No Studio Required: A Real-World Guide to Video Marketing for Small Brands
Small business owners juggle more than just sales and service—they’re often the entire marketing department too. As customer attention becomes harder to hold, video has quietly taken the lead as the most powerful medium to connect, explain, and convert. But diving into video doesn’t mean chasing viral fame or blowing the budget on gear. It means being strategic about how video supports a bigger message—and making it work with what’s already in place. Go Where the Eyes Already Are There’s no need to
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Sertoma Club of Springfield Supports Motherland Community Project
The Sertoma Club of Springfield joined Motherland Community Project on August 2, 2025 to celebrate the conclusion of its summer program, 'From Seeds to Table,' for students from K-12th grade from disadvantaged neighborhoods in the city. With a $2,000 grant from Sertoma International, the Motherland Community Project was able to purchase seeds and plants, in addition to provide program materials. Sertoma joined a variety of other community partners in supporting programming at Motherland. During the summer
Springfield Memorial Hospital Seeks Feedback on Birth Experience
Springfield Memorial Hospital (SMH) Family Maternity Suites seeks feedback on the birth experience from families who have welcomed a baby at the hospital during the past two years, as well as pregnant women who plan to give birth at SMH who have previously delivered at SMH. Patients and family members are invited to attend a community event with refreshments at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19, to join a discussion on the importance of respectful maternity care. “We want to make sure we provide respectful care
Memorial Health Appoints Dr. Ted Clark as Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer
Ted Clark, MD, MPP, has been named Memorial Health’s senior vice president and chief clinical officer, effective August 4, 2025. In his new role, Dr. Clark will oversee Memorial Medical Group, Memorial Behavioral Health and the health system’s quality and safety teams and its home health services. Dr. Clark has served as Decatur Memorial Hospital’s chief medical officer since 2020 and previously led the hospital’s Emergency Department from 2017 to 2020. He has been a practicing emergency medicine
Mennonite College of Nursing Springfield Inaugural Class Graduates
Illinois State University Mennonite College of Nursing (MCN) proudly announces the graduation of its first cohort of nursing students in Springfield, marking a historic milestone for the college and the surrounding community. The inaugural class of 25 students received their degrees during a commencement ceremony held in May. Over 30% of the graduating class have signed on with Memorial Health. “This momentous occasion is the culmination of a great deal of planning and collaboration between our two
Ambassador of the Quarter: Wendell Zulauf, Jr.
Wendell Zulauf, Jr. Manager Sunbelt Rentals 217-528-1065 pcm389@sunbeltrentals.comIn the second quarter of 2025, Wendell Zulauf, Jr., Manager, Sunbelt Rentals earned the Ambassador of the Quarter honor. Wendell had 11 member leads join The Chamber, made eight member contacts, attended eight ribbon cuttings, worked at two Chamber on Tap events and one Coffee & Connections, and attended three Ambassador committee meetings. Wendell will receive a gift certificate to a Chamber member
Stars, stripes, and Zyn: Philip Morris wants you to know it's 'invested in America'
Lara O'Reilly is a senior correspondent who covers the digital advertising industry, marketing, and media. Her beat includes big tech companies like Apple, Alphabet, and Meta, and adtech firms, agencies, publishers, and CMOs. Lara has previously worked as a reporter and executive producer at titles including The Wall Street Journal, Digiday, Yahoo Finance, and Marketing Week. She was also previously Business Insider's senior global advertising editor between 2014 and 2017. Lara was named "Digital
Floyd Imports School Supply Drive for Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois
Floyd Imports is hosting a school supply drive for Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois on August 9. The school supply drive will be held at Floyd Imports, located at 2320 Prairie Crossing Drive in Springfield, from 12 pm to 3 pm. "We are inviting everyone to donate school supplies, filling up Floyd Imports' all-electric VW ID Buzz," said Floyd Imports co-owner Andy Floyd. "We are so thankful for the work Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois does in our community, and we want to help as many
American Airlines Enhances Service between Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport with Improved Flight Schedules and New Larger Aircraft
Effective October 7th, Springfield area air travelers will enjoy a more convenient flight schedule as American Airlines reinstates the popular early morning departure from SPI. The enhanced flight schedule gives passengers earlier access to American Airlines’ hub at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), making it easier to connect to hundreds of popular destinations across the country and around the world. The updated schedule is now available in the reservation system and open for booking: Depart
VISIT SPRINGFIELD ANNOUNCES FREE NEW TOURISM AMBASSADOR ONLINE ACADEMY
Visit Springfield has created and launched a Tourism Ambassador Academy online course and training certification to help us shape the future of Springfield, IL. This course that has been created by Visit Springfield with the intention that participants will gain insight into the program’s unique training modules, which cover topics like visitor engagement, greetings, handshakes, and what tourism means to our city. “We’re excited to invite community partners, business and anyone interested in supporting
Take a Step Toward Heart Health with the Powered by Prairie Walk and Health Fair
