MARION –   Several store owners in Marion consider Small Business Saturday a major success, and one business saw sales double from the same time last year.

“Our business literally increased double for both days so we were very, very excited,” said Sheri Donoghue, manager of Silver Collections in Marion. “I saw so many local faces that I knew but a lot of new faces, too.”

Please click on the link below to read the full story and watch the video from Joe Ragusa of WSIL-TV

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/36936397/local-business-owners-call-holidays-sales-successful

CARBONDALE, IL – New research finds for years now, grocery shopping and cooking at home have been on the decline.

And the deli department inside the Co-Op Grocery Store in Carbondale is getting increasingly busy. People stand in line to get fresh, healthy and already prepared meals.

General Manager Francis Murphy said the deli has gotten so popular, they’ve added to it.

Please read the rest of the story and see the video  from Roni LeForge from WSIL-TV,

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/36936222/grocery-stores-adapting-to-changing-industry

BENTON, IL – Citing the need for a “fresh start,” Benton Mayor Fred Kondritz is interviewing potential candidates to become members of an advisory board for the Benton Municipal Airport.

During the most recent city council meeting, an ordinance was created organizing the Advisory Board, essentially dissolving the former seven-member Airport Board.

Plesae click on the following link to read the full story from the Benton News.

http://www.bentoneveningnews.com/news/20171122/benton-approves-airport-advisory-board-doing-away-with-former-overseers

HARRISBURG, IL-  State Senator Dale Fowler, shared this information from the Secretary of State Jesse White.

The holiday season also brings out holiday shoppers and once again this year, the Illinois Secretary of State’s office announced it will conduct statewide parking “stings.” Secretary of State Police will target drivers who illegally park in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities. Penalties for parking in an accessible parking space without a disability placard or license plates include fines of up to $350. Drivers caught misusing a placard face driver’s license suspensions and fines of $600. Penalties increase for subsequent offenses.

Harrisburg, IL—With families across the state hitting the roadways this holiday weekend, Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) is echoing the calls from the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police to travel safely, buckle up and drive sober over the long weekend.

“The roadways are going to be filled this holiday, with people travelling back and forth to visit with family and friends,” said Fowler. “I encourage everyone just to be cautious, keep it safe and do your part to help everyone enjoy this time.”

Sen. Fowler is also encouraging everyone to reflect on all their blessings in their lives and be sure to take time to be thankful for everything they have.

“This year, I have so much to be thankful for, and one of those blessings is the opportunity to represent the hardworking, diverse people and communities of the 59^th District,” said Fowler. “As a lifelong resident of Southern Illinois, the chance to give a voice to this region is a true privilege that I give thanks for every day.”

Sen. Fowler is also reminding everyone that this holiday is a good time to remember and honor the hardworking men and women who serve, protect and sacrifice for our nation and our communities.

“Those who serve in our military and those who have worked as our first responders sacrifice their time, their comfort and sometimes even their lives for our protection and our freedoms,” said Fowler. “This year, I am so thankful for their bravery and service.”

Over the long weekend, Sen. Fowler is also reminding everyone to come out and shop locally for this year’s Small Business Saturday on November 25. Sen. Fowler encourages shoppers to join the effort and support the small-business communities throughout the state. With an estimated $15.4 billion dollars having been generated during last year’s Small Business Saturday, this is an opportunity to generate some revenue for local small businesses and recognize the importance they play in communities and in our economy. Interested shoppers can find local businesses by using the Shop Small Map found on the Small Business Saturday site, https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/.

In other news, Sen. Fowler was invited to Mrs. Wilsey’s annual Thanksgiving Lunch on November 20 as the special guest to our very own Harrisburg 5^th grader, Tyli. Mrs. Wilsey has been hosting this Thanksgiving Lunch for more than 10 years, and Sen. Fowler was honored to join.

Marion, IL –  State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) would like to remind constituents of Williamson, Franklin, and Hamilton County to shop small and shop local in honor of Small Business Saturday on November 25^th. Small Business Saturday has turned into a national tradition and has continued to grow each year.

“Sometimes we forget that small business owners are our neighbors, friends, or other people with ties to our community,” Severin said. “These business owners hire local workers, as well as support our local charities and other organizations. The weekend after Thanksgiving is the biggest shopping weekend of the year. That makes it even more important for people to be shopping and supporting local businesses.”

As the owner of a small business in Benton, Rep. Severin knows firsthand how important small businesses are to local communities.

“Illinois is home to 1.2 million small businesses, which makes up about 90% of the state’s overall exports,” Severin said. “Small businesses bring entrepreneurship and innovation, giving a unique and energetic feel to our towns and villages. Most importantly, when they are supported, local businesses turn around and invest back in the community, providing jobs and other valuable resources.”

To learn where you can go to support local business visit the Shop Southern Illinois page on Facabook and follow on Twitter @shopsouthernIL.