NOW Magazine Volume 2

At SIH, we’re commi ed to you.

With the largest, most comprehensive healthcare system in Southern Illinois, we take pride in offering advanced care to everyone in the communities we serve.

» 4 hospitals, 30+ clinics, 670+ employed and affiliated providers in over 60 specialties and subspecialties

» The region’s only birthing center, special care nursery and pediatric unit, Level II Trauma Center, open heart surgical program and comprehensive cancer institute

» A wide range of services including neurology, neurosurgery, bariatrics, plastic surgery, dermatology and specialized rehabilitation programs

» State-of-the-art technologies such as 3T MRI and robotic surgery

As the largest local employer in the region –over 3,900 strong – we take our job and our mission seriously. Southern Illinois is our home, these are our lives and that’s the reason for our commitment to you – we are you

Letter from our Executive Director

I often say that there is something special happening in Southern Illinois – something we have not witnessed in quite some time. That something special is a renewed spirit of growth, optimism, and collaboration that crosses community and county lines to unify the Southern Illinois region and its vision for the future. Common themes declaring that “we are better together” and that “a win for one is a win for all” are more than just words. These proclamations have become the mantras that drive the region’s collective growth mindset.

Southern Illinois has a lot to be proud of, but what has been missing is the power of our collective story to highlight our region’s assets, successes, and the dedicated people who make it so great. NOW! Magazine was designed to fill that void by featuring the people, places, and companies that touch every corner of SI Now’s 17-county footprint and make it a great place to live, work, and do business.

In this issue, we reveal an inside look into the history-making development in the center of our region that is designed to be transformational for all of Southern Illinois. Led by Millennium Destination Development, in partnership with the City of Marion, this first-ever STAR bond approved project in Illinois is slated to put Southern Illinois on the map as home to a premier sports, entertainment, and tourism destination projected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors and millions in direct spending and economic impact! Combined with the newly completed Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort, our region has been elevated to a world-class destination attracting visitors from across the country and around the world.

In addition to these large projects, we celebrate the local entrepreneurs who are stepping up with their own transformations. Driven by a love for their communities, you will be inspired by a surge in our region’s downtown revitalization efforts and the people bringing their small towns back to life. Southern Illinois entrepreneurship is alive and well in our downtowns and beyond as evidenced by the growing number of locally manufactured products receiving state recognition and featured at the immensely popular SI Made Expo.

As we continue to share the tremendous assets of our region, we explore Southern Illinois from the lens of a tourist discovering our area as a spectacular Midwest retreat. Whether hiking, biking, fishing, rock climbing, kayaking, or enjoying an award-winning glass of wine along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, Southern Illinois has evolved into a highly sought after getaway for vacationers and local staycationers to enjoy.

Finally, in this issue we launch SI Now’s R4 Advantage series highlighting the region’s transportation and logistics assets (rivers, roads, rail, and runways) that are garnering much attention from companies around the world seeking to reduce costs and increase supply chain resiliency. Our series begins with a tremendous but often overlooked asset – the rivers that border our region. Uniquely positioned as the only place in the entire country that is surrounded by both the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers with the confluence at our southernmost point, we think you will be surprised by the increased attention in and anticipated growth of our region’s inland ports projected to be a key advantage to the State’s economic future.

As you glance through these pages, through the collective story of our great region, we invite you to share these stories far and wide. Southern Illinois is experiencing something special and SI Now is proud to come alongside our region’s businesses, residents, and visitors to celebrate this unique Midwest gem. Enjoy!

Dr. Deb Barnett Executive Director, Southern Illinois Now

SI Now Where it all began – from vision to impact

Now more than a year after its official incorporation in November 2022 and recognition as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) in January 2023, Southern Illinois Now (SI Now) is making the impact that its original visionaries dreamed of.

SI Now is the regional economic development hub promoting the 17 southernmost Illinois counties as a great place to live, work, and do business. We’re uniquely positioned in Southern Illinois – geographically in the middle of the country with a skilled workforce, low cost of living and high quality of life – the perfect place to relocate or start a business. We connect interested companies and people with opportunities and resources.

Established with the purpose to advance the 17 southernmost counties of Southern Illinois, SI Now set out to create jobs and opportunities for upward mobility, improve well-being and quality of life throughout the region, attract new businesses and residents, equip the workforce with specialized skills, and create growth opportunities for existing businesses.

SI Now has emerged as a regional economic development hub in Southern Illinois to:

• Create alignment with a unified message and pooled resources to pursue common goals

• Create synergy – and support that a win anywhere in Southern Illinois is a win for all

• Eliminate silos as obstacles to regional economic development

• Achieve benefits of scale by collaborating with outside stakeholders as a region

History

It all started with the vision of then Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale Chancellor Dr. Carlo Montemagno in August 2017. Montemagno created the Business Leaders Roundtable to further strengthen the critical symbiotic relationship between SIU and the region. The Business Leaders Roundtable brought together twenty business owners, economic development professionals, regional elected officials, and SIU leaders to identify both key issues affecting SIU and impediments to regional and individual business growth.

Following Dr. Montemagno’s untimely passing, Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH) recognized the importance of building upon the Roundtable’s momentum and brought together these leaders, as well as others from throughout Southern Illinois to launch the Bridge to the Future initiative. SI Bridge to the Future was created in 2018 as a regional leadership group consisting of business leaders, community leaders, elected officials, and others to create regional growth and retention strategies through real-world solutions for the southern counties of Illinois. These leaders were successful in creating a platform for regional collaborative economic development and laying out a foundation and vision for the success of our region.

SI Now Today

Branded as Southern Illinois Now (SI Now) in 2022, the organization was formalized in support of a regional approach to economic development for the 17 southernmost counties of Illinois. At the helm of SI Now is a stellar Board of Trustees driven by regional leaders representing business and industry, education, healthcare, and workforce. In addition, the organization is led by a talented team of professionals with a passion for the region’s growth and aligned with a vast network of partners throughout Southern Illinois who work collaboratively to accomplish the region’s goals while not duplicating efforts.

SI Now further unites the region and its collective voice through three task forces designed to support its priority focus areas of business growth and development, education and workforce development, and marketing the region. As a result, the organization benefits from the expertise and diverse perspectives of nearly 100 of the region’s business and economic development leaders.

Business Growth and Development: Identified as a gap area in the region, SI Now serves as a central point of contact and one-stop shop for businesses looking to expand in or relocate to Southern Illinois. Staff prioritize a hands-on, concierge-type approach to ensure that new and existing companies have the resources, answers, and connections they need, when they need them. SI Now works closely with state and local partners resulting in time-saving coordination at the speed of business.

Education and Workforce Development: A skilled workforce and strong talent pipeline are critical to a thriving economy. Through its Education and Workforce Development Task Force, SI Now engages the region’s four-year university, community colleges, workforce development, labor, and high school leaders throughout the 17-county footprint as part of its regional career awareness and exploration framework. As the Illinois Education and Career Success Network’s newest Leadership Community, the Southern Illinois Region’s goal is to expose young people to career and educational opportunities while increasing employer engagement to meet employment needs throughout Southern Illinois.

Marketing the Region: Southern Illinois has a lot to be proud of! Comprised of some of the region’s successful business and marketing experts, SI Now’s Marketing Task Force focuses on strategies to create a “win mentality” by elevating perceptions both within the region and beyond. Through a multi-layered marketing approach, SI Now serves as a unified voice to showcase the region’s collective assets, successes, and opportunities. As a result, the region’s message is being heard locally, throughout the country, and around the world. As a region, we are better together and a win for one is a win for all of Southern Illinois.

As a region, together we are better and a win for one is a win for all of

Board of Trustees

KEVIN BECKEMEYER President/CEO Legence Bank

RODNEY CABANESS Co-Owner Black Diamond Harley-Davidson

JOHN DOSIER

President First Southern Bank

STEVE FALAT

General Manager, Market Manager River Radio

DALE FOWLER

State Senator Illinois 59th District

TONY IRITI

Executive Director Jefferson County Development Corporation

AUSTIN LANE Chancellor Southern Illinois University

LYNN ANDERSEN LINDBERG

Executive Director Southern Illinois University Research Park

KATHY LIVELY

CEO (Retired) Man-Tra-Con Corporation

ROBERT J. MAY

President/CEO Banterra Bank

CARY MINNIS

Executive Director Greater Egypt Regional Planning & Development Commission

MIKE MONCHINO

Principal Member Monchino Management

DEBORAH BARNETT, Ph.D. Executive Director

WILL STEPHENS

Mayor City of Murpysboro

WOODY THORNE

Vice President of Community Affairs & Chief Development Officer

Southern Illinois Healthcare

MICHAEL TISON Tison Wealth Management

TOM WELGE

President Gilster-Mary Lee

PATRICK WINDHORST

State Representative Illinois 118th District & Board

President of One Shawnee

NICK HOLDINGHAUSEN

Regional Development & Marketing

About SI Now

SI Now serves as a regional economic development hub and unified voice for the 17 southern counties of Illinois to advance our region as a great place to live, work, and do business.

Making History in Marion

How the state’s first-ever STAR bond designation is paving the way for transformational development in Southern Illinois.

Picture yourself enjoying a weekend in Marion, Illinois in the year 2026.

As you glance around, you see a lively out-of-town youth soccer team meeting at a brand-new entertainment complex for rounds of laser tag. Nearby, a group of locals gather at a Topgolf-style driving range with food, drinks, and music to celebrate a friend’s birthday. Your eyes light up at the sight of some of your favorite go-to restaurants like Chick-Fil-A, Chipotle, and Olive Garden.

This scene isn’t merely a daydream but rather, the tangible outcome of a comprehensive project set in motion by local developers, Millennium Destination Development (MDD), in partnership with the City of Marion. The comprehensive project through the Oasis Outdoors brand includes multiple entertainment and shopping venues in addition to a state-of-the-art youth sports complex.

The project received Illinois’ first-ever STAR bond designation in 2023, super-charging Marion’s transformation into a regional sports, entertainment, and tourism destination.

The positive impact of this development will ripple through the entire region, not only by attracting visitors to Southern Illinois to play, eat, and shop – but also by showcasing why it’s a place they will want to return to.

What are STAR Bonds?

STAR (Sales, Tax, and Revenue) bonds are financing tools used to stimulate economic development and fund projects that will generate significant retail, entertainment, and tourism activity. The bonds are issued to finance the project costs such as property acquisition, site preparation, or infrastructure within a designated STAR bond district. They are then repaid by the incremental state and local sales tax revenue generated by the completed project. The city and its taxpayers do not assume financial risk for the bonds, nor do they incur a higher tax burden.

