MARION – Following through on their commitment to supporting local veterans organizations, State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) and the Southern Illinois Chambers of Commerce held a check presentation Tuesday donating all the proceeds of the 2022 Southern Illinois Made Expo to the Southern Illinois Honor Guard and the Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois.

The check presentation took place at the Marion Chamber of Commerce Luncheon at the American Legion Post 147 in Marion.

The Southern Illinois Made Expo returned in 2022 with the continuing mission of promoting Southern Illinois-based businesses while supporting local Southern-based veterans’ groups. Proceeds from the event were collected to support the two prominent organizations that recognize the service and sacrifices made by veterans and their families.

The Southern Illinois Made Expo is an initiative developed between State Sen. Fowler and the Southern Illinois Chamber of Commerce in 2018. The Expo was created as way to highlight the businesses and tourism destinations operating throughout the region. Since its inception, the Expo has served the dual purpose of supporting both local job creators and area veterans.

This year’s Southern Illinois Made Expo is set for July 22 and 23 at the Pavilion in Marion. The annual event will continue the tradition of supporting area veterans. This year’s charity of choice is Specialized Equine Services at Giant City Stables. Specialized Equine Services is a non-profit organization that offers therapeutic horseback riding for children, adults, and veterans with mental, physical and cognitive disabilities.

For more information about this year’s Southern Illinois Made Expo, go to simade.org.