A dog-grooming business in Piatt County is looking to expand its operations by bringing services directly to its canine clientele.
Willow Branch Grooming, which has locations in Monticello and Cisco, is launching mobile grooming on March 2.
“Everything you do at the salon is in the van,” said owner Heidi Clyborn. “So we just now drive it to your driveway and take out that wait.”
She added that in addition to being convenient, mobile grooming is also a good option for clients whose dogs do better in “one on one” settings.
The business shared on social media that the van will travel about 30 to 40 miles from of Willow Branch’s Monticello location, including to customers in Champaign, Bloomington and Decatur.
Clyborn said that she wanted to serve the Champaign market in particular, as there seemed to be a need for mobile grooming services in the city.
Bookings for mobile visits are now available, and services include full-service haircuts, baths, brush-outs, nail trims, shedding control and teeth brushing.
The mobile grooming van has water and power, so clients won’t have to worry about needing to provide either during their appointments, Clyborn said.
“You don’t need to do anything,” she said. “You don’t even have to be there. So it’s really just a convenience for the owner. The first meeting we meet the owner, after that you don’t even have to be there. We just get it done for you.”
Matton hotel at Emerald Acres nears completion
Horve Construction shared in a social media post that it is in “the home stretch” on the new Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites, located at 409 Swords Drive just off Interstate 57 at exit 190B.
“All guest room FF&E (furniture, fixtures and equipment) is installed, the elevators have been completed and we’re down to the corridors and first floor finishes,” the building company posted on Monday. The business said in a previous post that the hotel will have 91 rooms.
Marriott lists the hotel’s opening date as April 16 but does not show any availability before May 31. Prices start at $146 for a one-night, one-person booking on that date.
According to the hotel’s website, amenities will include an indoor pool, a fitness center, free continental and hot breakfast, and valet dry cleaning. Pets are allowed, with a maximum of two per room.
Wanted: one leader for Champaign nonprofit
Champaign Center Partnership, a business organization focused on promoting the vitality of downtown, Campustown and midtown, has put out a call for applications for its executive director position.
Kevin Hildebrand, who chairs the organization’s board, said that former executive director Jenna Manolakes announced her resignation to members Dec. 31.
“Our goal is to receive all applications by February 27th and then begin vetting candidates with the search committee,” he said. “We are focused on finding the right individual who will lead CCP through a planned growth phase, with the explicit goal of expanding the organization over the next 3 years.”
According to the job listing, the organization’s goals include expanding CCP to a “three-person professional staff” and increasing the annual budget to approximately $250,000.
The salary range for executive director is $65,000 to $85,000, depending on the individual’s level of experience. More information about the position and how to apply is available at champaigncenter.com.
Manolakes, who previously served as marketing and events coordinator for CCP, stepped into the role of executive director in early 2024.
Credit union to hold grand opening
The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Citizens Equity First Credit Union’s (CEFCU) new Champaign member center at 2803 N. Prospect Ave. on Thursday. There will be an open house and lunch following the 11 a.m. ceremony.
“At CEFCU, we understand each member is on a unique financial journey,” said President and CEO Matt Mamer. “We look forward to working with current and new members to help them reach their financial goals. And, giving back to the communities we serve is very important to CEFCU. We look forward to building strong relationships in Champaign-Urbana.”
The new location includes three drive-up service lanes and a drive-up ATM, chamber officials said.
Cannabis consumption lounge celebrates opening
Smoke Lab at Seven Point, located at 380 Eastgate Drive in Danville, will have a grand opening on Thursday. The schedule includes a ribbon cutting and lunch at 1 p.m. and cannabis vendor pop-ups with tastings at 2 p.m.
There will also be a ticketed “Smokes and Jokes” event with comedian Dre Burns at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. More information is available at sevenpoint.org
“We’ve been open — now it’s time to celebrate the right way!” the business shared on social media.
Local doctor joins bank board
Dr. Kurt Bloomstrand has joined the board of directors at First Federal Savings Bank of Champaign-Urbana.
Bloomstrand is an emergency room physician and the medical director of emergency services at OSF HealthCare, bank officials said. Additionally, he and his wife, Sarah, opened First Line Urgent Care Clinic at 2403 S. Neil St. in Champaign in January.
First Federal Savings Bank of C-U is headquartered in Champaign with an additional branch in Urbana.
