Area News
RiverBend Growth Association introduces 2026 leadership development series
The first session of the 2026-launched leadership development series by the RiverBend Growth Association will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20. Partnering with Legacy Training and Development and The Wedge powered by SIUE, the session will be held at The Wedge Innovation Center, 620 E. Broadway, Alton. Seating is…
Read MoreSchnucks to honor teammates on sixth annual Supermarket Employee Day
Teammates to receive 5,000 Schnucks Rewards points as part of a week of celebration On Sunday, Feb. 22, Schnuck Markets Inc. is joining supermarkets and food manufacturers nationwide in celebrating the annual Supermarket Employee Day. FMI—The Food Industry Association has proclaimed this holiday to recognize employees at every level for the work they do feeding…
Read MoreMakers Madness: IMA launches 2026 ‘The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois’ naming contest
Annual bracket-style tournament showcases products made in Illinois The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) has launched the 2026 “Makers Madness” contest, a bracket-style tournament that lets voters choose what locally-made product should be crowned The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois. Nominations for The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois are now being accepted at www.makersmadnessil.com, where voting will…
Read MoreProposed 45Z rule positive step forward
By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek Newly released proposed 45Z guidelines include key details on how biofuels and other companies can qualify and potentially sets up farmers to benefit from the tax credits by factoring in feedstocks’ carbon intensity. The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service on Feb. 3 issued proposed regulations for domestic producers of…
Read MoreIllinois sees 10 percent increase in H-2A workers
By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek Demand for ag labor through the H-2A temporary visa program in Illinois and the nation continues to rise. During fiscal year 2025, 559 more positions were certified in Illinois over fiscal 2024, bringing the total to 5,757, according to an American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Market Intel report. Nationwide, 398,258…
Read MoreSign up now for SIUC’s 2026 Illinois ACE Women’s Network Conference
“The Power Within: Reclaim, Restore and Rise” is the theme for the 2026 Illinois ACE Women’s Network Conference at Southern Illinois University Carbondale on March 2 and registration is now underway. Women from throughout the state who are interested in education are welcome to participate in this engaging day of conversation about the power of women…
Read MoreBlackburn College, Lewis and Clark establish new bachelor degree transfer pathways
New pathways in psychology, art, biology, business and accounting to strengthen higher ed access, affordability Blackburn College and Lewis and Clark Community College have signed the first in a series of articulation agreements, expanding access to affordable, high-quality bachelor’s degrees through clear transfer pathways. The agreement was signed during a ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 5,…
Read MoreGateway Apprenticeship Hub reaches lifetime federal grant goal of 750 apprentices
The Gateway Apprenticeship Hub has officially reached its lifetime federal grant goal, enrolling 750 registered apprentices in just under four years. The milestone reflects the strength of regional partnerships and the growing impact of Registered Apprenticeship Programs across the St. Louis region. Launched in 2022 with funding from the U.S. Department of Labor, the…
Read MoreAmeren Illinois supports 26th annual Hardee’s ‘Rise and Shine’ efforts
Patrick Smith Sr., president of Ameren Illinois, is shown in the accompanying photo as he makes a contribution on Friday morning, Feb. 13, to support the 26th annual Hardee’s Rise and Shine for Heat biscuit fundraiser held in several locations in Illinois and Missouri. Smith gives his donation to an Ameren volunteer, Gemma Flores-Olivas. Ameren…
Read MoreFirst Mid Bank & Trust named to 2026 America’s Best Banks by Forbes
First Mid Bank & Trust (First Mid) has once again been recognized on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Banks, earning a ranking of #2 in Illinois and #24 nationwide for 2026. The annual list, compiled by Forbes in partnership with S&P Global Market Intelligence, evaluates U.S. banks based on key financial performance measures, including growth,…
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