Southern Illinois Now

Numbers don’t lie and here’s why – our region’s key strengths from its strategic location for logistics to its low cost of living make Southern Illinois a great place to live, work, and do business. #SouthernIllinoisNow Watch now: https://lnkd.in/ge82KPQZ

?? Water & Quality of Life – Southern Illinois Delivers! ???? When businesses consider Southern Illinois for site selection, one of the first questions they ask is about water capacity—and our answer is always YES! ? Water is one of our greatest assets, and we have the infrastructure to meet their needs. But it’s not just about resources—it’s about quality of life. ?? Here, you’ll find: ?? Affordable living ?? No stressful commutes ???????? More time with family & what matters most Southern Illinois is where business thrives, and life is better. ?? #SouthernIllinoisNow #SiteSelection #BusinessGrowth #QualityOfLife #InvestInSouthernIllinois

Southern Illinois’ own Elastec , based in Carmi, has made it to the Round of 8 in the @Illinois Manufacturers' Association's Makers Madness competition with their Remote Operated (ROV) Oil Skimmer. They need YOUR VOTE to advance! You can vote once per day per device. This groundbreaking drone cleans oil and fuel spills from water in hard-to-reach places like piers and around ships—protecting waterways worldwide. Time is running out! Voting for the Top 8 ends March 30—help Elastec move onto the next round! ?? Cast your vote now: Cast Your Vote – Makers Madness https://loom.ly/CLAvvT0 #MakersMadness #IllinoisMade #VoteNow

?? FEATURED STORY: A Fresh Perspective on Farmstead Foods ?? From small farmers’ markets to a regional leader in locally grown food, Farmstead Foods, LLC has built a thriving business rooted in Southern Illinois' agricultural heritage. ?? Founded by Michael Gehman, Farmstead Foods connects local farmers with urban markets, delivering high-quality produce, meats, dairy, and grains while tackling food accessibility challenges. Their journey is one of perseverance, community, and sustainability. ?? Read more about their story and how they’re making a difference: https://loom.ly/7ExsJBc #SouthernIllinoisNow #LocalFood #FarmToTable #SustainableFarming #Agriculture

?? Thank You to Our SI Now Investor! ?? We are incredibly grateful for the support of our Top-Level Investors, including Gilster-Mary Lee, a cornerstone of Southern Illinois’ economy! ????? Founded in 1895 and headquartered in Chester, IL, Gilster-Mary Lee has built a legacy in private label food processing, delivering quality, service, and value to customers across the nation. Their investment in Southern Illinois helps drive economic growth, job creation, and community development. Thank you for being a part of SI Now’s mission to promote and strengthen our region! ?? Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. #ThankYou #GilsterMaryLee #SouthernIllinoisNow #EconomicGrowth #InvestInSouthernIllinois #CommunityStrong

Southern Illinois Now had the privilege of representing our region at the @SiteSelectorGuild Annual Conference in Orlando. ?? As the only organization of its kind, the Site Selectors Guild consists of the world’s top site selection consultants who provide corporate location strategy across industries. At SI Now, our mission is to advocate for Southern Illinois as an ideal place for business investment and growth. We are proud to showcase the advantages our region offers and to connect with industry leaders shaping the future of site selection. #SouthernIllinoisNow #EconomicDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #SiteSelection #InvestInIllinois

?? Stay Ahead with SI Now! ?? Exciting things are happening in Southern Illinois, and you don’t want to miss out! From business expansions and economic growth to local success stories and must-attend events, we’re your go-to source for everything happening in the region. ? LIKE to show love for local businesses ? FOLLOW for the latest updates ? SHARE to help spread the word about #SouthernIllinoisNow ?? Join the movement—be part of the progress! #SINow #StayInTheKnow #SouthernIllinois #EconomicOpportunity #SupportLocal

???? Southern Illinois in the Spotlight – Vote Daily for Gilster-Mary Lee & Elastec! ???? Exciting news for Southern Illinois manufacturing—two of our very own companies have made it to the Top 16 in the Makers Madness: Coolest Thing Made in Illinois competition! ?? ?? Gilster-Mary Lee (Chester) – Jumbo Marshmallows ?? Elastec (Carmi) – ROV Skimmer – Remote Operated Oil Skimmer With over 250 products originally nominated, this is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the innovation, craftsmanship, and economic impact of Southern Illinois businesses. But they need your help to advance! ? Vote daily, per device at www.makersmadnessil.com ? Voting closes March 23 at 11:59 PM Let’s come together and support Southern Illinois manufacturing! Every vote brings these companies one step closer to being named The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois. Tag your network, spread the word, and vote daily! Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. Elastec #MakersMadness #CoolestThingMadeInIllinois #Manufacturing #SupportLocal #SouthernIllinoisProud #Innovation #MakeItinIllinois

Definitely BIG NEWS! Once again, #Illinois is being recognized as a top state for corporate expansions and relocations! Southern Illinois Now is proud to be part of #TeamIllinois! #BeInIllinois

??? Small Town, Big Business – A Podcast for Entrepreneurs! ?? Looking to start or grow a business in a small town? The Small Town Big Business Podcast is your go-to source for entrepreneurship and business opportunities in today’s thriving small communities! Hosted by Russell Williams, Jennifer Olson, and Deb Barnett, each episode features inspiring stories, expert insights, and real-world advice to help businesses succeed outside the big city. ?? Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois, this podcast highlights the incredible innovation, resilience, and opportunities found in Southern Illinois and beyond. ?? Listen now on your favorite platform: ?? Youtube: https://loom.ly/wz0M9gg ?? Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gARuMNcP ?? Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/g7A99rRK ?? Google Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/g94HZh4N ?? Podbean: https://lnkd.in/gVpedp-e ?? Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey, Small Town Big Business is here to guide, inspire, and connect you to the possibilities waiting in small-town America. #SmallTownBigBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessOpportunities #SouthernIllinois #EthosMarion #SmallTownSuccess Tag: @Ethos at The Citadel