Compeer donates to Fairgrounds Foundation

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II announced a $625,000 commitment from Compeer Financial to the Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation toward ongoing upgrades to fairground buildings.

“We appreciate Compeer’s generous commitment to advancing agriculture in Illinois,” said Costello during the Illinois State Fair Ag Day breakfast on Aug. 8.

“Their investment in infrastructure has and continues to strengthen the future of the Illinois State Fairgrounds, ensuring that our barns and buildings receive upgrades and renovations that will serve generations to come.”

Compeer has been a longtime sponsor and supporter of the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, serving as the first corporate investor to partner with the Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation for 25 Series building restorations.

From 2019 to 2023, the organization committed $320,000 to restore five livestock buildings, including the Hall of Champions.

The newly announced sponsorships include:

• $125,000 to fund renovations of one additional 25 Series barn, along with a 15-year named sponsorship. Barn 25L will undergo brick tuck-pointing, updates to plumbing and electrical wiring, concrete repair, window replacement and painting.

• $250,000 for upgrades in Barn 110, showcased with named sponsorship of the barn.

• $250,000 to support updates to the Coliseum of Champions, showcased with named sponsorship of the show ring.

“Compeer Financial’s commitment to the Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation has been phenomenal. The partnership we have established to support historical livestock buildings will continue to benefit generations of agriculture families and fair visitors,” said John Slayton, Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation chair.

“We are confident others will be inspired by Compeer’s leadership and want to make their own mark on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in both Springfield and Du Quoin.”

“The State Fair serves as the culmination of weeks and months of hard work from our youth and their families to showcase the diversity of the agriculture industry in Illinois,” added Karen Schieler, manager of corporate giving at Compeer Financial.

“Through our Fund for Rural America, we are proud to help ensure the relevance and safety of the buildings housing those exhibits. It’s another way we show our ongoing support for state and county fairs, rural communities, youth and agriculture.”