Illinois became the second state in the nation to allow municipalities to issue STAR bonds when the Innovation Development and Economy Act was passed in 2010. Soon after, the City of Marion created a STAR bond district with hopes of attracting a developer to the area. Although a development project did not materialize at the time, the STAR bond district remained on Marion’s map.

Fast forward to 2020, the City of Marion’s Mayor Mike Absher and MDD’s Rodney Cabaness began discussions about reviving the former Illinois Centre Star Mall. During an initial analysis, they noticed the words “STAR bond district” overlayed across a map, which sparked an “a-ha” moment: the project was within Marion’s STAR bond district that had been created nearly a decade earlier.

A second “a-ha” moment came when they realized that Oasis Outdoors and its many components could also meet the STAR bond project requirements, including drawing visitors from more than 70 miles away, meeting a minimum investment, and meeting a minimum square footage requirement.

“Initially the square footage requirement was interpreted to mean that new construction was needed,” explained Jennifer Olson, Director of Economic Development for the City of Marion. “But upon further review of legislation, the Act says ‘provide’ space, not ‘build.’ The Oasis Development project would meet the Act’s square footage requirement by reviving the shuttered Illinois Centre Star Mall, an existing 300,000 square foot complex,” she added.

In 2021, the City of Marion and MDD submitted their STAR bond project application and in 2023, the Illinois Department of Revenue approved the application – making Marion home to the first STAR bond project in the state.

Cody Moake, Chief of Staff for the City of Marion, emphasized that the project is viable with or without the STAR Bonds. “The project’s feasibility has been reviewed with a fine-toothed comb both by the state and by Johnson Consulting, a firm specializing in the financial impact of development projects,” stated Moake.

Moreover, Mayor Absher added that the STAR bond financing will super-charge the project’s scale and impact. “You could go to a lumberyard on your bike and carry lumber home piece by piece, but it wouldn’t be very efficient. Or you could take a semi-truck and load it up with lumber. The STAR bonds are like a semi-truck for this project,” said Absher.

As the first STAR bond project in Illinois, the City of Marion is serving as a proof of concept for the rest of the state. If the project leads to the revenue and economic growth expected, additional STAR bond districts and projects could be approved for other areas in Illinois.

Rodney Cabaness of MDD, the Master Developers for the project, recognizes the unique opportunity and responsibility that the STAR bond designation brings. “The STAR bond district creates an environment that allows us to transform our region,” Cabaness explained. “And we have all the ingredients for success, including collaboration among key entities – a developer, city, and county working together with a state that is entrusting us to fulfill this project’s potential. All of these forces are rowing in the same direction,” he added.

The Transformational Development

As the owners of one of the most successful Harley-Davidson dealerships in the country, Rodney Cabaness and Shad Zimbro saw the advantages of running a business in Southern Illinois and recognized its largely untapped potential. The partners expanded their offerings through the Black Diamond Family of Businesses to offer RVs, watercraft, appliances, electronics, flooring, cabinets, manufactured homes, zero-turn mowers, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, and more. They also expanded operations to Kokopelli Golf Course and the Thrillville Thrillbillies baseball team, along with its stadium, Mtn Dew Park.

However, their most ambitious endeavor yet is to transform Marion into a regional sports, entertainment, and tourism destination. The projects approved for STAR bonds include:

Oasis Outdoors – A 380,000 square foot retail and entertainment destination with a hotel and convention center

Oasis Field House – One of five elite golf and pickleball complexes in the country currently being developed by partner Mammoth Sports Construction

Oasis South Shopping Center – Located south of Illinois Route 13

These developments not only have the backing of the state through the STAR bond designation but have also caught the attention of numerous national franchises that now see a profitable opportunity to open locations in Marion. National franchises including Olive Garden, Chipotle, Chick-Fil-A, Raising Cane’s, and Dunkin’ Donuts have all recently opened or have announced plans to open locations in Marion.

Cabaness noted, “Usually these franchises choose to open in markets with larger populations. But they see the potential in Southern Illinois and want to be part of our growth. They see that restaurants have a record of success in Marion – already home to the state’s number one performing O’Charley’s, Logan’s Roadhouse, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Fazoli’s.”

Venues like Oasis Outdoors are also typically reserved for larger metropolitan markets as they require a significant demand and volume of customers to turn a profit. But Cabaness and Zimbro have a lynchpin project that is projected to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to Southern Illinois every year.

What is the foundation for these projects that will bring visitors from more than 70 miles away and support new entertainment venues, restaurants, shopping, and hotels? A state-of-the art facility to host youth sports tournaments.

According to Forbes, the youth sports industry was worth an estimated $39.7 billion in 2021 – exceeding both the NFL and NBA in revenue – and is predicted to grow at 8.9% through 2028. Additionally, the Aspen Institute reports that families spend a combined $30 billion per year for their kids to participate in sports, including the travel costs associated with attending youth sports tournaments.

The Oasis Sports Complex will tap into the youth sports tourism industry by attracting large-scale, multi-sport youth tournaments to Marion, and as a result, bring transformative economic impact to the region. According to a feasibility study conducted by Sports Facility Management and Johnson Consulting, the Oasis Sports Complex is projected to bring an estimated 450,000 non-local visitors, over 82,000 hotel room stays, over $25 million in annual direct spending, and $585 million in economic impact annually.

OASIS SPORTS COMPLEX

• 16 multi-use turf fields to accommodate baseball, soccer, football, and lacrosse, among other sports

• Championship baseball diamond

• 140,000 sq. ft. dome housing baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and pickleball

Although the Oasis Sports Complex is not within Marion’s STAR bond district, it will be the foundation for other STAR bond projects by attracting a high volume of out-of-town visitors for youth sports tournaments.

Construction on Oasis Sports Complex and Oasis Field House has begun and is expected to be completed by early 2026. Cabaness praised Southern Illinois’ labor unions and recognized that their diligence will be a key driver for the success of these projects. “Our trade unions are working ahead to make sure that they will have capacity for completing these jobs concurrently. They are an example of the incredible work ethic of our region,” noted Cabaness.

For Marion residents, the projects will positively impact their quality of life. Cabaness commented on the impact as he explained, “We’re creating an even better place to live by providing locals with great entertainment options, creating jobs, and importing money into our region’s businesses. We’re also perpetuating further growth –our local investments will likely spur additional investments from national companies.”

Regional Impact

The regional impact of the STAR bond projects in addition to the Oasis Sports Complex, will be significant and far-reaching. Not only will the projects attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to the region to spend their money here during their stays, but their visits will also be an important opportunity to showcase our region to people seeing it for the first time.

Mayor Absher emphasized that the projects aim to positively impact all of Southern Illinois. “We want to bring people to Marion for youth sports tournaments, show them a good time with entertainment, food, shopping, and lodging options – then use it as an opportunity to introduce them to Southern Illinois as a region. To show them our unique assets like the Shawnee National Forest, Garden of the Gods, and the Shawnee Wine Trail. We want to show them that our region is a welcoming place,” Absher said.

And as visitors experience Southern Illinois for the first time, they will have the opportunity to see all that it has to offer, from outdoor recreation to higher education to employment opportunities.

Olson underscored that youth sports tourism in Marion is also an important opportunity for regional organizations to market to visitors. “This presents a unique opportunity to tell our collective story as a region. It’s an opportunity to attract prospective students to SIU and to attract residents and businesses to our region. Together we’re an ecosystem and we want to show visitors that Southern Illinois is a great place,” Olson said.

What’s Ahead

When envisioning Marion in the year 2026, a thriving community comes into focus. The transformational development led by MDD, in collaboration with the City of Marion, is set to elevate Marion as a regional sports, entertainment, and tourism destination that will positively impact the entire region’s economy.

The pioneering use of STAR bonds in the city of Marion has propelled these projects forward and will serve as an example for development projects throughout the rest of the state, potentially fueling economic growth for other rural communities.

The commitment of developers Rodney Cabaness and Shad Zimbro, coupled with the support of the community and state, has given rise to something truly transformational. Marion is not only making history as home to the first STAR bond projects in the state, but is also showing that innovation, perseverance, and collaboration can redefine what’s possible for a rural community.

A Midwest Retreat

Where can you go to enjoy miles of hiking in a National Forest, award-winning wineries, and distinctive accommodations? Look no further than right here in Southern Illinois.

Unlike the flat, prairie landscapes that are typical of the Midwest, Southern Illinois boasts rocky bluffs, scenic overlooks, dense forests, and serene lakes. This diverse landscape allows for a wide range of outdoor activities within a remarkably close radius – setting it apart from almost any other Midwest destination.

As word spreads about what Southern Illinois has to offer, the region has experienced significant growth in tourism, including a 12% increase in visitor spending from 2021-2022 – representing a $94 million increase. Carol Hoffman, Executive Director of Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau, noted that the area’s accessibility is a major draw. “Southern Illinois is an attractive destination because we are within a six-hour driving radius for most of the Midwest region, including more than 30 U.S. cities. It’s easy to get to and hassle-free with minimal traffic and crowds,” she stated.

But you don’t have to be an out-of-town visitor to experience Southern Illinois as a Midwest retreat. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy the region’s many outdoor attractions, flourishing wine scene, and variety of lodging options with Instagram-worthy accommodations. A retreat to Southern Illinois promises plenty of adventure, relaxation, and memorable experiences.

A Hub for Outdoor Adventure

5 must-try outdoor activities in Southern Illinois

With more than 10 recreational lakes, over 400 miles of hiking trails within the Shawnee National Forest, and over 260 miles of biking paths, Southern Illinois offers an abundance of outdoor adventures waiting to be explored. “Southern Illinois is one of the very few places in the Midwest where you can go hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, and fishing all within a 30-minute driving radius,” said Brian Croft, director of the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center at Southern Illinois University (SIU).

Organizations like Touch of Nature, regional planning and development commissions, and local tourism bureaus are enhancing and showcasing the region’s unique outdoor assets, inviting both visitors and residents to get out and enjoy beautiful Southern Illinois. Croft emphasized, “We’re a hidden gem but don’t want to remain hidden. We want everyone to experience the Shawnee National Forest and its perfect blend of adventure, access, and affordability.”

And the world is taking notice, with tourism on the rise and ongoing discussions of converting the Shawnee National Forest to a National Park. In 2023, National Geographic named the Shawnee National Forest as one of the top U.S. destinations most likely to be named America’s next National Park – a designation that would elevate Southern Illinois on the national stage, attract more visitors, and bring significant economic benefit to the region.

So, what are some of the best ways to explore Southern Illinois?

Check out our list of 5 must-try activities!

