Whether at 17th Street Barbecue or Faye, Amy Mills has always known that great businesses help build great communities.

Growing up in Murphysboro, Amy experienced the Apple Festival from many perspectives. She ran for Apple Festival Queen, later celebrated as her BBQ family was honored by the festival for their contributions, and today Faye hosts the Apple Festival Queen's Tea, continuing her connection to one of the festival's most cherished traditions.

I've always admired Amy. We share a marketing background and are both graduates of the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Working alongside her father before his passing, Amy helped grow 17th Street Barbecue into a nationally recognized name. Today, she's carrying that legacy forward while building one of her own through Faye.

Amy is exceptionally talented at building businesses and brands, but what impresses me most is how she uses those businesses to strengthen Southern Illinois. Her generosity, leadership, and commitment to giving back have made a lasting impact on our community.

It was an honor to hear Amy reflect on growing up with the Apple Festival and how her relationship with it has evolved through every stage of her life.

Thank you, Amy, for sharing your Murphysboro Apple Festival story.