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Employee Spotlight: Kristen Bathon

Kristen Bathon, a Southern Illinois native, promotes Silkworm through attending and coordinating events and provides day-to-day marketing and sales support as the Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator for Silkworm.

Kristen has been with Silkworm since September of 2014.

“I wasn’t looking for a specific job because I still had a semester left at Southern Illinois University,” says Kristen, “but I had a contact at John A. Logan College that referred me to Silkworm, so I applied!”

Kristen was very familiar with the Silkworm reputation and our involvement in the community, so she was excited to apply!

“Silkworm is involved in numerous events and programs throughout the area,” says Kristen, “so attending the events would be my favorite part of my job.”

Kristen wants to be actively involved in the community. Silkworm allows her to do just that! Kristen also organizes tours of Silkworm to share our mission, values and services to different area groups.

Kristen’s favorite memory at Silkworm was the RSP game night forKnock Hunger out of the Park.

“It was exciting to see the community rallying together,” says Kristen, “Bringing in canned goods for United Community Pantry in Carterville, Illinois.

Silkworm, along with RSP Heating and Cooling and the Event Partners exceeded our $5,000 goal, filling 3 Trucks with milk crates stacked high full of non-perishable items collected at the game and $1,500 in monetary donation.

Knock Hunger has been a great event for the community and given a much needed boost to our local food pantries with donations and helped create a lot of awareness for hunger in Southern Illinois.

The River to River Relay is another one of Kristen’s favorite events to support.

“At the River to River Relay we got to interact with all the runners,” Kristen says, “And set up tents with yummy snacks.”

Kristen loves to cook in her spare time.

“If you came over to my house, I would serve you cilantro chicken, grilled corn on the cob with chips and fresh guacamole,” Kristen says, “I love Mexican food!”

Kristen’s admits she can turn her tongue into a W shape, and she has serious music knowledge.

“Let me hear the first few notes of a country song and I can probably tell you the title, who sings it,” says Kristen, “And all of the lyrics!”

Takin’ Care of Business by Bachman Turner Overdrive best describes Kristen’s work ethic.

“At Silkworm we like to take care of business and have fun doing it,” says Kristen, “The Worm culture is this song in a nutshell!”

If Kristen had to pick two celebrities as parents she says she would choose Bill Murray and Carrie Underwood.

“Bill Murray is such a cool kind of guy with so many roles in fantastic movies,” says Kristen, “And Carrie Underwood has a beautiful voice, maybe it would rub off on me a bit.”

Sadly, Kristen and her husband are planning to move to Nashville, so Kristen will only be with Silkworm until the end of June but, as we always say, “Once a Wormer, always a Wormer.”

“I will miss my Silkworm family like crazy when I leave,” says Kristen, “Thanks to the family for making my first, big-girl job great!”

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Be a Hunger Hero! Join us in the fight against hunger by donating non-perishable food items at the June 24th KnockHunger game to benefit Gumdrops in Carterville! The first 250 fans to bring ten non-perishable food items to the gate on any of our Knock Hunger game nights gets a new custom shirt. The June 24th game is sponsored by First Southern Bank. http://buff.ly/1MPuSK9

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Knock Hunger Out of the Park this Wednesday night, June 24th to benefit Gumdrops in Carterville, Illinois! www.knockhunger.com 

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Community Spotlight: Gumdrops

Many children in the Southern Illinois area have trouble obtaining academic success because they have limited or no access to food.  Gumdrops, a non-profit organization in Carterville, Illinois is on a mission to make an impact in the lives of children.

Volunteers for Gumdrops assist with filling backpacks with child-friendly food for children to help alleviate this problem in our community.

Mindy Combs and the employees of First Southern Bank have been involved with Gumdrops for the past several years.  Their involvement does not stop at writing a check. First Southern Bank employees participate in fundraisers and also help out at the Gum Drop Packing Station.

“We will be hosting a food drive for Gumdrops at all 15 First Southern Bank locations, beginning on June 11 and running until June 24,” says Mindy, “Encouraging employees and customers to get involved and donate items.”

Gumdrops opened their doors in 2008.  Since Gumdrops has been established, 1,400 at-risk children have been fed every week of the school year.

“Gumdrops makes a huge impact in the community,” says Mindy, “The program assists with a problem that people don’t like to think about, the problem of childhood hunger.”

Hunger is alive and it’s right here in our community. Gumdrops steps in and makes sure that these children have food to take home and eat. Gumdrops fed 41,041 children in 2012, their record year.  Currently, Gumdrops is associated with 12 school districts and 36 schools in Southern Illinois. Summer months are even harder for food pantries due to the fact that children are out of school.

