April 22, 2016

Media Advisory – High School Trade Shows

High school entrepreneurs from around the region will showcase their start-up businesses during three Southern Illinois CEO Trade Shows next week and reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to cover the events. 

During the last several months, high school juniors and seniors have learned about business concepts, creation and development and put their knowledge into practice by creating a wide variety of businesses. During the trade shows, provided by Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Office of Economic and Regional Development and Center for Innovation, the teens will talk with show visitors and display their products or business services and concepts. More than 50 young entrepreneurs are involved in the shows, which will present good opportunities for media to obtain video, photographs and interviews. 

The trade show schedule includes:

  • Tuesday, April 26, 6-8 p.m., Saline County trade show featuring nine student businesses, Bonan Business Center, 540 N. Commercial St., Harrisburg, www.salinecountyceo.org.
  • Thursday, April 28, 4-6 p.m., Williamson County trade show highlighting 12 high school student companies, The Pavilion of the City of Marion, 1602 Sioux Drive, Marion, www.williamsonceo.org.
  • Thursday, April 28, 4:30-7 p.m., trade show for Jackson, Perry, Randolph and Union counties showcasing 31 student-owned and operated businesses, Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, 1740 Innovation Drive, Carbondale, www.jacksonceo.org, www.perryceo.org, www.randolphceo.com, www.unioncountyceo.com

For more information about the CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) programs or the trade shows, contact Kyle Harfst at 618/453-3427 or harfst@siu.edu or connect with any of the regional CEO programs.