(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 the region’s business opportunities both within the region and beyond.
The work completed through SI Now over the past 18 months, including regionalized collaboration in business development, marketing the region, and workforce development, has set an important foundation for the next step as a standalone entity. This work has generated commitments from local businesses to fund the organization’s operational budget, which is currently 83% funded. SI Now continues to accept additional investments from local businesses.
“Regional wins create a ripple effect, be it in Carbondale, Harrisburg, Mt. Vernon, Benton, Chester or Anna. In a difficult economic climate, now is the time for Southern Illinois leaders to come together and capitalize on available business opportunities in the region,” said SIH Vice President of Community Affairs Woody Thorne, chair of the SI Now Board of Trustees.
“It’s rewarding to see meaningful collaboration across all of Southern Illinois from individuals who are passionately vested in our future,” added First Southern Bank President and CEO John Dosier, vice chair of the SI Now Board of Trustees. “Attracting new businesses will mean new jobs and opportunities for upward economic mobility, improving the quality of life in our region.”
A strong group of Southern Illinois business and community leaders serve on the SI Now Board of Trustees, including:
- Kevin Beckemeyer – President/CEO, Legence Bank
- Rodney Cabaness – Co-Owner, Black Diamond Harley Davidson
- John Dosier (Vice Chair) – President and CEO, First Southern Bank
- Tony Iriti – Executive Director, Jefferson County Development Corporation
- Austin Lane – Chancellor, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
- Lynn Andersen Lindberg (Secretary) – Executive Director, SIU Innovation and Economic Development, SIU Research Park
- Kathy Lively – CEO, Man-Tra-Con Corporation
- Robert J. May – President/CEO, Banterra Bank
- Cary Minnis – Executive Director, Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission
- Mike Monchino – Principal Member, Monchino Management
- Will Stephens – Mayor, City of Murphysboro
- Woody Thorne (Chair) – Vice President of Community Affairs, SIH
- Michael Tison (Treasurer) – Managing Director/Financial Advisor, Align Wealth Management
- Tom Welge – President, Gilster-Mary Lee
- Patrick Windhorst – Board President, OneShawnee and State Representative, Illinois 118th District Office
“Regionalism in economic development leverages the total strength of a geographic area. Mt. Vernon is in the northernmost county; we not only have our strengths but can also draw on the assets of Carbondale and Marion as well,” said Jefferson County Development Corporation (JCDC) Executive Director and SI Now Board member Tony Iriti. “If one county succeeds, we all win. Regional strength helps us compete for projects with other larger jurisdictions. We can draw on Southern Illinois’ amenities and workforce within a one-hour drive time.”
As part of SI Now’s work to foster business development and elevate perceptions of the region, the group recently released an economic development video titled “Numbers Don’t Lie,” using compelling statistics to showcase the region’s business advantages and high quality of life. The video, created by Carbondale-based Arthur Agency, was launched on a new SI Now YouTube channel and promoted on all of its social media channels. Anyone invested in the success of our region is encouraged to view, like, and share the video on their own social networks.