Melissa Crockett Meske

The East End Improvement Association has sponsored the annual parade since 1916

Career pivots are becoming mainstream -- and much more necessary

And you can help navigate the journey along the way

Pro puts recent life events into perspective

As libraries in rural communities begin exploring community podcasting, the question isn't just what they can produce. It's what their communities want to hear.

Stories about good people, good work, good places and good thoughts — and the messy, wonderful business of figuring out what comes next. Click to read Good News Monday, by Melissa Meske, a Substack publication. Launched 6 days ago.

By Melissa Crockett Meske Managing Editor (July 2022-July 2026) Illinois Business Journal

By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal

By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal macmeske@ibjonline.comAs the nation prepares to commemorate its 250th birthday in 2026, communities across Illinois are looking beyond parades and fireworks, viewing the historic…

For Traci Bromaghim, a career in emergency medicine has come full circle. Today, Bromaghim serves as director of emergency services at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center in Alton, overseeing the emergency department, emergency medical…

The “before” and “after” images show what Building 203 at America’s Central Port looked like prior to and following its recently completed rehabilitation. Hollywood River Studios has leased the site. (Images provided by America’s Central Port) A film…

The National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA) installation at Grafton. (Courtesy of NMMA) A ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony was held in Grafton on Saturday, June 9, 2026. The date chosen for this was significant, as it was 82 years to the…

The awards are ready to be presented at the 2026 RBGA Chamber Choice Awards Luncheon on May 27. The fifth annual Chamber Choice Awards Luncheon, hosted by the RiverBend Growth Association, took place on May 27, 2026, in the Commons at Lewis and Clark…

One view of the current Grafton Winery & Brewhaus. (Courtesy of Grafton Winery via Instagram) Grafton Winery & Brewhaus recently shared a business update that, after 17 years, the Brewhaus part of their operations in Grafton has been sold. The new…

By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal macmeske@ibjonline.com

Pictured from the left are DCEO Deputy Director Julio Rodriguez; Illinois Department of Employment Security Deputy Director for Business Services Carrie Thomas; Tony Fuhrmann, Darlene Ladd and Brooke Andrews from Madison County Employment & Training;…

A student-led discussion on the impact of artificial intelligence on education was recently hosted at Lewis and Clark Community in Godfrey. Offered as both an in-person and virtual conversation between panelists and participants, the dialogue…

A new wave of partnerships between regional institutions and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is positioning Southwestern Illinois and the St. Louis metro area as a growing hub for geospatial talent development, industry leaders said last…

A map view of the Riverland RV Resort planned to debut in Grafton this summer near Raging Rivers WaterPark. A new outdoor hospitality venture is taking shape near Raging Rivers WaterPark, with developers targeting a summer opening for Riverland RV…

Hometown doctor leads the way While already open for business and accepting new clients, Prairie Star Acupuncture & Healing Arts in Hamel will host its official grand opening celebration with an open house format from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 3.…