U.S. Department of Agriculture

Elastec is the largest manufacturer of oil spill and environmental equipment in North America, with four locations in Illinois, one location in Florida, satellite offices in Virginia, India, Turkey & China and a network of dealers around the world. Elastec’s environmental products are distributed in 155 countries and include a variety of oil skimmers, containment boom, turbidity curtains, work boats, portable incinerators and industrial vacuum systems. They are an innovative company with a big mission, developing solutions to clean up surface water pollution, to keep their waterways clean. And, it all started with a bucket.

The chance to attend an out-of-state university while still paying in-state fees is one reason to attend Wabash Valley College in Mount Carmel, Illinois. Part of the Illinois Eastern Community College system, Wabash Valley also provides those dealing with unemployment, financial hardship and a single-parent lifestyle additional support and resources, including tuition assistance in some cases. Associate degrees designed for four-year transfer include such subjects as Art, Computer Science, Education, Pre-Law, Pre-Medicine and Social Work. Students may transfer to any college or university within and, in some cases, even outside of the state. One especially appealing program is Wabash Valley’s transfer agreement with University of Southern Indiana, which allows Wabash Valley students to transfer to this out-of-state school and pay the same fees as Indiana residents. Students may also earn a career certification or degree in such areas as Information Technology, Agriculture, Coal Mining Technology, Law Enforcement, Social Services and healthcare professions like Nursing. Additional activities include a campus radio station, which is home to the college’s Radio Broadcasting department. There are also student academic and professional clubs, performing arts activities and a student government association. An open-enrollment institution, Wabash Valley enrolls any student with a high school diploma or GED. Tuition is significantly lower for district-area residents, and in addition to its variety of tuition assistance programs for certain populations, Wabash Valley offers student loans to eligible students.

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is a medical school located in Springfield, Illinois.

If you live in the LaSalle County area of Illinois, and are looking for a comprehensive community college with extensive educational resources and academic offerings, consider Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC). The school has transfer programs for students interested in getting an associate’s degree at IVCC, and then transferring to a four-year institution. The following associate’s degrees are recommended for those who want to transfer: Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or Associate in Engineering Science. IVCC also has an Associate in Applied Science degree program that can be completed in two years, and certificate programs that can be finished in about one year. The school provides its students with alternative academic options and flexibility. Distance learning is available to those who want to take classes online or through telecourses on DVD. IVCC offers adult education, continuing education, vocational training, and workforce development as well. Some of the unique courses included in these special programs include Computer Basics, Pharmacy Technician Certification, Solar Hot Water Systems, and Sports Officiating. Applications for admissions can be found online. Financial aid is provided to those who qualify to help with tuition costs. Take some time to research Illinois Valley Community College if you are looking forward to attending a community college with a charming campus, overlooking the Illinois River.

Jake's Furnishings is a Furniture store in Lincoln, Illinois.

Incobrasa is a soybean processing & biodiesel manufacturing company in Central Illinois with roots in the industry going back over 50 years.

Rock river lumber and grain is a manlius grain & supply company that includes rock river lumber & grain in prophetstown, yorktown lumber & grain, and lyndon lumber & grain.

Heartland Electric & Equipment serves customers in central Illinois with concrete, storage, and electrical projects around the clock.

Finding Eminence Farm is a farm that grows cut flowers and greens in central Illinois.

Fresh and frozen meat are available from Hufendick Farm Market, which is located south of Norway, Illinois. Their livestock are raised traditionally at Hufendick Farm. No steroid use, antibiotics, or confinement.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is a comprehensive public university located in Edwardsville, Illinois. Initially established as a satellite campus of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, SIUE has evolved into a significant educational institution, offering over 85 programs of study, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. The university is particularly noted for its School of Pharmacy, which features modern facilities and is designed to accommodate the growing demand in the field. The School of Nursing also plays a vital role in the university's academic landscape, with nearly 900 students enrolled in various nursing programs. SIUE emphasizes student engagement through various initiatives, including the Kimmel Leadership Center and the Student Leadership Development Program, which aim to enhance leadership skills and community involvement. Additionally, the university provides extensive financial aid options, including scholarships based on need and merit, to support its diverse student body.

Hazel Technologies develops and produces postharvest technologies that extend the shelf life of fresh produce. The company’s core product is a carton insert that releases ethylene inhibitors, such as 1‑MCP, to slow respiration and aging in fruits and vegetables, thereby reducing spoilage and waste. In addition to its hardware, Hazel offers horticultural consulting and supply‑chain solutions that help growers, shippers, and retailers optimize storage conditions and inventory management. Founded in 2015, the company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional site in Salinas, California. Its technologies have been validated by academic research and supported by USDA funding, positioning Hazel as a key player in improving the efficiency and sustainability of the fresh‑produce supply chain.