1 Hiking

One of the easiest ways to explore the beauty of Southern Illinois is by hiking. There is no shortage of trails to choose from between the Shawnee National Forest, multiple state parks, and numerous nature preserves.

Perhaps the most iconic destination for hiking in Southern Illinois is Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest. These trails provide views of spectacular rock formations and cliffs – including Camel Rock, a distinctive rock formation that often serves as the region’s hallmark. Garden of the Gods was even featured on the back of the 2016 U.S. Quarter as part of the America the Beautiful quarter program.

Local guide and content creator, Shawn Gossman of Hiking with Shawn, serves as a valuable resource by providing detailed hiking recommendations and insights for trails throughout the region. Another great resource is the Shawnee Challenge, organized by the Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau. The initiative promotes some of the region’s top attractions and encourages residents and visitors to experience each destination.

The following list of destinations provides merely a glimpse into hiking in Southern Illinois – check out the resources list for more comprehensive information.

WHERE TO GO:

Giant City State Park (Makanda, IL)

Little Grand Canyon (Pomona, IL)

Ferne Clyffe State Park (Goreville, IL)

Garden of the Gods (Herod, IL)

Cave-in-Rock State Park (Cave-in-Rock, IL)

Hiking Resources:

Hiking with Shawn: 10 Southern Illinois Hiking Trails for Every Type of Hiker: https://www.hikingwithshawn.com/southern-illinois-hiking-trails-10/ 2024 Shawnee Challenge: https://southernmostillinois.com/explore/

Southernmost Illinois Tourism Hiking Page: https://southernmostillinois. com/home/things-to-do-2/outdoors/hike/

2 Rock Climbing

Southern Illinois has emerged as a premier destination for outdoor climbing in the Midwest as the sandstone bluffs in the Shawnee National Forest provide diverse and challenging routes for climbers of all skill levels. With 80 available routes, Jackson Falls serves as the region’s crown jewel for climbing and boasts the largest number of climbing routes in the state.

One of the defining features of climbing in Southern Illinois is its accessibility. As noted by Touch of Nature’s Brian Croft, “At Giant City, the climbing is practically roadside as it is a one-minute walk away from parking. In many other climbing destinations throughout the country, you may have to hike for 45 minutes or more to reach a climb.” This accessibility makes Southern Illinois an inviting and convenient destination for climbers throughout the region.

WHERE TO GO:

Jackson Falls, Shawnee National Forest (Ozark, IL)

Giant City State Park (Makanda, IL)

Ferne Clyffe State Park (Goreville, IL)

Rock Climbing Resources:

Touch of Nature Base Camp: https://rec.siu.edu/programs/ton-basecamp/ climbing-wall.php

Vertical Heartland Rock Climbing School: https://www.enjoyillinois.com/ explore/listing/vertical-heartland-climbing-school-at-drapers-bluff/

Illinois Climbers Association: https://www.ilclimbers.org/

3 Mountain Biking

Mountain biking has surged in popularity across the United States, and Southern Illinois is no exception. “Mountain biking has become a major draw for visitors to Southern Illinois,” emphasized Carol Hoffman, Executive Director of Southernmost Illinois Tourism. “From Touch of Nature to Glendale-Dixon Springs, our region offers top-notch mountain biking opportunities,” she added.

A highlight offering is the Touch of Nature’s Multi-use Trail System – one of the Midwest’s premier mountain bike parks. The system currently features 12 miles of mountain biking with 30 more miles of stacked loop trails planned, along with dedicated terrain parks for both adults and children.

WHERE TO GO:

Touch of Nature (Makanda, IL) 12 miles

Lake Glendale-Dixon Springs (Golconda, IL) 19 miles

Rend Lake (Benton, IL) 19 miles

Mountain Biking Resources:

Hiking with Shawn’s Guide – How to Start Mountain Biking in the Shawnee National Forest: https://www.hikingwithshawn.com/mountain-biking-inthe-shawnee-national-forest/

Touch of Nature Mountain Bike Trail: https://ton.siu.edu/activities/mountain-bike-trail/

4 Cycling

Southern Illinois offers opportunities for every type of cycling experience, from casual in-town road cycling to rail trails and bikepacking adventures. The region’s cyclist-friendly reputation is underscored by designations from the League of American Bicyclists, including Southern Illinois University Carbondale as a Bicycle Friendly University and the City of Carbondale as a Bicycle Friendly Community.

One of Southern Illinois’ most beloved cycling routes is Tunnel Hill State Trail which provides 46 miles of diverse scenery through forest, bluffs, and bridges, including a 500+ foot tunnel – making it a regional destination for cyclists seeking adventure.

The Crab Orchard Greenway is a recent addition to the region and connects Carbondale to Marion via an 18-mile bike path, including a scenic 10-mile stretch through the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. When complete, the Greenway will create a continuous path from Murphysboro to Marion.

WHERE TO GO:

Tunnel Hill (50 miles – Eldorado to Karnak)

George Rogers Clark Discovery Trail (9 miles – Ohio River communities)

Crab Orchard Greenway (18 miles – Carbondale to Marion)

Rend Lake (22 miles – Benton)

Southern Illinois Cycling for Beginners: Southern Illinois Cycling for Beginners by Hiking with Shawn

Southernmost Illinois Tourism Biking: https://southernmostillinois.com/ home/things-to-do-2/outdoors/bike/

Little Egypt Bikepacking: https://bikepacking.com/routes/little-egypt-riverriver/?fbclid=IwAR1yWL0hWTq-kzqUU8TxPD65aMtUR5v1AllSFJpKAFDORe6_WLb-RxVMZkY

5 Kayaking

The Southern Illinois region is home to more than 10 recreational lakes, as well as several natural areas with rivers and ponds, providing ample opportunities for every type of water recreation. Kayaking is a great way to explore these waterways and to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region.

A notable kayaking destination is the Cache River State Natural Area, an ethereal cypress swampland with forest, bluffs, and limestone glades. The best way to explore the area is via kayak – and the Cache Bayou Outfitters provides guided tours and kayak rentals to do so.

WHERE TO GO:

Cache River State Natural Area (Perks, IL)

Cedar Lake (Carbondale, IL)

Lake Glendale (Golconda, IL)

Little Grassy Lake (Carbondale, IL)

Rend Lake (Benton, IL)

Kayaking Resources:

Cache Bayou Outfitters Kayak Guide/Rental: https://www.cachebayououtfitters.com/

Southernmost Illinois Tourism Kayaking: https://southernmostillinois.com/ home/things-to-do-2/outdoors/canoe-kayak/

Hiking with Shawn – Guide to Kayaking for Beginners: https://www.hikingwithshawn.com/kayaking-for-beginners/

Cycling Resources:

The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

How

Southern Illinois Became a Top Destination for Wine Enthusiasts in the Midwest

What better way to relax than with a scenic view and a glass of wine? While the steep price of plane tickets might rule out a trip to Napa Valley, the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is just a short drive away. Offering beautiful scenery overlooking the hills of the Shawnee National Forest, an authentic wine culture, and a welcoming atmosphere, it is the perfect destination for any time of the year.

For nearly 30 years, visitors have enjoyed the charms of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, establishing it as a premier destination for wine enthusiasts in the Midwest. But how did the rolling hills of Southern Illinois become the Napa of the Midwest? It’s a story of visionary vintners, a climate ideal for grape growing, and strategic marketing efforts that laid the foundation for success – with opportunities for further growth and impact still on the horizon.

History

The origins of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail date back to 1984 when Guy Renzaglia founded Alto Vineyards and released its first wine in 1987. Seeing its success, George Majka and Jane Payne opened Pomona Winery in 1989, and Ted Wichmann established Owl Creek Vineyard in 1995.

United by a shared vision of nurturing wine tourism in the region, these vintners teamed up with Debbie Moore of Carbondale Convention and Tourism Bureau and Cindy Benefield of Southernmost Illinois Tourism to create the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail – making history as the state’s first wine trail.

Over the next decade, the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail gained momentum as four more wineries joined, including Von Jackob Winery in 1997, and Hedman Vineyards (now Peachbarn Winery), Blue Sky Vineyard, and StarView Vineyards all in 2005.

In 2006, the Shawnee Hills region achieved a significant milestone with its designation as an American Viticultural Area (AVA). This official recognition by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms validated the region’s unique attributes as a wine growing region, including its soil composition, elevation, and climate. The designation gave the region credibility as a distinct wine region, enabling wineries within the Shawnee Hills AVA to label their wines with their own trademark – similar to their Napa Valley counterparts.

Concurrently, the wine trail continued to grow. Three more wineries joined the trail from 2008-2009 – Kite Hill Vineyards, Orlandini (now Feather Hills Vineyard), Honker Hill Winery, and Hickory Ridge Vineyard and Winery. Wichmann Vineyard joined as the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail’s twelfth winery in 2023.

Throughout this time, funds for marketing the wine trail were garnered through political and legislative avenues, grants, and investments from the Illinois Bureau of Tourism, in addition to contributions from local tourism bureaus. Coupled with the acclaim from award-winning wines and beautiful scenery, word spread about the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail throughout the region and beyond.

Present Day

Today, the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail welcomes over 150,000 visitors annually. Brandy Nance, Executive Director of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, emphasized,

People come from all over the region, the coasts, and the world to enjoy our wine, scenery, and Midwestern charm.”

The Midwestern charm of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail includes a friendly and welcoming atmosphere as well as a level of accessibility that sets it apart from the wine culture typically found on the U.S. coasts. “We have a relaxed, come-as-you-are vibe. Visitors feel comfortable in the tasting room learning about how the wines are made – often hearing from the winemakers themselves,” Nance explained.

Additional draws to visit the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail include the quality of the wines and the distinct character of each winery. The wineries have earned recognition on national and international stages, including awards such as the Governor’s Cup and Jefferson’s Cup. Each winery adheres to a high standard of excellence while maintaining their individual flavors and identities.

“Each winery on the trail has its own character,” Nance affirmed. “From the Tuscany-inspired Blue Sky Vineyard to Pomona Winery where the wines are made from locally-grown fruits other than grapes – each winery provides its own unique experience,” she added.

Complementing the wine trail experience is the rich entertainment, recreation, dining, and shopping in the surrounding areas. Numerous surrounding businesses are thriving because of the increased tourism in the area, including orchards, micro-breweries, distilleries, cabins, restaurants, tour buses, shops, and more.

Impact and Future Growth

The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail has had a transformative economic impact on the Southern Illinois region. Not only does the wine trail generate a $126 million economic impact on the region annually, but it has also catalyzed the growth of ancillary businesses that enhance the region’s appeal and improve the quality of life for residents.

