What's the Word?
This region boasts a remarkable sense of community, where neighbors are like family, and mutual support thrives. Jackson County's business environment is robust, offering substantial opportunities for local entrepreneurs. What sets Southern Illinois apart is its unique quality of life, offering outdoor adventures, close-knit community bonds, and promising prospects for businesses. I've not only established my business here but also discovered a profound sense of belonging, genuine connections, and abundant opportunities. It's more than just a location; it's a place I proudly call home.
Jackson County is home to Southern Illinois University, an R2 research institution that has several academic programs ranked in the top five nationally. As a result, a diverse group of people are drawn to the region, which further enhances the University’s academic prowess and contributes to cultural awareness on campus and neighboring communities. This diversity is further reflected in Jackson County’s civic and economic development organizations that are actively working to enhance the quality of life. Having access to various forms of transportation make rural community living very attractive.
My wife Jennifer and I relocated here in 2009 so I could join the SIU faculty as an accounting professor. We were pleasantly surprised by the friendliness of the people and their openness to different perspectives. The atmosphere is welcoming to newcomers and fosters a sense of inclusivity.
I understand that running a business in Murphysboro is a team effort, and the team is composed of other business owners, City Government, Murphysboro Main Street, the Chamber of Commerce, and grassroots organizations. It’s great to see the community works together to support local businesses. In Murphysboro, we believe that success can be achieved by anyone with a dream and a strong work ethic. We strive to help people overcome obstacles to success and support each other in our community. Visiting Murphysboro, you’ll quickly discover that it is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.
Carbondale is a remarkable place known for its unique shops, global dining options, and lively community interactions. Throughout the year, the city hosts several festivals with live music in addition to celebrations associated with Southern Illinois University. Whether it's work, school, or engaging in various activities, everything is just a short drive away. My family and I are active in the vibrant community, frequently going to Farmer's Markets, exploring the Science Center, attending SIU sports and events, and taking part in Carbondale Junior Sports. Our school actively hosts events such as family reading nights, a fall festival, holiday concerts, movie nights, and more. The quality teachers make a significant impact, and our kids genuinely enjoy attending school every day. Carbondale, with its abundant parks offering ample recreational opportunities, benefits from its close proximity to Giant City Park, local wineries, and the charming Makanda Boardwalk. Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Shawnee National Forest, Carbondale strikes a harmonious balance between work and family life. It truly provides an ideal backdrop for creating lasting memories and building a fulfilling life.
As I settle into Jackson County after relocating from out of state, I am impressed by the innovative spirit of the local business community. Their unwavering focus on meeting the needs of the community is commendable. As a member of the executive team at Southern Illinois Airport, I have the privilege of observing growth and progress from a bird’s-eye view. The warm smiles and helpful guidance I’ve received have made me feel welcome. My intention is to become a longstanding contributor to the future plans here in Jackson County.
When I accepted my position with City of Carbondale eight years ago and moved to Jackson County, it was immediately clear how welcoming the community is to new residents. The spirit of volunteerism is strong, with a great many organizations that work very hard every day to help make the community a great place to live, work, play and raise a family. During the Covid-19 pandemic, I was struck by the commitment and resilience of the business community, as well as the City’s flexibility as they collaborated with local business owners to find solutions that allowed the businesses to continue serving their customers during that stressful time. Throughout my stay, I’ve discovered Carbondale boasts a richly diverse and inclusive community. It is home to robust educational establishments, ample retail options, distinctive dining experiences, and lucrative incentives for both new and expanding businesses.
The success of your business matters to the residents of Jackson County. Our local neighborhoods are regular visitors to our greenhouses. Southern Illinois offers an abundance of tourism opportunities and breathtaking landscapes. As I drive through the downtown areas of Murphysboro, Carbondale, Elkville and other communities proudly showcasing McNitt flowers, it never fails to bring a smile to my face seeing the joy our flowers bring to the people in the place we call home.
My grandfather brought his family to Southern Illinois in the 1890’s to work the coal mines. His son, my father, was the first in our family to ever graduate from high school. The year was 1939. He went on to raise seven children, sending them all to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. I founded Silkworm in my father’s basement in 1981. It would be nice if I could take all the credit for our success, but that would not be accurate. From day one, we have had the support from our community. Our local government and banks have made a big difference throughout the years. We have been fortunate with a talented pool of workers to build our team. The resources and expertise that Southern Illinois University at Carbondale brings to our community has been invaluable to us. With my roots in Murphysboro, and the beauty of our region, I am grateful that my grandfather chose to make Jackson County his home.