2017 September Issue

By DENNIS GRUBAUGH    With keys in hand following mammoth construction of the new HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, officials are now making a home of the $300 million project, which officially debuts Nov. 4.    From the outside it looks complete, but inside, many final touches remain before move-in.    More than 1,500 staff, doctors and…

By DENNIS GRUBAUGH    JERSEYVILLE — A heavily agricultural region that has historically catered to livestock, crops and orchards is increasingly setting its sights on business development.    Jerseyville and surrounding towns could be on the brink of a new era, says a local economic development director.    “It’s a great time to be in Jerseyville because of…

By ALAN J. ORTBALS    Imagine being able to take a self-guided, 3D, virtual tour of a residence, office, hotel, hospitality venue or museum, being able to move from room to room at your own pace and zoom in to get a better look at details, all without leaving your home or desk.     That’s what…

By DENNIS GRUBAUGH    EDWARDSVILLE — From diapers to dogfood, from laser printers to bug deflectors, there’s a little of everything for consumer tastes at the Amazon fulfillment centers in Edwardsville, and there’s a growing need for employees to take care of the shipping.    The number of local workers is now more than double the original…

A progressive view: We can’t afford tax cuts for millionaires and corporations By FRANK CLEMENTE    President Trump and Republicans in Congress are pushing plans that give huge tax breaks to millionaires and wealthy corporations, paid for by cutting Medicare, Medicaid, education and other critical services. To protect these priorities and to invest in our communities,…

A conservative view: Republicans, Democrats must come together to overhaul antiquated system By RODNEY DAVIS    The year we last saw tax reform in this country, I had just gotten my driver’s license, was working my first job at McDonald’s, and listening to Poison’s debut album, “Look What the Cat Dragged In.” Oh, and the Chicago…

    IBJ: You’ve spoken recently on the topic of crime and economic development and how one affects the other. It seems you’ve given it a lot of thought.        Kelly: We try to look at the issues of violent crime, the nexus between criminal justice and economic justice and social justice. They are all the…