Southern Illinois Now (SI Now)

Centrally located, 17 counties, top-ranked workforce, sought after transportation and logistics assets, regional coordinated approach…that’s Southern Illinois!

At Southern Illinois Now (SI Now), we invite you to discover why so many have chosen and continue to choose our region in which to operate a successful, profitable business. SI Now is a regional economic development hub for Illinois’ 17 southernmost counties and prioritizes a coordinated, rapid response approach. Centrally located within a two-day trucking distance from 80% of the U.S. population with major interstate access (I-57, I-24, I-64), four Class I railroads, and inland waterways (Mississippi and Ohio Rivers), Southern Illinois boasts low-cost advantages for employers and high quality of life for employees.

SI Now offers hands-on, concierge-type services to ensure that our new and existing companies have the resources, answers, and connections they need, when they need them.  This central point of contact approach for the 17-county Southern Illinois region places the heavy lifting on our shoulders so businesses like yours can focus on the things that are most important to your company’s success.

The Southern Illinois business community is strong!  Our successful, long-standing businesses provide a solid foundation for the region’s economy, while new businesses are thriving and growing. The region’s three major interstates, four Class I railroads, inland ports, and regional airports create unique transportation and logistics assets.  This R4 Advantage (rivers, roads, rail, runways) combined with our central location in the country are garnering much attention as companies seek to expand, reshore, centralize, or regionalize operations to minimize supply chain disruptions, reduce transportation costs, and reach customers faster.  In fact, companies can reach eight major cities within a five-hour driving distance from Southern Illinois but without the big city cost.

In Southern Illinois, collaboration is key.  Our financial institutions work closely together to expand access to capital to fund projects on a local level. Our education resources include top-ranked research institution Southern Illinois University Carbondale, five community colleges, numerous trades, and outstanding K-12 institutions resulting in a strong talent pipeline. Given that workforce is a top priority for many companies, we prioritize bringing workforce experts to the table resulting in customized solutions to meet each company’s unique needs.

Others might say they offer a great place to live, work, and do business, but Southern Illinoisans live out that message each and every day.  We are proud of our low cost of living that is 11% below the national average and a median home cost that is a whopping 76% below the national average.

Residents also enjoy outdoor resources including 10+ lakes, the award-winning Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, 200+ miles of bike trails, 9 State Parks, and the beautiful Shawnee National Forest. These recreational opportunities are a way of life for those of us who have the privilege of calling Southern Illinois home and are a sought-after refuge for guests around the world.

As you consider your options, we want to extend a personal invitation to visit Southern Illinois, talk with our business and community leaders, and discover this unique Midwest gem.  At SI Now, we work closely with our state and local partners resulting in a coordinated approach that is sure to simplify your decision making. Starting the conversation is easy at southernillinoisnow.org/contact/ or directly at 618-353-0100.

The Time is Now to Choose Southern Illinois!