Land improvement professionals to gather for 2026 ILICA Trade Show

The Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association returns to Bloomington Jan. 22-23 with a free trade show, education sessions and more than 40 vendors.

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BLOOMINGTON - “Turning Soil into Success!” will be more than a slogan when the Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association opens its annual trade show and convention Jan. 22–23 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Bloomington.

The two-day event, which is free and open to the public, marks another chapter in a tradition that has spanned more than 65 years. Long a centerpiece of the Illinois LICA Annual Convention and Members’ Meeting, the trade show again invites contractors, landowners, producers and curious newcomers to explore the latest tools, techniques and trends shaping land improvement and conservation across the state.

This year’s program blends hands-on learning with networking and entertainment. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts and Grossinger Motors Arena, while also taking part in educational sessions designed to deliver practical, job-ready knowledge. Septic license continuing education units will be available, and more than 40 vendors will be on hand to showcase equipment, technology and services related to earthmoving, drainage, utilities and conservation practices.

Education remains a cornerstone of the convention. One featured session will examine the impact of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” the sweeping federal tax and spending package passed in May 2025. Dustin Courson of Courson & Associates will break down how the changes apply to construction and land improvement businesses. Another session focuses on job costing and edge-of-field practices, offering guidance for contractors interested in expanding into conservation drainage solutions such as bioreactors and saturated buffers. Presenters include Jon Seevers of Seevers Farm Drainage, LaVerne Weber of Grade Solutions and Joe Streitmatter of Streitmatter Land Improvement.

When the workday winds down, the convention shifts into celebration mode. Evening activities include the ILICA awards banquet, a live auction supporting the ILICA scholarship fund, dueling pianos, and a hospitality room designed to keep conversations going long after the sessions end.

Organizers say reopening the trade show to the public reflects the association’s commitment to education and outreach. The event is designed not only for contractors, but also for agribusiness professionals, conservation partners and landowners interested in understanding how modern land improvement practices support productivity and sustainability.

The trade show will run from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, and from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23.

Additional information is available at http://www.illica.net/events or by calling 309-932-1230.

TAGS: Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association 2026 trade show, ILICA annual convention and trade show Bloomington IL, land improvement and drainage contractors conference Illinois, free construction and conservation trade show Bloomington, Illinois land improvement education seminars and CEUs

Off-road thrills await at Illinois-Indiana LICA event

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Register by July 11 for Illinois and Indiana LICA’s off-road day at the Badlands featuring trails, lunch, and a BBQ dinner.

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GALVA - Contractors, thrill-seekers, and off-road enthusiasts are gearing up for a high-octane summer experience at the LICA Off-Road Adventure, set for Saturday, July 26, at the Badlands Off Road Park in Attica, Indiana.

Hosted jointly by the Illinois and Indiana Chapters of the Land Improvement Contractors of America (LICA), the all-ages event invites members, families, and friends to explore one of the Midwest’s premier off-road destinations. The Badlands, spanning more than 1,400 acres of diverse terrain, offers trails for every skill level—from casual riders to experienced drivers—featuring sand dunes, gravel pits, wooded paths, rocky climbs, and plenty of mud.

Participants will gather at 9 a.m. EDT in a designated parking area before heading out in groups or as solo riders to tackle the park's multi-directional terrain. All types of off-road vehicles are welcome, including dirt bikes, ATVs, SUVs, 4x4s, and Side x Sides.

Food trucks and on-site concessions offer lunch options throughout the day for when adventurers need to refuel between rides. The event concludes with a catered BBQ dinner at 5 p.m., where attendees can wind down, swap stories, and connect with fellow members and families. The evening will wrap up with a short Illinois LICA members’ meeting.

LICA encourages all interested to register by July 11 at http://illica.net/events or by calling (309) 932-1230.

Illinois LICA awards three high school seniors with college scholarships

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Amid a competitive pool of applicants statewide, three individuals emerged as the distinguished recipients of $1,500 scholarships.

