ind., and a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of…
Read MoreNotary fraud alert program rolls out from Madison County Clerk/Recorder’s office
Madison County Clerk and Recorder Linda Andreas has announced plans to implement a notary fraud alert program in the Recorder’s office in the new year. The program, developed by Fidlar Technologies, is a powerful new tool designed to protect the notary community from fraud, according to the official announcement from Andreas. This service allows notaries…
Read MoreStaunton restaurant owner headed for deportation
Attorney says attempts to stay deportation action rejected By BETH HUNDSDORFER Capitol News Illinois Article Summary U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement rejected a stay filed on behalf Ismael Ayuzo Sandoval. Now, he faces return to Mexico where he fears violence from drug traffickers. ICE moved Ayuzo to Greene County Jail in Springfield, Missouri, last week to…
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