Southern Illinois initially emerged as a top wine region in the Midwest through the vision of local winemakers, the region’s beauty, and its temperate climate. This success was propelled further by collaboration among business, marketing, tourism, and political leaders. When considering future growth, Nance emphasized, “We haven’t peaked yet. We’re still growing – there is room for more wineries and there are endless opportunities for supporting industries like B&B’s, music and entertainment, restaurants, and shopping.”

Looking ahead, Southern Illinois is poised to solidify its position as a top wine destination in the Midwest by continuing to cultivate the growth of industries that complement the wine trail. Through continued innovation, collaboration, and community engagement, the region will thrive as a hub for wine tourism – contributing to the local economy and enhancing quality of life for Southern Illinois residents for years to come.

Midwestern Hospitality

Why Lodging in Southern Illinois is “Not Just a Place to Sleep, but an Experience in Itself”

Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure or a relaxing weekend on the wine trail, Southern Illinois has a wide range of charming accommodations that will match your vibe.

As tourism in the region continues to grow, its vacation rental offerings are also expanding. Local vacation rental entrepreneurs are crafting unforgettable experiences for guests with options ranging from cozy cabins to treehouse retreats to upscale boutique accommodations –making lodging more than just a place to sleep, but an experience rooted in charm, adventure, and Midwestern hospitality.

Southern Illinois Vacation Rentals: Unique, Boutique, and Luxury Accommodations

Meet Allison Hasler, the owner of Southern Illinois Vacation Rentals (SIVR), who is curating boutique and personalized experiences for her guests in Southern Illinois.

“We started off as locals exploring our own backyard, and we’ve never stopped being tourists here in Southern Illinois,” explained Allison. “We live in one of the most beautiful places in the country and we’re thrilled to share it with our guests,” she added.

Originally from a farming community in central Illinois, Allison and her husband Michael decided to make Southern Illinois their home upon Allison’s return from a military deployment to Iraq in 2005. They first started in the hospitality business by operating a charter motor yacht company on Kentucky Lake in 2015, then managing short-term rental cabins south of Marion in 2018. Allison then delved into co-hosting by offering to take on management responsibilities for a friend’s house on the Lake of Egypt. From there, referrals for Allison to manage additional properties grew rapidly, and SIVR was born.

Today, SIVR manages the day-to-day operations of 37 properties in Southern Illinois, all located within a 20-minute drive of the Shawnee National Forest and Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Through SIVR, Allison takes pride in serving as an ambassador for the Southern Illinois region and introducing guests to the region she calls home.

“Most of our guests come from St. Louis, Chicago, central Illinois, or Kentucky. We get a lot of families who have some members coming from Chicago and others coming from Nashville. They find our rentals at Lake of Egypt and it’s the perfect meet-in-the-middle location,” noted Allison.

We also have guests who come because they’re interested in seeing Southern Illinois specifically. They’ve heard a little about the hiking, the wine trail, or Garden of the Gods and they’re intrigued,” Allison continued.

“After their stay, the feedback we get is ‘we didn’t realize how much there is to do here. We will definitely be coming back.”

And what can guests expect from a SIVR rental? “We provide unique, boutique, and luxury accommodations for our guests. It’s not just a place to sleep, but an experience in itself,” Allison emphasized. And with concierge services like transportation, in-house massages, and even grocery pick-up and put-away, SIVR has everything covered for a truly relaxing getaway.

With a commitment to hospitality and a love for the region, Allison and her team at SIVR provide guests with more than just a place to rest their heads—they are ambassadors introducing visitors to the charm and adventure of Southern Illinois.

Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins:

A Treehouse and Log Cabin Resort

Nestled in the Shawnee National Forest, Timber Ridge Cabins offers a one-of-a-kind retreat.

The Timber Ridge Cabins’ co-owners, Andrew and Jessica Hoffman and Daniel and Anna Schetky, discovered the retreat while living in Juneau, Alaska and dreaming of sunny days, natural scenic landscapes, and running a family business.

Jessica had an affinity for treehouse resorts and how the experience provided both a close connection with nature and a nostalgia for childhood adventure. Searching simply for “treehouse resorts for sale”, she found Timber Ridge Cabins.

Just like that, the Hoffmans, along with Andrew’s sister and brother-in-law (Anna and Daniel Schetky) – and the families’ six children – purchased Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins and moved from Juneau, Alaska to Southern Illinois in October 2022.

“We were looking for a place to raise our kids in the great outdoors –somewhere we could be in the sunshine, garden, and farm,” Andrew recounted. “This felt like a place of peace in nature amidst the upheaval going on in the world.”

The Hoffmans and Schetkys delight in sharing this experience with their guests at the Timber Ridge Cabins. “People’s lives are so busy. Here, they can slow down for a bit and find peace in nature,” emphasized Andrew. He added that their most popular accommodation are the treehouses. “Our guests just love the treehouses. Being in the trees feels like stepping back into childhood,” he added.

During a stay at Timber Ridge Cabins, guests can also enjoy fishing, nightly campfires, stargazing, and world-class hiking right in the backyard – including Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock Recreation Trail, and Cave-in-Rock State Park. Whether guests are seeking adventure or simply seeking solace, Timber Ridge Cabins offers an escape to rediscover the joys of simplicity and connection with nature.

Thanks to the vacation rental community in Southern Illinois, including Allison Hasler and the Hoffman and Schetky families, lodging options in Southern Illinois have transformed simple stays into immersive experiences. Whether you’re looking for a luxury lake house or a treehouse retreat, lodging in Southern Illinois is more than just a place to sleep – it’s an invitation to experience the charm, adventure, and Midwestern hospitality that Southern Illinois has to offer.

HOW TO FIND LODGING IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

Southern Illinois Cabins Association https://www.southernillinoiscabins.com/

Southernmost Illinois Tourism “Places to Stay” https://southernmostillinois.com/places-to-stay/cabins/

Southern Illinois Vacation Rentals https://sivr.rentals/

Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins https://timberridgeoutpost.com/

Walker’s Bluff: A World Class Destination

Cynde Bunch’s winning bet on Southern Illinois.

Arriving at Walker’s Bluff in the soft rolling hills of Southern Illinois, it’s nothing short of remarkable that this world-class entertainment complex started with the vision of Cynde Bunch and her late husband, David.

“I spent 30 years away from Southern Illinois, building and selling a successful business, then invested the proceeds in my hometown through Walker’s Bluff. It has been a dream come true to bring it all back home,” reflected Cynde.

The opening of Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort in fall 2023 marked a significant milestone for Southern Illinois, welcoming a new era that includes world-class entertainment, increased tourism, and economic growth. Through years of perseverance, innovative thinking, and community support, Cynde and David made this vision come to life – and their bet on Southern Illinois is proving to be a winning one.

Origins of Walker’s Bluff

Working in the healthcare industry, Cynde and David built and sold a successful multimillion-dollar managed care business. They then decided to return to Southern Illinois when Cynde inherited family property in her hometown of Carterville, Illinois, which they intended to use as a part-time vacation retreat.

The couple started a small vineyard and built a gazebo on their scenic property in Southern Illinois to host family gatherings and weddings. Before long, word spread about the charming spot and locals were interested in spending time there too. Cynde and David were inspired by this interest and in 2008, decided to open a vineyard, restaurant, and entertainment venue on the property – and to call it Walker’s Bluff.

Walker’s Bluff Vineyard, featuring the Tasting Room bar and event space, Legends upscale restaurant and event center, a wine cave, and multiple scenic outdoor venues, quickly became a beloved destination for the Southern Illinois community.

Vision & Perseverance

As Walker’s Bluff continued to gain popularity, a grander vision came into focus for Cynde and David. Cynde noticed that many groups based in Southern Illinois were traveling out of state to hold retreats or to attend conventions. Believing that Southern Illinois would be an ideal location for these events, she saw an opportunity to bolster the local economy by keeping those dollars within the region.

While contemplating adding a convention center to the Walker’s Bluff portfolio, Cynde and David decided to hire a branding evaluation agency for guidance.

“The consultants emphasized that when guests go to conventions, they want to stay at a nice hotel and they want to have gaming,” recalled Cynde. “That evaluation really planted the seed for us to include a casino in our plans,” she added.

With this insight, Cynde and David decided to pursue the idea of opening a casino and selected Iowa-based Elite Casino Resorts as a partnering organization. They were drawn to Elite Casino Resorts’ shared vision as a fellow family-owned business, including the importance of community involvement and a commitment to use locally sourced products.

“Cynde and Dave knew we were a perfect match to bring their vision to reality in Southern Illinois. They sought a strong partner with the investment capability and experience to design, build, and operate a first-class gaming resort,” recalled Elite CEO, Dan Kehl.

However, obtaining a casino gaming license proved to be more difficult than expected. Cynde persevered through ten years of lobbying and finally secured a gaming license for Walker’s Bluff when Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a gaming expansion bill in 2019.

With the gaming license in hand and the partnership solidified with Elite Casino Resorts to serve as the majority investor and operator, they broke ground on the $147 million casino resort project in December 2022. In fall 2023, Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort officially opened its doors featuring 650 slot machines, 113 hotel rooms, five restaurants, a full-service spa, and a 1,200-seat event center.

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Community Support & Impact

From the start, Cynde and David Bunch had unwavering faith in Southern Illinois and much of that confidence came from her understanding of the region – a community known for its loyalty, work ethic, and support of local businesses.

“When we started this 15 years ago in a field where cattle roamed, no one here doubted us. Businesses and community members supported us in our vision. For instance, Egyptian Electric brought new electrical infrastructure to us, and the Blairsville Water District supplied us with water. These entities took a chance on us before our vision became a reality,” reflected Cynde.

She also commended the work ethic of the Southern Illinois workforce. “The construction of Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort was originally estimated to take four years, but was completed in just 18 months,” Cynde emphasized.

David Bunch unexpectedly passed away while the casino resort was under construction, so he did not have the chance to see the casino open and his vision realized. The region will undoubtedly benefit from his visionary leadership and investment for generations to come, as underscored by the casino resort’s projected economic impact.

The Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort is projected to generate $15 million in tax dollars annually and over $90 million in paychecks to employees in the area. During the construction phase, the casino resort created 1,000 jobs, and now supports over 300 full-time positions.

The casino resort is also projected to increase tourism, accelerating visitor spending on gas, food, and other commodities in the area as well as to introduce visitors to other attractions in the region. Although Walker’s Bluff Casino guests may initially come for gaming, they may decide to extend their stay to explore hiking trails, the wine trail, or other local attractions.

“We’re all working together to bring people to Southern Illinois and show them what we have to offer. I’ve traveled all over the world from Tuscany to the wine regions of France and I’m here to say, we have something truly special here in Southern Illinois,” said Cynde.

