Local Business Headlines

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Illinois District helped the state’s small businesses access $1.1 billion in capital via its various loan programs in fiscal year 2019, which ended Sept. 30. Across the nation, the federal agency backed more than $28 billion in loans to entrepreneurs who, without the SBA, would otherwise be unable to access…

Work has begun on a new 106-room hotel Fairfield Inn & Suites in O’Fallon. The O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce joined in celebrating Darrell Shelton’s Commercial Property Investors Inc. of O’Fallon and HMA (Hospitality Management Associates, LLC) of St. Louis in the ground breaking for the new hotel at 1180 Central Park Drive. Fairfield Inn &…

Belleville Mayor Mark W. Eckert says he is in favor of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed plan to consolidate police and firefighter pension funds. “Many communities face pension problems throughout the state of Illinois, but today with this proposal, Governor Pritzker is stepping in to ensure cities like Belleville can improve the fiscal health of our…

HeartLands Conservancy is celebrating 30 years of conservation in southwestern Illinois by hosting a benefit dinner on the Becky Thatcher Riverboat on Friday, Oct. 25. The event features a buffet dinner, Tesla Weekend Raffle and live music by Fine to Drive. In addition to the evening’s festivities, the city of Edwardsville will be receiving one…

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Upward Bound program will receive $5,000 in award money, thanks to the Illinois Department of Transportation winning the grand prize in the 2019 America’s Transportation Awards, which is the top honor for state departments of transportation. IDOT secured the prize because of its joint effort with the Missouri Department of Transportation…

The Metro East Park and Recreation District has created a map that shows every dog park located throughout Madison and St. Clair counties. Here is the map: For the direct link, go to www.meprd.org/dog-parks For more information reach out the district at its office at 104 United Drive, Collinsville.

Inventors, founders, startups and creatives from across Metro East, and those interested in supporting them, are invited to attend an upcoming session in which they can bounce their ideas around. “IdeaBounce” is intended as an event for sharing ideas and making connections. This is an opportunity to pitch ideas, get feedback and make connections. The…

Southern Illinois University’s School of Dental Medicine served 85 children between the ages of 3-13 at its 14th annual Give Kids A Smile Day at the SDM’s main clinic in Alton. The volunteer dentists and staff provided $53,604 in preventive, restorative and surgical treatment for the children who participated. The event was held Oct. 14.…

The Green Tree Inn of Elsah has completed an outdoor gazebo and ready to start hosting events such as weddings, family reunions, community events and more. The Green Tree Inn is a landmark in the Jersey County village of Elsah, a community deemed as the top scenic spot in the state, according to the Illinois…

Madison County is cultivating a partnership with the Edwardsville Garden Club as a way to enhance the landscaping around the Administration Building and Courthouse after it removes trees to improve security. “The Madison County Sheriff’s Department is preparing to update its camera system and requested the trees be removed,” Facilities Management Director Rob Schmidt said.…