People In Business

Poettker Construction Co. was recently awarded a bronze Building Team Award by Building Design+Construction for its new state-of-the-art headquarters in Breese, finished in October 2019. The Building Team Awards highlight the best projects across the country, exemplifying the collaboration between owner, architect, engineer and contractor to produce buildings that exhibit architectural and construction excellence. “We…

John C. Hanson is serving this year as treasurer of the Madison County Bar Association. He is a member of the litigation practice group at Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C., representing companies in a variety of commercial matters. Previously, he served as an assistant state’s attorney in the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. “We’re pleased…

GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College welcomed four new full-time faculty members this fall. All four replaced former faculty members in programs that demonstrated a need, said LCCC Chief Academic Officer Jill Lane. “We’re really excited for this group,” Lane said. Instructor of Chemistry Ben Hutcherson has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Georgetown…

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has selected Morris Taylor, PhD, as its vice chancellor for administration following a national search. Pending approval by the SIU Board of Trustees, Taylor officially assumes his new responsibilities on Thursday, Oct. 1. The VCA is responsible for support functions of the university, including planning and budgeting, human resources, financial affairs,…

Celeste Wheeler is the new president of the Realtor Association of Southwestern Illinois. She was installed as 2020-2021 president at an event at the Regency Conference Center in O’Fallon, on Aug. 20. This year’s festivities looked very different from previous years due to restrictions on events. “Even though everyone wore masks, you could feel the…

The Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois has announced the promotion of Jessica Upchurch to chief operating officer. Upchurch (top) joined the council in 2017 as the director of volunteer experience. Two years later she became vice president of membership development and support. Now, she oversees the daily operations of most customer-facing departments including membership, program,…

Small-business start-ups vie for $10K prize A dozen Southwestern Illinois-based entrepreneurs and their innovative business concepts have been selected to move into the second round of the 7th annual Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Small Business Development Center Metro East Start-Up Challenge business plan competition. More than 25 entrepreneurs expressed interest in the regional competition this…

Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C., which has offices in the area, including in Belleville, announced it is partnering with Homethrive, a family elder care coordinator, to offer all of its employees a fully covered family caregiver service benefit as part of the firm’s broader benefits package. The benefit is available immediately to all employees across…

Springfield, Mo.-based BKD CPAs & Advisors, one of the largest acccouting and advisory firms in the country, has selected Tom Watson as its next CEO, effective June 1, 2021. The company has an office in downtown St. Louis. Watson (left) will succeed current CEO Ted Dickman (right), who is retiring May 31, 2021. Watson’s selection…

Former state Rep. Dan Beiser, of Alton will continue to serve on the Illinois Racing Board and redesignated to serve as chair, pending  Illinois Senate confirmation. Beiser represented the 111th legislative district in the Illinois House Representatives from 2004 to 2017. He previously served as an alderman and city treasurer in Alton. Beiser also taught…