IBEW saw a need. Alton High, L&C partnered to help fulfill it.
By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE IBJ Managing Editor [email protected] The Alton Educational Foundation recently shared a social media post announcing the availability of a new dual credit class in the trades for Alton High School juniors and seniors. The class will start in the Fall 2025 semester and is designed for students interested in becoming…
Read MoreAsk SCORE: How to start a business in Illinois; what to know before you launch
Congratulations! You’ve decided to start a business — you’re about to embark on an exciting and challenging journey. Before you dive in headfirst, take time to understand how to start a business the right way and what it takes to position your startup for success. Whether your startup is creating something new in the marketplace,…
Read MoreLocal transportation grants available through IDOT
Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation have announced that $400 million is available for local transportation projects, with the goal of enhancing mobility and quality of life in communities throughout the state. The deadline to apply is June 1. Applications must be submitted via Microsoft Forms. More information on the application process is…
Read MoreSIUE, Universidad Central del Ecuador sign ‘historic’ dual MBA program partnership agreement
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Universidad Central del Ecuador (UCE) have formalized a strategic academic partnership aimed at expanding international collaboration and advancing global graduate education. The signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishes the foundation for a dual Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, enabling students to complete coursework at both institutions and earn…
Read MoreEdwardsville bridge replacement project to close portion of Center Grove Road through summer
Center Grove Road will be closed east of Esic Drive for several months beginning Tuesday, May 27, for replacement of the bridge that carries traffic over the MCT Nickel Plate Trail. The road is expected to reopen just prior to Edwardsville School District 7’s first day of the 2025-26 school year, which is Wednesday, August…
Read MoreBudzinski, Durbin, Duckworth announce final segment of Springfield rail project to advance
Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) recently announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has fully obligated $157,126,494 in federal funding for the final segment of the Springfield Rail Improvements Project (SRIP), allowing construction to move forward. The multi-phased project is a large-scale effort supported by local,…
Read More15th annual Grafton Winery Blues Festival on tap May 17, 18
Regional blues musical talent headlines free festival Kick back for a weekend of soul stirring blues music during the 15th Annual Grafton Winery Blues Festival on Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18 at Grafton Winery The Vineyards, 21028 Eckert Orchard Rd., Grafton. This free event features the music of regional blues bands at the…
Read MoreAs interest in home protection plans soars, Hoffmann Brothers adds new, affordable option
Hoffmann Brothers survey reveals need for non-maintenance based home protection plan Nationwide, more people than ever are paying monthly membership fees to protect their HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, and appliances. This comes as new equipment costs have risen over the past few years and uncertainty about future costs is driving a desire to repair rather than…
Read MoreThe Wedge + SIUE invites community members, entrepreneurs, changemakers to May events
This May, a trio of dynamic events hosted by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the SIU System Office of Community Engagement (OCE) will provide hands-on learning, networking, and co-creation opportunities for community members, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. These events take place at The Wedge + SIUE, 620 E, Broadway, Alton, IL 62002. Friday,…
Read MoreDOL suspends 2024 independent contractor rule enforcement, under review
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division recently issued a field assistance bulletin providing guidance on how to determine employee or independent contractor status when enforcing the Fair Labor Standards Act. While the department reviews the 2024 final rule, Employee or Independent Contractor Classification Under the Fair Labor Standards Act – which is also being challenged in federal…
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