Southern Illinois Made Expo showcases small businesses, supports Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services
MARION, Ill. (KBSI) – “Small business is an economic driver in Southern Illinois,” said Senator Dale Fowler, and the Southern Illinois Made Expo is evidence of that.
“Also, it’s about creating awareness to see the different companies here, to be able to just let people know they’re in Southern Illinois because supporting Southern Illinois is of the utmost importance,” Fowler said.
Tam Piermann, owner of LEAF Food Hub and one of more than 150 vendors at the expo, said this event is not only a great opportunity for networking, but discovery, as well.
“It is great exposure for small businesses, and even just sitting right here, I’m looking around and seeing things I didn’t know existed before,” she said.
Yemisi Anderson is CEO of The Jay Effect, a family-owned business that specializes in catering and spice manufacturing.
She said having a community that has your back makes the grind of owning a small business that much more worthwhile.
“Being an entrepreneur can be isolating sometimes. You kind of feel like you’re by yourself,” she said. “You have some frustrations in business, but having a community, you have some people to encourage you when you are struggling and to just kind of help build you up, so it’s kind of fun.”
And it helps to have your family right by your side.
“To be able to have somebody to do it with, to share in the hard times and share in the joy of it, it’s pretty cool.” Anderson said. “Plus, we get to build up our son. He’s a little entrepreneur, as well. He has his own business, The Anderson Academy. He’s an author and has a YouTube channel, so it’s cool to be able to just, again, get to share in this journey together.”
Proceeds from this event will go toward Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services, serving Southern Illinois veterans.
