Strategies for small business growth
Mid-year check-in is key to success By mid-year, most business owners have a clear sense of how the year is unfolding. The plans made in January have met the reality of day-to-day operations and it is time to adjust. For those focused on growing a small business, a mid-year check-in is one of the most…
Read More[Op-Ed] Proposed digital ads tax would hurt small businesses, communities served
By DR. TUSHAR SHAH Founder, VaSu Smiles In 2025, I opened a new orthodontic practice in Bellwood, Ill., dedicated to providing affordable care. My mom — who never forgot how hard it was for my family to pay for the orthodontic care I’d needed as a kid — had encouraged me to open the practice…
Read MoreBost announces approval of $1.6B investment for St. Louis VA hospital
U.S. Representative Mike Bost (R-IL-12) has announced that Congress approved a Department of Veterans Affairs budget request of $1.6 billion to modernize the John Cochran Veterans Hospital in St. Louis. The VA funding bill, which is expected to be signed into law by President Trump, provides for construction of a new bed tower, mental health…
Read MoreRep. Stuart sends major affordability initiatives to governor’s desk
Fighting to restore affordability for Illinois households, State Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) has advanced a series of bills to the governor’s desk cutting costs on everyday purchases and utilities, banning gimmicks that raise prices, and requiring businesses to fairly compensate consumers. “The costs of our basic needs, from utilities to groceries, are ridiculously expensive. I’ve…
Read MoreIRMA announces winners of inaugural Illinois Retail Challenge Scholarship Competition
The Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) has announced the winners of the inaugural Illinois Retail Challenge Scholarship Competition during a special awards luncheon held on May 20 at the Governor’s Mansion and attended by Gov. JB Pritzker. The event brought together student finalists, retail industry leaders, and elected officials to recognize the next generation of…
Read MoreBelt measure would remove employment barriers for people living with disabilities
State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure designed to remove unfair barriers to employment for people living with disabilities. “People living with disabilities deserve the same opportunity to work, build a career and live with dignity as anyone else,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “They should not be denied opportunities because of outdated hiring practices that fail…
Read MoreGovernor Pritzker announces Centralia expansion of Intermountain Electronics
Company adds manufacturing capacity and dozens of new jobs to southern Illinois On May 20, 2026, Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and Intermountain Electronics announced the company will invest more than $15 million to expand their operations by adding more than 108,000 square feet of manufacturing space while…
Read MoreVitality Women’s Clinic celebrates recent ribbon cutting with demonstrated community support
Vitality Women’s Clinic in Godfrey celebrated an official ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the RiverBend Growth Association that began at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, and welcomed more than 40 attendees from across the Riverbend region for a meaningful afternoon of connection, collaboration, and community celebration. The event brought together representatives with State…
Read MoreBelt advances measure to protect consumers’ ability to pay with cash
State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure that would prohibit retailers from refusing cash payments up to $500. “For many Illinois residents, cash remains a dependable and necessary way to pay for everyday purchases,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “People deserve the freedom to choose how they pay.” Belt’s measure would prohibit retailers from refusing cash payments…
Read MoreUnited States Attorney’s Office to honor Jerseyville veteran as Hometown Hero
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – In celebration of Memorial Day and the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois and U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft will recognize Robert “Bob” Gill, 99, from Jerseyville, for his extensive service to our country. Gill has been named as the recipient of…
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