Yesterday was one of those days that reminded me yet again how incredibly blessed our Silver Creek Area CEO students are to be surrounded by people in this community who so willingly pour into them.
We had the opportunity to visit 50N4 Venue in Lebanon, the location where our upcoming Trade Show will be held. But more than just seeing the space itself, yesterday was really about learning from the one and only Bernie.
And honestly… around here, Bernie is just one of those people who really only needs a first name.
So many people know her, love her, and have crossed paths with her over the years. She is the owner of Consign and Design, with locations in both Mascoutah and Lebanon, and if you know Bernie, you know she is always moving, always creating, always finding beauty and potential in the things other people might overlook.
You’ll often see her out front of her Mascoutah store unloading a trailer full of treasures from her latest pick, greeting customers with her signature energy, or helping someone find the perfect piece they didn’t even know they needed. She has built businesses that are full of personality, warmth, and creativity — and yesterday, she brought all of that and more to our students.
Bernie spent time walking our students through what it really means to create a booth that draws people in — not just a table with products sitting on it, but a space that feels intentional, inviting, and memorable.
She challenged them to think differently and to start asking themselves:
How do I make people stop?
How do I draw them in?
How do I create a booth that reflects my brand and makes people want to learn more?
Those are such important questions, and they are exactly the kinds of things that can take a business presentation from “fine” to truly impactful.
She shared tips about using height, texture, layers, layout, color, spacing, and visual appeal — all the little things that actually make a big difference. But what I loved most is that she didn’t just give them ideas… she gave them vision.
She helped them start seeing their booths through the eyes of a customer.
She helped them understand that presentation matters.
She helped them realize that people are drawn to spaces that feel thoughtful, creative, and welcoming.
And that kind of perspective is so valuable.
But what made yesterday even more special was that Bernie didn’t just offer advice — she offered real, hands-on support.
She generously told our students that she will come early to offer more advice as they set up for Trade Show and even offered items from her own store for them to use in creating their booth displays. That kind of generosity says so much about who she is. She didn’t just inspire them with ideas… she immediately started looking for ways to help bring those ideas to life.
And honestly, that is so Bernie.
Because if you know Bernie, then you know what makes her truly special is not just her eye for design or her entrepreneurial success. It is her heart.
She is one of those people who is always willing to help — whether it is a friend, a customer, a student, or a complete stranger. She is generous with her time, her ideas, her encouragement, and her energy. She shows up for people. She believes in people. And she has a way of making others feel excited about what is possible.
That is exactly what she did for our students yesterday.
I am so thankful for community members like Bernie who are willing to invest in this next generation, not because they have to, but because they genuinely want to see these young people succeed.
These are the kinds of experiences our students will remember.
These are the kinds of people who leave a mark.
And these are the moments that make this program so meaningful.
After yesterday, I know our students are walking away with so much more than booth ideas. They are walking away with inspiration, encouragement, and a better understanding of how to present themselves and their businesses with confidence and intention.
A huge thank you to Bernie for opening her doors, sharing her gifts, and loving on our students so well.
And now… the countdown to Trade Show is officially on.
We hope you will come out and support these incredible young entrepreneurs on Sunday, April 19 from 1:00–3:00 PM at 50N4 Venue in Lebanon.
They have worked incredibly hard all year long, and after yesterday, I can already tell this event is going to be something special. ❤️
