LOS ANGELES, Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With companies exploring more cost‑effective and scalable locations, Southern Illinois' 17‑county region is emerging as a compelling option that blends affordability with strong logistical advantages.

A newly filmed educational segment of "Viewpoint hosted by Dennis Quaid" examines the critical balance between operational costs and logistics efficiency. Highlighting the ongoing work of Southern Illinois Now (SI NOW), the programming addresses the immense challenges businesses face when operating in oversaturated urban markets. The resolution lies in a collaborative model where multiple counties unite to offer a shared network of assets, resources, infrastructure, and talent.

The segment's focus centers on how a concierge-style approach to economic development can streamline corporate relocation and expansion. By utilizing a diverse array of regional data, the organization demonstrates how mid-sized markets successfully support top-ranking retail establishments and major logistics hubs. This method relies heavily on deep integration between education partners, healthcare providers, financial entities and private industries. From site selection to workforce alignment, SI NOW provides a single point of contact that replaces what would normally be dozens of disconnected conversations.

"Southern Illinois tells a powerful story—one of communities working together as a region to build something greater than any one place alone," said Nick Holdinghausen, Regional Development of SI Now. "With our central location in the country, strategic advantage as a top logistics hub, highly skilled workforce, and cost of living that supports both businesses and families, we offer a true win-win-win for growth, talent, and long-term success."

The modern site selection process is frequently hindered by localized competition, where neighboring municipalities compete against one another rather than pooling their resources. This systemic fragmentation confuses incoming industries, dilutes the regional talent pool, and replicates administrative overhead. Resolving this conflict requires an organizational shift toward unified representation, ensuring that infrastructure investments benefit the collective whole. When communities present one brand, supporting a single, data-backed front, they eliminate friction for businesses and establish a clearer, more predictable path toward sustainable regional development.

Additionally, contemporary business strategy demands a closer look at workforce sustainability and the broader quality of life factors that drive employee retention. As the cost of living in major cities continues to outpace wage growth, regions that blend open space with advanced infrastructure are gaining a distinct advantage. This balanced approach allows companies to optimize their operational budgets while maintaining access to critical domestic markets. Ultimately, organizations find that investing in cohesive, resource-rich regions protects their human capital and stabilizes long-term corporate growth.

And Southern Illinois is a breath of fresh air for those who call it home. Residents can enjoy beautiful outdoors, wineries and orchards, and locally owned, unique businesses - all with affordability that allows their hard-earned dollar to go further. Metropolitan cities such as St. Louis, Nashville and Louisville are a short drive, and getting to Chicago in the northern part of the state is easy with American Airlines daily direct jet service from Marion or, if one prefers, a comfortable Amtrak ride from Carbondale, home of the Southern Illinois University Salukis.

About "Viewpoint hosted by Dennis Quaid": "Viewpoint hosted by Dennis Quaid" is a short-form documentary series broadcasting on Public Television stations nationwide. Developed by an experienced production team, the series focuses on educational content ranging from corporate innovation to regional development, providing viewers with deeply researched insights into the forces shaping modern society. Learn more at viewpointproject.com.

About SI NOW: SI NOW is an economic development organization dedicated to driving economic growth and fostering business success across a 17-county region in Southern Illinois. By linking logistics, workforce, and industry, the organization provides a unified voice and a centralized point of contact for businesses seeking to expand or relocate to a highly connected, cost-effective hub. Additional information is available at southernillinoisnow.org.

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SOURCE Viewpoint