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Business savvy : Saline County CEO program debuts trade show

HARRISBURG – To the casual observer, the Saline County CEO Trade Show on the upper floor of First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust in Harrisburg Thursday evening appeared to be a showcase for four new local business owners.

That much certainly is true.

The four business owners in question, though, all are area high school seniors, and their businesses are the fruition of a year spent learning how to research, fund and start up a small business, according to the Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities program's director Cindy Mitchell.

Mitchell, who had led the program through its first year, is a retired educator who also was an entrepreneur herself at one time. She said she has been impressed with the time and effort the four students/small businessowners have put into the CEO program.

"What these young people have done in a short time is nothing less than amazing," Mitchell said. "We worked to come up with ideas for a small business, then researched whether it was feasible and created a business plan. They have honed real-world skills, like talking in front of groups and talking to investors for their businesses."

Mattie McGowan, a student at Eldorado High School, created A Wildflower Affair, in which she makes homecoming and prom flowers. Though technically she started the business before the CEO program, she has expanded her business with marketing and increasing offerings, such as decorative wreaths. 

She plans to attend Southeastern Illinois College and pursue degrees in business management and business marketing, all while managing her current business.

Braden Ward, an EHS student, developed Screen Therapy, a business that performs screen repairs on Android and iPhone smartphones. He plans to spend two years at SIC and then transfer to Southern Illinois University for pre-med.

Dalton Karns, another EHS student, created Warm Water Designs, a hydro-dipping company. Hydro-dipping is a process by which a permanent paint coat with a custom design is placed on a solid object. 

Karns said he can hydro-dip most solid objects, such as metal insulated cups. He plans to attend SIC and transfer to SIU to earn a degree in physical therapy.

Alex Watkins, a Harrisburg High School senior, formed Classic Crafters, which is at 1104 N. Main St., Harrisburg. He builds and refinishes furniture, and also creates decorative wooden signs. 

He plans to attend a four-year university after high school to obtain a degree in business either work in healthcare management or become a real estate agent. He plans to continue his own business as well.

Mitchell said she feels that the Saline County CEO program was a success and looks forward to next year's program.

"I'm very proud of what these young men and women have accomplished," she said. "They are ready to take the next step in running a business."