First Southern Bank sponsors the June 24th game of Knock Hunger Out of the Park this summer.  All donations collected from June 11-June 24 and the donations collected at the June 24th Southern Illinois Miners game will be given to Gumdrops.

If you are interested in donating to this dedicated institution check out www.knockhunger.com or visitwww.gumdropkids.org.

Mindy believes Knock Hunger is a great event that has raised awareness not only for Gumdrops but for other wonderful organizations, fighting the same fight, to stop hunger.

“I anticipate when all Knock Hunger Out of the Park events are complete,” Mindy says, “There will be many food pantries in southern Illinois with full shelves.”

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Customer Spotlight: RSP Heating and Cooling

RSP Heating & Cooling was founded in 2004 by Jim Weihl.  Jim established RSP with the mission to provide Southern Illinois with a heating and cooling company that treats clients with Respect, Sincerity, and Professionalism.  Since 2004, RSP has grown to become the largest Trane dealer in the Southern Illinois area.

RSP Heating & Cooling employs a fantastic staff of technicians, client care representatives, and comfort consultants with years of experience and education in the heating and cooling industry.

At RSP Heating and Cooling, values define the character of their organization. The entire team constantly strives to lead their industry in client satisfaction, provide outstanding career opportunities for people with great attitudes, exceed the industry standards of professionalism and above all always do what is in their client’s best interest.

Over the years, RSP Heating & Cooling has relied on Silkworm for custom apparel, promotional products andsignage.

“The items Silkworm provides for us keep our image cohesive and professional,” says Nicole Weihl  “Their customer service goes above and beyond.  We’re also very appreciative of the product donations they have made to our Folds of Honor charity golf tournaments over the years.”

In addition to providing excellent customer service and quality work, RSP Heating & Cooling has built an awesome reputation for giving back and being active in the communities they serve.

“Our community has really embraced RSP during our first decade of business.  From Mounds to Mt. Vernon and all the cities in between, Southern Illinois has supported us and helped us keep growing year after year,” says Nicole “the Tri-C area has specifically been a huge source of support for us.”

On Wednesday, June 10th, RSP Heating & Cooling will sponsor Knock Hunger Out of the Park with theSouthern Illinois Miners to help stock the shelves for Carterville United Community Pantry.

“We’re thrilled to be sponsoring the Knock Hunger event to support theUnited Community Pantry of Carterville,” says Nicole  “It’s our responsibility and honor to support a community that has supported us so much.”

Learn More About RSP Heating & Cooling and the awesome work they do by clicking here!

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Customer Spotlight: Farmers State Bank

Farmers State Bank is an independent bank with locations in Marion, Harrisburg and Alto Pass, serving the community with over 50 employees. Farmers State Bank helps their customers organize and simplify all of their personal and financial needs with accounts and services. Charles Holland, President of Farmers State Bank first started doing business with Silkworm 10 years ago. “I first came to Silkworm because of their quality work and design,” says Charles, “but after our first order, I continued to see how Silkworm goes above and beyond every time we are in need of custom apparel or promotional products.” Charles especially loves the easy ordering process Silkworm provides. “All it takes is a quick phone call to our outstanding Silkworm Sales Rep” says Charles. Farmers State Bank built their business on the value of community support. They joined Knock Hunger Out of the Park because they want to help keep pantries’ shelves stocked in the summer months. Farmers State Bank’s Assistant VP of Business Development, Mary Jo McCurdy believes that this event allows their organization to support the community that supports them. “Community support is a value we have built our business on,” says McCurdy, “And we want to take action and create awareness for those that cannot afford the basic need of food.” Farmers State Bank sponsors the June 3rd Knock Hunger event. All donations collected at the Farmers locations as well as at the June 3rd game will be donated to the Lighthouse Shelter in Marion, IL.

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Knock Hunger Out of the Park

Knock Hunger Out of The Park is an event to benefit local food pantries in Southern Illinois by asking the community to donate non-perishable food items kicking off May 20th @ 7:05 P.M. and each Wednesday night Southern Illinois Miners home game.

Food insecurity exists in every county in the United States, Southern Illinois counties have rising food insecure households due to the increase in poverty levels. Households with children face an even higher rate of food insecurity and everyday more families start to rely on local food pantries and organizations to meet the basic nutritional needs to stay healthy and productive.Our local food pantries rely on donations to help feed those in need. We are asking you to help end hunger in Southern Illinois for a stronger, healthier community.

