Monroe County, IL Economic Development Corporation

06/02/2026

Another great Monroe County IL Farmers Market ahead this weekend! It is another great way to support the local farmers and entrepreneurs and overall economy!

We have another fun-filled Saturday morning planned at the Monroe County Farmers Market! Tag your friends and family and let them know you'd love to catch up with them at your local farmers market.

🎶 Music by Brian McKelvey Music
👩‍🍳 Cooking Demo by Rebecca Krebel, Tasting Grace - In Home Chef
🐄 Dairy/Beef Kids Activity provided by Pasture Link Meats
🐑 Lambs for petting and feeding provided by Spare Thyme Farms
🏰 Sponsor visit and bounce house provided by Power Haus Cheer

05/29/2026

MCILEDC is committed to supporting the next generation of workers by connecting youth and young adults with valuable employment resources, career exploration opportunities, and workforce training programs.

Whether you're a student looking for your first job, a young adult exploring career pathways, or a parent seeking guidance, there are a variety of programs available through the U.S. Department of Labor designed to help young people build skills and gain real-world experience. Opportunities include apprenticeships, Job Corps, workforce development programs, career readiness training, and employment support for youth ages 14-24.

Young workers can also learn about workplace rights, age requirements, work-hour limitations, and job safety to ensure a positive and successful employment experience. Federal labor laws generally establish age requirements and protections for workers under 18 years old.

Investing in youth employment helps strengthen our workforce pipeline, supports local businesses, and creates opportunities for future economic growth throughout Monroe County and the surrounding region.

Learn more about youth employment resources through the U.S. Department of Labor:

https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/youthlabor "Youth & Young Worker Employment"
https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/youthlabor/agerequirements? "Age Requirements"

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets wage, hours worked, and safety requirements for minors (individuals under age 18) working in jobs covered by the statute. The rules vary depending upon the particular age of the minor and the particular job involved. As a general rule, the FLSA sets 14 years....

05/22/2026

Farmers are the backbone of Monroe County and communities just like ours across America. Every season, they rise before dawn, work long hours, and face countless challenges to help feed our families, fuel our economy, and preserve the rural character we all value so deeply.

Agriculture is more than crops and livestock — it supports local jobs, small businesses, transportation, equipment sales, restaurants, banks, schools, and countless other industries that rely on a strong farming community to thrive. When our farmers succeed, our communities succeed.

Beyond the economic impact, farmers are stewards of our land, caretakers of generations of tradition, and innovators shaping the future of agriculture. Their resilience, dedication, and commitment deserve recognition not just during planting and harvest seasons, but every single day.

Today, we celebrate and thank the farmers who continue to play an integral role in strengthening our local economy and sustaining the heart of our county.

05/20/2026

Here is one of many local America 250 celebrations for you to place on your calendar for the summer months! Let's celebrate!

Join us for the America250 Community Festival on August 29, 2026 at Lincoln Park!

We’re just 4 months away from celebrating 250 years of America with a day full of community, fun, and festivities. Be sure to mark your calendar—you won’t want to miss it!

More details coming soon! 🎉

05/20/2026

Looking for local events, business happenings, networking opportunities, community celebrations, and more across our region?

Be sure to follow MCILEDC on Instagram to stay connected with what’s happening throughout Monroe County and the surrounding area -- https://www.instagram.com/mocoecdev/

We love supporting our local communities, businesses, organizations, and event organizers by helping spread the word about exciting things happening in our region.

Hosting an event? Let us know — we’d be happy to help promote it for you!

05/15/2026

There’s nothing better than a morning at the local farmer’s market!

Come out and support the Waterloo, IL Farmer’s Market - where fresh produce, homemade goods, and friendly faces come together to create something special.

Every purchase you make supports local farmers, makers, and small businesses right here in our community.

Grab a coffee, stroll the booths, and enjoy the simple joy of shopping local.

It’s more than a market—it’s a chance to connect, support, and celebrate Waterloo! See you soon!

Our May 16 market is bursting with fun! Come check out all that your local farmers market has to offer.

🔆 Live music by Josh Boyer
🔆 The Ferm Homebrew Club, Monroe County, IL demonstration at the Welcome Table at 9am
🔆 Mi Delicias Mexican Catering Agua Frescas mocktail demonstration under their tent at 10am
🔆 Kindness Rocks kids' activity provided by Handmade by Aunt Pat
🔆 Free popsicles for kids provided by Purple Petal Flower Farm
🔆 A visit from one of our sponsors - Power Haus Cheer - and they're bringing a bounce house

05/15/2026

CALL FOR PHOTOS: Showcase Life in Monroe County!

Monroe County is more than a place on the map - it’s a place people are proud to call home.

As part of a Marketing Profile being updated by St. Louis Regional Freightway, we’re looking for high-quality photographs that capture the true quality of life in our community.

We invite residents, photographers, and local businesses to submit images that highlight what makes Monroe County special!

We’re looking for photos that capture:

🌅 Small-Town Charm & Community Connection
Downtown scenes, local gatherings, farmers markets, or neighbors connecting in places like Waterloo, Columbia, and beyond.

🌳 Outdoor Lifestyle & Natural Beauty
Parks, trails, scenic countryside, family picnics, biking, or peaceful outdoor moments.

🎶 Community Events & Local Energy
Festivals, live music, parades, fairs, and events that bring people together.

🏡 Family Life & Neighborhood Living
Kids playing, front porch moments, safe neighborhoods, and everyday life.

🌾 Agriculture & Local Heritage
Farms, barns, local food, and the working landscapes that define our roots.

Submission Details:
• High-resolution images preferred
• Include your name and photo location (if known)
• By submitting, you grant permission for use in Monroe County marketing materials

Submit photos to: [email protected]
Deadline: Friday, May 22, 2026

Help us tell the story of Monroe County—through your lens. ❤️

If your photograph is selected, we will be sure to give you credit for your work. We would also be happy to include your business contact information, if applicable.

05/13/2026

We Want Your Input!

Help shape the future of rail and freight movement in our region!

The St. Louis Regional Freightway is conducting an important freight rail network analysis to guide future investments—and your voice matters.

Whether you’re a business owner, commuter, or resident, your experiences and insights can help improve how goods move through Madison and St. Clair counties.

Take a few minutes to share your feedback and be part of the conversation that impacts our region’s economic future.

📅 Don’t wait—responses are requested by May 31, 2026.

Scan the QR code or visit the survey here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SZ98XWH

Together, we can build a stronger, more efficient transportation network for our communities.

05/13/2026

It’s Back, Waterloo!

Get ready to celebrate one of our community’s favorite traditions - the 44th Annual Porta Westfalica Fest is returning to Courthouse Square!

📅Tuesday, June 16, 2026
📍 Courthouse Square

Join us for a fun-filled evening celebrating 44 years of friendship, tradition, and community. Enjoy authentic German-inspired food, refreshing drinks, lively music, and a welcoming atmosphere that brings residents and visitors together.

Whether you’re coming for the atmosphere, the polka, or just the great company, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

Let’s continue to support the traditions that make Monroe County such a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.

Tag a friend you’re bringing with you!

05/12/2026

$1.636 million in funding has been allocated for the Village of Maeystown for wastewater treatment facility improvements.

BOST SECURES FUNDING FOR SEVEN LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS January 8, 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today applauded House passage of a commerce, energy, and interior funding bill for the remaining fiscal year that includes nearly $9 million for seven local infrastruct...