(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 his employment at WSIL, so he needs no introduction to the people of Southern Illinois,” said SI Now Board Member Mike Monchino. “Nick is very professional, disciplined, intelligent, likeable, and an outstanding communicator. These traits are very beneficial for the development and success of SI Now.” His time on television stretched far beyond just telling the weather but included telling the stories of Southern Illinois. From the two-lane roads that wind through the hills and valleys of the Shawnee National Forest, to the three interstate highways that transport goods and commodities around the globe, Southern Illinois has something for everyone. Telling the story of this region and bringing people together to promote Southern Illinois has long been a passion of Holdinghausen.
“This region is so special,” said Holdinghausen. “When I moved here over 12 years ago, I was embraced by the community, and it quickly became home. I learned that there are things in Southern Illinois that cannot be found in other places. The welcoming communities, low cost of living, world class university, and natural wonders to just name a few. Our region has a lot to offer.”
Holdinghausen is not originally from Southern Illinois but grew up just upstream on the Mississippi River in Festus, Missouri. He feels that his outside perspective offers a chance to identify assets others from the region may take for granted. “Nick’s vast knowledge of and connections to communities throughout the region are tremendous assets. We appreciate his commitment to SI Now’s vision and to helping grow Southern Illinois for current and future generations,” said John Dosier, President of First Southern Bank and SI Now Board of Trustees Member.
This strong commitment to advancing Southern Illinois is largely fueled by Nick’s dedication to his family. “Southern Illinois is home for my wife and I, and our two young children. The economic success of the region is so important to keep young, talented individuals in the area, as well as providing a key recruiting tool to attract new businesses and residents,” Nick shared.
Holdinghausen will work alongside SI Now’s Executive Director Deb Barnett with focus on three main areas: business growth and development, education and workforce development, and marketing the region. Barnett added, “Nick’s career at WSIL provided a unique vantage point and understanding of the region's communities, people and assets that will serve him well in this role. His dedication to Southern Illinois is evident and he will continue to be at the forefront of telling its story to advance the region that he and his family call home.”
SI Now serves as a regional economic development hub and unified voice for the 17 southern counties of Illinois to advance the region as a great place to live, work, and do business. In addition to its full-time staff, the organization is directed by a 16-member board consisting of business and community leaders representing various industries and communities throughout the region. “The SI Now Board of Directors is excited to be adding Nick to the team. Southern Illinois is a great place to do business and Nick will be a great asset in communicating this,” said Woody Thorne, Chief Development Executive – Community Affairs at Southern Illinois Healthcare and SI Now Board Chair. SI Now’s focused work includes attracting and expanding business in the region, partnering to support existing businesses, assisting with workforce pipeline strategies, and marketing the region to both internal and external audiences.
To participate or invest in SI Now, contact info@southernillinoisnow.org.