Illinois Product Expo showcases local businesses from across the state

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — From homemade sauces and baked goods to organic skin care products, the Illinois Product Expo showcased local businesses from across the state Sunday.

"All these products are grown, raised or sourced right here in the state of Illinois and produced right here," said Kayla Graven, the domestic marketing manager for the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

For more than 20 years, the Illinois Department of Agriculture has hosted the product expo. This year the event has expanded to the expo building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds, welcoming hundreds of Illinois vendors.

"It's a great opportunity that people not only have to shop here at the expo, but they can also go within their local communities and find retail stores and businesses," said Graven.

For vendors, this event was a chance to get major exposure from people traveling across the state.

Beverly George is the co-owner of Mickey's Massive Burritos in LaSalle, Illinois. She was impressed by the support she received at the expo.

"Oh my gosh, it's amazing. We just love coming down because we are so supported," said George.

James Reinneck is the owner of Reinneck Ranch in Mascoutah, Illinois. He said this was the biggest expo he has seen in 13 years.

"We've sampled probably over 5000 samples this weekend, so imagine that and tenfold," said Reinneck.

Reinneck encouraged communities to pour into their local businesses.

"It comes right down to the family. So, when you're buying local products like ours and all these businesses down here, they're truly supporting family businesses throughout the state," said Reinneck.

If you're looking for more ways to support local businesses, the Illinois Department of Agriculture hosts a farmers market every Thursday night throughout the summer, starting in May.