Adams County CEO tradeshow Sunday at Kroc Center allows students to show personal businesses

QUINCY — The Adams County CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) Class of 2024 will hold its end-of-the-year tradeshow from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, at The Salvation Army Kroc Center, 405 Vermont.

The open house-style event is free and open to the public. CEO students will be showcasing their personal businesses each started during the year-long entrepreneurship program.

Adams County CEO is a year-long program developed by the Midland Institute for high school seniors. It is designed to utilize partnerships that provide an overview of business development and processes. The local business community partners with Adams County high schools to create project-based experiences for students by providing funding, expertise, meeting space, business tours and one-on-one mentoring.

Adams County CEO began because of the Quincy Next Strategic Plan and its initiative to expand entrepreneurship and new economy skills training. An overarching goal of the strategic plan is to retain and attract residents to the Quincy region. The CEO program is an opportunity to help retain young people because, in addition to teaching entrepreneurship skills, the program opens their eyes to the opportunities in Adams County by connecting them with local businesses and mentors.

This year’s class has students from Liberty High School, Quincy Notre Dame High School, Quincy Senior High School, Payson Seymour High School and Unity High School. Each CEO student will have a booth where they will showcase their products or services. Some students will have items available for purchase.

There is no cost for the CEO program to students or schools because of investors from the community. Students receive two high school credits and can receive dual college credit through John Wood Community College. Students from all seven Adams County high schools can apply to be a part of the program.

The application process for next year’s class is closed. Sophomores interested in participating during the 2025-26 school year when they are seniors should contact their school counselor for more information.

For more information about Adams County CEO and this year’s tradeshow, visit www.AdamsCountyCEO.com or contact Roger Leenerts at facilitator@adamscountyceo.com.

CEO Students and Businesses