Sign up today for SIUC’s SBDC Day seminar, celebration set for March 18
The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is hosting an SBDC Day celebration and Business Growth Seminar on March 18 in recognition of National SBDC Day. The no-cost workshop will provide local entrepreneurs and small business owners with valuable practical tools, expert guidance and opportunities to connect. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to…
Read MoreIntersection improvements begin March 17 at Illinois 161 and Illinois 158
The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that improvements at the intersection of Illinois 161 and Illinois 158 in St. Clair County will require daily lane closures beginning Tuesday, March 17, weather permitting. The project is expected to be completed by early summer 2026. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes…
Read MoreNew map celebrates Route 66 in Illinois
Road trip highlights, pit stop ideas, for Mother Road’s 100th anniversary The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced the release of a new Illinois Route 66 Map in honor of the iconic road’s 100th birthday this year. The map takes a nostalgic look at America’s most famous highway and sights to see in Illinois, while…
Read MoreMetro East entrepreneurs to access growth capital at Columbia’s SBDC Day
Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE, Monroe County Economic Development Corporation to host On Wednesday, March 18, the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at SIUE is partnering with the Monroe County Economic Development Corporation to host a high-impact “SBDC Day” specifically designed to help local business owners navigate…
Read MoreHoffman hosts Easter Basket Drive for Caritas Family Solutions foster kids
Throughout March, State Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) is collecting donations from the community to put together Easter baskets for local youth in foster care at Caritas Family Solutions. “We want to make sure these kids have a great Easter, so we’re putting together baskets with candy, games and other fun items,” Hoffman said. “I’m always…
Read MoreOSF Medical Group earns ADA recognition for Excellence in Diabetes Education, Support
OSF Medical Group’s diabetes and endocrinology program has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for Quality Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support. This recognition affirms that OSF Medical Group consistently meets the ADA’s national standards for high-quality diabetes care, providing patients with effective self-management education and support. “This recognition from the American Diabetes Association…
Read MoreRBGA recognizes Pruitt Mechanical Services in Bethalto for small business excellence
The RiverBend Growth Association has adjusted its awards programs in 2026, which includes moving to an every-other-month cycle of recognizing member businesses in the Riverbend for proven excellence. The Small Business Excellence shoutout for March goes to Pruitt Mechanical Services LLC in Bethalto. In business for 17 years now, owner Joe Pruitt says he…
Read MoreWhy every organization needs an employee handbook
By SCOTT CRUZ In a workplace landscape defined by rapid regulatory shifts, evolving employee expectations, and increasingly complex work arrangements, the value of an employee handbook has never been greater. While some employers still view a handbook as a “nice‑to‑have” or simply an administrative requirement, true HR leaders (and employment attorneys like me) know it…
Read MoreBipartisan legislation to extend Gateway Arch National Park into Illinois introduced
By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email protected] On March 9, 2026, U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) and Mike Bost (R-IL-15) joined Missouri Reps. Wesley Bell (D-MO-01) and Ann Wagner (R-MO-02) in introducing bipartisan legislation that would expand the boundaries of Gateway Arch National Park into the Metro East. Specifically, the legislation…
Read MoreAG Raoul reminds Illinois voters of rights
Attorney General Kwame Raoul is encouraging voters to know their rights as early voting is underway for the March 17 general primary election. It has been the longstanding practice of the Attorney General’s office to monitor elections in Illinois to ensure that voters’ rights are protected and polling places are accessible. Raoul is urging Illinois…
Read More