Elite’s CEO, Dan Kehl echoed Cynde’s vision for the casino’s regional impact saying, “We are so proud of the resort we’ve built here at Walker’s Bluff, which will continue to stimulate economic growth and tourism in Southern Illinois.”

And with the introduction of one-hour direct flights from Chicago to Marion in 2023, getting to Southern Illinois has never been easier. These flights are expected to contribute to a rise in visitors to Walker’s Bluff as well as to the surrounding region.

“I want Walker’s Bluff to bring people to the region and then I want them to experience all that our region has to offer. We’re all working together in the region to achieve that goal,” Cynde confirmed.

What’s Next

Even with all she has accomplished at Walker’s Bluff, Cynde emphasized that she’s not done yet. Laying the foundation for future projects, she explained, “We have water, sewer, and gas services, and the Herrin Road extension is nearing completion, which will give visitors direct access to Walker’s Bluff from the interstate.”

With this infrastructure in place, Cynde aims to introduce more attractions to Southern Illinois. “We’re developing a retirement community called the Estates of Walker’s Bluff and planning a water park entertainment complex, similar to a Great Wolf Lodge,” she shared.

Under Cynde’s leadership, the possibilities for Walker’s Bluff are endless, and the Southern Illinois region will continue to benefit from her work. The opening of the casino resort stands as a testament to Cynde and David’s unwavering dedication to the community and its potential for growth. Their tireless efforts have not only reshaped the economic landscape of Southern Illinois but also serve as an inspiring example of what can be achieved with vision, perseverance, and a bet on a community you love.

SI Now Downtowns

The dreamers and doers revitalizing our region’s downtowns.

From line-dancing on Marion’s Tower Square Plaza to enjoying new murals along Murphysboro’s Main Street, there is a palpable energy of pride and new possibilities across the downtowns of Southern Illinois. Previously sleepy downtowns are now reinvigorated, boasting modern and urbanized coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques, attractions, and gathering spots. These metropolitan-like offerings are providing larger city perks to our region’s residents while still preserving the small-town charm of Southern Illinois that we know and love.

Featured are some of the remarkable leaders behind recent downtown revitalization efforts throughout the region. Whether breathing new life into historical buildings, starting a business, or creatively re-imagining how to bring a community together, these women are putting their dreams into action and making Southern Illinois a better place to live.

Marion, Illinois

JENNIFER OLSON Director of Business Development, City of Marion

“Find the doers, ignore the haters, and make it happen. People want to be part of the good.”

The Dream: As rural regions across the country are experiencing a decline in younger residents, Jennifer Olson had a dream of making Marion a desirable place for young professionals to live and work. Concurrently, as the City of Marion continued to make downtown improvements, she aimed to attract more residents to Tower Square to foster community engagement and support for local businesses.

The Doing: In collaboration with the University of Illinois Extension, Jennifer organized an event called “Reversing the Exodus” to seek feedback from young Marion residents. This event led to the creation of Marion Connects, a volunteer organization of young residents focused on community development. With Jennifer’s encouragement, Marion Connects added family fun to a monthly event called “Third Thursdays”, featuring downtown entertainment like Salsa Night, Pirate Night, and Urban Cowboy Night – during which over 800 residents line danced on Tower Square. As part of Third Thursdays, Jennifer worked with downtown businesses to extend their hours, encouraging visitors to enjoy food, drinks, and shopping during the events.

The Impact: Through Marion Connects, downtown improvements, and an attentive city administration, young Marion residents are building stronger connections to their community and actively collaborating with the city to enact the positive changes they want to see. This tide of positivity has led to tangible benefits, including increased foot traffic downtown, an influx of business openings, and heightened investment in building revitalization efforts.

Carmi, Illinois

AMBER KNIGHT

Owner, The Property Shop Real Estate Group, The 103 grounded in grace, and The Print Shop Graphics Group

“I want to encourage others to dream and to invest in our community. Then I want to help them make it happen.”

The Dream: As a local business owner, Carmi Chamber of Commerce Board member, and “We Love White County” non-profit group member, Amber saw that Carmi needed a gathering spot –somewhere to grab a cup of coffee, meet for a bible study, or hold a sports team kick-off event.

The Doing: Amber saw that a downtown building was for sale on Carmi’s Main Street which sparked an idea – she could move her print shop business there and open a coffee shop to serve as a community gathering spot for Carmi. In 2020, Amber purchased the building downtown and opened The 103 grounded in grace coffee shop, just adjacent to her print shop business, The Print Shop.

The Impact: After the coffee shop opened in 2020, the “We Love White County” organization received a donation for a playground to be built right next door. Since then, Carmi’s downtown corridor has seen a domino effect of additional businesses opening. With The 103 grounded in grace as the anchor, Carmi’s downtown now serves as a hub for moms with young children, students needing a place to go after school, and kick-off events for sports teams – ultimately, enhancing the quality of life for Carmi residents and fostering a strong sense of community. Our vibrant community is poised to welcome new businesses with a TIF program, an Enterprise Zone, affordable housing, excellent schools, a downtown historic district, and a vibrant public art and music scene. We’re a haven for small businesses and locally owned restaurants. We’re even the official Barbecue Capital of Illinois. Come see what Murphysboro has to offer.

Red Bud, Illinois

SUSAN HARBAUGH

Mayor, City of Red Bud

“I encourage similarly situated small towns to find funding to start the spark for revitalization. Then to find dedicated and passionate citizens also willing to invest in your town.”

The Dream: The City of Red Bud has a rich history and boasts beautiful architecture that has been standing for hundreds of years. Over the last three decades, there has been a concerted effort by the city, business owners, and residents to preserve the town’s historic charm and help local businesses thrive.

The Doing: The city embarked on a downtown revitalization project including updating the lamp posts, enhancing the clock at the four-way-stop, and adding decorative lights and wreaths for the holiday season. Several programs were implemented to encourage business growth, including a sales tax rebate program, a property tax abatement program, a revolving loan fund, and a micro-loan program, in addition to the establishment of enterprise zones.

The Impact: Now, the primary challenge in downtown Red Bud is a testament to its bustling activity – the struggle to find a parking spot! With a wave of new downtown businesses opening including bistros, bakeries, coffee shops, restaurants, and B&B lodging, Red Bud has emerged as a regional destination for visitors to enjoy its historic and charming downtown. Residents have also embraced the downtown growth with many referring to Red Bud as their “small town with big character.”

Murphysboro, Illinois

BROOKE GUTHMAN

Owner, Walnut Street Properties, LLC

Member Services Manager, Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association

“To change perspectives, you have to think and speak positively about where you live – this positivity is contagious and will spark ownership and change.”

The Dream: Brooke Guthman settled back into her hometown of Murphysboro only to find its once vibrant downtown lined with shuttered buildings. With this perspective, she attended a national conference sponsored by Touchstone Energy where she was deeply moved by a presentation from McClure Engineering focused on the importance of creative placemaking to revitalize small towns. Brooke was inspired by the message and felt a responsibility to help lead change in her hometown.

The Doing: Brooke and her husband Ryan purchased three buildings in downtown Murphysboro to renovate. She then approached the City of Murphysboro, Jackson Growth Alliance, Murphysboro Main Street, the school district, tourism, and key business owners about engaging McClure Engineering to create a revitalization plan for Murphysboro. From there, the group Revitalize 62966 was born and a revitalization plan was created that included everything from streetscapes to public art, business incentives, and a plan for housing.

The Impact: As a result of the collaboration among leaders in Murphysboro, 30 new businesses have opened since 2018 –including businesses in the three downtown storefronts that Brooke and Ryan renovated. A $1.8 million grant was secured to enhance the downtown streetscape and ten new murals and several historical portraits were completed. Murphysboro residents are proud to see the charms of their hometown shine once again and are optimistic for its continued growth.

CRYSTAL HOUSMAN

Owner, Annabelle Market

DORI BIGLER

City Administrator, City of Anna

“Lifting each other up lifts our community. We all benefit from more people coming to Anna.” – Crystal Housman

The Dream: Owner of the local shop, Annabelle Market, Crystal Housman dreamed of expanding its offerings and attracting more people to the town of Anna to shop. Located along Route 51, Anna has a high car count for a small town but wasn’t attracting many of those travelers to eat, shop, or explore the downtown area.

The Doing: Over 40 vendors and small businesses have joined Annabelle Market, including four clothing boutiques, local artisan vendors, and a lavender farm vendor. Collaborating with local business owners, Crystal organized local events like “Princess and Superhero Day”, which attracts families to visit their kids’ favorite characters at dozens of businesses throughout Anna. These events have surged in popularity, drawing visitors from across the region to explore, shop, and eat in downtown Anna. This collaboration among business owners, combined with support from City Administrator Dori Bigler and the City Council, has enabled Anna’s downtown to grow.

The Impact: Not only are travelers stopping to explore Anna’s downtown, but visitors are intentionally coming to Anna to see its charming shops and quaint eateries. Residents have noted that Anna’s downtown feels like it’s from an age before Wal-Mart or Amazon because you can find everything you need at locally owned shops.

Anna, Illinois

Carterville, Illinois

JENNIFER SPENCE Director of Marketing, Banterra Bank Owner, J. Spence Properties

“It takes determination and vision, but it’s worth the time and investment to bring new life into your community.”

The Dream: A native of Southern Illinois, Jennifer Spence moved to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue a marketing career and gained experience working for Gaylord Entertainment and Tennessee Tourism Bureau. However, during visits home to Carterville, she saw potential in its downtown area. Inspired by the revitalization efforts she witnessed in Tennessee, Jennifer found herself dreaming of revitalizing her own hometown.

The Doing: Taking a leap of faith, Jennifer returned to Southern Illinois, first serving as a marketing consultant for the City of Carterville and later as Director of Marketing for Banterra Bank, with the hope of renovating historic buildings. Her first project was converting a building into a heritage museum for the City of Carterville. She then purchased a building and transformed it into a popular bakery, earning a Landmark Illinois award in 2019. That same year, Jennifer purchased a 5,000-sq.ft. building that was on the verge of being torn down. After fully renovating it in four years, the

building is now known as Montgomery’s Place and recently opened as a coffee shop, restaurant, and bar.

The Impact: Jennifer’s investment sparked a wave of revitalization in Carterville and inspired other businesses to open, including an ice cream shop, a gym, an antique store, and a clothing boutique. Her work demonstrates how one individual’s investment and dedication in a community can catalyze larger movements for positive change.

Carbondale, Illinois

CAROLIN HARVEY

Mayor, City of Carbondale

“The TIF funding has encouraged business owners to renovate and to bring exciting new life into old buildings. We hope it will also inspire those that have ideas for new businesses to learn about the funding opportunities available to them in Carbondale.”

