Hannibal Area CEO

Join us for the annual Hannibal Area CEO Trade Show TONIGHT from 5-7pm at the Rialto Banquet Hall in Hannibal, MO!

This year’s students will have booths setup to showcase the businesses they have been developing throughout the school year. Come shop, book a service, and celebrate the accomplishments each student has made this year. This year’s booths include:

Made for More Apparel: Custom & on-demand printed apparel by Kori Rossmiller
Vine & Branch: Silk floral arrangements by Natalie Chapman
Sewn in Grace: Alterations & boutique by Chloe Speer
4:10 Apparel: Christian-based clothing by Luke Sheppard
Printed Memories: Custom 3D printed gifts by Jonas Thompson
Service & Sear: Steak sauce by Noah Brown
BetrBody Bakes: Protein & diet-friendly bakery items by Lukas Johnston
Pics & Cues: 360 degree photobooth experience by Pares Chapple
River City Training: Personal training, programming, and coaching by Jaxon Lay

When one of your students says he wants to start a movement club, you move!

Yesterday, our group busted out of the trade show planning world and got out into nature to help map out a trail for ‘s first movement club!

Follow his account for more information on when you can join!

Trade Show prep is underway!! Join us Wednesday, April 22nd from 5-7pm at the Rialto Banquet Hall in Hannibal, MO!!!!!

Recently, Hannibal Area CEO met with Amy Hendrian, the owner of in Quincy!

Amy shared with our group her process of rebranding the business to make it her own, while still honoring the legacy of the owners before her. She walked us through her core values that drive all of her decisions, and what she does to stand out in a competitive market.

Thank you Amy for spending your morning with us!

Last week, our program met with Megan Rapp and toured the Mark Twain Museum Properties!

We got to hear about how vital the tourism industry is to downtown Hannibal, how the tourism industry receives money, and some interesting statistics about the people that pass through Hannibal. And then, we got a little silly!

Thank you Megan for taking us around town and sharing more about Mark Twain’s legacy and the way Hannibal preserves it!

Recently, our group got to hear from Shelby Rose!

Shelby is truly a jack of all trades. She owns a boutique, is currently running for Miss Illinois, founded a nonprofit organization, and works as a communications analyst for the Illinois House of Representatives! In addition to this, she does her own social media content creation.

As I’m sure you can tell, Shelby has a very unique and valuable perspective on time management, work life balance, and how she makes it all work! Thank you Shelby for taking time out of your crazy schedule to meet with us!

Hannibal Area CEO recently jumped across the river to visit Clean Eatz Cafe in Quincy!

Here, we received important insight into the restaurant world on the franchise side. We learned what store owners have freedom to decide on their own, what is required, brand guidelines, and KPIs.

Thank you Todd for showing us around, giving us samples, and answering our questions!

Meet the Hannibal Area CEO Class of 2026!!

Pares Chapple attends Hannibal High School as a senior. There he plays sports and is in multiple clubs; the sports and clubs include football, track, National Honors Society, RHO Khappa, and FBLA. He is excited to look over different businesses and see what he likes and dislikes. He wants to see if he wants to go to college and explore starting a business after, or discover something now and use the A+ program for free college.

Applications for the Hannibal Area CEO Class of 2027 are open!! If you are or know of a high school junior from Hannibal, Highland, Mark Twain, Palmyra, Canton, Monroe City, or Marion County that is interested in the business/entrepreneurship field— this is the program for you!!

CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) is an opportunity for area high school seniors to experience entrepreneurship, business skills (which are life skills as well) and build a local network. We meet every morning at different businesses in Hannibal, Quincy, Palmyra & surrounding areas, allowing students to gain real-world insight.

Throughout the year, students work together to host an event before launching their own startup businesses. We build resumes, LinkedIns, business portfolios & plans, websites, sales channels, and more! The program is very tailored to the students— you can take it as far as you want to!

Applications close April 1st. Apply from your phone at hannibalareaceo.com! With any questions, please email [email protected] !

Meet the Hannibal Area CEO Class of 2026!!

Noah Brown is a senior at Hannibal High School and an active member of FBLA, Student Council, and Key Club. He also participates in football during the fall and track and field in the spring. Noah is eager to build meaningful connections within the business world. His goals for the year include learning how to start and manage a successful business, developing his professionalism, and gaining the skills necessary to effectively lead and operate a business.

This morning, CEO visited with Jack & Justin, co-owners of Leffers Landscape & Nursery🌳

Jack & Justin shared with our group the importance of transparency in customer service, how they manage the busy times, and gave insight into all of the different services they provide. Several of our students are doing service-based individual businesses this semester, so it’s always great for them to gain insight on how they can stand out and do it right.

Thank you again Jack & Justin for spending your morning with us and answering questions!