Illinois Local 2022 Award Recipients Announced

Illinois Local announced the 2022 winners at its second Annual Conference in front of members, entrepreneurs, and business owners from across the state on Monday, September 12. 

Winners of this year’s Illinois Local Awards, sponsored by the local independent insurance company, Troxell, included: 

Illinois Local Ambassador - Main Street Florist

Illinois Local Best Use of Social Media - One Knotty Maker 

Illinois Local Community Hero - Fed Kitchen 

Illinois Local Business of the Year - The Storyteller Studios and Incredibly Delicious 

Chief Experience Officer at Troxell, Alysse Aiello Hewell, said it was an honor to sponsor the annual Illinois Local Awards again. 

“We know how hard local businesses must work to compete in today’s marketplace, no matter what type of business you are in,” she said. 

“We are proud to support and recognize the winners in each category who go above and beyond to grow their local businesses."

Illinois Local co-founder, Gemma Long, thanked this year’s conference speakers. 

“Kevin Lust of the SBDC, Celeste and Brennan Malham of Fed Kitchen, Zach Adams of 1221 Photography, and filmmaker Lydia Stuemke all contributed to a very successful event,” she said. 

“Many thanks also to Troxell for sponsoring our awards again, to Three Twigs Bakery for the pastries, Smart Owl Coffee for providing beverages, True Colors Floral for the flowers, our hosts, The Grant Conservatory of Music & Dance, and our members for participating in a fantastic celebration of local independent businesses in Illinois,” said Gemma. 

The awards were handmade by potter Rosie Gale of Ceramics Made by Rosie in Springfield, Illinois. 

“We wanted to present this year’s recipients with an award they would proudly display in their businesses and cherish for years to come,” said Illinois Local co-founder, Chris Long. Locally made pitchers and tumblers by Rosie, with the Illinois Local stamp, were a perfect choice.” 

Illinois Local was established in December 2020 with the mission to support, grow, and celebrate local independent businesses from across the state. Activities not only include the conference and awards, but also the annual Illinois Local Holiday Market on Small Business Saturday. 

“Now that we’ve had our annual celebration, it’s time to gear up for our biggest event of the year,” said Chris. “Our annual Illinois Local Holiday Market on November 26 2022 at the Expo Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds from 9 am to 3 pm.”

Entry to the Illinois Local Holiday Market is $1 for 18-and-over. Children are FREE. 

“This is a family event, with everyone of all ages welcome, a fantastic way to kick off the holidays, and to support local independent businesses from across Illinois,” said Chris. “We hope to see you there!”  

For more information about Illinois Local or to register as a vendor for the annual Illinois Local Holiday Market on Small Business Saturday, November 26, visit illinoislocal.org

Notes to Editor: 

Finalists for the 2022 Illinois Local Awards were: 

Illinois Local Ambassador

True Colors Floral

One Knotty Maker

Main Street Florist

Blessings on State Street Bed & Breakfast 

Illinois Local Best Use of Social Media 

One Knotty Maker 

Sangamon Reclaimed 

1221 Photography 

Brooke Elizabeth Photography 

Illinois Local Community Hero

Smart Owl Coffee 

Springfield Art Association 

Fed Kitchen 

Buzz Bomb Brewing 

Illinois Local Business of the Year

Incredibly Delicious 

The Storyteller Studios 

Meraki Salon and Spa

Collected Boutique