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GALVA - Demonstrating a steadfast commitment to fostering educational pursuits among its members and their families, Illinois LICA proudly announced the recipients of its inaugural scholarship program for 2025. Amid a competitive pool of applicants statewide, the selection committee faced the formidable task of choosing from a multitude of exceptional candidates. After meticulous deliberation, three individuals emerged as the distinguished recipients of $1,500 scholarships.

Paige Kocher of Flat Rock, IL, currently a junior at the University of Evansville pursuing Biology, garnered recognition for her exemplary academic achievements. Paige, daughter of Jeff & Holly Kocher and granddaughter of Norm & Mary Jane Kocher, has consistently earned Dean’s List honors throughout her academic career. Her dedication to the field of medicine and forensic pathology is evidenced by her practical experience as a lab phlebotomist across multiple hospitals and her involvement in local autopsies alongside coroners. Beyond academics, Paige is an active volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House, Ark Children’s Crisis Center, Mesker Zoo, and the Arthritis Foundation.

Isabella Bunting, a senior at Dwight Township High School hailing from Emington, IL, embodies a multifaceted approach to leadership and academic excellence. Maintaining a stellar 4.045 GPA, Isabella has excelled in various sports and extracurricular activities, including volleyball, basketball, and track and field. Her leadership roles extend to serving as class President, President of the Dwight FFA Chapter, President of the Tractor Wheels 4-H Club, and Co-President of the Spanish Club. Isabella plans to commence her higher education journey at Joliet Junior College, with aspirations to contribute to the agricultural sector by bridging gaps between producers and consumers.

Briley McDowell, a senior at Hardin County High School from Elizabethtown, IL, distinguished herself with an outstanding academic record. Maintaining an impressive 5.42 GPA while dual-enrolled in high school and college credit courses, Briley’s commitment to excellence extends beyond academics to include active participation in volleyball, basketball, and leadership roles within the FFA. Inspired by her personal journey overcoming a sports injury, Briley plans to pursue Biomedical Sciences at Southern Illinois University and subsequently attend Physician’s Assistant school, focusing on orthopedic medicine.

Illinois LICA expressed profound pride in supporting these exceptional scholars in their educational pursuits. The recipients’ passion and dedication resonate deeply with the association’s core values, promising a bright future of accomplishments and contributions.

Illinois LICA is a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to the professional conservation of soil & water resources. For over 65 years, ILICA has been providing contractors construction & conservation education, business & legislative resources, and industry discounts. For more information about Illinois LICA and its commitment to fostering educational excellence, visit www.illica.net.

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Illinois land improvement association host annual trade show February 1st and 2nd

GALVA - The Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association (ILICA) will be hosting its annual trade show February 1-2 at the Isle Casino Hotel in Bettendorf, IA. The trade show opens on Thursday, February 1 starting at 1 pm until 5 pm, and again on Friday, February 2 from 8 am to 12 pm.

The trade show includes more than 35 construction industry exhibitors. The event is mainly tailored for landowners, agribusiness professionals, conservationists, contractors, and ag producers but is also open to the general public. There is no charge for admission, and registered attendees are automatically entered in a cash drawing worth $500.

"We are excited to continue to showcase our strong network of professional members and partners that play such a critical role in the implementation of conservation across the state," said Ryan Arch, Executive Director of Illinois LICA. "Illinois’ continued conservation efforts require collaboration and communication, and our hope is that by making our exhibitors and members more accessible we can further assist with this process."

Illinois LICA has hosted a trade show as a regular staple of their Annual Convention & Members’ Meeting for 65 years. This year's annual convention offers numerous educational seminars, septic license CEU training and an awards banquet.

Show goers can talk to industry professionals and manufacturers for latest trends, technology and equipment available for excavation, earthmoving, landscaping, drainage, on-site waste treatment, paving, reclamation, and trucking.

"By offering free trade show admission during our convention, our goal is to help make connections for individuals outside of our group to further Illinois LICA’s mission and commitment to natural resource conservation," Arch said.

For more information, visit www.illica.net/events or call (309) 932-1230.

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