An Agency for Community Transit gift expands MCT’s “Arts on the Trails” initiative Just in time for spring, Madison County Transit (MCT) and Agency for Community Transit (ACT) have welcomed four new “Trail Critter” sculptures along the MCT Trails, expanding the popular “Art on the Trails” initiative. Building on the success of the eight sculptures…

  By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE IBJ Managing Editor [email protected] As a part of the recent Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois board of directors meeting, held on Friday, Mar. 7, 2025, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Collinsville, Site Selection Magazine Representative Ron Starner honored the council for its continuously diligent work throughout the region. Recognizing these efforts,…

Funds provide financial support for continuing education endeavors Busey Bank is again offering financial support opportunities toward continuing education endeavors to applicants of all ages and educational backgrounds through its Busey Bank Bridge Scholarship program. “We are proud to support the educational aspirations of students across our footprint through the Busey Bank Bridge Scholarship,” said…

  The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades’ PATCH Foundation has gifted $100,000 to the Joseph Smith Vocational Scholarship at the Collinsville Area Vocational Center. The scholarship was established by Gregg and Anna Smith in memory of their son, Joseph Smith, a CAVC student. CAVC is a two-year, public vocational training center for high…

  By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE IBJ Managing Editor [email protected] The newest high schooler’s CEO Program in the Metro East is off to a booming start, both in terms of student involvement and community support. The Silver Creek Area CEO Program officially rolled out at the end of June 2024 at Mascoutah’s local Wisper Internet location…

S. M. Wilson & Co. has been honored with the 2025 Bronze Excellence in Client Experience Award. This award, presented by Client Savvy, recognizes professional services firms in the top quarter of performance that consistently excel at aligning with expectations and delivering experiences buyers would highly recommend to others. In 2024, S. M. Wilson worked…

Anderson Hospital Director of Surgical Services Dan Rojek recently announced the addition of the Da Vinci 5 robotic surgery system to its cutting-edge surgical technology lineup. The Da Vinci 5 is the most powerful and fully integrated system to date, designed to deliver better patient outcomes while lowering the cost of care. Anderson Hospital launched…

  The Wedge and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) have announced a partnership that will “transform the economic landscape of the greater Alton Metro Region,” according to an official statement released on March 10. The collaboration, branded as “The Wedge Powered by SIUE,” will create a dynamic ecosystem for innovation, education, and community development when…