Downstate Swing

Supporting Communities Across Southern Illinois

3 min readOct 30, 2023

Meeting with Apprentices at IBEW 702

I had the privilege of meeting the skilled apprentices at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 702. It was inspiring to witness the dedication of these young professionals and to discuss how their work will contribute to the region’s growth.

Walker’s Bluff Resort Grand Opening

The grand opening of Walker’s Bluff Resort marked a significant milestone for Southern Illinois. This venture promises to bring new jobs and opportunities to the region, strengthening its economic vitality. I had the privilege of attending both the groundbreaking and grand opening! so great to witness a project from start to finish.

IWIL’s Event in Du Quoin

I had an empowering conversation with the future women leaders at an event organized by the Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership (IWIL) in Du Quoin. It’s essential that we nurture and empower the next generation of women leaders in our communities and I am committed to just that.

Contour Airline’s New Flight Services to Southern Illinois

I got to fly on one of the inaugural Contour Airline flights from Chicago to Southern Illinois! This new daily service promises to boost tourism and serve as a significant driver for economic development in the region.

Visit to Illinois Veterans Home at Anna

I visited the Illinois Veterans Home at Anna to highlight ongoing repairs and projects across state-run veterans’ homes. Our veterans deserve the best care and facilities, and we’re committed to ensuring that.

Prysmian Group Plant Expansion

I celebrated the groundbreaking of a $62 million expansion of the Prysmian Group plant. This expansion will create numerous opportunities for Southern Illinois. More on this project in our economic development notes section of the newsletter.

Rendleman’s Orchid 150th Anniversary

It was an honor to participate in the celebration of the 150-year anniversary of Rendleman’s Orchid, an enduring symbol of Southern Illinois’s rich history and tradition.