The Dream: The aging buildings lining Carbondale’s downtown strip needed updates, including improvements to electrical systems, plumbing, and accessibility. However, the substantial cost associated with purchasing, remodeling, and ensuring compliance with building codes was a barrier for potential investors. Mayor Harvey, City staff, City Council, and business leaders were committed to finding ways to restore the downtown strip to its full capacity and support its local businesses.

The Doing: Mayor Harvey and the Carbondale City Council approved a plan to offer upfront funding to downtown commercial property owners through a property tax incentive program called Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Unlike traditional TIF programs that reimburse redevelopment costs over time, this initiative pays funds immediately to property buyers or business owners undertaking remodeling projects. This unique approach provides owners with greater financial flexibility to invest in their buildings.

The Impact: Within less than 12 months of the program’s implementation, these funds have been used toward the rehabilitation of five downtown buildings, the opening or re-opening of six downtown establishments, and have led to over $400,000 in additional private investment in downtown Carbondale. From the re-opening of the iconic Booby’s Bar and Sandwich Shop, which inspired the creation of the Jimmy John’s sandwich chain in 1982, to the new location for Phoenix Cycles, a beloved local bike shop, the TIF program is breathing fresh life into Carbondale’s downtown area while preserving its nostalgic charm.

Made in Southern Illinois

Discover the exceptional products crafted in our backyard.

In today’s era of Amazon mass production, it is more meaningful than ever to shop local and discover high quality products that are made by people in your own community. And as a region that serves as a haven for makers and artisans, Southern Illinois is a great place to discover local products. From the remarkable craftsmanship of Southern Truss roof and floor trusses made in Harrisburg, to the glowing wonder of the Blachere Illumination light displays, manufactured in Christopher and showcased in places like Disney World and Hollywood’s Rodeo Drive, the stories behind makers in Southern Illinois are as interesting as the products themselves. New and exciting initiatives like the SI Made Expo are providing new avenues to explore the unique products crafted in Southern Illinois, to learn the stories behind the makers, and to support local businesses.

SI Made Expo

Upon entering office in 2017, Senator Dale Fowler embarked on a tour of the manufacturing companies located within Illinois’ 59th Legislative District. The tour left a lasting impression as he saw first-hand the significant contributions these companies are making to the regional economy, evidenced by the scale and sophistication of their operations in addition to strong employment numbers. Inspired by these visits, Senator Fowler envisioned a platform to showcase Southern Illinois manufacturers and raise awareness about the high-quality products made in the region. And from this idea, the SI Made Expo was born.

First held in 2018, the SI Made Expo serves as an annual event for local businesses to showcase their products and services, while also highlighting the region’s unique outdoor destinations that have come to be known as regional treasures. Furthermore, the event serves as a fundraiser for local organizations supporting veterans and has raised over $150,000 since its inception.

Reflecting on the most recent SI Made Expo in 2023, Senator Fowler said, “We featured 150 vendors and welcomed 4,500 attendees. We were also able to raise $84,000 for the Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services (VETS) organization.”

Through the SI Made Expo, not only have Southern Illinois residents discovered unique products made in our region, but businesses have also found value from their participation. Senator Fowler confirmed, “Local businesses have benefited from their exposure at the SI Made Expo and have had the opportunity to network and collaborate with fellow Southern Illinois-based businesses. Many have even switched to using local products or services for their business operations as a result of connections made at the Expo.”

Mark Your Calendars For This Year’s Si Made Expo!

July 21-22, 2024 @ The Pavilion in Marion, IL. Visit the Website

Other initiatives showcasing products made in Southern Illinois

Enjoy Illinois’ “Illinois Made” Program

Launched in 2016, each year the Illinois Made program spotlights small businesses that embody the spirit of Illinois and what makes our state unique. The selected makers offer authentic one-of-a-kind products or experiences that can only be found in the cities, towns, and rural communities of Illinois.

“Illinois Made” Businesses

17th Street BBQ

Alto Clay Works

Alto Vineyards

Art Gallery Off the Square

Big Muddy Brewing

Big Muddy Peddler

Buffalo Bluffs Hemp

Chocolate Factory, Inc.

Crooked Creek Winery

Crown Brew Coffee Co.

C’s Bees

Davis Pastry

Dinger Bats

Excel Bottling Co.

Glaciers End

Longshadow Gardens

Owl Creek Vineyard

Pomona Winery

Pulliam Creek Farms Candle Company

Rendleman Orchards

Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch

Scratch Brewing Company

Scratch Brewing Company

Shawnee Hills Lavender

St. Nicholas Brewing Co.

StarView Vineyards

Tanglefoot Ranch

Wayward Wovens

To nominate a Southern Illinois business to be featured on the Illinois Made list, visit: https://www.enjoyillinois.com/illinois-made-old/illinois-made-criteria/

Illinois Manufacturers’ Association Makers Madness

The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) annual bracket-style competition “Makers Madness” showcases the innovative products made by Illinois-based manufacturers. In this competition, IMA invites the public to nominate and vote on “The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois.”

2023 Makers Madness

Southern Illinois Products

17th Street BBQ Sauces – 17th Street Barbecue

40 Below Joe – 40 Below Joe

Cinnful Peach Habanero Jam – Fired Up Jellies and Jams

Cold Blooded Coffee: Bootlegger Series – Cold Blooded Coffee & Roastery

Drug Terminator – Elastec

Emriver Models – Emriver, Inc.

French Onion Dip – Prairie Farms Dairy

Hillbilly Mudd – Hillbilly Mudd

Miracle Maize Cornbread Mix – Gilster-Mary Lee Corporation

Panoramic Sun Roof – Aisin Group

Peaches – Rendleman Orchards

Porto di Guido Wine – Alto Vineyards

Yellow Door Signature Homes – Yellow Door, Inc.

Three Southern Illinois products made it to the “Sweet 16”, including 17th Street BBQ’s sauces, Aisin Manufacturing’s panoramic sunroof, and Elastec’s drug terminator –with 17th Street and Elastec advancing to the “Final Four”!

See the results for the 2024 Makers Madness here: https://makersmadnessil.com/

Growing Talent

The innovative workforce development programs filling our region’s talent pipeline.

Across the United States, employers are grappling with a talent shortage and are struggling to recruit and retain employees with the necessary skills for a range of positions. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 89 percent of manufacturers nationally report talent shortages with 60 percent reporting that the shortages have a high impact on productivity.

In Southern Illinois, local organizations such as Man-Tra-Con, community colleges, and high schools have implemented innovative workforce development programs to combat these shortages and create a strong talent pipeline in our region. From developing previously untapped talent pools to creating apprenticeship programs, these entities are collaborating directly with area employers to meet workforce needs, reflecting a shared commitment to developing and retaining a talented workforce in our region.

Man-Tra-Con Corporation

A key organization in this framework is Man-Tra-Con Corporation, a local not-for-profit that provides employment assistance, recruitment services, employee training programs, youth programs, and dislocated worker assistance to job seekers and businesses in Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Perry, and Williamson Counties. Federal funding provided through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) enables Man-Tra-Con to provide these programs and services at no cost to eligible job seekers and businesses. Since 1979, Man-Tra-Con has been collaborating with workforce partners to support talent development, recruitment, and retention efforts in Southern Illinois.

Man-Tra-Con’s collaborative approach to developing workforce solutions is demonstrated through its partnership with Intertape Polymer Group (IPG) Carbondale, a leading manufacturer of packaging and adhesive tapes. When faced with workforce shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic, IPG Carbondale turned to Man-Tra-Con for assistance in developing and implementing creative hiring strategies. Through the partnership, IPG Carbondale was able to prevent operational disruptions that could have resulted from workforce shortages during the pandemic.

Aaron Christ, Director of Operations at IPG Carbondale explained, “Our partnership with Man-Tra-Con Corporation allowed us to provide structured employment opportunities to previously untapped talent pools, such as low-income youth (foster care) and individuals transitioning from incarceration.”

The collaboration has proven to be a win-win for both the employees and for IPG Carbondale. While IPG provides on-the-job training to the employees, Man-Tra-Con offers personal development and life coaching services, in addition to addressing the employee’s logistical needs such as daycare and transportation services.

Christ emphasized the success of the Man-Tra-Con partnership stating, “Individuals needing a first, second, or third chance have been given opportunities. And the retention rate of the employees hired through our partnership with Man-Tra-Con is 80%, indicating a positive impact on our overall turnover rate.”

The IPG Carbondale facility was even highlighted as a Best Plant in 2023 by IndustryWeek, a nationally based industry trade publication, citing its hiring strategies as innovative approaches that should be emulated.

Man-Tra-Con’s commitment to talent development is further evidenced through its successful partnership with Shawnee Health Service (SHS) to address a shortage of medical assistants in the region. SHS, a federally qualified health center operating eleven health service delivery sites in Southern Illinois, recognized a shortage of Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) in the region and decided to offer training for individuals interested in becoming CMAs.

Together, Man-Tra-Con and SMS established a medical assistant apprenticeship program that provides online coursework through the National Institute of Medical Assistant Advancement (NIMAA) and an externship as an apprentice at SHS. Throughout the apprenticeships, Man-Tra-Con sponsors the students’ educational costs and provides the students’ wages.

Since the program’s inception in spring 2022, twelve medical assistants have graduated from the program with three more set to graduate in May 2024. A new cohort of apprentices will begin in March 2024.

“We are very proud of our program and the opportunities we are providing to residents of Southern Illinois,” said Erica Pyles, the Nursing Development Coordinator at Shawnee Health. “Eleven of the graduates are certified and ten passed their certification exam on the first try. Each graduate has their own unique success story and the promise of a rewarding career in healthcare,” she added.

The collaborative efforts of Man-Tra-Con and its partners demonstrate their commitment to developing talent, creatively addressing workforce challenges, and creating a path for career opportunity in Southern Illinois.

COMMUNITY COLLEGES

Community colleges in Southern Illinois serve as natural hosts for workforce development programs, acting as bridges between students seeking to acquire job-related skills and employers in search of qualified candidates. These institutions are collaborating with local employers to integrate job experiences and apprenticeships into students’ degree programs and establishing a pipeline of skilled graduates ready to fill open positions. The significant impact of these programs in our region is exemplified by success stories from Shawnee Community College (SCC), Rend Lake College (RLC), John A. Logan College (JALC), and Southeastern Illinois College (SIC).

Shawnee Community College

The Highway Construction Career Training Program (HCCTP), administered jointly through Shawnee Community College (SCC) and John A. Logan College (JALC), is a program that provides highway construction training while promoting increased participation of minority groups, disadvantaged persons, and women in the industry.

