From Clocks to Corn Whiskey: The Story of Star Union Spirits
December 9, 2024
What happens when you combine a love for art, a rich family history, Illinois-grown corn, and award-winning craftsmanship? For Bob Windy and his business partner, Jeff Yosowitz, the answer is Star Union Spirits. Nestled in the historic Westclox building in Peru, Illinois, this distillery not only carries on the legacy of innovation from the factory’s iconic clocks but also crafts exceptional spirits. In 2023, Star Union Spirits took home top honors in the Heartland Whiskey Competition for Best Light Whiskey, showcasing their commitment to quality and creativity. Using local ingredients (like corn) and a passion for tradition, they’re redefining what it means to craft history in a bottle.

By Tara Desmond
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October 15, 2026
Jenny Webb has spent her career in Illinois agriculture. Now she’s about three months into a new job as president of the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association (IFCA), the group that represents the ag retailers, applicators and suppliers who get fertilizer and crop protection products to your farm when you need them. Webb came to IFCA from Illinois Farm Bureau. She’s new to the fertilizer and chemical side of the business, but not to farmers or to the policy and regulatory issues that affect them. IL Corn sat down with her to talk about what she’s learned so far, the issues facing Illinois ag retailers, and why the work happening behind the scenes deserves more credit than it gets.





