January 26, 2023
17th Street BBQ
Amy Mills, owner of 17th Street Barbecue, credits Southern Illinois communities and the strong partnerships she has built to help grow her business and brand. Amy tells us firsthand about her success in the region, how she has continued her father’s legacy, and why she continues to invest in her hometown of Murphysboro, Illinois.
October 31, 2022
Deborah Barnett Named as Executive Director of SI Now
(CARBONDALE, Ill.) Deborah Barnett, Ph.D., a lifelong resident of Southern Illinois dedicated to the region’s advancement, has been named as executive director of Southern Illinois Now (SI Now). SI Now was founded in 2020 to serve as a regional hub for economic development in the southern 17 counties of Illinois, focusing on supporting existing businesses, […]
October 20, 2022
SI Now Takes Action to Advance Regional Economy
(CARBONDALE, Ill.) Southern Illinois Now (SI Now) has filed articles of incorporation with the State of Illinois to become a standalone not-for-profit corporation focused on serving as a regional economic development hub for the 17 southern counties. SI Now’s focus areas include supporting existing businesses, attracting and expanding businesses, developing the region’s workforce, and promoting […]
October 7, 2022
Com-Pac International
Com-Pac International Inc, headquartered in Carbondale, IL, is a leading manufacturer and innovator in the design, engineering and production of medical, food service and industrial plastic products. As a leading industry in our region, manufacturing provides thousands of jobs and contributes billions of dollars to the Southern Illinois economy each year. Com-Pac International President, Gregory […]
August 24, 2022
Fisheye Kayak Rentals
As part of our #WhySI campaign sharing why Southern Illinois is a great place to live, work, and do business, we spoke with Brandon Weisenberger, owner of Fisheye Kayak Rentals about his experience running a business here. Fisheye Kayak Rentals offers delivery and pickup of recreational kayaks and associated equipment at public boat ramps on […]
April 7, 2022
Dinger Bats
Located in the heart of the midwest and at the edge of the Shawnee National Forest, father and son duo Kyle and Randy Drone started Dinger Bats to produce a variety of bats and provide quality craftsmanship and service to the little leagues all the way up to the Majors. Getting into the hands of […]
January 21, 2022
Brooke Guthman - Why SI
As part of our WhySI series, we spoke with Brooke Guthman, Member Services Manager at Egyptian Electric Cooperative and Co-Owner of Walnut Street Properties, LLC, about her role in revitalizing the business community and livability in downtown Murphysboro. How did you choose to live in Southern Illinois? My husband Ryan and I are from Murphysboro […]
December 15, 2021
Why SI - Michael and Julie Cannell
As part of our WhySI campaign showcasing why Southern Illinois is a great place to live and work, we spoke with Michael Cannell, a partner at Reed, Heller & Cannell law firm in Murphysboro, about his family’s decision to relocate to Southern Illinois from the Chicago suburbs. What brought you and your family to […]
December 1, 2021
Why SI - Ross and Sarah Gray
As part of our WhySI campaign showcasing why Southern Illinois is a great place to live and work, we spoke with husband and wife, Ross and Sarah Gray about their decision to relocate to Carbondale from St. Louis. Ross and Sarah both work for Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH), Ross as a hospitalist for SIH Herrin […]
November 24, 2021
Why SI - Four Seven Gallery Event Planning and Designs, LLC
As part of our #WhySI campaign sharing why Southern Illinois is a great place to live, work, and do business, we spoke with Danielle Beckner, owner of Four Seven Gallery Event Planning and Designs, LLC in Marion, Illinois. Danielle provides planning and decorations for all events - from funerals to baby showers, reunions, and weddings; […]
November 17, 2021
Why SI - Eccentrics Boutique
As part of our #WhySI campaign on why Southern Illinois is a great place to live, work, and do business, we spoke with Lauren Craig, the owner of Eccentrics Boutique, an upscale and fashion-forward clothing boutique that has operated in Carterville, Illinois since 2011. How do the Southern Illinois people, community, culture, and/or resources contribute […]
November 10, 2021
Why SI - Neighborhood Co‑op Grocery
As part of our #WhySI campaign sharing why Southern Illinois is a great place to live, work, and do business, we spoke with leaders at the Neighborhood Co-op Grocery about their dedication to improving the health and economy of our region. The Co-op is known not only for selling fresh, locally grown produce and local […]
November 4, 2021
Why SI - Peachbarn Winery and Café
As part of our #WhySI campaign sharing why Southern Illinois is a great place to live, work, and do business, we spoke with Jenny Schroeder about why she chose Southern Illinois to pursue her dream of owning a winery and vineyard and her experience in moving to the region. Jenny and her husband Scott own […]
October 27, 2021
Why SI - Muddy Roots Collective
As part of our #WhySI campaign sharing why Southern Illinois is a great place to live, work, and do business, we asked Allison Klaine-Cagle and Nancy Childers a few questions about their experience launching their new business, Muddy Roots Collective. Muddy Roots Collective is a specialty plant shop that also offers unique locally made goods […]
October 20, 2021
Why SI - William and Keesha Lo
As part of our #WhySI campaign sharing why Southern Illinois is a great place to live, work, and do business, we asked William and Keesha Lo a few questions about their experience as business owners in Southern Illinois. William and Keesha are co-owners of Bake Me Happy Food Co. dessert shop and co-founders of the […]
October 13, 2021
Why SI - Brixwood by Feather Hills
Randy and Renee Feather own Brixwood by Feather Hills and Feather Hill Winery in Makanda, Illinois How do the Southern Illinois people, community, culture and resources contribute to your success in running a business here? The natural resources and landscape here in the Shawnee Hills create an environment unlike anywhere else in Illinois. The rocky […]
October 6, 2021
Why SI - HireLevel
As part of our #WhySI campaign sharing why Southern Illinois is a great place to live, work, and do business, we asked Teresa Katubig, President & CEO, of HireLevel in Marion, Illinois a few questions about her experience running a business in this region. Since starting her workforce management business in Southern Illinois in 1995, […]
February 26, 2021
SIAA Projects Provide Long Term Economic Benefits
Southern Illinois Airport Authority (SIAA) projects provide long-term economic benefits to the region. JACKSON COUNTY: The Southern Illinois Airport Authority (SIAA), located on Airport Road in Murphysboro, IL, is expanding. Construction is underway for three new hangars, Hangar 2 and 11, and most recently, Hangar 10. Sources of funding for construction include a $3.75 million […]