Screenshot
October 13, 2026 -Byers & Co continues it’s 30th anniversary tour, broadcasting live from the A.E. Staley Museum in Decatur, celebrating the history, innovation and people who helped shape our community. This special broadcast is presented by the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation. Listen to the podcasts now!
Laura Jahr, Director of the Staley Museum, joined Byers & Co to talk about the Revitalize Staley Square project and the 10 for 10 fundraising campaign. Listen to the podcast now!
Volunteer Anne Gore and Laura Jahr joined Byers & Co to talk about how Anne got started as a volunteer at the museum and her connection to the Staley story. Listen to the podcast now!
Cindy Deadrick, Staley Museum board member and local business owner, joined Byers & Co to talk about the importance of the museum and its connection to Decatur. Listen to the podcast now!
Kim Ervin, President and Ceo of Staley Credit Union, joined Byers & Co to talk about the legacy of Staley Mfg. Co. and Staley Credit Union. The credit union began its story in 1930 with its first location inside the then recently constructed Staley administration bldg. Since the opening of the museum, the Staley Credit Union has been a support to the museum both in its shared legacy story and through regular donations in support of the museum. Listen to the podcast now!
Ellen Hern of Beautify Decatur joined Byers & Co to talk about the importance of neighborhood revitilization of Staley Square. Listen to the podcast now!
Natalie Beck of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation joined Byers & Co to talk about the foundation’s support of the A.E. Staley Museum. Listen to the podcast now!
Katherine Unruh, Director of the Hieronymus Mueller Museum & Bret Robertson, chairman of History of the Heartland, joined Byers & Co to talk about the Mueller Museum’s shared history with the Staley museum both as part of Decatur’s larger industrial history and through family connections between the Mueller & Staley families. Listen to the podcast now!
Betty Moser & Lenda Munson, Members of the Macon County Master Gardners, joined Byers & Co to talk about the Master Gardeners care of the Staley museum grounds since its opening. Betty and her late husband Ken were both employees of the Staley Mfg. Company and lived for a time in the Staley home during its apartment era. Listen to the podcast now!
Tonya Culp, Executive Director of the Decatur Area Conventions and Visitor’s Bureau, and Laura Jahr joined Byers & Co to talk about how revitalizing areas in our community increases tourism and interest from visitors within and outside our community. Listen to the podcast now!
