At Central Illinois Multimedia Group and D102, we’re spotlighting local women who are leaders in our local businesses and communities! All throughout the month of April, we’ll be featuring various women who are working hard to make Vermilion County and the surrounding areas a better place to live, thrive, and call home.
Lisa and her husband, Nathan, purchased Danville Gardens, Inc. in 1993 and have continued to update the business and build new structures over the years. Lisa serves as the retail manager and handles the ordering and planning for the busy spring season.
Although she earned a degree in Biology (pre-med), Lisa began working in the greenhouse when they purchased the business and has never looked back. The greenhouse and garden center provide something new every day and a brand-new season each year. No two years are ever the same, as the weather, plants, and staff are always changing.
While running the business is a full-time commitment, Lisa and Nathan also raised two children and stayed very involved in all of their activities. In addition to her work at Danville Gardens, Lisa is active in her church and serves on the Danville Public School Foundation.
From Patti Myers:
“Hi, this is Patti! …If you’re not familiar with our radio ad greeting, we encourage people to stop by and hear it delivered personally while browsing the showroom at 3700 North Vermilion St. Danville, IL.
Myers Carpet Weavers is a full service flooring retailer! From selection to installation – we are here to help. We opened on November 21, 2011 on Shane’s 35th birthday. We are thrilled to be able to serve the Illiana area for the last 15 years. We truly believe our logo/slogan “WE LOVE YOU FOR LOVING LOCAL!”
Shopping local allows us to give back to the community through Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Balloons over Vermilion, Festival of Trees, the Danville Public School Foundation 365 Club and United We Cook just to name a few!
I have 2 beautiful daughters and my sidekick is Otis, the 75lb bulldog. My parents Darryl and Kathy Moss are my best friends. They celebrated 50 years of marriage in June, the same day my oldest daughter married her husband. It was a Perfect day!”
Brooke Truscelli is the Community Relations Administrator for the Danville Public Library, where she has served for nearly three years. Her passion comes from a love for the community and a belief that books can help and heal. Brooke is committed to strengthening connections, fostering engagement, and supporting access to resources that enrich lives!
Stephanie Sloan — a second-generation florist whose family has helped generations of customers celebrate life’s most meaningful moments through flowers.
Stephanie’s parents, Beverly and Charles Long, purchased Anker Florist in 1985 from the Anker family, continuing a legacy that dates back to 1885. The journey began with a simple stop for a prom corsage, when Beverly jokingly told the owners that if they ever wanted to sell, to let her know. That conversation blossomed into decades of memories, customer relationships, and family tradition.
Today, Stephanie proudly works alongside her son Robert, representing the third generation of family ownership. Over the years, Anker Florist has become known for its unique custom floral designs, heartfelt customer service, and the lasting relationships built with customers both near and far. Stephanie says her favorite part of the business is the friendships formed over the years and being the trusted florist customers still call long after moving away. Many of Anker’s talented designers, including Stephanie herself, are self-taught artists who take pride in creating one-of-a-kind arrangements for every occasion. Stephanie especially loves deliveries, where she gets to witness the joy and emotion flowers can bring firsthand. Weddings also hold a special place in her heart because, as she says, flowers are what truly bring everything together.
Visit Anker Florist on Hazel Street in Danville or online at ankerflorist.com — and let their family help your moments bloom beautifully.
Heather Cunningham brings 20 years of real estate experience and a deep commitment to her clients and community. Since launching her real estate career in 2006, Heather has become a trusted name in the Danville area known for her integrity, market expertise, and dedication to helping buyers and sellers navigate every step of the process with confidence.
After spending 18 years as a 411 telephone operator, Heather made a successful transition into real estate in April 2006, and quickly rose through the ranks. She became the Managing Broker at Coldwell Banker Devonshire Realty in 2010 and, founded Classic Homes Realty in 2012—a boutique brokerage built on personalized service and strong local roots.
Heather’s leadership extends beyond her business. She served as President of the Danville Area Board of REALTORS® in 2012, was honored as REALTOR® of the Year in 2011, and currently serves as Secretary of the Central Illinois Board of REALTORS®. She also holds the At Home with Diversity (AHWD) and C2EX (Commitment to Excellence) designations, reflecting her ongoing dedication to professional development and inclusive service.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, seasoned investor, or relocating across town, Heather’s approach is the same: honest guidance, expert negotiation, and unwavering support from start to finish.
Outside of real estate, Heather enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants, and cooking. For Heather, real estate isn’t just a job—it’s a passion, a lifestyle, and a way to make a lasting difference in people’s lives!
Nicole Van Hyfte is the founder and CEO of The Van Hyfte Grant Lab, where she helps municipalities, nonprofits, schools, small businesses, and health service organizations secure the funding they need to grow, thrive, and make a lasting impact!
Since launching in May of 2025, Nicole has built her business around one core belief: good work deserves to be funded. In just the first few months of 2026, she requested over $1.37 million in funding, helped clients secure more than $420,000 in awarded funds, and delivered several customized grant research reports through community partnerships.
But behind every “yes” is a stack of “not right now’s.” Nicole brings strategy, persistence, and a hands-on approach to every client she serves, helping them navigate the full funding journey—not just the wins.
Through The Van Hyfte Grant Lab, she is committed to making funding more accessible and helping organizations turn momentum into measurable impact.
