Metro East Sun

In an April 3 Facebook post, Illinois State Rep. Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) announced an opportunity for small to mid-sized businesses to be featured in his Business Spotlight.

"Each month, Coffey will highlight a nominated business on his website, Facebook page and e-newsletter," the legislator wrote on Facebook. 

Also, the business will receive a 'Business Spotlight' certificate recognizing their nomination.

“Small and medium-sized businesses are the economic engine of our state,” the legislator said. “Not only do these businesses pay taxes and provide the majority of jobs in our state, but they also sponsor little league teams, assist our schools, and contribute to not-for-profits. They are the lifeblood of our communities.”

Coffey hopes to encourage the public to support local businesses through his Business Spotlight program.

Individuals can nominate a business from the 95th District by completing the Business Spotlight form or by mailing in a nomination. All information can be found here.

Constituents are asked to include their name and contact information as well as the name, address, phone, email and a brief description of the business.

Coffey represents the 95th Legislative District that includes parts of Sangamon County, including portions of the City of Springfield and Villages of Chatham and Rochester as well as parts of Macon and Christian Counties.

He was sworn in January to fill the vacancy left by the retiring Tim Butler.

"As a lifelong resident of Springfield, Rep. Coffey and his family have longstanding and deep ties to Sangamon County," his state bio says. "The Coffey family opened their Springfield restaurant, Saputo’s in 1948. Upon his graduation in 1992 from the University of Illinois with a degree in Political Science, Mike joined the family business, ultimately managing the popular restaurant. In 2015 he opened his own eatery, Papa Frank’s also in Springfield."