PEORIA, Ill. – Four Peoria-area businesses have been recognized by the state for keeping it local and homemade.
The Illinois Makers program honors businesses in the state that produce their products in Illinois, with resources that also come within the state.
This year’s recipients include Black Band Distillery of Peoria, J.K. Distilling in Peoria, ARDOR Breads and Provisions in Peoria, and Yeni Palarte Mexican Ice Cream in Peoria Heights.
Previous recipients include Triple Dipple’s in Chillicothe and Tanner’s Orchard in Speer.
“These are the businesses that are providing goods for our residents and visitors alike,” says Discover Peoria President J.D. Dalfonso. “They’re the ones that are supporting and sponsoring their local baseball teams, your recitals, your charity events, not just with their goods but with their financial support as well.”
Dalfonso says an increased presence in state tourism marketing will now come for the businesses that receive the honor.
“What you have is now that another powerhouse of the state of Illinois, Illinois Office of Tourism, promoting that story as well. Who knows how many eyeballs are on that website and the itineraries that they’re promoting,” Dalfonso said. “So not only do you see more foot traffic in support, but highlights even further the quality of goods they’re producing here locally, and it’s showcased at a higher level.”
At a ceremony at Mt. Hawley Country Club, the four businesses received clay plates made by Mississippi Mud in Alton as a plaque.
