January 30, 2024
Why SI - WLC Management
When Scott Stout had an opportunity to take ownership of five nursing and rehabilitation care communities in Southern Illinois back in 2017, he knew he had to jump at the chance. With the ownership of the homes, Stout needed a management company to oversee the daily operations at the facilities. That’s when WLC Management Firm, […]
December 18, 2023
Why SI - E.R Brown Furniture
Known as “the furniture capital of Southern Illinois,” West Frankfort, Illinois has a long history of furniture stores lining Main Street. That story begins with E.R. Brown, a West Frankfort native that opened the first furniture store in town back in 1914. In the store’s early days, it only sold wooden furniture items, but the […]
November 24, 2023
Why SI - CreativeScapes
The right blend of flowers, shrubs, and trees can transform a boring space into something you never want to leave. Well-maintained landscaping elevates the look of a home or business and sets it apart. Dane Mason is a Southern Illinois native, growing up in Du Quoin. Attending Southern Illinois University (SIU), Mason received a degree […]
November 14, 2023
Why SI - HoneyBeez Snowballz
The story of HoneyBeez Snowballz can trace its beginning to 2016, when owner Syhemia Gray-Cruz decided to set up a tent and table at her church picnic selling cool treats for charity. Soon, Gray-Cruz was branching out to Family Fun Night events in Downtown Carbondale, still working with just a tent and table, she knew […]
September 8, 2023
Why SI - Wander Community Art Studio
As part of our WhySI campaign showcasing why Southern Illinois is a great place to live and work, we spoke with Nicki Rathert, owner of Wander Community Art Studio in DuQuoin, IL. Nicki Rathert is a professional weaver, selling handwoven baby wraps, towels, and much more. When she decided to move her weaving business out […]
January 21, 2022
Why SI - Brooke Guthman
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, […]