Southern Illinois-Made Expo coming to Marion
MARION - The inaugural Southern Illinois-Made Expo has been scheduled for Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29 at the Marion City Pavilion. Times of operation are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The expo is an exciting new initiative developed through a partnership between State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) and Southern Illinois Chambers of Commerce.
"Southern Illinois is home to some of Illinois' greatest businesses, turning out unique products made in the region and offering one-of-a-kind destinations that fuel our local economy and employees the people in our communities," said Fowler. "This venture is about showcasing what our local businesses have to offer and providing local consumers the chance to explore the merchandise and products created right here in their own backyard."
The Marion event will serve as the premier opportunity for businesses to showcase the impressive products made and destinations available in Southern Illinois.
"I'm excited to give businesses that make their products here in Southern Illinois a direct platform to reach out to the people in the communities who may not realize the extent or variety of currently offered by our Southern-based businesses," Fowler said. "The businesses and the products are already here, we're just creating an opportunity - an opportunity to embrace what's unique to our region and market the incredible products made throughout my district and across the region. What we're doing here is giving our hardworking businesses a stage to promote their products and encourage those in our communities to shop locally."
The event is also open to the general public, giving everyone the opportunity to experience firsthand the quality of unique products made by Southern Illinois artists, designers, and manufacturers and the beauty of Southern Illinois destinations.
A donation of $5 to Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois will be suggested for admission by all guests. All proceeds from admission and exhibitor fees will go to the organization.
The first 200 attendees will receive a Southern Illinois-Made goody bag.
"Southern Illinois-Made Expo is a great next step for the Shop Southern Illinois campaign that area Chambers of Commerce have developed over the recent years to encourage Southern Illinoisans to support local businesses," said Dalus Ben Avi, executive director of the Marion Chamber of Commerce. "Area Chambers want to educate consumers to shop and buy locally, realizing that a small shift in shopping trends - say 2 to 3 percent - can result in millions of dollars in new revenue for area businesses.
"Local business owners are our neighbors and friends," Ben Avi said, "and they deserve our support and our business. Local businesses hire locally, spend their money locally, contribute to their communities and regions and offer everything we need or want."
Exhibitors from all over the region are invited to display and sell their innovative products, unique creations, tasty treats and showcase fabulous Southern Illinois destinations.
"We are excited to give our local business community an opportunity to showcase the products and destinations produced and offered in Southern Illinois," Ben Avi said.
Booth prices start at $50. To sign up, visit simade.org or call the Marion Chamber of Commerce at (618) 997-6311.
"We hope that you join us in showcasing all that Southern Illinois has to offer," Ben Avi added. "Both Saturday and Sunday offer an opportunity for exhibitors to sell directly to the public and wholesale/retail buyers. Potential customers can see, sample, and purchase products and learn about the many destinations Southern Illinois has to offer."