2017 March Issue
Some benefits to using the Business Model Canvas
The Business Model Canvas is an entrepreneurial tool that enables you to visualize, design, and reinvent your business model. It was developed by Swiss business theorist and author Alexander Osterwalder. For many startups, using the tool can help them develop a clear view of their value proposition, operations, customers and finances. As a…
Read MoreNew Illinois legislation tackles numerous subjects
Governor signs bill on lead testing CHICAGO – Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed Senate Bill 550, legislation to protect Illinois children from possible exposure to lead in drinking water. SB 550 will require schools and daycares to sample for lead contamination from sources of potable water in school buildings. The oldest school…
Read MoreFunding for local highways remains down the road
By DENNIS GRUBAUGH Major Metro East transportation projects remain priorities of local leaders, but construction relies on uncertain federal and state funds. Still, the fiscal logjam is going to ease at some point, and it will be a good idea to have priorities “in the queue,” Sen. Martin Sandoval, D-Chicago, told local leaders in a…
Read MoreCommercial Real Estate Roundup
Illinois and Missouri come out even in Realtor tax study
By ALAN J. ORTBALS When it comes to taxes, homeowners in Illinois and Missouri are pretty much even. That’s the gist of a comparative tax analysis done by John Foster of the Department of Public Administration and Policy Analysis at SIUE. The report was commissioned by the Illinois Association of Realtors and released in December.…
Read MoreLocal Scott enhancement efforts undermined by state budget standoff
By ALAN J. ORTBALS The success that Southwestern Illinois has enjoyed in protecting Scott Air Force Base and expanding its missions and facilities has attracted the envy of other communities and other states, according to former U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello. “When I announced my retirement from Congress,” Costello said, “I received phone calls immediately asking…
Read MoreWoolpert, Scott AFB worked together to provide support for key tenants
Scott Air Force Base, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2017, is not only a major player in the global efforts of the U.S. Air Force, but it has forged a strong and prosperous relationship with the surrounding communities. Older than the Air Force itself, which turns 70 this year, Scott AFB began as Scott…
Read MoreHSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital continues collaboration to train military, civilian physicians
Diagonally across the street from HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville is a 25,000-square-foot facility where St. Elizabeth’s Hospital partners with three other health-care organizations to train some of the best and brightest medical graduates during their journey to becoming family physicians. There are two clinics, Belleville Family Health Center and Scott Air…
Read MoreScott Air Force Base’s economic impact is $4 billion and growing
By ALAN J. ORTBALS The economic activity generated by Scott Air Force Base exceeds $4 billion annually, according to a study released by the Office of the Illinois Lieutenant Governor in November 2014. The report, Illinois Military Base and Defense Industry Assets Economic Impact Study: State and Regional Analyses, was conducted by the Center for…
Read MoreOnce endangered, Scott Air Force Base thrives under base realignment process
A Q&A with former Congressman Jerry Costello IBJ: Scott Air Force Base is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. That’s quite an accomplishment but it seems that it has really flourished through the Base Realignment and Closure process over the last 30 years or so. I’ve heard that early on in that process Scott…
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