Heart health is a community effort. HSHS St. John’s Hospital and the Prairie Heart Foundation are proud to promote cardiac health with the Powered by Prairie Walk and Heart Fair on Sept. 6 from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at Southwind Park in Springfield. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming a life every 34 seconds, according to the American Heart Association. All proceeds raised by the low-impact, high-fun event will benefit cardiac rehabilitation services at HSHS
Nordhoff Named July Colleague of the Month for Springfield Memorial Hospital
Kerry Nordhoff, a sterile processing technician at Springfield Memorial Hospital, is the nonprofit hospital’s Colleague of the Month for July. Nordhoff is respected by others for his “can-do” attitude, knowledge of sterile equipment and instrumentation and a relentless focus on patient safety. Nominated by five different colleagues, his ability to troubleshoot issues in a timely manner while being kind and professional was mentioned multiple times. “Kerry goes above and beyond for the surgery department
SENATOR DURBIN & SIU MEDICINE LEADERS EXPRESS CONCERNS ABOUT FEDERAL BUDGET CUTS
Health care leaders and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin gathered at Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine on July 25 to strongly denounce sweeping federal budget cuts to Medicaid, student loan support and medical research—pillars that sustain both local patient care and the next generation of physicians. “The new federal directives are not theoretical,” said Dr. Jerry Kruse, dean and provost of SIU Medicine. “They will directly harm the people and communities we serve—especially in rural and
UIS Lincoln Studies director featured on HBO Max, Magnolia Network series ‘Back to the Frontier’
SPRINGFIELD – University of Illinois Springfield Center for Lincoln Studies Director Jacob Friefeld is featured as a historical expert on the new HBO Max and Magnolia Network series “Back to the Frontier,” which immerses three modern-day families in the rugged realities of 1880s life without modern conveniences.The show places the families in an environment without phones or electricity and challenges them to survive using 19th century methods. Friefeld appears on the program as a guide,
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Jordan Stott
Jordan StottAccounting & Finance RecruiterExpress Employment Professionals (217) 528-3000jordan.stott@expresspros.comWhat products and services does your business offer? We provide workforce and workplace solutions for businesses and people in the Springfield area. For our workplace customers (businesses): direct-hire placements and a range of other temporary staffing solutions across most industries, HR consulting, training, development, and payroll services. For our workforce customers (people):
WIN GUN OR CASH RAFFLE
WIN one of 20 GUNS or CASH - Firearm Frenzy drawn 9/16/25.$25.00 each ticket sold through link below:https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/firefighters-postal-lake-clubs-gun-raffle--2025Sponsored by the Firefighters Postal Lake Club 940 W. Lake Shore Drive, Springfield, IL (217-691-6472) Your emailed receipt is your ticket to the drawing party on September 16, 2025 at 6pm.Winners need not to be present, must follow all State and Federal Firearms Laws. FOOD * PRIZES * BEER * DRAWINGS * FUNFirearms to
2025 Corporate Cup Challenge Golf Outing Results Announced
Below are the results of The Chamber’s 30th Annual Corporate Cup Challenge Golf Outing that was held July 17 and 18 at Piper Glen Golf Club. The team that earned first place in the Championship Flight and the Corporate Cup traveling trophy was Bank of Springfield with a score of 54. First Place in the Second Flight was Heartland Credit Union (Team 2) with a score of 63. The Chamber would like to thank all the businesses that participated by either entering a team and/or sponsoring a hole. We would
Willis earns project management certification
Austin Willis, GISP, PMP, a geospatial project manager at Hanson Professional Services Inc., recently received the project management professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute. Willis, who joined the firm earlier this year and works from the St. Louis area, manages and supports geospatial projects, integrating geospatial solutions that enhance efficiency, foster innovation and strategically posture Hanson’s clients for success. He received associate degrees in sociology from
Back to School Brunch Fundraiser
Join us in celebrating the impact you make!Mark your calendars! Our annual Back to School Brunch will take place on Sunday, September 14 at Erin’s Pavilion. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.Tickets are available now. For more information, contact Senior Donor Relations Manager Brandy at 217-481-4651 or brandy@compassforkids.orgBuy Tickets Now
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Tiffany Bauman
Tiffany BaumanBilling CoordinatorHanson Professional Services Inc. 217-747-9225tbauman@hanson-inc.comWhat products and services does your business offer? Hanson’s mission is to help our clients succeed in meeting their business- or government-sector goals by providing quality professional engineering, planning and allied services while protecting the public and environment. Additionally, we provide our clients with environmentally sensitive options through our knowledge and implementation of
VISIT SPRINGFIELD ANNOUNCES OPENING OF THE ROUTE 66 BOB WALDMIRE ART EXHIBITION AT THE PHARMACY GALLERY & ART SPACE
Visit Springfield is excited to unveil an art exhibition of curated work from Bob Waldmire. Bob Waldmire-Nomadic Hippie, gifted artist, and Route 66 icon well known for his creative expression of the Mother Road and all her glory. This exhibit allows you to immerse yourself in this creative expression and awe-inspiring attention to detail, celebrating the nostalgia and culture of Route 66. OFFICIAL RIBBON WITH CUTTING WITH GSCC & MEDIA EVENT –JULY 11, 2025 at 3:00PMThe Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space623 E.
