Business exit: Why most family businesses aren’t prepared for transition
By BRYAN ESARCO Nearly six million small to midsize businesses will be ready for transfer by 2035, according to Forbes. Being prepared is the first part of the sale process; are you and your family ready? Here, I share what can create roadblocks to the transition and provide an action plan to mitigate them. What…
Read MoreLooking for tax breaks you can feel good about?
By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email protected] As this year’s tax season moves toward the end of its peak days with the April 15 deadline fast upon us, tax planning (or adjusting already in-place plans) and tax breaks are top of mind. Available charitable giving options are being reviewed with more thought…
Read MoreAWI expands local resources for domestic violence survivors and their pets
The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) has announced Oasis Women’s Center, based out of Madison County, Ill., as the recipient of its 2026 Safe Havens for Pets Desert Grant to expand sheltering resources for the pets of domestic violence survivors in underserved communities. Following a rigorous analysis of national data, AWI identified Illinois as a “safe haven desert”— an area that lacks adequate sheltering services for…
Read MoreIllinois lawmakers begin days of deep dives on data centers
By NIKOEL HYTREK and UIS Public Affairs Reporting (PAR), Capitol News Illinois Article Summary The House Executive Committee met Wednesday to hear from mayors, unions and agriculture representatives about how data centers impact communities. The subject matter hearing was the first of three planned by the committee to bring stakeholders together to discuss data centers.…
Read MoreRedbird Bus service available for select 2026 Cardinals home games
UPDATED APRIL 20, 2026: St. Clair County Transit District’s Redbird Bus service, available for all Friday and Saturday home Cardinals games during the 2026 season, has changed its departure location. Redbird Buses will now board from the St. Clair County Parking Garage at 100 South First Street in Belleville. Free, covered, camera-monitored public parking is…
Read MoreSIU Carbondale students succeed in regional advertising competition
Southern Illinois University Carbondale students continue to show they can compete with advertising professionals at the regional ADDYs. Saluki advertising students brought home a bevy of honors in the recent American Advertising Federation of Southern Illinois American Advertising Awards They earned 20 gold and nine silver ADDYS in the competition where their work is…
Read MoreIllinois American Water launches pilot program to connect customers to discounts
New text message outreach helps customers access available assistance program Illinois American Water is launching a pilot program to proactively identify and assist customers who may qualify for monthly water and/or wastewater bill discounts ranging between 10-80 percent. The effort aims to increase awareness of existing assistance programs and simplify the path to enrollment. Beginning…
Read MoreAce Grease Service creates new security lid to crack down on oil theft
Recycling companies, small businesses lose an estimated $300 to $500 million each year due to stolen grease Grease theft is on the rise as the demand for used cooking oil (UCO) continues to grow. Recycling companies across the country lose an estimated $300 million to $500 million in revenue each year due to stolen grease,…
Read MoreSIUC hosts festival, conference honoring R. Buckminster Fuller April 22-26
A five-day conference this month at Southern Illinois University will feature programming inspired by the vision and legacy of noted futurist, architect and designer R. Buckminster Fuller. The Fuller Futures Festival “Reimaging Solutions for the World We Share” is April 22-26 on campus and throughout the City of Carbondale. The festival will feature “artists, designers,…
Read MorePark North Golf Club brings world-class Trackman technology to Edwardsville
New technology is rapidly transforming the world of sports. Comprehensive metrics and ball tracking are growing in popularity across golf, baseball, football and more, enhancing performance and amplifying fun. Park North Golf Club in Edwardsville is one of the first to bring world-class Trackman technology to the region, equipping its golf bays with advanced…
Read More