Coles Together

05/18/2026

The City of Mattoon, in partnership with Coles Together, was honored to welcome Representative Mike Bost to the City’s Water Treatment Plant to meet with local leaders and discuss ongoing efforts to address water quality challenges and strengthen long-term water infrastructure resiliency.

We appreciate the opportunity to share the City’s planned and proposed improvements, including water treatment upgrades, infrastructure efficiency projects, and source water protection efforts for Lake Mattoon and Lake Paradise.

We appreciate Congressman Bost taking the time to hear directly from local officials about the work underway in Mattoon to protect public health and strengthen regional water security and the need for continued federal partnership and investment in protecting safe, accessible drinking water for our residents, businesses, schools, and surrounding communities.

05/16/2026

https://conta.cc/4dLW16i

We’re still collecting community feedback on the future of the Charleston Courthouse Square — and we want to hear from more voices across the community.

What would encourage you to spend more time downtown?
More events? Better lighting? New restaurants? Outdoor spaces? Shopping? Entertainment?

Your input will help guide future revitalization efforts, business development strategies, beautification projects, and community programming in Downtown Charleston.

City of Charleston & Coles Together seek input to revitalize Charleston Square.

05/15/2026

Stay connected with everything happening at Coles Together.

From economic development updates and community initiatives to business news, events, and project highlights, our email list is the best way to stay informed on the momentum happening across Coles County.

Sign up today using the link below and stay connected with us.
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05/14/2026

https://conta.cc/4958gIy

What would make the Charleston Courthouse Square a place you visit more often?

We want to hear from YOU.

Community members have already shared ideas ranging from better lighting and beautification to more restaurants, events, student engagement, outdoor gathering spaces, and downtown revitalization efforts. Now we need broader community input to help shape the future of the Square.

Whether you’re a resident, business owner, student, visitor, or community stakeholder, your feedback matters and will help guide future planning and investment efforts in Downtown Charleston.

City of Charleston & Coles Together seek input to revitalize Charleston Square.

05/13/2026

Strong communities are built through strong partnerships. Coles Together continues working alongside business leaders, educators, local governments, and community organizations to create opportunities that move Coles County forward.

From workforce development to business retention and expansion, collaboration remains central to economic growth across our region.

We appreciate every partner helping shape a stronger future for Coles County.

05/12/2026

April 23 held the 3rd annual meeting since Dr. Sauget and William joined Coles Together. We had an information packed session hearing from all of our investors, members, and partners on community and project updates!

Thank you to our sponsors this year:
Earthrise Energy
Rural King
Next Era Energy
First Mid Bank & Trust
Drake Homes & Construction
Olmstead Brothers Insulation
Midwest Roofing

05/11/2026

Wonderful regional efforts underway!

Awesome job at Coles County Memorial Airport - MTO!!

I stopped by Coles County Memorial Airport to meet with airport leadership to catch up on the work they’re doing to enhance local commerce and transportation. To assist their efforts, I recently voted for the ALERT Act to strengthen aviation safety, improve coordination between civilian and military aircraft, and upgrade critical safety technology across our national airspace.

05/11/2026

Coles Together was honored to help host Congressman Mike Bost during his visit to Mattoon and Coles County this week.

The visit brought together regional leaders from business, healthcare, education, local government, and economic development for meaningful discussions focused on infrastructure, workforce development, aviation assets, healthcare access, education, and continued investment opportunities across the region. Congressman Bost toured the Mattoon Water Treatment Plant, visited the Coles County Memorial Airport, and participated in a legislative roundtable and facility tour hosted at Rural King’s new hangar facility.

Special thanks to Rural King and the Melvin Management team for hosting the luncheon and facility tour, and to all regional partners who participated in the discussion about the future growth and success of Coles County and the surrounding area.

05/10/2026

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day from Coles Together.

Today we celebrate the mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, and mother figures whose hard work, guidance, and support help strengthen our families, workplaces, and communities every day.

Thank you to all the incredible moms across Coles County and beyond for the impact you make in the lives of others.

We wish you a wonderful and well-deserved Mother’s Day.