Looking to the Future: High Schoolers Present Individual Businesses 
Get a first look at businesses started by 11 local high school students during a May 3 trade show at the Spoon River College Outreach Center.

MACOMB, Ill. (April 21, 2022) –Our community’s next generation of innovative thinkers will be on display next month as students from the McDonough County CEO program showcase their products and services at the organization’s annual trade show. 

The 2022 McDonough County CEO Trade Show will be held at the Spoon River College Outreach Center, Macomb, Ill., on Tuesday, May 3, from 5-7 p.m. The program will present 11 new businesses to the community, with businesses ranging from products like homemade dog treats to services like auto repair. 

“The trade show is the culminating event for our CEO students,” says Sarah Grant, 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.”

Their 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. 

In addition to refreshments and brownies from the Old Dairy, attendees can grab a bite to eat outside, where food trucks will be on hand for the evening.

To reach this point, students have stress-tested their business through a variety of different events, such as Banker Day, they have navigated the paperwork necessary to be tax-compliant, 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. 

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 11 members of McDonough County CEO. Here’s a look at each of the students and their businesses:

Thalia Adkins-Covert: Everything Under the Sun
Everything Under the Sun is an e-commerce/subscription box service dedicated to creating products that suit your liking. They currently offer buttons, stickers and bracelets. On Instagram: @eusboxesand.more and on Facebook at Everything Under the Sun: Boxes and More. Thalia is a senior at Macomb High School.

Trinity Christensen: Trinity’s Edible Treats
Trinity's Edible Treats are homemade fruit and non-fruit bouquets and platters, as well as chocolate covered strawberries. The goal of her business is to help a customer make a quick yet good quality gift for a loved one. To order, email trinitysedibletreats@yahoo.com. Trinity is a junior at Macomb High School.

Emma Coursey: Tailored Tutoring Service
Tailored Tutoring Service offers affordable personalized tutoring. Emma is a senior at Bushnell-Prairie City High School.

Kayla Davis: Farmhouse Flowers
Farmhouse Flowers offers floral arrangement and design with total customization. The goal of her business is to utilize local fresh cut flowers to bring color to all of life's celebrations such as graduation or just a simple gift to a loved one. On Facebook: Farmhouse Flowers and Instagram: @farmhouse_flowers2022. Kayla is a junior at Macomb High School.

Braydon DeCounter: 4 Point Livestock Judging Clinic
4 Point Livestock Judging Clinic is a livestock judging clinic for different ages to grow their knowledge on the livestock industry. The goal is to help kids give a set of reasons and become confident with their placing decisions. On Instagram: @4pointlivestockjudgingclinc. Braydon is a junior at West Prairie High School.

Jake Hyde: Plane & Simple Detailing
Plane and Simple Detailing is an aircraft detailing company based at Macomb Municipal Airport in Macomb, Ill., that specializes in keeping aircraft beautiful and airworthy. On Instagram: @plane.and.simple.detailing. Jake is a senior at Macomb High School.

Ava Kilburn: The Biscuit Boutique
The Biscuit Boutique is a homemade dog treat business with the goal of providing your dogs with the best homemade, affordable treats in the area. On Instagram: @the_biscuit_boutique_co and Facebook: The Biscuit Boutique. Ava is a junior at West Prairie High School.

Sarah Riggins: Handcrafted Comfort
Handcrafted Comfort offers cozy, chunky knit blankets that are handmade with custom colors, and always high quality and locally made. On Instagram: @handcrafted_comfort and Facebook: Handcrafted Comfort. Sarah is a senior at Macomb High School.

JD Runyan: Judd’s Garage
Judd’s Garage is an automotive repair shop for classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, dirt bikes and anything else with a motor, with an experienced technician located near Bushnell. On Facebook: Judd’s Garage. JD is a junior at Trinity Academy.

Nathan Spangler: Custom Cornhole Creations
Custom Cornhole Creations allows customers to get a high-quality, customized set of cornhole boards, personalized with your favorite business logo, sports team, lights, colors and more. To order, email customcornhole22@gmail.com. Nathan is a junior at Bushnell-Prairie City High School.

Aaron Taflinger: Aaron Lee Music
Aaron Lee music plays music for a variety of venues and private events with the goal of providing the joy of good music to those in his community, while inspiring other musicians to do the same. His music engages all ages and backgrounds. On Instagram: @aaron.lee.music. Aaron is a homeschooled junior from Bushnell.

For more information about the McDonough County CEO or the trade show, please contact CEO Chair Sarah Grant at 309-221-4666 or sarahannegrant@gmail.com, and check out our website at mcdonoughcountyceo.com.