MACOMB, Ill. (April 29, 2025) –Our community’s next generation of innovative thinkers will be on display next week as students from the McDonough County CEO program showcase their products and services at the organization’s annual trade show.
The 2025 McDonough County CEO Trade Show will be held at the Spoon River College Outreach Center, Macomb, Ill., on Tuesday, May 6, from 5-7 p.m. The program will present 7 new businesses to the community, with businesses ranging from products like jewelry to services like marketing.
“The trade show is the culminating event for our CEO students,” says Ketra Roselieb, McDonough County CEO board chair. “They’ve worked hard this year to develop entrepreneurial skills and those skills have allowed them to turn business concepts into reality – and we’re really excited to help them launch their businesses into the community.”
The public is invited, and the students’ products and services will be on display – and for sale – for the first time at the trade show, where those attending will have the opportunity to buy products, sign up for services and book appointment times with the owners at each booth.
To reach this point, students have stress-tested their business through a variety of different events, such as Banker Day, and they have effectively managed their financial obligations in order to bring their product or service to market. The CEO program is designed to immerse students in experiential learning in leadership and entrepreneurship as well as build a professional network in their local community. The local trade show acts as the launch point for the students’ individual businesses as they exhibit the pinnacle of their entrepreneurial journey.
"When we started in August, these students came with ideas, hobbies, and personal interests that led to creation of each business. Many of them stayed with original plans, while others learned how to pivot,” says Alison Jefferson, CEO facilitator. “They couldn't do this without the mentors, business owners, and community professionals who impart their knowledge along the way.”
As the CEO students prepare for the trade show, they will be designing and printing banners for their booth, as well as business cards and other marketing material. They will be polishing their elevator pitches to potential customers and interested community members. Lastly, and most importantly at this stage, they will be in the final stages of production and rollout for their services. It is a busy but exciting time for the 7 members of McDonough County CEO.
“The CEO Class of 2025 is ready to show you what they can do!" Jefferson says.
Here’s a look at each of the students and their businesses:
Jonny Castro: JC Thrifts
JC Thrifts is a thrift and resell clothing business based in Macomb, Ill. It provides high-end, brand name clothing for an affordable price. For more information, contact [email protected] or 217-592-6853. Check out jcthrifts.co on Instagram and JC Thrifts on Facebook. Jonny is a junior at Macomb High School and is mentored by Steph Zimmerman, Steph Zimmerman Photography.
Blaine Eddington: IronWood Scents
IronWood Scents offers handcrafted candles, wax melts, and car diffusers that bring warmth, bold aromas, and rustic charm into your space. Using high-quality ingredients, each piece is made with care and intention. Blaine is a junior at Macomb High School and is mentored by Tim Rice, TJR Designs.
Cooper Hobson: Jake’s Mowing
Jake’s Mowing does lawn maintenance, landscaping, and property care to take care of people’s homes the way they need it done. For more information, contact Cooper at [email protected] or (309) 333-7075. Visit jakesmowing.co to schedule a free quote today. Cooper is a junior at Macomb High School and is mentored by Ryan Riggins, MidAmerica National Bank.
Aimee Howerter: Aimee Kathleen Artwork
Aimee Kathleen Artwork specializes in watercolor cards, bookmarks and pieces, as well as oil paintings and prints located in Smithfield, Ill. She focuses on beauty and variety to make each piece unique. For more information, contact @[email protected], and check out @aimeekathleenart on Facebook and Instagram for weekly updates. Aimee is a junior at Trinity Academy and is mentored by Scott Coker, City of Macomb.
Jinx Hundley: Lucky Shuffle Designs
Lucky Shuffle Designs is a custom poker card making business. For more information, email [email protected] or text (309) 255-9216. Jinx is a senior at Macomb High School and is mentored by Robert Johnson, Bridgeway.
Lillie Lowe: Jeweled
Jeweled is a fully customizable jewelry shop based in Macomb, Ill., specializing in bracelets, necklaces, and earrings made from beads, clay, leather, and metal stamping. Check out Jeweled on Instagram and Facebook at jeweledbyjuels. Lillie is a junior at Macomb High School and is mentored by Gloria Bamforth, McDonough District Hospital.
Jun Yoshimura: Local Lead Machine
Local Lead Machine is a digital marketing agency located in Macomb, Ill., which helps local businesses grow online. For more information, contact Jun at localleadmachine.org or [email protected] and check out @local.leadmachine on Instagram. Jun is a senior at Macomb High School and is mentored by Chris Pumo, Pumo Insurance Agency.
For more information, check out mcdonoughcountyceo.com or email [email protected].
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McDonough County CEO is a program for high school juniors and seniors to develop entrepreneurial skills, introduce them to businesses in the community, and build interpersonal abilities. Program funding is provided by nearly 50 businesses and individuals throughout McDonough County and is administered by a board made up of individuals from communities throughout the county. For more information, check out mcdonoughcountyceo.com.