“A community that plays together, succeeds together.” -Tim Arseneau, V.P. Southern Illinois Miners

Without the basic need of adequate nutritional foods, not only do those in need suffer, but the communities we live, work and develop suffer due to: an increase in medical attention needed because of the lack of adequate nutrition, developmental delays in children leading to additional needs for special programs, as poverty level increases, crime rates increase.

Each Wednesday night game will be sponsored by a local business who has donated time and money to help end hunger in our area. Each game will benefit a local food pantry of the game night sponsor’s choice and will receive a $500 check in addition to any donations received. Thank our game night sponsors by visiting their locations and finding out more about their business.

Fans that attend the game to cheer on our Southern Illinois Miners will have the chance to win social media contests, door prizes, t-shirt toss and other game night contests and giveaways.

The first 250 fans that bring 10 non-perishable items to the game will receive a custom game night t-shirt and each game will feature a new shirt design!

Our communities face a major cultural shift when basic needs of our community members are not addressed. If this isn’t convincing enough to encourage you to help end hunger in Southern Illinois, maybe the Hunger statistics of our counties will help you understand; 58,780 people in our community.

Visit knockhunger.com for more information.

To volunteer please contact us.

For Press Information please click here.

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Employee Spotlight: Josh Hoelscher

Josh Hoelscher is a long-time Silkworm employee of 16 years.  As a press assistant Josh sets up, runs and tears down the automatic and manual presses.

Josh and the production team are vital pieces to the Silkworm puzzle, providing amazing service to all of Silkworm’s customers.

Josh is motivated by doing his job right and knowing he is offering the best customer service.  Josh says he loves waking up every morning and coming to work.

Josh’s favorite part of his job is the people.  “The internal relationships at Silkworm are awesome,” says Josh, “And I love getting to talk to everybody.”

Some of Josh’s favorite memories with Silkworm took place while tailgating at SIU football games.  “Some of us used to go the SIU football games,” says Josh, “And we would have the best time!”

The song “Happy Go Lucky” describes Josh’s work ethic and personality perfectly.  “I have an outgoing personality,” says Josh, “But I’m quiet and I do my job correctly!”

When talking about what we love most about Josh, Chuck Ticer a Union Direct printer at Silkworm mentions how Josh always gives him the Hoelscher hug!  Josh’s positive attitude in the shop is contagious.

To some people, Josh goes by Jerry Mathers.  “I don’t remember how the nickname started,” Josh states, “The name came from the character Theodore ‘Beaver’ Cleaver in Leave It To Beaver.”

If Josh could be anyone else he would be Bill Gates and have Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts as parents.  “I would love to get paid to do nothing,” says Josh, “I would get treated like royalty all day every day.”

When Josh was four years old he was diagnosed with childhood cancer.  He has been battling it for 32 years.

In October of 2014, Josh had a stroke not allowing him to work at Silkworm.  The Silkworm team misses him and can’t wait for him to be back!

In April, many Silkworm employees hosted a Relay For Life Team Josh Dinner/Dance.  The proceeds went to Josh and his family to help cover medical expenses.

Josh and his family strongly believe in the cause of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  “St Jude is a great way to help others out,” says Josh, “it is a way to inspire people and to get healthy.”

Josh hopes that the generous donations will help find a cure.  “Cancer is a nasty disease,” Josh states, “we want to help others in any way we can.”

Josh and his family have been actively involved in Relay for Life for 16 years.  “Relay for Life events are always exciting,” says Josh, “It’s fun to stay up all night long for such a great cause.”

Relay for Life this year is taking place on May 29th from 6 PM to 12 AM at Riverside Park in Murphysboro, Illinois.  Come out and join the cause to end childhood cancer! Sign up or donate.

“Silkworm is a great place to work,” says Josh, “my family and I are thankful for all of Silkworm’s support.”

“We miss you Josh and are always thinking of you!  We can’t wait for you to be back with us at Silkworm!” –The Silkworm Team

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Customer Spotlight: Run To Succeed

Run To Succeed, located in Herrin, Illinois is a premier race management and timing business.  Their services cover the Southern Illinois, Western Kentucky and Southeast Missouri areas.  They are now in the process of expanding to a national level with their virtual race series.

Run To Succeed operates with one full-time employee and owner, Tim Jarvis, four part time employees and multiple volunteers.

Tim and his team host multiple races throughout the year, including 5Ks, 10Ks, Half-Marathons and Marathons.  The races benefit select charities including, but not limited to, the Wounded Warrior Project, St. Jude, Children’s Research Hospital and Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Run To Succeed has two different fitness challenges each year: The 500 Mile Challenge and the Grand Slam Challenge.

This year Run To Succeed is hosting a virtual race series with participants from all over the United States.

