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MT. VERNON, Ill. (June 9, 2025) — º£½ÇÊÓƵ, in the spirit of advancing shared manufacturing goals within the community, hosted its inaugural SIMA Fest. This event was designed as a two-fold showcase that underscored the importance of Make it in Illinois. RLC hosted an outdoor vendor fair where local artisans and vendors showcased and sold their wares and local manufacturers engaged with attendees about careers in manufacturing.

SIMA Fest featured an excellent lineup of vendors who showcased the variety of craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit in the local community. Visitors had the chance to shop for a variety of handmade or locally sourced items, all while supporting small businesses and artisans.

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Two Tough Cookies booth

Barefoot Beads booth

KAAST 22 booth

Fearless Beauty booth

Deaconess Auxiliary's New & Used Goods booth

Uncle Randy's Sweets & More booth

The event highlighted exciting career opportunities in the manufacturing and industrial fields. Three prominent manufacturers, Aisin, Intermountain Electronics, and Walgreens, offered invaluable insights into the career paths they provide. It was a chance to see how local businesses and industries are thriving and what opportunities are available right here in our area.

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Aisin booth

intermountain Electronics booth

Walgreens booth

One of the highlights of SIMA Fest was the chocolate tours hosted by RLC’s newly opened chocolate production facility, Confection Connection (renamed RL Confections ... visit /rlconfections). The tours included a live demonstration of chocolate being made from start to finish, and attendees could purchase an incredible variety of delicious chocolates throughout the event.

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RLC's Chef Jeff Fairbanks working the chocolate enrober.

Confection Connection producing delicious chocolate.

Interested in more events like SIMA Fest? Visit rlc.edu/community-corporate-education to see upcoming events!