CEO Students Dive into Business at Haigh Quarry: Exploring the “Caribbean of the Midwest”

When one thinks of diving, places like Hawai'i, California, or Florida come to mind, but located in the middle of a cornfield in Kankakee County is Haigh Quarry, one of the "best dive locations in the United States (USA Today, 2016.) Kankakee County CEO students visited Haigh Quarry, located in rural Kankakee, for a business tour this morning. The purpose of their visit was to gain firsthand insights into the operations of this unique business, emphasizing the significance of factors such as business location, insurance protocols, customer relations, and safety measures associated with scuba equipment and lessons.

Haigh Quarry, renowned as the "Caribbean of the Midwest," stands as a prime scuba diving destination spread across 12 acres of spring-fed waters. Students were impressed by the transformation of this former quarry into a recreational haven, complete with tropical accents such as palm trees, decorative flamingos, colorful picnic and grilling areas, and underwater attractions like a sunken 33-foot boat, a marine dump truck, and an amphibious vehicle. However, owner Tina Haigh shared that “the fish are the biggest attraction.” The quarry features a variety of aquatic life, including bluegill, bass, muskie, turtles, along with some paddlefish given to them by the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.

As an investor in the CEO program, this morning’s tour at Haigh Quarry further enriched the students' learning experience, providing valuable insights into the intersection of business and leisure. Located in a former limestone mine, Haigh Quarry opened as a freshwater scuba diving resort in 1992. The quarry also boasts an Underwater Archaeology Program, featuring six underwater sites in its Artifact Park, where recreational divers can learn about the study of underwater archaeology.

CEO students spotted hundreds of fish, including bluegill, bass, and some big catfish. Though the elusive paddlefish, relocated from the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, remained unseen, the students were fascinated with the immersive learning experience offered by Haigh Quarry's aquatic ecosystem.

Owner Tina Haigh shared that this business has allowed her family to “take time to relax and play, while working hard,” epitomizing the entrepreneurial spirit behind Haigh Quarry's success.

Our heartfelt thanks to Tina Haigh and everyone at Haigh Quarry not only for their investment in the program, but also for taking the time to give a tour to the CEO class today. To learn more about Haigh Quarry and its offerings, visit their website: https://www.haighquarry.com/.

5/1/24