The Biz Week That Was: Furniture store bids farewell, Bears megaproject bill moves forward, and a new grocer coming are among the highlights

A fond farewell: Beidelman Furniture in Naperville to close April 29

Since announcing its closure on social media earlier this month, customers have been visiting Beidelman Furniture in Naperville for one last purchase or to share their stories of what the 165-year-old store has meant to them. It’s been a bittersweet time — almost like a wake — that Kate Heitmanek, co-owner of the family-run store, treasures.

Cue the Senate: What’s next for bill to shuffle Bears to the suburbs?

After the state House passed legislation aimed at keeping the Chicago Bears in Illinois late Wednesday, the ball is now in the Senate’s hands. So, how will the upper chamber handle the hot-potato megaproject bill that supports a new stadium in Arlington Heights and provides tax breaks to the NFL franchise?

Illinois House finally approves megaproject bill, but Bears still seek infrastructure funds

After years of gathering dust at the state Capitol, legislation that would give the Bears a long-term property tax break and pave the way to a new stadium in Arlington Heights advanced out of the House Wednesday. The chamber voted 78-32 Wednesday night to approve megaproject legislation long-sought by the NFL franchise, though the amended bill would also siphon off half of what the team would pay local governments to property tax rebates for homeowners.

New grocer coming to former Dominick’s site in Buffalo Grove

The long-vacant former Dominick’s space in Buffalo Grove’s Chase Plaza development will have a second new tenant — and it turns out to be a grocery store. Village officials confirmed this week that Sprouts Farmers Market — a national specialty grocer with more than 480 stores across 25 states — will open at 1160 W. Lake-Cook Road.

Millionaire tax amendment fails to gain enough support from House Democrats

A “millionaire tax” proposal floated in the Illinois House failed to gain enough traction in Springfield this week, making it increasingly unlikely that voters will be asked to approve the measure in November.

Mount Prospect enjoying high sales tax revenues, aiming for top bond rating

Mount Prospect sales tax collections continued to grow last year, officials said this week. But the village isn’t resting on its financial laurels; the village still has a AAA bond rating in its sights.

Six Flags Great America celebrates golden anniversary with season of surprises

Anticipation always accompanies opening weekend at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee. But the start of a new season Saturday comes with extra zip. The big park that literally put a tiny community on the map and long has been a destination driver for Lake County's annual tourism economy — now at nearly $2 billion — is turning 50.