Gem PR & Media

06/08/2026

Great piece in the LA Times this weekend. This sits among the NYT, BBC, and Time Out pieces so far this year.

We love working with the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership and U.S. Route 66 Centennial.

A 70-car caravan embarked on a journey from Santa Monica to Chicago to celebrate the centennial of the famed 2,448-mile Route 66.

06/04/2026

We 🩵 Alpha-Lit Springfield-Peoria!

If you're looking for a fun, unique, and memorable way to elevate your next event, Alpha-Lit Springfield-Peoria has you covered. From weddings and birthdays to corporate events, fundraisers, and grand openings, their stunning marquee letters and numbers add the perfect touch.

Locally owned and committed to helping make celebrations shine, Alpha-Lit Springfield-Peoria is one of the many incredible businesses that make our community special.

Have you used Alpha-Lit for an event? We'd love to see your photos in the comments! ✨

06/02/2026

We ❤️ Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway!

🌟 Member Spotlight 🌟

🚗Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway

Today we’re highlighting Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway a proud member of Illinois Local!

The Byway helps preserve and promote the historic Route 66 experience, supporting tourism, local heritage, and economic development across Illinois. Its work keeps this iconic roadway alive for residents and visitors alike.

🎶🎤🎸Coming up on November 11, the Byway will host the Route 66 Centennial Conference and Celebration at in Springfield, featuring STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas, along with food, festivities, and a full live concert experience as part of the Route 66 Centennial commemoration. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased here: https://illinoisroute66.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/illinoisroute66/event.jsp?event=2

We’re proud to have the Byway as part of the Illinois Local network!

01/08/2026

We've had so much fun working with the folks at Visit Santa Monica to help raise awareness of this historic event!

https://www.smdp.com/route-66-celebrations-begin-with-road-trip-from-the-pier/

Route 66 centennial celebrations began at Santa Monica Pier with a vintage car caravan departing for a cross-country journey to Chicago and Detroit's Auto Show.

01/08/2026

We love working with Tara and the team at THE PRAIRIE LAND BUZZ magazine and we love that they collaborate with other news organizations to get the message out about the great work our clients are doing!!

https://www.riverbender.com/news/details/storyteller-studios-launches-storyteller-small-batch-to-bring-emmywinning-video-productions-to-local-small-businesses-89614.cfm

Storyteller Studios
Cured Catering

Storyteller Studios introduces Storyteller Small Batch, bringing Emmy-winning video storytelling to small businesses in Springfield, Illinois.

10/18/2025

🛑 STOP THE PRESS!🛑

We are working with an Illinois magazine to tell the story of our amazing vendors ahead of our 5th annual Holiday Market on Small Business Saturday - November 29 in the Expo Building at the IL State Fairgrounds and we want to include comments from our vendors in the article!

If you’ve been a vendor at the IL Holiday Market either comment below about your experience (you’ll need to provide at least one or two sentences), DM us, or comment in our members-only Facebook group!

You can also email [email protected] ❤️

01/18/2025

Always love working with Jamie Patarozzi!!

“Illinois Local has played a huge part in helping us meet other small business owners. Through networking we have planned events that have benefited our business and created new friendships with likeminded entrepreneurs throughout the state!” - Jamie Patarozzi, owner, True Colors Floral.

If you’re interested in joining Illinois Local email [email protected] or visit illinoislocal.org

Or check us out at our first networking event of 2025 on Thursday, January 30 from 9 am Balance Yoga in Springfield. Nonmembers welcome!

01/16/2025

The countdown is on for the Illinois Local 2025 Holiday Market on Small Business Saturday - November 29!

You can register here: https://www.illinoislocal.org/events #!event/2025/11/29/illinois-local-small-business-saturday-holiday-market-2025

01/16/2025

We are so thankful for Kate Spencer Photography!!

“Illinois Local is an amazing membership. It has been a great tool for me to meet and network with other businesses, big and small, and to create and nurture working relationships at the annual conference & awards, photoshoots, and monthly networking events.” - Kate Spencer of Kate Spencer Photography.

If you’re interested in joining the Illinois Local membership, visit illinoislocal.org or email [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars! The annual conference & awards is on Monday, September 8 from 9am to 12pm at The Grant Conservatory of Music & Dance in Springfield.

01/02/2025

We are proud to work with the OneChiropractic team - and have loved building a relationship with Gloria and her colleagues at Chiropractic Economics.

This interview with Bharon Hoag of OneChiropractic explores his vision to serve DCs and ensure patient access to essential chiropractic care.