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Welcome! Land Between The Rivers is a comprehensive website for Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Union and Pulaski Counties for visitors and locals alike.


SIDEZ- Southernmost Illinois Delta Empowerment Zone

SIDEZ promotes economic development, infrastructure development and tourism in Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Union and Pulaski counties. 

  • Revolving Loan Funds- Micro (up to $50,000) and IRP (up to $250,000) loan funds for new and expanding businesses in the SIDEZ region; current interest rates of 4.5% special rate of 3.99% for five years when half of total loan funds provided by local bank.  
  • ELITE Youth Camp- Annual entrepreneurial camp for 7th, 8th and 9th graders with an interest in learning how to start a business; in July at Shawnee Community College. 
  • Willard Murrie Scholarship- $20,000 endowment initiative to fund annual scholarships to Shawnee Community College students with exemplary record of volunteer service to the community. 
  • Pulaski County Business Center- Business incubator located in Mounds with commercial kitchen and retail/commercial/industrial/warehouse spaces available for rent; owned by Pulaski County and managed by SIDEZ. 

SIDEZ SEEKS PARTNERS FOR RBDG FUNDING

The Southernmost Illinois Delta Empowerment Zone, Inc. is searching for a small business with fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross sales to partner with on a Rural Business Development Grant from USDA.  The business must be located in Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Union or Pulaski County.  For more information, contact Tabatha Smith at 618-745-6307 or tsmith@sidezoffice.org

Working together to bring about positive change!

 

Alexander County

As you explore Alexander County, you will see many historic landmarks, such as Fort Defiance Park, 1848 Court House, 1899 Rail Depot and Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area. Come check out everything  Alexander County has to offer.

Johnson County

Johnson County is known for its many beautiful outdoor recreational attractions-- Shawnee National Forest, Cache River State Natural Area, Heron Pond, Tunnel Hill, Giant City State Park, Ferne Clyffe State Park, Tunnel Hill State Trail, River to River Trail and Bicentennial Trail.  If you enjoy hiking, fishing, bicycling, boating, swimming or just love the outdoors, then Johnson County is the place to be.  

Massac County

  Massac County is located along the Ohio River. In this county you will find Fort Massac State Park, Fort Massac Historical Museum, Annual Superman Celebration, ASA IL Championship Archery Tournament, Harrah's Casino and Mermet Lake.  Massac County has a mixture of outdoor and indoor entertainment as well as historical markers.  Explore Massac County and you will be impressed by the many great activities and historic attractions it has to offer.

 

 

 


 

Pulaski County

 

Pulaski County has great opportunities for outdoor recreation.  You will find that Pulaski County has the Shawnee National Forest, Ohio River, Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge, The Lower Cache Access Area and the Mound City National Cemetery. You will be amazed at the natural beauty Pulaski County has to offer its residents and visitors.

 

Union County

 Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind art, wine, or antiques, or exploring the great outdoors, the Shawnee Hills of Union County can take you there.