May 26, 2026
JGA Secures Grant to Advance Future Industrial Park Development
Jackson Growth Alliance (JGA) is taking a major step toward creating new industrial development opportunities in Jackson County. The organization has secured a $140,139 Site Readiness Grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), funding that will support critical due‑diligence and engineering work on 88 acres of property under a transferable option […]
December 16, 2025
Jackson CEO: Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
A strong local economy starts with strong local leaders. Jackson CEO is helping shape that future by giving Jackson County high school students the tools, connections, and confidence to become tomorrow’s entrepreneurs. Instead of sitting behind a desk for a business class, Jackson CEO students spend their year visiting local businesses, hearing directly from community […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
May 21, 2024
Big Muddy Monster Festival
The Big Muddy Monster Festival in Murphysboro, IL is an exciting event that celebrates the 51st anniversary of the legendary sightings of the Big Muddy Monster. Here are the details for this year’s festival: Date: Saturday, June 22, 2024 Festival Hours: 10 AM - 5 PM Location: Downtown Murphysboro, IL Sponsored By: Murphysboro Tourism Festival Highlights: Guest Speaker Presentations: Learn more about […]
May 1, 2024
Silkworm
Silkworm: A Journey of Community Support and Success Bob Chambers’ grandfather made a pivotal decision in the late 19th century, bringing his family to Southern Illinois to work in the coal mines. Little did he know that this move would set the stage for a remarkable legacy—one that would impact generations to come. The Educational […]
March 26, 2024
Tech Park
Tech Park: Southern Illinois Airport Tech Park, located at Southern Illinois Airport, is home to Southern Illinois University’s renowned automotive program that offers a bachelor of science in Automotive Technology. The Transportation Education Center at SIU Carbondale is an 186,000 square-foot facility that houses the university’s Automotive and Aviation programs. A separate 32,000 square-foot building […]
March 14, 2024
McNitt’s Nursery and Greenhouse: A Blossoming Legacy
From Orchard to Greenhouse In the picturesque town of Carbondale, Illinois, a remarkable story unfolds—a tale of passion, transformation, and vibrant blooms. Martin and Dolores, originally hailing from Colorado, embarked on an adventure that would forever alter the landscape of their lives. In 1987, they purchased a sprawling 138-acre orchard in Carbondale, IL. The orchard, once thriving, had gradually […]
March 5, 2024
SIU Fermentation Institute
The Fermentation Science Institute (FSI) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU) is a hub for all things related to fermentation. SIU offers one of only seven bachelor’s degrees recognized by the Master Brewers Association of the Americas. Students at the FSI learn about the science behind fermentation, including the production and analysis of alcoholic beverages, fermented foods, and cheese. The state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities […]
February 22, 2024
Success of Jackson County Enterprise Zone
$5.6 million invested in new development in 2023 In Jackson County, a variety of financial incentives await businesses that choose to establish or expand their operations. One of these incentives, the Carbondale/Murphysboro/Jackson County Enterprise Zone, is managed by the City of Carbondale, the City of Murphysboro, and Jackson County government, and authorized by the Illinois […]
February 6, 2024
Tourism in Southern Illinois
Jackson County is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and beer lovers alike. The county boasts some of the best hiking trails in the region, with varying lengths and difficulty levels. The River to River Trail is the highest elevation trail, while the Campus Lake walk located at Southern Illinois University has the least amount of climbing. In […]
January 25, 2024
Crucial MRO in Southern Illinois
Crucial MRO, a full-service Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) company of aircraft, began construction at Southern Illinois Airport in 2019. However, the pandemic caused a delay in the opening of the facility until 2022. Crucial MRO has commercial airline contracts with Contour and Victory Air. Currently, Crucial MRO operates two hangars at Southern Illinois Airport […]
August 23, 2023
NICK HOLDINGHAUSEN JOINS SI NOW
(CARBONDALE, Ill) -- Southern Illinois Now (SI Now) has named Nick Holdinghausen as its coordinator of regional development and marketing. For the last 12 years, Holdinghausen has served as a meteorologist at WSIL-TV, known on-air as Nick Hausen, he most recently was the station’s chief meteorologist. “We have all known Nick for many years from […]
May 16, 2023
Texas-Based AECI Schirm USA, Inc. Expands to Southern Illinois
Born and raised in Whittington, Illinois, Chad Kern is proud of his Southern Illinois roots and enjoys returning regularly to visit his family on the family farm in Whittington. After earning his Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Architectural Engineering at Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale...
May 11, 2023
Imagine Greatness at Southern Illinois Airport
Jackson County – Tucked into the heart of Jackson County, the Southern Illinois Airport has consistently been making its mark in the United States as a leader in both the aviation and automotive industries. Since 1960, the Southern Illinois Airport has housed Southern Illinois University’s nationally recognized aviation and automotive programs. These programs offer a […]
January 26, 2023
17th Street BBQ
Amy Mills, owner of 17th Street Barbecue, credits Southern Illinois communities and the strong partnerships she has built to help grow her business and brand. Amy tells us firsthand about her success in the region, how she has continued her father’s legacy, and why she continues to invest in her hometown of Murphysboro, Illinois.
