Illinois Made Inductees

Illinois Made celebrates those makers, creators, and artisans who help craft Illinois by hand, inspiring visitors and fellow Illinoisans to discover more about the state by experiencing firsthand the passion that makes it thrive. Makers exemplify what it means to be a local artisan. They represent the pinnacle of small businesses in Illinois—offering a one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found in the cities, towns, and rural communities of the Land of Lincoln.

"These small businesses are truly a highlight of the I&M Canal Heritage Corridor, a part of many experiences that you can see the process of many different items being made that you can eventually take home," stated Robert Navarro, President of the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau.  "Whether you purchase a functional piece of art, tasty beverages, or great tasting chocolate or toffee from these entrepreneurial artisans, the experience doesn't stop when you leave the Corridor.  You will remember your trip with every sip, taste, or look at these Illinois Made products."

We’re proud to announce the recent Heritage Corridor inductees to the Illinois Office of Tourism’s Illinois Made.

Sue Regis Glass Art, Joliet

Sue's specialty glass work is focused around Memorial glass art in which she can encase pet or human cremains inside of glass. She also specializes in teaching and hosting group events for adults and kids alike.

As an art influencer and an art leader, Sue's footprint expands outside of Regis Glass Art. The Art Movement Inc, founded in 2017 is Sue Regis' first non-profit endeavor igniting the Arts in Joliet and initiating a cultural renaissance. In addition, Sue Regis also serves as a Commissioner on Joliet's newly coordinated City Arts Commission. Sue is a dynamic Artist and through all her success, a pivotal leader. 

Hollingworth Candies, Lockport

Hollingworth Signature toffees and candies are locally handcrafted with the finest and freshest, natural ingredients. Pure ingredients. Pure indulgence. Pure Bliss.

Hollingworth Candies has been making its own delightful signature toffee in Lockport for 30 years. It all started with founder Margaret Carlson in the comfort of her own home. She then began selling her tasty treats around the region and now, many years later, have a store front in Lockport, IL. She has now welcomed her daughter Wendy Carver into the business. Their products have expanded to include sea salt caramels, the ever-popular Chesters, caramel apples and other molded chocolates. 

Star Union Spirits, Peru

Star Union Spirits is a craft distillery that manufactures small-batch spirits from locally sourced fruits and grains.

Founded by longtime winemaking friends, Bob Windy and Jeff Yosowitz, the distillery has a public tasting room where guests can view the entrancing copper still and the wonders of spirit distillation and production. Curious visitors can sample Star Union Spirits' delicious hand-crafted spirits along with artisanal cocktails. Star Union Spirits also offers facility tours that illuminate the art of fruit-to-bottle processes, the history of the historic Westclox building and has a museum dedicated to artifacts associated with the history behind our name. 

Thank you for representing the Heritage Corridor in all that you do! We’re proud to have you in our area.

The Illinois Office of Tourism (IOT) hosts a portal and encourages residents to nominate businesses for the Illinois Made program on a year-round basis. IOT reviews nominations and selects businesses based on the criteria for the program along with local business representation across the state. To view the Illinois Made criteria and nominate a business for the program, click here. For images of the new Illinois Made makers click here. To learn more about Illinois Made visit: EnjoyIllinois.com/IllinoisMade.

Graphic Credit - Illinois Office of Tourism / TimeZoneOne