The HCCTP is a 12-week classroom and hands-on training program that was created by the Federal Highway Administration and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). IDOT provides funding and equipment for the program, in addition to a stipend for participants.

Initially launched by JALC in 2012, the HCCTP transitioned to SCC’s Alexander County Extension Center in 2022 with the goal of building a pool of skilled workers ready to support development related to the Alexander-Cairo Port project. In 2020, the Illinois legislature designated $40 million toward the planning, design, and construction of a new port terminal at the Alexander-Cairo Port. Located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, a new port terminal holds tremendous potential for economic growth in Cairo and throughout the Southern Illinois region.

Anticipating the construction and infrastructure needs for the port’s development, the HCCTP offers training in various trade skills, including concrete, building construction, carpentry, electrical, and plumbing.

Since the program started at JALC, the HCCTP has made significant strides, training over 4,000 students, with 1,300 graduates pursuing careers in highway construction. This program not only addresses labor needs in Southern Illinois, but also supports long-term economic development by equipping individuals with valuable skills, particularly those in minority groups that may not have otherwise had the opportunity to pursue a career in the construction industry.

Rend Lake College

In 2022, Rend Lake College (RLC) received a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration’s (EDA’s) American Rescue Plan Economic Adjustment Assistance Program. The grant is designated for the construction of a new state-of-the-art manufacturing training center in Mt. Vernon called the Southern Illinois Manufacturing Academy (SIMA).

Lori Ragland, Vice President of Instruction and Student Affairs at RLC shared the significance of the project as she said, “SIMA will feature high-demand industry skills training for well-paying manufacturing jobs. It will serve new and incumbent workers through hands-on application to validate learned skills.” SIMA will provide skills training in areas such as culinary arts, business, industrial electronics, welding, and other areas of advanced manufacturing.

SIMA will positively impact both students seeking skills needed for manufacturing careers as well as the regional employers in need of skilled workers. By addressing critical skills gaps in various industries, SIMA aims to meet the demand for qualified workers. SIMA is expected to open for the Fall 2024 semester.

RLC is also partnering directly with one of the region’s largest employers, Continental Tire, on an apprenticeship program. Since the apprenticeship program’s inception in 2015, Continental Tire has hosted 31 apprentices in programs such as industrial electronics and maintenance technology. Through these apprenticeships, students gain on-the-job skills and are considered for potential employment opportunities at Continental Tire upon graduation. Additionally, Continental Tire offers tuition reimbursement for RLC classes and provides a wage to the students.

RLC’s initiatives, including the manufacturing training center and apprenticeship program with Continental Tire, directly address skill shortages in the region, help fill immediate job vacancies, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Southern Illinois workforce.

John A. Logan College

In 2022, John A. Logan College (JALC) received a $4.2 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to construct a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center. The new state-of-the-art center will include a new welding lab and classroom in addition to renovations to Automotive, Auto Body, and HVAC classrooms and labs. JALC has matching funds set aside for the project, bringing the total budget to $8.4 million. Officials plan to break ground on the project later this year.

JALC President Dr. Kirk Overstreet emphasized the impact of the new CTE Center as he said, “This new facility will bring state-of-the-art tools and training opportunities to support a well-trained and well-educated community, fostering new economic growth for our industry partners in Southern Illinois.”

In addition to the new CTE Center, JALC’s Criminal Justice Program was recently announced as one of just twelve community colleges in the state to receive a nearly $50,000 grant to incorporate virtual reality equipment into their CTE program.

JALC will use the funds to purchase virtual reality hardware and software for instruction in various workforce training programs including healthcare, criminal justice, manufacturing, and heating, ventilation, and air cooling (HVAC).

Overstreet expressed his enthusiasm for the recent career training funds secured as he said, “I am excited about the opportunities that our students are going to be provided with this new facility and the continued efforts of our faculty and staff to secure grant funding to provide real-world training equipment. Our mission is to enrich lives through learning and community engagement, and I think this project will enrich lives for generations.”

Charge into YOUR future

Southeastern Illinois College

Southeastern Illinois College (SIC) recently opened the Stanford D. Williams Career & Training Center in Carmi to serve as a regional hub for career and workforce educational needs. The center has utilized a novel cost-sharing model between the college and private entities to address educational needs in the region.

Initially, the center is serving high school students in the area by providing training for welding, commercial driver’s licenses (CDL), and automotive and diesel programs, in addition to introductory trades education. Moving forward, there are plans to expand these offerings to non-traditional student populations, such as adult high school graduates seeking certificates in these fields, with the intent to grow the regional workforce.

Local employers, including Huck’s, Elastec, Roark Trucking, Campbell Resources, and Vibracoustics have recognized the importance of these training opportunities by making significant financial or in-kind contributions for instruction and/or purchasing equipment for the training center.

Additionally, a local charitable organization, the Absher Foundation, has partnered with the college to cover student expenses associated with these programs, and to provide a monetary incentive for students successfully completing both certificates upon graduation.

SIC Vice President of Academic and Student Services Karen Weiss confirmed, “Through this initiative, students could potentially graduate high school with their diploma, two post-secondary industry-recognized certificates, and $1,000 in their pockets. These are steps needed to jump-start our next generation of workers who choose to stay local.”

This collaborative approach demonstrates the commitment of SIC, local employers, and charitable organizations to collectively address industry needs and build a regional workforce.

High Schools

Area high schools have also played an important role in developing a strong talent pipeline in Southern Illinois by implementing programs to help students explore career pathways available in the region and pursue training while still in high school.

Vienna High School exemplifies this approach through its Career Pathways Program which helps students to understand their postgraduation options, including enrolling in a four-year university, pursuing an associate degree or certificate in trades at a community college, or entering the workforce.

Vienna High School’s Career Pathways Program was established through the voluntary process outlined by the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act (PWR) which was signed into Illinois law in 2016. The Act advocates for a student-based and competencybased approach to achieve college and career readiness, including individualized learning plans, career-focused instruction, and professional learning opportunities. It also emphasizes coordinated efforts among school districts, postsecondary education institutions, and employers.

Vienna High School offers career pathways in fifteen industries including, construction craft preparation (laborers), agriculture industries, education, aviation, health occupations and human services/social work.

In fall 2023, Vienna High School was the recipient of a $1.4 million award from the U.S. Department of Labor to double the capacity of an existing cooperative construction training program, which is part of its career pathway in construction craft preparation. The program is also available to students in Vienna, Cairo, Carbondale, Goreville, Herrin, Marion, and Johnston City.

In collaboration with Laborers’ Local 773, this “triple credit” program allows high school students to simultaneously complete an apprenticeship at the Laborers’ Training Facility in Marion, earn college credit toward a degree in construction management through a partnership with Shawnee Community College, and earn high school class credit. The program’s expansion will allow for additional schools to participate and expand job opportunities for more Southern Illinois students.

Vienna High School’s approach is an important example of how high schools can help students understand their post-graduation options, introduce the career pathways that are available here in Southern Illinois, and help the region to retain younger residents that will soon enter the workforce.

Building on Successes

In the face of a nationwide talent shortage, Southern Illinois is making strides in growing its own talent in the region. Through collaborative efforts between organizations like Man-Tra-Con, community colleges, high schools, local employers, and charitable organizations, the region has established dynamic programs that not only address immediate workforce needs but also lay the foundation for long-term economic growth.

Programs focused on developing youth and previously untapped talent pools, providing training and apprenticeships tailored to meet regional industry needs, and collaborating directly with employers are successful examples that should be replicated and expanded throughout Southern Illinois.

These collaborative efforts demonstrate the region’s commitment to building a skilled workforce that can support our region’s employers and growing businesses for the next generation. Most importantly, they show the power of working together to address shared challenges and prepare for the future.

EDUCATION

Southern Illinois University Carbondale https://siu.edu

John A. Logan College https://www.jalc.edu

Rend Lake College https://www.rlc.edu

Shawnee Community College https://shawneecc.edu

Southeastern Illinois College https://sic.edu

WORKFORCE PARTNERS

Man-Tra-Con Corporation https://mantracon.org

Southern 14 Workforce Investment Board https://so14lwib.com

Did you know that 80% of all inland barge traffic in the United States passes through Southern Illinois? Uniquely positioned at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, the Southern Illinois region is an ideal hub for transporting goods through the U.S. waterway system.

The six port districts in Southern Illinois play a crucial role in the region’s economy and collectively contribute $1.15 billion to the state’s gross domestic product. And as national and global supply chains increasingly rely on inland waterway transportation for operations, inland ports are poised for continued growth.

Central Access to the World: Rivers Southern Illinois’ inland ports chart a course for regional economic growth.

Recent investments are set to enhance the capabilities, capacities, and efficiencies of Southern Illinois’ inland ports, attracting increased business growth and regional commerce. Notably, the recent investments in Kaskaskia Regional Port District (KRPD) and Shawneetown Regional Port District (SRPD) have the potential to further catalyze economic development across the region.

Kaskaskia Regional Port District

Located south of St. Louis on the Mississippi River, Kaskaskia Regional Port District (KRPD) serves as the 12th largest inland port in the U.S. by volume, supports over 7,200 jobs, and contributes an estimated $765 million toward the state’s gross domestic product. Today, the port district ships approximately 1.8 million tons but is projected to reach 3.8 million tons in three years, and 5.8 million in five years.

Through its nearly 60-year track record of development, KPRD’s general manager, Ed Weilbacher noted that the port district has seen its highs and lows. “Early success centered on coal, but the closure of multiple coal mines in the area resulted in a drastic reduction in the amount of cargo being shipped,” explained Weilbacher.

Despite the reduction in cargo, there was public support for KRPD and diversified businesses began to consider rivers as a cost-effective method for shipping bulk goods and commodities. Weilbacher continued, “The river moved from a single source of cargo, coal, to a diverse mix of commodities that today includes grain, fertilizer, coiled steel, slag, scrubber stone, fly ash, gypsum, and more.”

KRPD is attractive to a range of businesses because there is only one lock and dam to navigate through, it is close to industry, and there are five terminals available with four Class I railroad service options. One of the companies attracted to KRPD’s offerings is The Material Works, the Midwest’s leading toll processor of flat rolled steel and metals.

The Material Works president Kevin Voges said of its partnership with KRPD, “KRPD and The Material Works have worked together closely since the late 1990’s as we prepared to build our new plant at KRPD. For the past 25 years, KRPD has provided The Material Works with outstanding support including very critical truck, barge, and rail transportation for both of our plants.”

