Local Business Headlines
Metro 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 MoreSwansea man accused of robbing a credit union
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A man appeared in federal court Wednesday to face a federal charge for allegedly robbing a credit union in Swansea. Deondre E. Jones, 55, is facing one count of bank robbery. “Thanks to a strong, coordinated response by law enforcement, this defendant’s attempt to rob the credit union ended almost…
Read MoreLocal grease company highlights vital resource during National Groundwater Awareness Week
National Groundwater Awareness Week is observed from March 8 through 14 The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates 200 million gallons of used cooking oil are dumped on the ground, poured in trash cans or poured down the drain every single year. This grease can leak into the local environment, wreaking havoc on the land, including…
Read MoreFirst Bankers Trust Company, Adams experts partner to provide tools to small businesses
First Bankers Trust Company, N.A. (First Bankers Trust), a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Bankers Trustshares Inc., has announced that it is partnering with Adams experts to provide education for small businesses to prevent a cyber-attack and to better understand their cyber insurance coverage. The event is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on April…
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