Lockport Business Announced As Maker In The Illinois Made Program

LOCKPORT, IL — A Lockport business has been recognized as a "Maker" in the Illinois Made program from the Illinois Office of Tourism. Hollingworth Candies, 926 N. State St., is one of 31 new small businesses named as Makers.

According to a release from the Office of Tourism, Illinois Made inspires locals and visitors to discover hidden gems offering unique products, stories and experiences all around the state. The newest Illinois Made class features 17 women-owned businesses, including Hollingworth Candies, which is the most in a single Illinois Made class since the program’s beginning.

“Our small businesses are the backbone of Illinois’ economy, which is why it’s now more important than ever that we celebrate their role given the challenges faced during COVID-19,” Erin B. Guthrie, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), which includes the Illinois Office of Tourism, said in a release. “On behalf of the Pritzker administration, I am thrilled to welcome the newest makers into the Illinois Made program, and to recognize them for their vital contributions in communities across the state. While COVID-19 has placed unprecedented challenges on businesses of all types, DCEO continues to work diligently to direct emergency aid to all corners of the state and to help small firms and entrepreneurs to pivot and protect their business during these trying times.”

Launched in 2016, the program currently features over 175 makers, and helps drive foot traffic into local businesses around the state. The Illinois Office of Tourism promotes Illinois Made makers through inclusion in trip itineraries, events, seasonal campaigns and the annual Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide –encouraging consumers to support small businesses throughout the holiday shopping season– to be announced later this month, a release states.

“Our new class of makers is a remarkable reflection of the multicultural diversity found all around Illinois,” Karla Flannery, Deputy Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism, said in a release. “We are honored to welcome such a talented group of makers that are destinations within their communities, and we look forward to highlighting their craft, history and unique experience to locals and visitors alike.”