November 15, 2024
Cusumano & Sons: From Humble Beginnings to Southern Illinois Staple
The story of Cusumano & Sons began at the turn of the 20th century, when Joe Cusumano, a young Sicilian immigrant, arrived at Ellis Island seeking the American Dream. At just eight years old and unable to speak English, Joe started his journey by selling overripe bananas in New York’s wholesale produce district. Through determination […]
July 29, 2024
A Bright Future with D&D Electric
A Bright Future with D&D Electric Imagine if the sun sent you a monthly bill for all the sunlight you use. Thankfully, it does not, and that’s where solar energy comes in! Harnessing the power of the sun is like having an endless supply of free pizza delivered to your door – minus the calories […]
June 18, 2024
Global companies find success in Southern Illinois
One of Southern Illinois Now’s (SI Now) top priorities is to attract new businesses, retain and help existing businesses expand, and encourage entrepreneurship in the southern 17 counties in the Land of Lincoln. Business attraction and retention is not limited to the United States – stretching beyond the country’s borders, it’s essential to encourage foreign […]
April 24, 2024
Continental Tire Celebrates 50 Years in Mt. Vernon
Continental Tire is celebrating 50 years in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. For half a century, Continental Tire has been a cornerstone of Southern Illinois, growing from a 32-acre facility with 47 employees in 1974, to the massive plant it is today, employing 3800 people and sprawling out over 100 acres under roof. In 1974, General Tire […]
March 11, 2024
SI Community Colleges: Building Future Workforce
Southern Illinois is served by four community colleges spread across the region, making significant strides in preparing the workforce for the future. These educational institutions – John A. Logan College, Rend Lake College, Shawnee Community College, and Southeastern Illinois College – are not only shaping the academic landscape but are also playing a crucial role […]
January 11, 2024
Kaskaskia Regional Port District
In the heartland of America, where the mighty Mississippi River weaves its way through fertile bottomland and limestone bluffs casting a shadow from the hills above, the success story of the Kaskaskia Regional Port District (KRPD) unfolds. This thriving hub has transformed the region's economic landscape, showing how a commitment to growth and a willingness […]
December 22, 2023
Blachere Illumination
There's magic that comes to life with the flicker of Christmas lights. As the sun sets and darkness blankets everything around, these tiny, twinkling bulbs emerge casting a warm and festive glow. Often, the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary, and every corner seems to embrace a touch of holiday wonder. Very few know the […]
October 31, 2023
Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins/Garden of the Gods Outpost
October paints Southern Illinois with its most breathtaking hues, as the Shawnee National Forest transforms from a sea of summer green to a canvas of vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges. For Andrew and Jessica Hoffman and their family, October 4, 2023, holds a special significance—a year since their daring move from Juneau, Alaska, to embark […]
October 18, 2023
Forbes Ranks AISIN #8 Best Employer in Illinois 2023
Aisin Illinois in Marion was ranked #8 on Forbes list of best employers in the state of Illinois in 2023. Forbes compiled the list of the Best Employers by State 2023 by partnering with market research firm Statista to survey a total of 70,000 full- or part-time employees across all 50 states and the District […]
September 12, 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.
August 23, 2023
NICK HOLDINGHAUSEN JOINS SI NOW
(CARBONDALE, Ill) -- Southern Illinois Now (SI Now) has named Nick Holdinghausen as its coordinator of regional development and marketing. For the last 12 years, Holdinghausen has served as a meteorologist at WSIL-TV, known on-air as Nick Hausen, he most recently was the station’s chief meteorologist. “We have all known Nick for many years from […]
May 16, 2023
Texas-Based AECI Schirm USA, Inc. Expands to Southern Illinois
Born and raised in Whittington, Illinois, Chad Kern is proud of his Southern Illinois roots and enjoys returning regularly to visit his family on the family farm in Whittington. After earning his Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Architectural Engineering at Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale...
May 11, 2023
Imagine Greatness at Southern Illinois Airport
Jackson County – Tucked into the heart of Jackson County, the Southern Illinois Airport has consistently been making its mark in the United States as a leader in both the aviation and automotive industries. Since 1960, the Southern Illinois Airport has housed Southern Illinois University’s nationally recognized aviation and automotive programs. These programs offer a […]
November 29, 2022
Case Study - Crown Brew
In 2016, owners Jared Gravatt and Josh Benetone opened Crown Brew's first location in Carterville, Ill. with a goal to create a gathering spot with premium coffees, craft beverages, live music, local art, and community outreach for friends and family to grow together.
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 27, 2022
Case Study - Timberline Fisheries
Timberline Fisheries, originally founded by Ray Goodman in 1973 as a seasonal live bait and tackle business, has grown to become one of the largest and most respected suppliers of live pet foods in the United States. Located in Marion, IL, the 250,000 square foot facility grows and harvests crickets, mealworms, wax worms, and several other feeder insects. Customers include national retailers, pet stores, and even zoos.
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 31, 2022
Case Study - Rendleman Orchards
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Shawnee National Forest, Rendleman Orchards family farm produces the highest quality peaches, nectarines, and apples while providing unique seasonal attractions such as pick-your-own sunflowers, zinnia field photo-ops, children’s stations with goats and chickens, and specialty treats like fresh cider donuts.
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 […]
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 […]