LLCC names new softball coach
Lincoln Land Community College has named Leslie Messina as the new head coach of the Loggers softball program, following the retirement of longtime coach John Marsaglia. “We are excited to announce that Leslie Messina has agreed to become the next head softball coach at Lincoln Land Community College,” said Diana Couch, LLCC Athletics Director. “From the beginning, it was clear that Leslie aligned with the vision and direction that we are working toward. Her experience this past year as an assistant with
Visit Springfield Offers Free Online Tourism Ambassador Academy
We’re excited to invite you to participate in this course, developed in collaboration with Learn Tourism! This program aims to certify community members, stakeholders and professionals of all walks as a tourism ambassador, empowering them to share Springfield’s story with pride and authenticity. This course that has been created by Visit Springfield with the intention that participants will gain insight into the program’s unique training modules, which cover topics like visitor engagement,
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CITP Offers Technology Leadership Based In Illinois
CITP Offers Technology Leadership (CIOs, CTOs & CISOs) Based In Illinois Central Illinois Tech Partners (CITP), headquartered in Springfield, Illinois, was founded as a single source for a variety of technology experts to meet the growing technology needs of the region. Companies don't need to leave the region to get the technology services they want. We have been asked where the CITP technology leaders are located. CITP is the only entity in Illinois outside the Chicago area that promotes Technology
A Monetary Policy Discussion with the Chicago Fed, featuring Austan D. Goolsbee, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce is pleased to host A Monetary Policy Discussion with the Chicago Fed, featuring Austan D. Goolsbee, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. This special event will include a Fireside Chat moderated by Mark Denzler, President & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. As President of the Chicago Fed, Goolsbee plays a key role in shaping national monetary policy as a member of the Federal Open Market Committee. He also oversees the Bank’s
The Damon Priddy State Farm Team is Growing!
Springfield Illinois - March 2025 - Damon Priddy Insurance & Financial Services - a State Farm Agency is proud to announce the addition of three talented professionals - Chadd Pfeiffer, Marc Reeves and Heath Bilyeu - to it's growing team. As the agency continues to expand its footprint in the Springfield community, these new team members bring a wealth of knowledge, industry experience and a commitment to delivering exceptional service to clients. "This growth reflects our dedication to helping more
Damon Priddy State Farm recognized as both Best Agency & Best Agent in Springfield!
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS - November 2024 The Damon Priddy State Farm Team, a leader in providing quality insurance & financial service solutions, is proud to announce it's recent awards for Best Insurance Agency and Best Insurance Agent in Springfield by the Community Choice Awards. These prestigious honors reflect the agency's dedication to clients, community engagement and exceptional service. This is the third consecutive year that the agency has taken home both awards! The awards were presented at the
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Damon Priddy State Farm Team Rebrands ''What is Service''
This week the agency has taken part in multiple events and recognized their service team for National Customer Service Week! Nearly four years into the launch of the Damon Priddy State Farm Agency, our team is "rebranding" the customer service team and the way we "do service". "I came from a background in hospitality, managing multiple hotels and major brands along the way. Taking care of people is engrained in who I am. That hospitality training and care for detail doesn't go away. Launching the agency in
