2014 March Issue
Metro East American Diabetes Association raises over $110,000 with help of the Simmons Firm
Metro East American Diabetes Association raises over $110,000 with help of the Simmons Firm ALTON – Thanks to the support and effort of Chairman John Simmons and Simmons Firm employees, this year’s Metro East Diabetes fund-raiser, STEP OUT: Walk to Stop Diabetes, raised over $110,000, the most ever raised for the event. The result…
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Commercial Real Estate Roundup
Madison County Jail needs fixing now, more costly in the future
Voters will be asked on March 18th whether Madison County has the authority to issue an estimated $18 million in bonds to renovate the county jail. The Madison County Board has proposed this project to do major repair and renovation to the jail facility. It believes the work is necessary on this aging…
Read MoreCOUNTERPOINT: Changing Illinois’ income tax from a flat tax to a graduated tax
Progressive income tax proposals could weaken Illinois’ recovery and inhibit economic growth The Land of Lincoln is faced with a major debate about how to tax income. In the last few years, the debate about progressive income taxes has been hashed out in states as diverse as Colorado and Washington, where voters have rejected…
Read MorePositive growth? Some crowing over new Illinois report
A new study of business growth sounds a rare positive voice against a chorus of negativity about the Illinois economy. A report by Economic Modeling Specialists International says Illinois ranked third among the states in new business establishments created from 2009 through 2012. Only Texas and New York state have seen more new businesses…
Read MoreProgressive or flat? Overview of coming income tax debate
EDITOR’s NOTE: Following is an Illinois Business Journal overview of two bills that propose to change Illinois’ income tax law from a flat tax to a graduated tax. On the following two pages are this month’s Point/Counterpoint, which give opposing views on the proposals. “Graduated” and “progressive” have positive-sounding connotations, but when they’re used…
Read MoreAs ‘green jobs’ get attention, state gets recognition
From composting to transportation, “green collar jobs” are increasingly recognized as a vital part of the economy, but the sustainability of the movement is harder to predict, a bit like monitoring a plant in its growth stage. The proof will come with time, supporters like Nate Keener say. “Right now, a majority of employers…
Read MoreWinter aside, house sales looking up in Illinois
The door is finally cracking open to improvements in the housing market, and local realty agents are offering cautious but hopeful projections for 2014, despite the wintry setback of the last several weeks. Realtors in St. Clair, Monroe and Clinton counties sold more homes in 2013 than they did in the previous five years,…
Read MoreEntrepreneurism in Southwestern Illinois
Former editor investigates new research role By KATE GENO Kerry Smith has focused her talents and energy on serving the Southwestern Illinois business community for the past 13 years. From launching the Illinois Business Journal in 2000 to her new venture, Informationworks, Inc., Smith seeks to provide services that will help companies thrive. Smith’s…
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