How do I survive in galesburg? (Chicago, Windsor: sales, renting, co-op)

[SYW]

I live in galesburg Illinois and like the size of the town and the people here. I think it's a good place to raise my 2 girls. The problem is there are no jobs in this area unless your in the medical field. I received a degree in marketing and management but can't find a job in this area to use it.

I have always dreamed of owning my own business, and would like to start a business in this area that would allow others to be able to use their artisan abilities to earn extra income while working from home. Are there people out there that this would appeal to? I don't want to move to a big city to get my dream job or earn a decent living.

I would like to hear from people who have skills in sewing, art and design, silk screening, jewelry makers, embroidery and any other modern craft. I hope to hear from you soon! I would also like to hear from other entrepreneurs and hear your comments and thoughts about the business world.

[San]

Hi,

I grew up around Galesburg. Actually I've lived most of my life in and around New Windsor and Alpha. However my sister still workes in Galesburg. It has always been a lovely town. I can remember what it was when I was a little girl. The whole main street was active and alive. The Mall, which is going down hill and Wal-Mart didn't help Galesburg at all. A lot of the main employers in that area such as MayTag have left. You might try the Galesburg Register Mail. That as you probably know is the newspaper there in town. They have recently been sold to another, larger company and they are doing a lot of commercial printing. They might have a position that can use your skills. I have heard that they are going to be somewhat short handed for skilled people.

There are a great many people in that area that are crafts people. There are quilters and jewelry makers and people that are interested in all sorts of crafts. There are a lot of empty storefronts available. One for instance is out there where the old "Jacks" used to be. If it were possible to put out an ad or some sort of communication to these people, they might be interested in a co-op business to market their wares. As of now craft shows or renting a space in the craft mall out where the old VA hospital used to be is about the only alternative. It would take some arranging but it might be done.

I have moved to Kentucky for a number of reasons. There was a lot in Illinois that I wasn't happy with. Still I go back to visit friends and family a lot and when I saw your post it made me feel sad, remembering what that town was when I was younger. Maybe with help, it could be again.

[ChrisF]

I grew up there, got a good education at GHS (class of '84) and Knox College (class of '88) and couldn't find work better than counting groceries until I moved to California in '90. The parents are still in the 'burg, and so are a couple friends (one's a teacher and the other works at the Reggie Mail), but most of us left to find jobs with futures.

There is a lot of really good farmland and there used to be quite a number of really good machinists, mechanics, and assembly workers (assuming they haven't left). Find an industrial niche that processes/consumes high end farm products and ships products by rail, and Galesburg becomes more viable.

I'd go back in a minute if I could find the work, but the instruments I service exist in the hundreds in N. Cal; there may be five in Knox County.

[j33]

That is the dilemma with so many small towns. I know loads of people who are unhappily living in large cities because that is the only place they are able to find work. It seems a shame what is happening with our smaller communities.

I've never been to Galseburg, but a friend of mine (born and raised on Chicago's south-side) recently went for a visit for the first time. She adored it and would love to leave the city and move to a smaller town like a Galesburg (she always jokes that she's a farm-girl who was born in the wrong place), but the lack of work keeps her here.

[DianaC]

I just love reading the nice posts about smaller towns. I wish more companies would offer telecommuting/work from home options to employees.

[Triplewillow]

I am in the Quad Cities. I went to high school in Sherrard. The Alpha and New Windsor posters will recognize that name. lol!

You might try online sales for crafts. Thats what we do even though we live in the QC. There are many, many venues to sell your crafts on or you can opt for your own website.

PM me if you want more info or help getting started.

Good luck to you!

[SYW]

Hi,

I am very interested in knowing about the different ways to start my craft business! I have recently started in the T-shirt business. I have purchased t-shirts, a heat press machine and some heat transfer designs. I have been selling them to mostly my family and co-workers. My goal is to use the money to build up my inventoy and also find good artists who can create custom artwork for my shirts and earn royalties on each design. I would like to set up at the scenic drive if I can build up my inventory soon enough, but I'm working on a shoestring budget. If you have any ideas, feel free to share them.

Thanks!

[solesister]

I am looking to reloate to either Alpha or Woodhull Illinois can you tell me about jobs, middle schools. Are they both nice places to live and raise a family.