October 31, 2022
Deborah Barnett Named as Executive Director of SI Now
(CARBONDALE, Ill.) Deborah Barnett, Ph.D., a lifelong resident of Southern Illinois dedicated to the region’s advancement, has been named as executive director of Southern Illinois Now (SI Now). SI Now was founded in 2020 to serve as a regional hub for economic development in the southern 17 counties of Illinois, focusing on supporting existing businesses, […]
October 20, 2022
SI Now Takes Action to Advance Regional Economy
(CARBONDALE, Ill.) Southern Illinois Now (SI Now) has filed articles of incorporation with the State of Illinois to become a standalone not-for-profit corporation focused on serving as a regional economic development hub for the 17 southern counties. SI Now’s focus areas include supporting existing businesses, attracting and expanding businesses, developing the region’s workforce, and promoting […]
October 7, 2022
Com-Pac International
Com-Pac International Inc, headquartered in Carbondale, IL, is a leading manufacturer and innovator in the design, engineering and production of medical, food service and industrial plastic products. As a leading industry in our region, manufacturing provides thousands of jobs and contributes billions of dollars to the Southern Illinois economy each year. Com-Pac International President, Gregory […]
August 24, 2022
Fisheye Kayak Rentals
As part of our #WhySI campaign sharing why Southern Illinois is a great place to live, work, and do business, we spoke with Brandon Weisenberger, owner of Fisheye Kayak Rentals about his experience running a business here. Fisheye Kayak Rentals offers delivery and pickup of recreational kayaks and associated equipment at public boat ramps on […]
April 7, 2022
Dinger Bats
Located in the heart of the midwest and at the edge of the Shawnee National Forest, father and son duo Kyle and Randy Drone started Dinger Bats to produce a variety of bats and provide quality craftsmanship and service to the little leagues all the way up to the Majors. Getting into the hands of […]
January 21, 2022
Brooke Guthman - Why SI
As part of our WhySI series, we spoke with Brooke Guthman, Member Services Manager at Egyptian Electric Cooperative and Co-Owner of Walnut Street Properties, LLC, about her role in revitalizing the business community and livability in downtown Murphysboro. How did you choose to live in Southern Illinois? My husband Ryan and I are from Murphysboro […]
December 15, 2021
Why SI - Michael and Julie Cannell
As part of our WhySI campaign showcasing why Southern Illinois is a great place to live and work, we spoke with Michael Cannell, a partner at Reed, Heller & Cannell law firm in Murphysboro, about his family’s decision to relocate to Southern Illinois from the Chicago suburbs. What brought you and your family to […]
December 1, 2021
Why SI - Ross and Sarah Gray
As part of our WhySI campaign showcasing why Southern Illinois is a great place to live and work, we spoke with husband and wife, Ross and Sarah Gray about their decision to relocate to Carbondale from St. Louis. Ross and Sarah both work for Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH), Ross as a hospitalist for SIH Herrin […]
November 24, 2021
Why SI - Four Seven Gallery Event Planning and Designs, LLC
As part of our #WhySI campaign sharing why Southern Illinois is a great place to live, work, and do business, we spoke with Danielle Beckner, owner of Four Seven Gallery Event Planning and Designs, LLC in Marion, Illinois. Danielle provides planning and decorations for all events - from funerals to baby showers, reunions, and weddings; […]
November 17, 2021
Why SI - Eccentrics Boutique
As part of our #WhySI campaign on why Southern Illinois is a great place to live, work, and do business, we spoke with Lauren Craig, the owner of Eccentrics Boutique, an upscale and fashion-forward clothing boutique that has operated in Carterville, Illinois since 2011. How do the Southern Illinois people, community, culture, and/or resources contribute […]
November 10, 2021
Why SI - Neighborhood Co‑op Grocery
As part of our #WhySI campaign sharing why Southern Illinois is a great place to live, work, and do business, we spoke with leaders at the Neighborhood Co-op Grocery about their dedication to improving the health and economy of our region. The Co-op is known not only for selling fresh, locally grown produce and local […]
November 4, 2021
Why SI - Peachbarn Winery and Café
As part of our #WhySI campaign sharing why Southern Illinois is a great place to live, work, and do business, we spoke with Jenny Schroeder about why she chose Southern Illinois to pursue her dream of owning a winery and vineyard and her experience in moving to the region. Jenny and her husband Scott own […]
October 27, 2021
Why SI - Muddy Roots Collective
As part of our #WhySI campaign sharing why Southern Illinois is a great place to live, work, and do business, we asked Allison Klaine-Cagle and Nancy Childers a few questions about their experience launching their new business, Muddy Roots Collective. Muddy Roots Collective is a specialty plant shop that also offers unique locally made goods […]
October 20, 2021
Why SI - William and Keesha Lo
As part of our #WhySI campaign sharing why Southern Illinois is a great place to live, work, and do business, we asked William and Keesha Lo a few questions about their experience as business owners in Southern Illinois. William and Keesha are co-owners of Bake Me Happy Food Co. dessert shop and co-founders of the […]
October 13, 2021
Why SI - Brixwood by Feather Hills
Randy and Renee Feather own Brixwood by Feather Hills and Feather Hill Winery in Makanda, Illinois How do the Southern Illinois people, community, culture and resources contribute to your success in running a business here? The natural resources and landscape here in the Shawnee Hills create an environment unlike anywhere else in Illinois. The rocky […]
October 6, 2021
Why SI - HireLevel
As part of our #WhySI campaign sharing why Southern Illinois is a great place to live, work, and do business, we asked Teresa Katubig, President & CEO, of HireLevel in Marion, Illinois a few questions about her experience running a business in this region. Since starting her workforce management business in Southern Illinois in 1995, […]
February 26, 2021
SIAA Projects Provide Long Term Economic Benefits
Southern Illinois Airport Authority (SIAA) projects provide long-term economic benefits to the region. JACKSON COUNTY: The Southern Illinois Airport Authority (SIAA), located on Airport Road in Murphysboro, IL, is expanding. Construction is underway for three new hangars, Hangar 2 and 11, and most recently, Hangar 10. Sources of funding for construction include a $3.75 million […]