Locally First Union County

10/26/2026

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10/26/2026

🌟 Meet the Women Behind Local: Meghan Norris!

Meet Meghan Norris, whose journey to Southern Illinois began at SIUC and grew into a love for our community! Through her work with IL FBFM, she helps farming families navigate financial decisions and plan for the future. ❤️

Get to know Meghan and learn why supporting local matters to her!

1. 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘂𝘀 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆.
I am a Southern Illinois Transplant! What started as a college journey at SIUC, turned into a love for all things Southern Illinois, and I knew I didn't want to leave. Though the journey to get to where I am has been full of twists and turns, those setbacks have allowed me to grow into the person I am today. For a long time, I knew I wanted to serve in the accounting world, specifically under the Agriculture umbrella. IL FBFM is a company that checks all the boxes - they care about their employees, are passionate about the work we do, and are proud to serve farming families.

2. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼?
The people! I truly enjoy working with each of my clients. Advising and brainstorming ways to overcome the hurdles they face is extremely fulfilling!

3. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿? We advise on many estate and succession plans for our clients - often becoming a "bridge" between our clients and their attorney.

4. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼?
Some of my job is like putting a puzzle together - I really enjoy finding all of the pieces and putting it together, explaining the information in a way my clients understand. Because let's be honest, tax law is no easy read!

5. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂?
I want to see my community thriving and be proud of where I chose to build my family. Giving back to the businesses that give so much to build this community up is a no brainer!

6. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁, 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿—𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝘆?
About 80% of my time spent with clients happens on their farm. I love getting to drive around Southern Illinois, visiting each of my clients at their place of business throughout the year. I think that is very unique.

10/23/2026

✨ The Women Behind Local: Meet Rose Hogan! ✨

As one of UCWIB’s original members, Rose has been part of our story from the beginning! ❤️ Her love for Southern Illinois shines through in the cozy cabin getaway she created in Cobden, where guests can relax, explore, and experience the best of our region.

Get to know Rose and the heart behind her business! 🌿🏡

1. 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘂𝘀 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆.
After helping a number of businesses in Carbondale move from paper accounting to computerized systems, I turned to being the Office Manager for my husband's Home Inspection company. During that time we took on many building repair/remodel opportunities on the side. When 60 acres came up for sale in Cobden, we knew we needed to jump on the opportunity. The challenge was how to make the property pay for itself. A short term rental cabin was the answer.

2. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼?
I love sharing the wonderful pace of life and beauty of Southern Illinois with guests. Preparing the cabin and touching base with guests to determine their interests and abilities allows me to ensure they have a unique and fun stay in our area. Whether they are coming for hiking, dining, wineries or just to relax, I can always give them recommendations to suit their hearts desire.

3. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿? The design/build phase of the project was a challenge as we scoured local sources for windows, doors, siding, and finish materials. We quarried stone to face the foundation from the creek bed on the property. Siding was purchased from a local lumber yard that had leftover material from another job. The house was designed to use repurposed windows. We planed the interior trim from locally milled timber. The stair rails when hand whittled by us from cedar trees from the property. I bought art for local artisans and used some personal antiques to make the home cozy.

4. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼?
I love going to the cabin after guests check out to read about what they most enjoyed during their visit. It puts a song in my heart to hear of all the local businesses they have visited and enjoyed and recommend to the next guests. I also enjoy visiting local businesses to make sure I stay up to date on what is new and exciting on offer in the area.

5. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂?
I always try to stay local when I shop and supply the cabin. It helps to give my guests a sample of things they can see and do in the area. Whether it is local ground coffee or a neat piece of decor purchased from a shop they can visit themselves, local touches are throughout the cabin.

6. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁, 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿—𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝘆?
I love to clean. So providing a clean inviting cabin is very important to me. But I think guests really appreciate the fully stocked kitchen. Having everything from cookware to service ware, spices, muffins, juice, coffee, tea, orange juice and basic condiments mean they can really unpack their bags and plan their days with no worries. A nice soak in the hot tub under the stars is a great way to relax after a long hike. And of course the covered picnic shelter with fireplace means even weather that is less than ideal won't spoil the fun.

10/23/2026

10/22/2026

✨ Meet the Women Behind Local: Mackenzie Scherer! ✨

Some connections have roots that run deep! 🌱 The Shawnee College Illinois Small Business Development Center has a history of supporting Union County Women in Business and helping women take those first steps toward starting their own businesses.

Mackenzie’s own journey—from business ownership and consulting to helping other entrepreneurs succeed—is a story of turning experience into purpose. 💛 Get to know Mackenzie, what drives her work, and how she’s helping small businesses and our Southern Illinois communities thrive!

1. 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘂𝘀 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆.
My journey into the SBDC world came after more than a decade of owning a business, consulting with small businesses, and volunteering as a SCORE mentor. I’ve experienced firsthand some of the challenges that come with running a business, so moving into a role where I could help other entrepreneurs felt like a natural fit. My path hasn’t always been a straight line, but each experience has given me something I can now use to help someone else.

2. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼?
I love getting to work with people who have an idea and helping them figure out how to turn it into something real. Sometimes that means helping someone start a business, and other times it means helping an existing business solve a problem or find a new opportunity. Seeing someone gain confidence in their idea or accomplish something they weren’t sure was possible is incredibly rewarding.

3. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿? A lot of people are surprised by just how much the SBDC can help with and that our services are provided at no cost. We can help with everything from business plans and marketing to financial projections, funding options, technology, and growth strategies. You don’t have to be starting a business either; we work with existing businesses at all different stages.

4. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼?
My favorite part is probably the variety. No two businesses or entrepreneurs are exactly alike, so I never really know what challenge is going to walk through the door. I also love seeing a client go from “I have this idea…” to actually opening their doors, growing their business, or reaching a goal they’ve been working toward.

5. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂?
Small businesses are such an important part of what makes our communities feel like home. When we spend money locally, more of that money stays in our communities, supports local jobs, and helps create opportunities for the people who live here. In rural Southern Illinois especially, I think supporting local businesses is really about supporting our neighbors and investing in the future of our communities.

6. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁, 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿—𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝘆?
My favorite service we offer is our one-on-one business advising. It’s confidential, customized to the individual business, and provided at no cost. I love it because we can sit down with someone, figure out what they actually need, and work through it together instead of giving them a one-size-fits-all answer.

10/22/2026

10/21/2026

✨ The Women Behind Local: Meet Michelle Baggott! ✨

A love of travel, a new chapter after retirement, and a dream of helping others see the world led Michelle and her husband to create MD Destinations ! ✈️🌎

Today, we’re getting to know Michelle, the woman behind the travel planning, and discovering why helping others make unforgettable memories is her favorite destination of all! 💕

1. 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘂𝘀 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆.
I'm a wife, a mom, and Mimi to three precious (well, most of the time! ) little boys—Cooper, Michael, and Maddux. I'm also a retired Business Administrator with the Illinois Department of Corrections. I've always had a love for traveling, and after retirement and the pandemic, my husband and I decided to turn that passion into something more. Together, we started MD Destinations with one simple goal: to share our love of travel and help others turn their dream vacations into unforgettable memories!

2. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼?
What I love most is helping people turn their dream destinations into reality! But for me, it's about so much more than just booking a vacation. I love sharing a little history, uncovering hidden gems, and finding those fun, unexpected experiences that make a trip truly special. Whether it's their first big adventure or their tenth cruise, I want my clients to come home with wonderful memories, great stories, and maybe even a few new places on their bucket list!

3. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿? Something that surprises a lot of people is that my clients don't pay me for my travel planning services! That's right, I don't charge a planning fee. I'm paid commissions by the travel suppliers I work with, such as cruise lines, resorts, and tour companies. Many travel suppliers already build commissions into their pricing, so booking directly doesn't necessarily save you money. Why not have someone in your corner helping you plan your vacation, sharing travel tips, and finding those little hidden gems along the way?

4. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼?
Oh, this is a hard one because I have two favorites! First, I absolutely LOVE when my clients send me pictures while they're still on vacation, enjoying themselves and making memories. It makes me smile knowing I had a little part in making those moments happen! My other favorite is discovering those hidden gems—the little-known places, unique experiences, and fun surprises that make a destination special. I get almost as excited sharing those discoveries with my clients as I do experiencing them myself!

5. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂?
One of the things I love most about our community is how our local businesses come together to support one another! Whether it's organizing or participating in events like the Giving Parade, Sip and Stroll, Galentine's Day, or Annabellefest, just to name a few, there's always something bringing our community together. These events do more than promote local businesses—they create friendships, bring people downtown, and give everyone a reason to get out and enjoy our little town. I love being part of a community where businesses aren't just neighbors, they're each other's biggest cheerleaders!

6. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁, 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿—𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝘆?
Cruises! Wait, no... Disney! Oh, but then there are all-inclusive resorts... and international adventures! Oh goodness, how am I supposed to choose just ONE?! The truth is, I love helping people see the world, one destination at a time. Whether it's sailing the Caribbean, experiencing the magic of Disney, relaxing on a tropical beach, or exploring a country they've always dreamed of visiting, every adventure is special in its own way. My favorite isn't really a particular destination—it's helping someone discover theirs!

10/20/2026

✨ The Women Behind Local: Meet Shelly Pender! ✨

Some of the best ideas begin with a special family moment, and Shelly’s journey into creativity is no exception! 🌸 From balancing her work in the community to creating beautiful, personalized wood flower designs, she brings a thoughtful touch to everything she does.

Today, we’re getting to know Shelly and the story behind Fluttering Bloom Designs, LLC! 💕

1. 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘂𝘀 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆.
I work full-time for Clear Creek Baptist Association as the Executive Assistant, as well as the Treasurer for the City of Jonesboro.

I started my business, Fluttering Bloom Designs, after my oldest daughter’s wedding. We found wood flowers and used them for her florals. I fell in love with this newfound artistry and that’s how the business started. Of course it was right in the middle of the Covid shutdown, but business picked up significantly during that time.

2. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼?
I love creating something that actually means something to someone. I’m happiest when I have a project in front of me and I’m figuring out how to make all the little details come together. I love making things pretty, but I think what I enjoy even more is making them personal. When someone sees what I’ve created and says, “That’s exactly what I wanted,” that’s a great feeling.

3. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿? There is almost always more than one project happening around here. If wedding flowers don’t cover the table, there’s probably a printable being designed, a journal idea being worked on, or some new project waiting in the wings. One idea usually turns into five more, so “finishing one thing before starting another” is apparently not one of my strongest talents.

4. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼?
One of the best parts is watching something go from a pile of flowers and supplies to a finished piece that actually looks like the vision we started with. Every project is different, which keeps things interesting—and occasionally keeps the craft table looking like a small floral tornado came through. But seeing someone genuinely excited when they receive their flowers makes it all worth it.

5. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂?
Supporting local businesses feels more personal because there are real people behind them. You’re helping a neighbor, a family, or someone who decided to take a chance on doing something they love. Word of mouth, referrals, and people simply choosing to shop local can make a huge difference. Funds are also kept here in Union County!

6. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁, 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿—𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝘆?
My favorite thing I offer is definitely my custom wood flower wedding florals. I love taking a bride’s colors, ideas, and style and turning them into something that feels completely like her. There’s just something special about knowing the flowers I make will be part of such an important day. And I love that they don’t have to be tossed afterward—they can be kept as a little piece of that day for years to come.