“We offer race timing services for multiple races throughout our geographical region,” Tim states, “as well as race management services to other race directors.”

Run To Succeed’s race management services include marketing, online registration, course design and much more.

Tim has been a customer of Silkworm since he started Run To Succeed in the Spring of 2014.  He appreciates that Silkworm is a large supporter of the fitness community.

“I chose Silkworm because of their reputation as being a professional company,” Tim states, “they offer professional services and advice.”

Tim believes Silkworm offers a wide array of apparel and other products to suit his business needs.

“I will continue to do business with Silkworm,” Tim says, “Silkworm provides my business with artwork, graphic design, apparel and promotional items that are of high quality at an affordable rate.”

Tim considers Silkworm’s ordering process time, regardless of order quantity, as second to none.

Tim believes Silkworm’s employee professionalism and expert advice gathered from being the area’s leader incustom apparel makes Silkworm different that other businesses.

“Silkworm won’t process the order until it is exactly what the customer strives for,” Tim states, “It’s the Silkworm difference!”

Silkworm’s ordering process is as easy as a phone call or email.  If any changes are necessary, Silkworm will waste no time making corrections and re-submitting them to the customer.

“Silkworm’s staff will send you an approval form/email,” says Tim, “this allows you to see what the design will look like before you make the commitment to the purchase.”

Tim often has race registrants, who do not usually participate in running events, sign up because they love Silkworm’s t-shirt design!  Tim believes that Silkworm’s quality of custom apparel is always of a high standard.

“Silkworm’s graphic design is often what stands my business apart,” Tim states, “The visual appeal of our logo designs for Run To Succeed websites and our custom race apparel garners much warranted attention from the running and fitness community.”

Contact Run To Succeed at www.runtosucceed.com or via email at tim@runtosucceed.com for all of your race management and timing needs. They offer a professional service at an affordable price. Run To Succeed’s event calendar lists multiple races throughout the area each year and is free to list your event!

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Holding ourselves accountable = Happy customers.

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SPRINGFIELD — Murphysboro is one step closer to becoming the official "BBQ Capital of Illinois."

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Customer Spotlight: Denise McDowell

The Murphysboro Apple Festival is an event that Southern Illinoisans look forward to every September.  Over 45,000 people attend this event each year.

The Festival’s Grand Parade features 25 local marching bands as well a variety of groups and organizations.  The Parade is considered to be one of the largest parades in Southern Illinois.

Denise McDowell works with the Murphysboro Apple Festival Emporium where t-shirts, sweatshirts and other apple-themed souvenirs are sold.

The Apple Festival Emporium sits in the midst of the carnival area, where you can find many items that serve as reminders of the great time you had at the Festival each year.

The 2015 Apple Festival starts on September 16th and will run through the 19th.  There are numerous events such as the Golf Pro-Am, Queen’s Tea, Window Display Contest, Gospel Sing and many more.

You can check out all of the Apple Festival events here.

Denise and her team have been purchasing t-shirts and other promotional products from Silkworm for 15 plus years.  The Apple Festival and Silkworm have a long term, continuing relationship.

The Annual Apple Festival is the perfect opportunity to engage the people of Southern Illinois and Silkworm takes great pride in participating in the festival each year.

“We chose Silkworm,” Denise states, “because it is a local business and supporter of the Apple Festival.”

Silkworm has been a part of the Apple Festival since 1981, actively involved in the Apple Butter and Apple Pie Contest every year. Silkworm provides participant gifts for this event. Last year Silkworm provided custom tea towels and the participants loved them.

Denise works closely with is VP of Sales and Marketing, Cheryl Endres every year.

“I work with Cheryl to get the designs for our posters, t-shirts, sweatshirts and other souvenirs” Denise states.

Silkworm helps Denise and her team brainstorm five or six new adult designs, in addition to the theme shirts and three or four new children t-shirt designs.  Silkworm works closely with Denise to make sure each year’s designs are unique and fresh.

Silkworm’s goal is providing quality orders, delivered on time with awesome customer service.

Denise meets with Cheryl every July to review the proposed designs.  “Once we have agreed on the designs and they have been approved orders are placed and delivered to the Murphysboro Chamber of Commerce in plenty of time to sell at the Apple Festival” states Denise.

Denise believes Silkworm has a very easy, streamlined ordering process.  The process begins and ends with quality checks to ensure that the order is done correctly.

Silkworm customizes every order to ensure that the customer’s specific needs are met.  Denise and her team always feel taken care of when leaving Silkworm.

“Silkworm is great to work with,” Denise states, “and always provides high quality products at a very reasonable price.”