The Illinois Local inaugural conference ends with the presentation of five awards
Four businesses, and a community member, were presented with awards at the Illinois Local inaugural business conference on Monday, September 13. The event, hosted by Biscuits & Brunch and The Salted Lemon Market & Creamery, was attended by more than fifty Illinois business owners and entrepreneurs.
Speakers included Stacey Skrysak, Kate Spencer, Josh Hester, Emily Lewis, and Aubrey Johnson lead sessions on video and photography for social media, brand development, managing business growth, and successful social takeovers.
Illinois Local co-founder, Gemma Long of Gem PR & Media, said the event was an opportunity for members to meet, learn, and celebrate local independent businesses across the state.
“Illinois Local is growing at such a fast pace, with 120 members since launching just nine months ago, that the conference gave us all a chance to stop, listen, and learn from one another. We are so grateful to our speakers and to our friends at Troxell who sponsored our inaugural awards.”
Green Haven and Serious Lip Balm in Jacksonville, Mad Macs Bakery and Café Moxo in Springfield, and Aubrey Johnson all received awards.
“Supporting local business is very important to TROXELL because we know without each other, we would not exist,” said marketing and account executive Alysse Aiello Hewell.
“The Illinois Local event was a great way to bring everyone together, learn from each other, connect and build upon community over competition.
“We are so honored to sponsor the inaugural awards ceremony to recognize and celebrate all the hard-working individuals who are out there making a difference and growing their business.”
Award recipients were as follows:
The Illinois Local Ambassador award presented to a member that emulates the mission of Illinois Local: community over competition - by supporting and championing fellow members.
The Illinois Local best use of social media award went to a member who has used social media to successfully grow their audience, gain brand awareness, and increase business.
The Illinois Local Business of the Year award went to a business that made a positive and lasting impact on our community.
The Friend of Illinois Local award went to a person who supports Illinois Local and its members above and beyond.
Kate Spencer took headshots of attendees for donations to the Triple Heart Foundation, created by Stacey Skrysak and her family in honor of their triplets, angels, Abby and Parker, and 22-weeker survivor, eight-year-old Peyton.
For more information about Illinois Local, visit Illinoislocal.org.