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, Teresa has expanded HireLevel to 9 locations with a national presence while garnering industry praise from the American Staffing Association, Enterprising Women’s Magazine, Small Business Monthly, and the St. Louis Business Journal.

How do the Southern Illinois people, community, culture, and/or resources contribute to your success in running a business here?  

After 26 years of changing lives, growing business, and helping families in a place I call home, I take pride in supporting the area by providing business owners mentorship, the opportunity for career growth for my team, and partnership for good job opportunities to support the growth of the area.

Why is Southern Illinois a great place to run a business? 

I started my business in Southern Illinois in 1995. Southern Illinois has provided my business with the foundation to grow over the last 26 years, and I owe it to the communities and the people in the area for supporting my business from the ground up.

I’m passionate about empowering and improving the lives of those in the surrounding communities both business owners and job seekers. I have made it a part of my mission and HireLevel’s mission, to bring people with diverse backgrounds together, to create opportunities, grow communities and businesses, and change lives.   

Why do you love living in Southern Illinois? 

Southern Illinois has been a place that I have been able to raise my family, grow my business, and support others in my community. I love being able to give back to the area I call home.