Jefferson County CEO

06/10/2026

06/05/2026

Proud to see Jefferson County CEO recognized by Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship as one of the programs represented in this year's National Pitch Competition! Congratulations again to our local winners, Anna Bousman and Alistair Clodi, who earned the opportunity to represent our program on the national stage through their hard work, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit.

As I wrap up another Facilitator Retreat, I'm reminded how valuable this experience is for our local program. The opportunity to collaborate with facilitators from across the country, learn about new tools and resources, share ideas, and gain fresh perspectives helps strengthen the experience we provide our students each year. Beyond the learning, it's also a chance to connect, recharge, and enjoy fellowship with fellow facilitators and the incredible Midland Institute team.

A sincere thank you to everyone at Midland Institute who works behind the scenes to make the Facilitator Retreat such a meaningful and impactful event year after year. Your investment in facilitators ultimately benefits every student we serve.

Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship

05/21/2026

Tonight, we officially welcomed the Jefferson County CEO Class of 2027 at Orientation! Alongside their families, they got a deep dive into what this upcoming year holds. We heard from Board Chair Eric Black, Vice Chair Mark Black, Facilitator Nealy Hamson, and Class of 2026’s Anna Bousman (Great Expectations winner). Board Member Brian Harland also shared his insights on the impact of CEO.

A big thank you to the Rend Lake College Southern Illinois Manufacturing Academy for hosting us. Business Professor Mark Jornd discussed dual credit opportunities, and Chris Sink gave a tour of the amazing SIMA facilities. Year 11 is going to be a great one!

04/27/2026

This morning, we had the opportunity to gather for our annual Mentor Breakfast, graciously hosted and sponsored by Deaconess Illinois Crossroads. It was a meaningful time to pause and reflect on the growth, accomplishments, and experiences that have shaped this year’s CEO journey, with special recognition of the outstanding Trade Show.

We were welcomed by Desiree Stumpf, who congratulated our students on their impressive performance, followed by remarks from Board Chair Eric Black, who highlighted both the strength of this group and the incredible support our students and program receive from the community.

A sincere thank you to our dedicated mentors who have invested their time, knowledge, and encouragement into our students throughout the year. We are equally grateful to our investors whose support makes this program possible.

Congratulations to the Jefferson County CEO Class of 2026. Your growth, professionalism, and accomplishments have been exceptional, and we are excited to see what lies ahead.

04/25/2026

04/25/2026

✨What an incredible night celebrating 10 years of Jefferson County CEO at our Annual Trade Show ✨

Twelve young entrepreneurs showcased months of hard work, creativity, and growth—and the support from this community was incredible. From first conversations and ideas to fully developed businesses, this group has truly brought their visions to life.

A sincere thank you to our Trade Show sponsors for investing in these students and recognizing their efforts:

🏆 Great Expectations Grant (Rent One, Carrico Family): Anna Bousman – Sweet Sentimentals

🏆 Best in Show (Legence Bank): Anna Bousman – Sweet Sentimentals

🏆 Chamber Membership Award (Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce): Brennan Tate – BT Vendz

🏆 People’s Choice Award (Jefferson County Development Corporation): Allie Sweeten – Sweeten Syrups

🏆 Alumni Legacy Award (SMC Academy): Gage Peterson – Peterson Seasonings

🏆 Zo Williams Momentum Award (People’s National Bank): Gage Peterson – Peterson Seasonings

Thank you to everyone who attended, made a purchase, and supported these young entrepreneurs. Your encouragement and investment mean more than you know.

We also want to extend our sincere gratitude to our board members, mentors, investors, school districts, business owners, and guest speakers, as well as our strong partnership with Rend Lake College. Your time, guidance, and willingness to pour into these students throughout the year are what make this experience so impactful. This program simply would not be possible without your continued support and belief in our young entrepreneurs.

A special thank you to Cedarhurst Center for the Arts staff for being so accommodating and providing the perfect backdrop for this event. We are also grateful to CEO alum Callie Lueking of Flower Girls for the beautiful florals that helped bring the space to life.

We are proud of the Class of 2026 and excited to see where their journeys lead next!

04/23/2026

It’s Trade Show Day! 🎉

After months of hard work, creativity, and growth, our Jefferson County CEO Class of 2026 is ready to showcase their businesses to the community. These young entrepreneurs have built their ideas from the ground up, and tonight is their moment to share it all with you.

Join us this evening:
📍 Cedarhurst Center for the Arts
📍 2600 Richview Rd., Mount Vernon
🕓 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
🏆 Awards Presentation at 6:00 PM

Come out, meet the students, support local entrepreneurship, and see firsthand the innovation happening right here in Jefferson County.

We would love to see a great crowd tonight as we also celebrate 10 years of CEO in our community. Bring a friend, share this post, and help us make it a night these students will never forget.

04/23/2026

✍🏻 A full-circle moment for our CEO students. ✉️

At the beginning of the year, each student wrote a letter to their future self, capturing their thoughts, goals, and expectations as they stepped into this experience. During our last class day, they opened those letters.

What once held uncertainty now tells a story of growth, confidence, and resilience. As they read their own words, it became clear just how much can change in nine months.

Today’s Trade Show is the best demonstration of that growth on display 🌱🪴

04/22/2026

Bittersweet doesn’t quite capture today.

Our final class day together, and it’s hard to believe how far this group has come. What started as a room full of ideas, nerves, and uncertainty has turned into a group of confident, capable young entrepreneurs ready to launch their businesses into the community.

We’ve watched them take risks, solve problems, support one another, and grow in ways that go far beyond business. And while it’s tough to close this chapter, there’s a lot of excitement in knowing this is just the beginning of what’s ahead for each of them.

Now it’s time.

Join us tomorrow night at Cedarhurst to see their hard work come to life at the Trade Show. These 12 businesses are ready, and we can’t wait for you to experience it.

We hope to see you there.

04/22/2026

Business Visit Spotlight: Lamczyk Veterinary Clinic 🐾

Our Jefferson County CEO students recently visited Lamczyk Veterinary Clinic, a trusted part of the Mount Vernon community for nearly 30 years.

During our visit, we heard from Dr. Jo Lynn Lamczyk and her husband Dr. Kevin Lamczyk, owners of the clinic, about the realities of business ownership. While being your own boss offers independence, it also comes with significant responsibility. One key takeaway was that veterinary school prepared them for medicine, not necessarily for running a business. Through continued learning and dedication, Dr. Jo has taken steps to grow her knowledge on the business side of their practice. They’ve even brought one of their sons on board to assist with handling the financial aspects of the business.

Students also walked away with a few simple but impactful reminders. A big smile goes a long way when working with humans. While technology has advanced significantly over the years, newer isn’t always better than tried and true methods. And longevity in business comes from consistency, care, and a genuine passion for what you do.

We appreciate Lamczyk Veterinary Clinic for investing in our students and sharing their experience as long-time small business owners in Jefferson County.