West Central Reporter

In a Jan. 31 Facebook post, Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville) shared an opportunity for youths in his district to look into local Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO) programs.

"Local CEO programs are accepting applications for the 2023-2024 school year," Davidsmeyer wrote. "This is a great opportunity for any young person who wants to learn and think outside of the box."

Davidsmeyer shared a link to the Illinois Electric Cooperative, which shared more information on a variety of CEO programs for youths. Those included the Morgan-Scott, Greene-Calhoun, and Pike programs, with 54 students representing more than a dozen schools in its service territory. 

According to Jennifer Sellars, the Morgan-Scott CEO and Greene-Calhoun CEO program facilitator, many students are participating.

"This year's off to a great start," Sellars said. "[The] number of students participating this year is high and it's great to have so many in the Greene-Calhoun class after a year off."

The program provides students entrepreneurship basics.

"Students in CEO learn and practice valuable skills, such as public speaking, crafting a business plan, and ultimately launching a product or service-based business of their own," Sellars said.

According to Sellars, CEO's goal is to teach students life, business, and leadership skills while forming a close bond with their community. 

Davidsmeyer was sworn in for the new legislative session on Jan. 11 to represent the 100th District. He was also named assistant Republican leader by Rep. Tony McCombie (R-Savanna), the new House Republican Leader.

“I am honored and thankful to be able to serve the constituents of the 100th District,” Davidsmeyer said. “The people of Illinois have faced many tough challenges in the past few years and there will be more challenges ahead. I will continue to fight for a return to sanity in state government.”

A legislator since 2013, Davidsmeyer is a lifelong resident of Jacksonville, except for college, where he attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He graduated from Miami University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and later worked as a legislative assistant to Congressman John Shimkus in Washington, DC. He joined the Jacksonville City Council in 2008 and has served as the chairman of the Public Protection Committee and chair of the Finance Committee. He has also been active in the local chamber of commerce, Rotary and Library Board.