Looking to the Future: High School Students to Launch Businesses
By - Holly Spangler, McDonough CEO Marketing Chair
Our community’s next generation of innovative thinkers will be on display next month as students from the McDonough County CEO program showcase their products and services at the organization’s annual trade show.
The 2026 McDonough County CEO Trade Show will be held at the Spoon River College Outreach Center, Macomb, Ill., on Tuesday, May 5, from 5-7 p.m. The program will present 10 new businesses to the community, with businesses ranging from homemade bread to firewood delivered to your home.
“The trade show is the culminating event for our CEO students,” says Ketra Roselieb, McDonough County CEO board chair. “They’ve worked hard this year to develop entrepreneurial skills and those skills have allowed them to turn business concepts into reality – and we’re really excited to help them launch their businesses into the community.”
The public is invited, and the students’ products and services will be on display – and for sale – for the first time at the trade show, where those attending will have the opportunity to buy products, sign up for services and book appointment times with the owners at each booth.
To reach this point, students have stress-tested their business through a variety of different events, such as Banker Day, and they have effectively managed their financial obligations in order to bring their product or service to market. The CEO program is designed to immerse students in experiential learning in leadership and entrepreneurship as well as build a professional network in their local community. The local trade show acts as the launch point for the students’ individual businesses as they exhibit the pinnacle of their entrepreneurial journey.
"When we started in August, these students came with ideas, hobbies, and personal interests that led to creation of each business. Many of them stayed with original plans, while others learned how to pivot,” says Alison Jefferson, CEO facilitator. “They couldn't do this without the mentors, business owners, and community professionals who impart their knowledge along the way.”
As the CEO students prepare for the trade show, they will be designing and printing banners for their booth, as well as business cards and other marketing material. They will be polishing their elevator pitches to potential customers and interested community members. Lastly, and most importantly at this stage, they will be in the final stages of production and rollout for their services. It is a busy but exciting time for the 10 members of McDonough County CEO.
“The CEO Class of 2026 is ready to show you what they can do!" Jefferson says.
Here’s a look at each of the students and their businesses:
Anna Dixon: Grandma’s Homemade Ice Cream
Grandma’s Homemade Ice Cream is a creamery focused on creating the best product for its customers without being mass produced. For more information, contact Anna at gmas.icecream@gmail.com or at Grandma’s Homemade Ice Cream on social media. Anna is a junior at Trinity Academy and is mentored by Caitlin Harmon, UCB.
Hailie Hendrix: Peach State Treats
Peach State Treats is a company that produces southern desserts and snacks based in McDonough County. For more information, contact Hailie on Facebook at Peach State Treats, or on Instagram at peach.state.treats. Hailie is a senior at West Prairie High School and is mentored by Savannah Ballard, City of Macomb.
Maya Hofmeister: Pawsitive Pup Co.
Pawsitive Pup Co. is a homemade dog treat business that also offers glass treat jars with designs on them. The business is based in McDonough County and focuses on making treats that are safe for your dogs. For more information visit Pawsitive Pup Co. on Facebook. Maya is a junior at West Prairie High School and is mentored by Gloria Bamforth, McDonough District Hospital.
Ava Huston: fields & flowers goat soap
fields & flowers goat soaps offers handmade, natural goat milk bar soaps made from five natural ingredients, and is based in LaHarpe, Ill. Contact Ava at ffgoatsoap@gmail.com and visit her business on Instagram at ffgoatsoap. Ava is a junior at Trinity Academy and is mentored by Sarah McCleery, Raritan State Bank.
Carlee Jackson: Golden Crust Bakery
Golden Crust Bakery is a small sourdough-based business in Colchester, Ill., specializing in fresh, homemade baked goods made with simple ingredients. For more information or to place an order, contact Carlee at golden.crust.bakery.16@gmail.com, 309-333-8261, or on Facebook at Golden Crust Bakery. Carlee is a junior at West Prairie High School and is mentored by Anne Ingersoll, Bloom Macomb.
Luke McEwen: Triple M Meats
Triple M Meats is a beef retailer determined to provide high quality beef to customers at the most convenient location, delivering right to your door. For more information or to place an order, contact Luke at 309-255-9035. Luke is a senior at Trinity Academy and is mentored by Jason Davis, The Crossing.
Reagan McKim: Canning Company
Canning Company creates canned goods using the hot water bath method and specializes in jams, based in Marietta, Ill. For more information, contact Reagan at rm.canningcompany@gmail.com and check out canning.company on Instagram or Canning Company on Facebook. Reagan is a junior at Bushnell-Prairie City High School and is mentored by Ryan Riggins, MidAmerica National Bank.
Aiden Reynolds: Flame Factory
Flame Factory sells bundles of firewood to people around the community of McDonough County, delivered to your door. To order, contact Aiden at aidenmatthew2009@icloud.com, 309-333-2156, and check out flame.factory_il on Instagram or Facebook. Aiden is a junior at Macomb High School and is mentored by Ethan Cross, TJX Companies.
Olin Runyan: Ironwood Designs
Ironwood Designs is a small business located near Bushnell, Ill., that creates unique, high-quality cutting boards, resin boards, tables, and custom wood products built to last. For more information, visit Ironwood Designs on Facebook or Instagram or email ironwooddesigns2026@gmail.com. Olin is a junior at Trinity Academy and is mentored by Scott Coker, City of Macomb.
Timothy Todd: Next Act Studios
Next Act Studios is a theatre, vocal, and music theory coaching service for children ages 6-15, based in Good Hope, Ill. Next Act Studios helps young performers grow in talent, knowledge, and confidence while discovering a genuine love for the arts in an environment that prioritizes joy over pressure. To learn more or book a session, contact Next Act Studios on Facebook, Instagram, or at 309-337-9227. Tim is a junior at West Prairie and is mentored by Justin Derry, Legenderry.
For more information, check out mcdonoughcountyceo.com or email facilitator@mcdonoughcountyceo.com.