Area high school seniors enrolled in Adams County CEO program to hold trade show Sunday

QUINCY— The public is invited to the Adams County CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) Class of 2023 end-of-the-year trade show from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, April 23, 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.

This year’s class has students from Central High School, Liberty High School, Quincy Notre Dame High School and Quincy High School, and one student who is homeschooled. Each CEO student will have a booth where they will showcase their products or services. Some students will have items available for purchase in their booths.

Students participating in the trade show are:

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, it opens their eyes to the opportunities in their own backyard by connecting them with local businesses and mentors.

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 the Class of 2024 is closed. Sophomores interested in participating during the 2024-25 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 Maggie Strong at 217-257-0721 or me@MaggieStrong.com.