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Jackson County: 
A Welcoming Place for Opportunity

Jackson Growth Alliance

Supporting economic growth in Jackson County, Illinois – a welcoming collection of communities centrally located in the heart of the Midwest and home to Southern Illinois University.
November 10, 2025
Emriver: Modeling Rivers, Inspiring Minds in Jackson County, IL

Based in Carbondale, Illinois, Emriver, Inc. is quietly shaping how the world understands rivers. Founded by fluvial geomorphologist Steve Gough and now led by his wife Katherine Poulos, the company has spent decades crafting hands-on river process simulators that are used globally in classrooms, research labs, and conservation projects. These tools—stream tables and flumes—bring the […]

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October 8, 2025
Penn Aluminum: Precision, Community, and Progress in Murphysboro IL

Nestled in the heart of Jackson County, Penn Aluminum stands as a pillar of industrial innovation and community engagement. Since its founding in 1923, the company has grown into one of the largest aluminum extrusion manufacturers in the United States. Located in Murphysboro IL, Penn Aluminum specializes in precision-drawn aluminum tubing and custom shapes, serving […]

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August 6, 2025
Cummare's Italian Ristorante

Cummare's is your go-to dining destination, offering exceptional cuisine and a warm ambiance Cummare’s has flourished in Murphysboro, Illinois serving as more than just an Italian restaurant—it’s a dynamic community gathering place rooted in tradition and evolving with a bold, personal vision. When owner Katy Cannell took over in 2020, she stepped into a well-loved […]

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December 4, 2024
Cora Marine Terminal

Make Cora Marine Terminal part of your Supply Chain: The nation’s supply chain keeps moving thanks in part to one local transload facility: the Cora Marine Terminal. Located in Rockwood, Illinois, this terminal is considered one of the largest in the region, with the best access to both river and rail, and is owned and […]

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July 30, 2024
Commercial Property Incentives in Jackson County

Why Buy Commercial Property in Jackson County? Incentives to Purchase Commercial Property in Jackson County, Illinois Jackson County, Illinois, offers a variety of incentives to attract businesses and investors to purchase commercial property. These incentives include Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Enterprise Zones, and Opportunity Zones, each designed to stimulate economic growth and development in the […]

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June 19, 2024
The Fuller Dome: A Beacon of Innovation in Jackson County Illinois

Nestled in the heart of Carbondale IL, the Bucky Fuller Dome stands as a testament to the genius of R. Buckminster Fuller. This architectural marvel, is not just a tourist destination but a symbol of innovation and sustainability. In April 1960, the dome was assembled in Carbondale and Bucky, with his wife Anne, lived there […]

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Why Jackson County
For Businesses
For Residents
“Southern Illinois University Carbondale is an economic engine and valuable partner in the region. The area is home to nearly 40,000 proud alumni, enthusiastic to apply what they learned on campus to help advance the region. As a major source of innovative solutions, research, and creative thinking, SIUC is proud to serve Southern Illinois.”
Jeff Gleim
Associate Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations, SIU Alumni Association
Southern Illinois University is a public research university in Carbondale, Illinois. Founded in 1869, SIU is the oldest campus of the Southern Illinois University system.
“Southern Illinois is a “hidden gem” as a place to locate your business or home! Located within the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, Southern Illinois has been compared to the Fertile Crescent of Egypt. The Shawnee National Forest and its many incredible rock formations and vistas place outdoor adventures right in your backyard. The quality of life and cost of living are as good as it gets and with the intersection of major transportation corridors, Southern Illinois is efficiently linked to St Louis, Chicago, Indianapolis and Nashville.”
Greg Cook
President, Cook Portable Warehouses
Cook Portable Warehouses is a Southern Illinois based manufacturer and distributor of portable buildings, with over 300 dealers in 16 states.
“Access to Southern Illinois’ many resources, including top notch business training and support organizations like Man-Tra-Con and the Delta Regional Authority, have furthered Pepsi MidAmerica’s success. Additionally, Southern Illinois University and our local community colleges provide outstanding technology training, CDL training, and other career development courses that have equipped our employees with the skills they need to be successful. We also maintain a strong relationship with the City of Marion which has supported our business growth. Southern Illinois is centrally located near several major Midwestern cities and has excellent roads for transportation which makes it an ideal location for our business.”
Keith Dickens
President, Pepsi MidAmerica
Pepsi MidAmerica is a large family owned Pepsi bottler and distributes food and beverages across its 5 state region.
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