Cass County CEO

04/14/2026

Our very own Adam Gobel doing great things!

04/12/2026

Congratulations to our CEO member, Dillon!

04/10/2026

Yesterday was Banker Day—another milestone in the CEO experience.

Since the start of 2026, students have been working on their individual business ideas and each of them developed a type of business plan to present to the bankers.

Bankers Day pushes students to step out of their comfort zones and strengthen their soft skills while challenging them to focus on the finances of their endeavor. The bankers also help them to evaluate the viability and financial capability of growing their business. Students left the encounters feeling proud and better prepared for their businesses. They learned that criticism should be taken constructively, feedback helps, and believing in themselves are all instrumental in the business world. They came in nervous, not knowing what to expect, and left one step closer to being true entrepreneurs.

We are extremely grateful to the bankers who devoted time to engage with our students, challenge them, encourage their growth, and make this experience worthwhile.

Jason Fricke – First National Bank of Arenzville
Paul Rice - Petefish, Skiles, & Company Bank
Rich Eckert - Beardstown Savings

If you are interested in seeing the business ideas and products, please plan to attend our Trade Show on Wednesday, April 29th from 6 to 8 pm at The Roundhouse in Beardstown. (See invitation in photos.)

04/07/2026

This morning we visited Rosebud & Co. and heard from owner Ross Blakeman. He talked about his path to where he is now. Some of our big takeaways were that life changes you, have wiggle room, and protect your peace.

Ross had plans to be in the corporate world. However, once there, he didn’t enjoy it like he thought he would. Life’s circumstances and his love for family brought him back to Beardstown.

Ross started his flower business about 5 years ago. Since then, he has changed locations, experienced many challenges, and grown as a person. He is very thankful for the support the community has given him.

It’s evident that Ross loves what he does and enjoys being able to share that love with others - whether in their time of happiness or sorrow. He knows that flowers aren’t needed. They are a luxury. Fortunately for our area, Ross is here to provide that luxury for us.

Ross provided each of the students with a bouquet of tulips. He asked them to pass the tulips on to someone and make their day better.

04/07/2026

03/25/2026

Last week we had the opportunity to visit The Two Twenty in Beardstown. Michele Quigley, owner, gave us a tour of the business and shared how it operates.

Michele told us that it’s okay to fail and you can’t always prevent obstacles, but you can work through them. She shared how she sells products from local makers within her building to give them support. She stressed that to be a business owner you have to be creative and flexible.

We appreciated her honesty and passion for her business. Michele also provided us with from the drink shop inside The 220. We appreciate Michele taking the time to speak with us and offer insight into business.

03/24/2026

News Flash! The Cass County Cookbooks have arrived and are being distributed! We will have some extras available for purchase soon.