From an early age, Terry Nybakke had an interest in the family business. “I attended Bloomington Junior High School and walked to our Front St. location and fixed vacuums almost every day after school!” said Terry.

Features, BusinessErik PrenzlerJuly 18, 2018Going Local

Looking Beyond the Cover at Bobzbay, Nostalgia Kicks In

I had passed Bobzbay at least a dozen times, usually on my way to meet a friend for coffee or interview a source for a story.

Business, FeaturesBreanna GrowJuly 12, 2018Local Business, Downtown Bloomington

Going Local: The Workout Company

“We are the most tailored fitness club in town!” said Carl Clover of The Workout Company in Normal.

Features, BusinessErik PrenzlerJuly 5, 2018Going Local, Local Business, Small Business

Editorial: The Perfect Storm is Creating a Promising Future for Rivian

While I’ve been reporting on Rivian ever since it crept out of secrecy and purchased the 2.6M sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Normal, little has been said about the company’s viability once they are in production.

Editorial, BusinessChristian PrenzlerJune 29, 2018Rivian, Manufacturing

Going Local: Flingers Pizza Pub

“My favorite menu item is the Windy City Fire pizza,” said Pat Fruin, owner of Flingers Pizza Pub in Bloomington. “I eat pizza almost every day,” continued Pat.

Business, FeaturesErik PrenzlerJune 29, 2018food, Going Local, Local Business

Blast From the Past: Garcia’s Pizza in a Pan

Everyone should have to work in the service industry at least once in their early adult years…

Aldermen Scrutinize BN Advantage, Call for Increased Reporting and Transparency

A memorandum of understanding between the City of Bloomington and the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council sets new expectations for the agency that’s faced increased scrutiny from governing bodies over the last year.

Government, BusinessBreanna GrowJune 27, 2018Economic Development, Public Services

Going Local: Vitesse Cycle Shop

“Constitution Trail has been a big benefit to biking and to bike sales,” said Chris Koos, owner of Vitesse Cycle Shop in Normal.

Business, FeaturesErik PrenzlerJune 25, 2018Sports, Going Local, Local business, Uptown Normal

Frontier Flies Back to CIRA, Flights to Denver and Orlando Start this Fall

After a 3 year hiatus, Frontier Airlines is back in Bloomington-Normal. Now branded as an ultra-low-cost carrier, Frontier will offer flights to both Denver and Orlando.

News, BusinessChristian PrenzlerJune 19, 2018CIRA, Economic Development, Travel, Transportation

Growmark Goes Green, Adding Solar Panels at Distribution Center to Reduce Costs

As more and more U.S. farmers are adding a crop of renewable energy to their fields, one of the nation’s top agriculture cooperatives is following suit.

Business, NewsBreanna GrowJune 14, 2018Renewables, energy, Economic Development, Real Estate

Going Local: Kenney's Delivery

“Scheduling is the most challenging part of our business,” says Katie Barling of Kenny’s Delivery in Bloomington.

Features, BusinessErik PrenzlerJune 14, 2018Small Business, Going Local, Real Estate

ISU Student Blake Whittle Aims to Break High School Sports Streaming Monopoly

When one door closes, another door to opportunity opens. Blake Whittle, Illinois State University sophomore business administration major, 20, of Pontiac, realizes that fact.

Business, FeaturesStuart StalterJune 13, 2018Sports, New business, Small Business, Technology

Morton Based Self-Driving Tech Company, AutonomouStuff, Acquired by Swedish Engineering Firm

Morton Based self-driving tech firm, AutonomouStuff has been acquired for an undisclosed sum by Swedish Engineering Company, Hexagon AB.

Business, NewsChristian PrenzlerJune 8, 2018Technology, Development, Economic Development, Finance

Going Local: Associated Constructors Co.

“For the first two years we worked out of Spencer’s basement,“ said Gary. “The market wasn’t doing real good, but sometimes it’s better to start a new business at that time” continued Gary.

Business, FeaturesErik PrenzlerJune 7, 2018Development, Going Local, Local business, Real Estate

Putting the Humanity Back in Web Design and Development at Cybernautic

Chad Parker was a junior at Bloomington High School when he started building websites for local businesses from an office set up in his parents’ basement.

Business, FeaturesBreanna GrowJune 4, 2018Small Business, Development, Real Estate

Going Local: Wm. MarKen Jewelers

“After I graduated from high school in 1976 I was tired of school and wanted to work,” said Ken Criser, part-owner of Wm. MarKen Jewelers in Bloomington. Ken was trained in the “old school” ways of hand fabricating, diamond setting and repairing jewelry.

Features, BusinessErik PrenzlerJune 1, 2018Going Local, Business, Small Business