Four Illinois Local members receive awards at annual conference
Lucy Schmadeke, founder of Be Like Emma Dress Resale, winner of the Illinois Local Community Hero award 2025.
Illinois Local Awards 2025. Sponsored by Bailey Family Insurance. Awards by Ceramics Made by Rosie.
Four Illinois Local members have received awards.
The award winners were announced at the annual Illinois Local Conference on Monday, September 8, at the Grant Conservatory of Music & Dance in Springfield.
The categories are Illinois Local Community Hero, Illinois Local Ambassador, Illinois Local Best Use of Social Media, and Illinois Local Business of the Year.
The Illinois Local Community Hero award was presented to a member who has had a positive impact on their community, and was received by Lucy Schmadeke, founder of Be Like Emma Dress Resale.
The Illinois Local Ambassador award was presented to a member who represents the mission of the membership, which is to support, grow, and celebrate, and was given to Angie Ryan of Balance Yoga.
The Illinois Local Best Use of Social Media award went to Little Lincoln’s Toy Shop for its positive use of social media.
Cured Catering was the recipient of the Illinois Local Business of the Year award, presented to a member who deserves recognition for their continued success.
Bailey Family Insurance sponsored this year’s awards. Co-owner, Christine Bailey said, “It’s a joy to support the Illinois Local Awards and highlight the dedication and innovation of our local business leaders—they truly make our community shine.”
The awards were designed and handmade by Rosie Gale of Ceramics Made by Rosie. Complimentary coffee was provided by Bloom Hospitality & Catering.
“The conference provided an opportunity for attendees from across the state to hear from business leaders, network, and celebrate our members’ continued success,” said Illinois Local co-founder Gemma Long.
This year’s speakers included Chad Fowler of Sangamon Tree Service, Noah Schlosser of Noah Schlosser Media, and Christine and Mark Bailey of Bailey Family Insurance.
The panel included Amy Peterson of Dan Deweese Painting and Wood Finishing, Bethany Simmermaker of West of Wise Winery, and Ryan Leake of Little Lincoln’s Toy Shop.
The Illinois Local fifth annual Small Business Saturday Holiday Market is on November 29 from 9 am to 4 pm in the Exposition Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Entry is $5 for those aged 13 and over. The market will feature vendors, food, Santa, Bluey, and Bingo, as well as entertainment from local organizations, including the Springfield Youth Performance Group and Dayna’s Dance Revolution.