Illinois Local

09/10/2026

September is a BIG month for Illinois Local! 🎉

We’re kicking off one of our busiest seasons of the year with opportunities to connect, learn, promote your business and grow your Illinois Local network.

Here’s what’s happening:

🏆 Illinois Local Awards — Nominations are officially OPEN! Nominate a business, organization or cause making a difference in communities across Illinois. Supported by Bailey Family Insurance and awards designed by Ceramics Made by Rosie.

🤝 September Networking Event — Join us September 16 at Bailey Family Insurance in Springfield for our monthly networking event.

💡 Skill Share on September 22 — We’re teaming up with the Illinois Illinois SBDC for Central Illinois for our second Skill Share of the year, hosted by Innovate Springfield at Horace Mann.

📸 Complimentary Member Photoshoot — Members can take advantage of our complimentary photoshoot on September 24 at Kate Spencer Photography. Because having great photos of you for your business or cause matters!

🛍️ Illinois Local Holiday Market — Now is the time to register for our 6th Annual Illinois Local Holiday Market on Small Business Saturday, November 28, at the Orr Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Supported by Illinois SBDC for Central Illinois.

Member registration is just $75, or $200 for non-members.

And if you’ve been thinking about becoming an Illinois Local member, there’s no better time. Membership is about more than a directory listing—it’s about building relationships, gaining visibility and being part of a statewide community that believes in supporting Illinois businesses and organizations.

Whether you’re looking to make connections, learn something new, showcase your business or find new customers, Illinois Local is here to help you grow.

👉 Want to learn more, become a member, register for an event or get involved?

Links are in the comments!

09/08/2026

Members, this month’s newsletter just dropped — and it’s packed with events! 🎉

Mark your calendars:

📅 September 16 — Our next networking event, hosted by Bailey Family Insurance

📅 September 22 — Our second Skill Share event of the year, in partnership with Illinois SBDC for Central Illinois, hosted by Innovate Springfield, with breakfast provided by Small Business Growth Corp.

Interested in joining us for one or both? Head over to the Illinois Local website to register. Both events are free and open to members and nonmembers, so bring a colleague, friend, or fellow local business owner!

We’d love to see you there! 💙

09/06/2026

Happy Labor Day weekend! Celebrate by nominating a local business or cause for an award!! Link in comments.

https://springfieldherald.news/illinois-local-awards-nominations-now-open-celebrating-independent-causes-and-businesses-across-illinois-p30929-103.htm

Thanks for sharing Springfield Herald News.

Thanks to Bailey Family Insurance for supporting this year’s Illinois Local awards! And to Ceramics Made by Rosie for designing and making them!

Nominations open for 2026 Illinois Local Awards, celebrating independent businesses and community leaders

09/04/2026

“One of my greatest passions is helping people recognize their own beauty while enhancing the natural features they already have. There is something incredibly rewarding about helping someone feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin.” - Courtney Staab, Bel Viso Medical Aesthetics

We’re so thankful to have Courtney and her team as members of Illinois Local!

Find out more about Courtney and her business on our news page. Link in comments.

09/03/2026

Coming to Joliet, Pontiac, Normal, Springfield, Litchfield, and Edwardsville. Go check it out!

09/02/2026

Nominations Are Open 🎉

Who deserves to be celebrated as one of Illinois’ best independent businesses?

Nominations for the 2026 Illinois Local Awards are officially OPEN! 🎉

This is your chance to shine a light on the independent businesses, entrepreneurs, makers and community builders who make Illinois such a special place to live, work and shop.

Know a business that deserves some recognition? Nominate them!

🏆 Nominations are open now

🏆 Winners will be announced at the Illinois Local Holiday Market on Small Business Saturday, November 28

🏆 Awards are proudly sponsored by Bailey Family Insurance

🏆 Each award is handcrafted by Ceramics Made by Rosie

Tell us who deserves to be celebrated! Nominate a business today. Link in comments. Nominations close October 1.

Pictured: Taryn Grant of Springfield Youth Performance Group in 2024.

08/28/2026

It was great to see so many new and familiar faces at yesterday’s networking event hosted by Bloom Hospitality & Catering.

Next stop Bailey Family Insurance on September 16! Mark your calendars for another fun and friendly gathering of entrepreneurs and business owners.

Link to register in comments.

08/05/2026

🎉 You’re Invited! 🎉

Join New Beginnings Weight Loss & Wellness Clinic as owner Kim Danner and her team celebrate an exciting new chapter with a Rebrand Celebration, Ribbon Cutting & Open House! ✨

📅 Thursday, August 6, 2026
⏰ 4:00 PM
📍 215 N. Main St., Chatham, IL 62629

Tour the newly rebranded clinic, meet the team, enjoy refreshments, enter to win exciting door prizes, and learn more about wellness services and Direct Primary Care options.

Whether you’re a current patient, a longtime friend, or simply curious about what New Beginnings Wellness has to offer — everyone is welcome!

07/29/2026

We ❤️ Trimble's Produce Farm!!!

07/18/2026

🎨🚗 New Route 66 Activity Book Available! 🚗🎨

Illinois Local member Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway has launched a fun new keepsake for families exploring the Mother Road!

Introducing Color Your Way Down Route 66—a 25+ page activity book filled with Route 66-themed coloring pages, puzzles, games, and educational activities that celebrate one of America's most iconic highways.

Created by the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway in partnership with Ace Sign Company and illustrated by Macie Wright, a Millikin University student and graduate of the Macoupin County CEO Program, this activity book is the perfect companion for young travelers and Route 66 enthusiasts alike.

The book also features Simon and encourages families to use the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway mobile app as they explore attractions and communities across Illinois, making every stop along the route even more interactive.

Whether you're planning a Route 66 adventure or looking for a unique Illinois souvenir, this activity book is a fun way to experience the history and charm of the Mother Road.

🎉 And don't forget to book your tickets for the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Celebration! Join the festivities on November 11 at Motorheads, featuring a special concert by STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas. Tickets are available now on the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway website.

Congratulations to our member, Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, on this fantastic new addition for Route 66 travelers!