MARION, IL — Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Southern Illinois Made Expo will not be taking place as usual. Instead, State Sen. Dale Fowler has been working with southern Illinois businesses and chambers of commerce to transition the traditional showcase to the “Shop, Eat, Play-Safely-Southern Illinois Made” public relations event.

During a virtual press conference Monday, Senator Fowler said this year’s Expo was off to an incredible start, but plans for the event had to be reevaluated.

Next year’s Southern Illinois Made Expo has been set for July 24 and 25 in Marion.

More information about the initiative can be found at simade.org.