Williamson County Boom Reverses Illinoisan Coal Decline
Williamson County basks in new industry and unusually low unemployment despite Illinois coal mine closures. In July 2002 the state had just 20 operating mines, yet the county now hosts multimillion-dollar industrial buildings creating jobs at a rapid pace. economist Michael Wessell calls it a shooting-star trajectory amid regional cooperation turning around a previously fragmented area.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Illinois
Perry
Franklin
Pope
Saline
Williamson County
Michael Wessell
IDES
Williamson County Growth Spurs Jobs in Southern Illinois
Williamson County gains momentum as REDCO lures employers like Aisin USA and Wisconsin Physicians Service, creating hundreds of jobs. The region benefits from new Aisin land deals, a Heartland Regional Medical Center expansion, and Home Depot's Marion presence, with land values rising along I-57 and strong airport activity boosting the economy.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Blue Cross
Blue Shield of
Illinois
Aisin USA
Wisconsin Physicians Service
Aisin
REDCO
Wimberly
Heartland Regional Medical Center
Home Depot
Matt Tiefenbrun
Marion
Bob Butler
Edward Debartolo
Illinois Centre Mall
Butler
Illinois Centre
Circuit City Midwest Distribution Center
New Home Depot
United States
St. Louis
Williamson County
Ritter
Interstate 57
Doug Bradley
Illinois) 13
Fisher
Amax Coal Co
Also Mentioned on This Page
Herrin
Vic Ritter
Thomas Wimberly
Regional Economic Development Corp
U.S. Agriculture Department
Illinois ‘Department of Commerce and Community Affairs
Williamson County Board
Wendell Fisher
Wessell
Five County
Robert
Kieckhofer
Wessel
Susan Skiles Lake
Associated Pre
Tim.petrowich
Thesouthern
Pave
NOKIA
First Cellular
Southern Illinois
Benton
Carbondale
Harrisburg
Mt. Carmel
Mt.Vernon Olney
West
Frankfort
University Mall
Thern
Wal-Mart
Anna
Carmi Benton
du Quoin
Fairfield
Mt Vernon Olney
Sparta
Judy Greer
Barb Kinnear
Mike Nolen
Brendan Tolan
Action Pawn
Clearwave Communications
Crossville Communications
Dave's Telephone
Gill's Sales
Hamilton County Communications
Kesel
Novacom Inc
Shawnee Telephone
Stellar Drug Store
Wabash Telephone
Firstcellular.com
COMA
Southerllinois
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