2015 June Issue
Public sector appears out of touch
To the editor: On page 28 of the IBJ, May 2015, Alan Ortbals criticized Gov. Rauner on “trying to cut your way to prosperity.” The Democrats have been trying to “spend their way to prosperity” and that has not worked. I believe Gov. Rauner’s position is that the state needs to engage in best…
Read MoreDo not cut community care programs
Do not cut community care programs To the editor: These are tough financial times for Illinois, and our legislators will be making tough decisions as they negotiate with Gov. Rauner on his 2016 budget. They need to hear from constituents to know how important services caring for our most vulnerable neighbors are, many of which…
Read MoreSouthwestern Illinois Commercial Real Estate Transactions
Southwestern Illinois Commercial Real Estate Transactions The Illinois Business Journal is proud to publish commercial real estate transactions recently completed by commercial brokers across Southwestern Illinois. BELLEVILLE Schmitt LLC of Belleville leased a 7,345-square-foot industrial building at 103 S. Sixth St. to PSC Industrial Outsourcing, LP. BARBERMurphy represented both parties. COLLINSVILLE …
Read MoreRauner wants to run us to ground
To the editor: The Illinois state director of the National Federation of Independent Business said in a recent letter to the editor (in the Springfield Journal Register) that she supports Gov. Bruce Rauner’s efforts to shift the risk and expense of caring for Illinoisans injured at their workplaces or harmed by corporate negligence and malfeasance…
Read MoreInfrastructure investment essential for long-range job growth
By MARK HARMS This is a critical time for transportation infrastructure in our state, and the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois is encouraged that the message seems to be resonating with our leadership in Springfield. On May 5, the Illinois Department of Transportation, led by Secretary Randy Blankenhorn, held a listening tour in Collinsville and in…
Read MoreEditorial Cartoon
Downtown Alton has found ways to outlast the doubters
By DENNIS GRUBAUGH Thirty years ago, Downtown Alton was dying on the vine. A once-thriving business district was going downhill fast. You could see the difference reflected in historical photos from decades past. Just after World War II, cars, merchants and shoppers would line Third, Belle, State and Piasa streets, vying for the bargains they…
Read MoreNow that we tried everything else, let’s do the right thing
By ALAN J. ORTBALS Last month, the Illinois Supreme Court smacked a big, bright, UNCONSTITUTIONAL stamp on the legislature’s 2013 pension fix law. It wasn’t a mixed review. The decision was both unanimous and harsh. The legislature has tried to lie their way out and wriggle their way out and neither has worked. So, what’s…
Read MoreEconomic Snapshot
Development occurring throughout Southwestern Illinois
By ALAN J. ORTBALS While major projects like the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge have been completed, new developments are going on throughout Southwestern Illinois. Here is a review of just some of the projects recently finished, currently underway or set to begin later this year. Alton — A construction project estimated at $2.7 million…
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