Latest news with #IllinoisMade
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Two local gems named 2025 Illinois Made Makers
CENTRAL Ill. (WMBD) — Two local businesses, Tres Rojas Winery in Washington and Sarah Beth's Homemade Dips & Market in Hanna City, have been named to the 2025 class of Illinois Made Makers by the Illinois Office of Tourism. The Illinois Made program was launched in 2016. It highlights small businesses that showcase Illinois' unique culture, creativity, and craftsmanship. This year's group features 20 exceptional businesses from across the state, including seven outside the Chicago area, with the Peoria region once again proving its role as a hub for local innovation. Lisa Barry, co-owner of Tres Rojas Winery, expressed her surprise and excitement upon learning of the honor. 'I was quite surprised to get the email. I know that the Peoria Visitors Bureau had nominated us last year and we weren't selected. I had no idea we were resubmitted again. So to get the email saying that—like, is this real? Wow. We were thrilled,' Barry said. For Sarah Beth, co-owner of Sarah Beth's Homemade Dips & Market, the news came as an unexpected delight. 'It was a surprise. We actually saw it in the media before I even opened the email,' she shared. Beyond the products they offer, both business owners emphasize the joy of connecting with their customers. 'The people—sharing our wine with people and finding out what they like and their stories,' Barry said. 'To my understanding, it's the little interactions with people every day that help you live a longer, happier life. So I think I'll be set.' Sarah Beth echoed that sentiment, saying, 'Having people come back and tell us how much they love what we created—you know, I started this dabbling with dip mixes. My husband's come into it. He's right there with me. We're in this together. And as I said before, we talk about it all the time. That's what we love most.' Honorees in the Illinois Made program receive a handcrafted commemorative plate created by Mississippi Mud Pottery of Alton, Illinois. They also benefit from statewide promotional efforts aimed at inspiring residents and visitors to discover Illinois' hidden gems. With the addition of Tres Rojas Winery and Sarah Beth's Homemade Dips, the Illinois Made program now honors 277 small businesses. 'Now Tres Rojas Winery and Sarah Beth's Homemade Dips join the ranks of 17 other amazing businesses in the seven counties that Discover Peoria serves,' J.D. Dalfonso, CEO of Discover Peoria said. 'We look forward to seeing which local businesses will be recognized each year.' To view the full list of 2025 Illinois Made Makers, visit here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Crimson Cup Customer Angie's Sugar Buzz Bakery Named Best Business of the Year by Sandwich Area Chamber of Commerce
SANDWICH, Ill., May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a sweet victory for both baked goods and exceptional coffee, Angie's Sugar Buzz Bakery — a customer of Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea — has been named Best Business of the Year by the Sandwich Area Chamber of Commerce. Award Cements Reputation for Sweet Success The recognition celebrates owner Angie Davis's commitment to building a welcoming, community-driven destination for high-quality bakery treats and award-winning specialty coffee. "I was deeply honored to receive the Best Business of the Year award," Davis said. "I truly love this community and can't imagine being anywhere else. Thank you so very much to all who voted for me. I hope to be a staple in this community for many years to come, making sweet memories!" This is just the latest in a string of honors for Angie's Sugar Buzz, which has also been recognized with the Illinois Made designation, voted Best Bakery and Best Coffee by FOX, and featured on Chicago's Best. Coffee Expansion Fueled by Crimson Cup Partnership Davis's Sugar Buzz Bakery opened in January 2014, then expanded its offerings in 2021 to include handcrafted coffee and espresso drinks, roasted by Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea. A fellow coffee shop owner referred Davis to Crimson Cup, an award-winning roaster based in Columbus, Ohio. Its 7 Steps to Success program gave Angie the hands-on training, coffee knowledge and business coaching she needed to elevate her coffee program. "I always wanted something like Central Perk from 'Friends' — a local place that brings the community together," she said. "Crimson Cup helped me bring that vision to life." "I couldn't have done it on my own. I tried. The support is amazing," she added. "They've helped with everything from recipes and training to price margins and equipment." A Local Favorite with Deep Community Roots Angie's Sugar Buzz is known for its warm atmosphere, rustic decor and standout menu of donuts, cookies, muffins and cakes. "We invite the customers in with a warm smile and hope that they stay awhile," said Davis. "You can work or play here — all while indulging in a sweet treat." Active in the Sandwich community, Angie's Sugar Buzz supports local schools, churches and nonprofits, and regularly participates in chamber events and fundraisers. "Our community supports us, and I believe it's important to give back," she said. As she reflects on 11 years in business, Davis says the best part has been the people. "The flexibility is great, but it's the people we've met along the way who make it all worth it." Advice for Future Owners: 'Be in It to Win It' Her advice for other small business owners? "Be in it to win it! Take on the challenges and stay positive." And for anyone considering Crimson Cup as a coffee partner: "It's a no-brainer. Do it. Listen to their advice and get at it." About Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea Founded in 1991, Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea is a leader in the specialty coffee industry, recognized for award-winning quality and commitment to sustainability. The company's accolades include multiple Good Food Awards, the 2025 Golden Bean World Series Championship and Roast magazine's 2016 Macro Roaster of the Year. Through its Friend2Farmer initiatives, Crimson Cup supports coffee-growing communities with sustainable, mutually beneficial partnerships. Its 7 Steps to Success program empowers entrepreneurs to open independent coffee shops by providing a detailed coffee shop business plan template, hands-on training, award-winning coffee and ongoing consulting. Crimson Cup coffee is served in over 700 independent coffeehouses, grocers, universities, restaurants, and food service locations across 36 states and Bangladesh. The company also operates its own Crimson Cup and CRIMSON coffeehouses in Ohio. To learn more, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Illinois tourism agency hit with scandal
CHICAGO (WGN) — The self-described 'face of Illinois tourism' was financially benefiting from efforts to market the state, according to findings from Illinois' executive inspector general. Daniel Thomas made frequent appearances in the media promoting Illinois through his work as deputy director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, but the inspector general found he was still profiting from his former company that was hired to help with the marketing effort. 'Mr. Thomas received over $136,000in payments from TimeZoneOne after he began working at DCEO,' the inspector general determined. At one point, Thomas was vigorously negotiating his own payment from his former firm, TimeZoneOne, while overseeing the company's contracts with the state, 'raising serious questions regarding his ability to be independent and objective in his dealings,' the inspector general concluded. The inspector general said Thomas increased the firm's production of marketing videos and marketing materials under the 'Illinois Made' campaign during his tenure with the state. He also traveled to Europe, Mexico and the Rose Bowl in California as part of his work with the Illinois Tourism Office. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker's administration said Thomas was terminated immediately following receipt of the results of the investigation. 'The department takes these matters seriously, and DCEO responded swiftly and decisively upon learning of the misconduct,' a DCEO spokesperson told WGN Investigates. 'DCEO has also taken action to address the issues identified, including strengthening internal oversight and accountability measures as it relates to contract management, employee travel, and gift ban compliance.' TimeZoneOne and another firm's contracts expire in June. A spokesperson for TimeZoneOne did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The firm's employees are listed as direct contacts on the state's website. Investigators also determined Thomas violated the state's gift ban and ethics policies by accepting free or discounted travel, meals and wine. It includes business and first class airfare, discounted hotel rooms and travel for a relative. The department's chief of staff told investigators she did not have any concerns about Mr. Thomas' ability to be objective in overseeing his former company,' according to the report. The inspector general concluded DCEO staff engaged in mismanagement by failing to take appropriate action to ensure that Thomas did not have a conflict of interest or appearance of a conflict. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