Although The Material Works has had multiple invitations to expand in other regions of the country, they have decided to expand in Southern Illinois. “We have always chosen the talented and hardworking people of Southern Illinois to help us grow,” said Voges. Due to the success of its first two plants at KRPD, The Material Works has chosen KRPD for a third plant expansion, which is planned to open in 2027.

In recent years, KRPD has received $37 million in grants to improve safety and upgrade infrastructure to continue increasing tonnage. With these improvements, KPRD continues to attract companies, particularly those that transport grain, sand and gravel, and fertilizer.

For example, KRPD was awarded $1.7 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration in 2023 to support the construction of a new laydown space for the movement of current industrial park tenants’ equipment and supplies, while also allowing for future growth. The project will be matched with $1.2 million in state funds and is expected to create 50 jobs in addition to generating $20 million in private investment.

KRPD also received over $1 million in 2023 from the United States Marine Highway Program for the acquisition of eight shuttle cars, which will handle 2.25 million tons of new coiled steel and move existing coiled steel to a new laydown yard. Rail infrastructure will be provided through a state freight grant that was approved in spring 2023. This service will eliminate up to 4.8 million truck miles annually – allowing for a more efficient and environmentally-friendly channel for transporting goods.

The future is bright for KRPD as it continues to nurture longstanding partnerships with businesses, attract new businesses, and attract grant funding.

Shawneetown Regional Port District

Shawneetown Regional Port District (SRPD) has also served as a catalyst for economic growth in the Southern Illinois region. Like KRPD, SRPD faced the challenges of losing a coal-loading facility but is now leveraging its infrastructure for new opportunities and growth.

Due to the abundance of agricultural production in southeastern Illinois, SRPD was able to make the case for transforming an existing coal dock into a fertilizer offloading facility. A 20,000-ton fertilizer offloading facility is now planned, supported by a $14.1 million publicprivate investment along the Ohio River in Old Shawneetown.

For this project, Scates Group Intermodal (SGI) River Terminal, LLC invested $3 million toward a barge and material-handling equipment. Additionally, an $11.2 million Rebuild Illinois Port Facilities Capital Investment Grant will cover the construction of a 1,200-foot conveyor that connects to a new storage building for 20,000 tons of fertilizer. Elevar Agri-Solutions will move fertilizer through the facility which may lead to the unloading, blending and storage of 120,000 to 130,000 tons of fertilizer annually.

Building on this momentum, SRPD was awarded $10 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Port Development Program to construct a 1.25-mile road to improve port access for cargo shipment trucks. SRPD currently has only one port entrance with no space for staging trucks. The new road will allow ample space for trucks to line up for drop off or pick-ups.

SRPD Chair Makenzie Golden explained another key reason the road will benefit port’s growth, stating, “This road will also increase access to the port’s developable property and give us the infrastructure we need to attract new industry. We hope to attract a range of industries to beautiful Southern Illinois.”

SGI’s Patrick Scates agrees that SRPD is well positioned to attract additional industry, including container shipping, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and dry and liquid fertilizer.

“ SRPD provided coal for decades. Its existing infrastructure and seven river cells are huge assets that are ready to be utilized,” Scates emphasized.

Scates added that SRPD is one of the most underutilized ports on the Ohio River. With easy access to Illinois Highway 13 and its proximity to the bridge into neighboring Kentucky, he sees the port location as vital to the region.

With infrastructure improvements, the new fertilizing off-loading facility, and businesses choosing to locate facilities there, SRPD is equipped for rapid growth and expansion in the years ahead.

Looking to the Future

The transformative investments and development at KRPD and SRPD exemplify the critical role that inland ports play in Southern Illinois’ economy. Alongside KRPD and SRPD, Jackson-Union Counties Regional Port District, Alexander-Cairo Port District, Massac Metropolis Port District, and White County Regional Port District also have vast potential to catalyze growth in Southern Illinois. In particular, the Alexander-Cairo Port District is on the cusp of transformation, having received a $40 million designation from the Illinois legislature to construct a new port terminal.

Our rivers are often referred to as the nation’s first superhighways transporting goods throughout the country and beyond. Accordingly, inland ports are vital hubs, facilitating efficient goods transfer, enhancing supply chain resilience, and contributing to environmental sustainability. With strategic locations and targeted investments, Southern Illinois’ port districts are well-positioned to continue attracting businesses seeking efficient, cost-effective waterway access – setting the stage for sustained regional economic growth.

The Central Access to the World (R4 Advantage) series will continue with in-depth features on rail (Fall 2024), roads (Spring 2025), and runways (Fall 2025), providing insights into the multifaceted infrastructure driving our region’s economic development.

Spring & Summer Happenings

May 1– 4

Rend Lake Water Festival

Benton

May 3

CarbondALE Brew Fest

Carbondale

May 9 –12

Old King Coal Festival

West Frankfort

May 15 –18

Coal Days

Shawneetown

May 16 –18

Willow Springs

Music and Arts Festival

Tamms

May 19th

Blessing of the Bikes

Alto Pass

May 25th

Memorial Day Ceremony

Mounds

May 27th

Memorial Day

May 20-27

May 29 – June 1

Old Settlers Days

Galatia

May 30 – Jun 1

Blues, Brews, & BBQ

Golconda

Jun 1

Brewers Festival

Mt. Vernon

Jun 1

Blessing of the Jeeps

Alto Pass

Jun 1–2

Fort de Chartres Rendezvous

Prairie du Rocher

Jun 7– 9

Superman Celebration

Metropolis

Jun 7– 9

Shawnee Cave

Revival Music Festival

Alto Pass

Jun 8

Annabelle Festival

Anna

Jun 9 – 10

Southern Illinois Pride Festival

Carbondale

Jun 12–15

Rend Lake Days

Sesser

Jun 15

Rotten Apple Fest

Sparta

Jun 19

Juneteenth

Jul 4 Independence Day

Jul 20–21

SI Made Expo

Marion

Aug 2–3

Shawnee Wine Trail

Wine & Food Pairing Event

Aug 9–10

Peach Festival

Cobden

Aug 14–18

American Thresherman Gas & Threshing Show

Pinckneyville

Aug 24-25

Shawnee Hills Trail Races

Ozark

Aug 30 - Sep 1

Weekend at the Cave

Alto Pass

Aug 23 – Sep 3

Du Quoin State Fair

Du Quoin

Sep 5-7

Cairo Heritage Blues and Gospel Festival

Cairo

Sep 6-7

Lions Club Free Fair

Carterville

Sep 6–8

Cedarhurst Art & Craft Fair

Mt. Vernon

Sep 11-14

Town & Country Days Eldorado

Sep 11-14

Apple Festival Murphysboro

Sep 12-14

Fall Festival McLeansboro

Sep 14th

Popcorn Day Ridgway

Sep 14

Golconda Shrimp Festival

Golconda

Sep 19-21

37th Annual Praise the Lard2024 Murphysboro Barbecue

Cook-Off

Murphysboro

Sep 27-28

Hemp and Cannabis Symposium & Hemp, Hops, Shrooms

Carbondale

Oct 5-6

Fluorspar Festival

Rosiclare

Oct 5

Shawnee Sasquatch Festival Harrisburg

Oct 11-12

Corn Days

Carmi

Oct 12

Colorfest

Anna

Oct 11-13

Little Grassy Get Down

Carbondale

Oct 18-20

Popeye’s Fall Festival

Chester

Oct 19-20

Vulture Fest

Makanda

Oct 19-20

Fort Massac Encampment

Metropolis

Oct 19-20

Fall Colors at the Cross

Alto Pass

What are SI Leaders saying about Southern Illinois?

The region, the area itself and where it’s located on the map, just puts it in a good place for distribution and movement of materials in and out of manufacturing.

Aaron Christ, IPG

There are a lot of resources for businesses like ours in this area. One of the benefits of being located in Southern Illinois is our workforce. They’re very motivated, hardworking, honest.

Gregory Sprehe, Com-Pac International

Where else can you go, where you can go fishing, hunting, rock climbing, and mountain biking, paddling, all within 45 minutes. So when I talk to people about coming to Southern Illinois, do you want affordable homes, we have them. You want access to outdoor opportunities, we have them. You want a great small town community where you go to the store and you see people, we have that. But we also have the amenities of a lot of larger places with access to the interstate, with access to the university, so we have the best of both worlds.

Brian Croft, SIU Touch of Nature

The farm-based, let’s just get the work done mentality. This is really what I still see today in our workforce.

Nik Pierce, Plant Manager at Continental Tire

We moved halfway across the country without knowing anyone, and right away, everyone welcomed us like we had been here forever. Friends that we have met are now family and we just liked everything Southern Illinois has to offer.

Regina Morrison, StarView Vineyards

Cost of living from a real estate perspective is very good. You can buy a beautiful home in a very affordable price range and you can’t in Nashville or St. Louis. That’s the beauty of Southern Illinois.

Rich Davis, Century 21

We originally came from Thailand and the big city of Bangkok. It’s like 14 million people. It would take three hours just to get to work, and there’s noise everywhere. We came to Marion and it was a totally different setting in which to live. It’s easy to go everywhere. It’s so convenient. Everything we need is here.

Thanet Natisri, Thai D and Emmy Award Winner

Special Thanks

SI Now Regional Supporters

Align Wealth Management E. T. Simonds

Egyptian Electrical Cooperative

First Bank and Trust of Murphysboro

Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc.

WLC Management Firm, LLC

SI Now Regional Partners

Black Chamber of Commerce of Southern Illinois

Carbondale Chamber of Commerce

Carterville Chamber of Commerce

Herrin Chamber of Commerce

Marion Chamber of Commerce

Murphysboro Chamber of Commerce

Saline County Chamber of Commerce

West Frankfort Chamber of Commerce

Want to support the work of SI Now? Contact Deb at director@southernillinoisnow.org for details about partnership options and benefits.

Index of Advertisers

PHOTO ALBUM

Photographer: John O’Connell

Photographer: Tom Welge

Photographer: Lee M. Fronabarger

Photographer: Ron Clark

Photographer: John O’Connell

Photographer: Zach Lewis

Photographer: Mike Chervinko

GOOD COMPANY

From large factories like Continental Tire and Prysmian Group (formerly General Cable), that have called Southern Illinois home for decades, to AISIN which moved to Marion in 2001 and has since built two additional plants, and Manner Polymers which announced a new plant in Mt. Vernon in 2023. These companies recognize the low cost of doing business, high quality of life, and neighborly attitudes that Southern Illinois has to offer.

By Industry

& Grow Your Company

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Photo courtesy of @do.soill. Follow their Instagram page for Southern Illinois tourism offerings.

Ferne Clyffe State Park Goreville, IL COMMUNITIES