Quad Cities original Boetje’s is among 30 small Illinois businesses, or “Makers,” to be recognized as part of the state tourism office’s Illinois Made program. In a news release Wednesday, Nov. 16, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) revealed the latest inductees into the Illinois Makers. Each […]
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Quad Cities original Boetje’s is among 30 small Illinois businesses, or “Makers,” to be recognized as part of the state tourism office’s Illinois Made program.
In a news release Wednesday, Nov. 16, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) revealed the latest inductees into the Illinois Makers.
Each year, the Illinois Office of Tourism selects a group of small businesses that exemplify the hidden gems, experiences and one-of-a-kind products that make Illinois a great place to explore for residents and visitors alike.
“Our family is so honored by this award,” Boetje’s owner Will Kropp said in the release. “Our mustard is handcrafted and uses the original recipe that was created back in 1889 right here in Rock Island.”
The small, locally-owned business was the only Quad Cities company to join this year’s list. It was among 12 companies in what the tourism group calls Great Rivers Country (Northwest and Southwest Illinois). The other new Makers hailed from the state’s three other regions: Chicago & Beyond; Trails to Adventure (Southern Illinois); and Land of Lincoln (Central Illinois).
“We are thrilled that Boetje’s Mustard is part of the 2022 Illinois Makers Class,” said Dave Herrell, president and CEO of Visit Quad Cities. “The Illinois Made program showcases the very best of unique and diverse small businesses that help tell the great story of Illinois and add to our destination’s authenticity and visitor experience.”
He added: “Quad Citizens are extremely proud of Boetje’s and their products. We are grateful to the Illinois Office of Tourism for recognizing what we all know – Boetje’s makes the world’s best gourmet stone ground mustard.”
The 2022 Illinois Makers class represents the most diverse since the program’s inception, with more than 60% of them owned by women or people of color. From French pastries to elegant, handcrafted Chinaware, each of the Illinois Makers featured help inspire travel throughout the state.
“I couldn’t be prouder to announce the 2022 Illinois Makers class—the most representative of our diverse state since the inception of the Illinois Made program,” the governor said in the release. “With Small Business Saturday just around the corner, I encourage all residents and visitors to check out the 30 latest Makers that make Illinois, Illinois.”
The Illinois Made program encourages residents and visitors to discover the people, products and authentic experiences created by small businesses throughout the state. The program, which features 236 makers, continues to drive tourism to every region of the state.
The Illinois Office of Tourism promotes Illinois Makers through inclusion in road trip itineraries, the biannual Enjoy Illinois travel magazine, events and seasonal campaigns. The 2022 Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide encourages consumers to support small businesses throughout the holiday shopping season, and is available online.
The Illinois Office of Tourism (IOT) encourages residents to nominate businesses for the Illinois Made program; Nominate a local business using this form. To learn more about the Illinois Made Program, visit EnjoyIllinois.com/IllinoisMade.
