CARBONDALE, Ill. — Nearly 150 alumni, community leaders and business owners packed Hangar 9 on Thursday, Oct. 23, for the Salukis Build Here Launch Party, a celebration of alumni entrepreneurship, collaboration and the growing momentum across Southern Illinois.
The event marked the public debut of Salukis Build Here, a partnership among Southern Illinois Now (SI Now), the SIU Foundation, the SIU Alumni Association, the City of Carbondale, Carbondale Main Street and the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce. The initiative celebrates Saluki-owned, operated and SIU-connected businesses and invites more alumni to start, relocate or expand in the region.
“Salukis build here, and they do,” said Steven Mitchell, Carbondale’s economic development director. “We count roughly 150 Saluki-owned businesses in Carbondale, and our office is a one-stop shop to connect you with resources, incentives and people who can help your business thrive.”
Mitchell explained that in just three years, the city’s business improvement program has invested $750,000 into new and expanding businesses, generating more than $2 million in private development downtown.
“If you aren’t already doing business here, my question is: why not?” he said. “Carbondale is growing fast, and we’re building the infrastructure to match that growth.”
Scott Moller, SIU alumnus and co-owner of Hangar 9, said collaboration is the key to Carbondale’s success.
“If you decide to do business here, you’re going to get a lot of support from a truly collaborative community,” he said. “When we announced that we were buying Hangar 9, the city and the university reached out right away to help us succeed. That partnership and enthusiasm are what make this community so special.”
William Lo, executive director of the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce, spoke about the collaboration that drives the city’s economic growth.
“Carbondale’s business community is built on relationships,” Lo said. “When alumni, entrepreneurs, and local leaders work together, great things happen. Salukis Build Here is about strengthening those connections so that more alumni see Southern Illinois not only as where they came from, but as the place where their businesses can thrive.”
Lo then introduced Abby Ancell, SIU alumna and managing partner of St. Nicholas Brewing Company, who highlighted the region’s accessibility and culture of connection.
“Southern Illinois has something special: access,” she said. “You can walk right up to the people who can help, whether it’s someone from the Chamber, City Hall or another business owner, and they will take the time to guide you. That kind of personal connection doesn’t happen everywhere. Here, when one business grows, everyone grows.”
Matt Collinsworth, executive director of Carbondale Main Street, spotlighted the city’s momentum.
“In the last 18 months alone, more than 20 businesses have opened or expanded along Main Street,” he said. “Carbondale’s energy is contagious, and the growth we’re seeing is proof that this community is on the move.”
Collinsworth introduced Laura Harbaugh, owner of Harbaugh’s Café, a long-standing favorite among students and locals. Harbaugh shared why she chose to build her restaurant in Carbondale and why she continues to believe in its future.
“Carbondale is welcoming and affordable, with a community that believes in small business,” she said. “This is a town where people show up for each other. More businesses help each other thrive, and there’s still plenty of room for new ideas, creativity and growth.”
From a regional viewpoint, Deb Barnett, executive director of SI Now, emphasized that the Salukis Build Here initiative reaches far beyond Carbondale.
“We’re seeing Saluki leadership at every level, from hospitality and agritourism to advanced manufacturing,” she said. “Southern Illinois is open for business and built for success. Salukis Build Here is about highlighting that success and inviting others to be part of it.”
Allison Hasler, founder of Southern Illinois Vacation Rentals, shared how her business has grown from a few rental cabins into a hospitality company managing more than 40 short-term rental properties throughout the region.
“Southern Illinois has always had the beauty, the charm and the community pride,” Hasler said. “But I saw an opportunity for people to experience it more deeply by creating spaces that reflect who we are and where we live. Many of the properties we manage are owned by families, professionals and fellow Salukis who believe in this area’s future. Together, we’re not just building cabins; we’re building real momentum for Southern Illinois.”
Hasler continued, “Southern Illinois isn’t a stepping stone. It’s fertile ground where you can grow anything if you lead with passion. Every time I onboard a new property, I’m hiring local cleaners, working with local contractors, and sending guests to local restaurants, wineries and boutiques. That’s how we build stronger communities and keep our economy moving forward.”
Lynn Andersen Lindberg, executive director of SIU’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development, outlined how the university supports entrepreneurs through the Illinois Small Business Development Center and related programs.
“Our advising is free, confidential and delivered by people who have owned or managed businesses themselves,” she said. “Whether you need help with marketing, a prototype or government contracting, we have the expertise and resources to support you at every stage of your business journey.”
Moller closed the program by emphasizing the shared mission behind the partnership.
“Tonight showed what’s possible when Salukis and Southern Illinois rally around local business,” he said. “When alumni, the city and the university come together, there’s no limit to what we can build. Let’s keep growing — together.”
Attendees sampled offerings from New Kahala, Tres Hombres, Rip’s Brick Oven Pizzeria, St. Nicholas Brewing Company and Quatro’s Deep Pan Pizza while networking with community leaders and learning about upcoming opportunities through Salukis Build Here.
Learn more and get connected at salukisbuildhere.com.