GOVERNOR PRITZKER INDUCTS MONEE'S CROZEHEAD COOPERAGE INTO ILLINOIS MADE PROGRAM

Olympia Fields, Ill. – (December 7, 2023) – Crozehead Cooperage, a handcrafted barrel-making company in the Village of Monee, has been inducted into the Illinois Made program by Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

Illinois Made is a group of local businesses that best exemplify authentic experiences and one-of-a-kind products boosting Illinois’ destination value.

Crozehead Cooperage, on the farm of owner Loren Buchmeier, is approximately one of only five handcrafting barrel makers—or cooperages--in the United States. Buchmeier, one of under 40 master coopers in the World—opened Crozehead in 2015 with his three-generation family staff. Today, Crozehead is a zero-waste operation, holds The Crow and Calico Whiskey Bar and Beirgarten, and it offers tours and bucket making classes.

“We are incredibly proud that Crozehead Cooperage is in our community,” said Village of Monee Mayor Therese Bogs. “In under a decade and through a pandemic, by way of their grit and integrity, they’ve become a diamond in the rough for Monee. Their Illinois Made designation is well deserved.”

The Illinois Made program encourages residents and visitors to discover the people, products and unparalleled experiences found at small businesses in every region of the state.

“Small businesses like Crozehead Cooperage are essential to the Chicago Southland economy and identity,” said Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau President and CEO Jim Garrett. “We celebrate Crozehead Cooperage, the village of Monee, and all of the creators, makers and artisans inspiring travel to the Chicago Southland and throughout Illinois.”

The 2023 Illinois Makers class is of 48 businesses. A sample of the businesses’ products include kombucha, custom golf clubs, craft breweries, U-pick farms, handmade artisan candles and macarons.

“This year’s class of Illinois Makers is one of our most diverse. In every corner of our state, people from all walks of life are creating delicious food and sharing expert craftmanship,” said Governor Pritzker. “Illinois is sending out the message loud and clear that our state is open for business, and it’s the perfect place for businesses big and small to call home.”

Crozehead Cooperage joins previously inducted Chicago Southland Illinois Makers: Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery, Gayety’s Chocolates, Homewood Bat Co., Lotton Art Glass Gallery & Studios, Thornton Distilling Company, Vintrendi Wine Company, and Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery.

For more information about Illinois Made and the small businesses that make up the program, go to www.enjoyillinois.com/illinois-made.

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