Let’s start talking about the good economic stories in Vermilion County. There are good stories to tell and we want to share those with you. It’s time to "March Forth" Vermilion County.
We're featuring the economic success stories in the area. That’s how March Forth works! It's the investments in our area that create jobs and drive consumers to buy things, and together, we "March Forth Vermilion County!"
Update July 30: It’s a MarchForthMomentVermilionCounty…McLane Midwest is hiring warehouse workers. They have hired 53 people so far and need approximately 30 more. These are entry level positions, starting at $11 per hour. To apply register with illinoisskillsmatch.com or contact the Workforce Development Center for moreinformation.
Area industry continues positive movement as 94% of the top 35 core employers reporting steady to rapid growth in the 2nd quarter while projecting 91% steady to rapid growth continuing in the 3rd as well.
Area industry continues positive movement as 94% of the top 35 core employers reporting steady to rapid growth in the 2nd quarter while projecting 91% steady to rapid growth continuing in the 3rd as well.
It’s been a busy summer for nine area college students who participated in the Vermilion Advantage Workforce Cluster paid internship program. Emma Feingold, physical therapy, Brennan Love, Joe Lerner, Andrew Puhr, Anthony Hornbeck and Brittany Murphy in engineering, are all students under Cluster scholarship who were placed at area industries receiving hands on experience in their field of study.
Mark August 14th down as a day to shop in Vermilion County. Retailers countywide will offering specials on a day set aside to Shop Vermilion County First
Update July 21: Shultz Nursery reports an upswing in business activity requiring the addition of 2 additional landscape crews or 4 new employees.
The Hoopeston Regional Health Center recently announced the acquisition of new high definition video scope to make surgeries faster, safer and more accurate.
Vicki Haugen of the Vermilion Advantage reminds us that Vermilion County business has grown world wide with area companies now representing ownership in India, Germany, Canada, Spain and Japan while not forgetting world-wide consumers of Danville area products
Update July 12: A new family medicine doctor is coming to Danville. Dr. Haydee Stewart will be joining the Christie Clinic this fall.
Two new locally owned retail businesses have recently opened in Danville. Bedco Mattress owned by Janet Brewer has opened on Vermilion Street and a new pool, spa and billiard store called A & M Klear Waters has opened in the Randall building on Oak Street in Danville.
Long John Silvers on South Gilbert recently set a sales record which earned a visit by ownership dressed in pirate costumes and a special gift card to all the employees.
Update June 30: The Illinois Department of Revenue reports retail sales were up 6% overall for the county in Q1 2010 over 2009. General Merchandise was up 13% while automotive was up 17%.
Vermilion County outpaced Champaign County overall doubling their growth from 3% to 6% and outpacing the state average of just 1% in the Q1 of the year.
NACCO Materials Handling Group reported the company has not had a Safety Lost Time Accident in 478 days resulting in over 500,000 of safe work hours.
Danville native Rob Shumaker has recently published a new novel titled “Thunder in the Capital”. The political thriller is available at lulu.com.
Update June 21: The Small Business Development Center recently held a workshop for small business to learn how to expand their markets by using the internet.
Blackie’s Automatic Engineering has added 2 full time positions recently and will be adding up to six additional employees as they launch a new insulation service.
Update June 2:
Local philanthropist Julius W. Hegeler II was recently named by the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy’s Distinguished Philanthropies of 2010 for the 13 state Midwest Region. Mr. Hegeler was recognized for his efforts on behalf of the Provena United Samaritans Medical Center Foundation and the Danville area community as a whole.
Dick Shockey reports The National Council of State Boards of Nursing confirmed that over 91% of Lakeview College of Nursing December 2009 Graduates passed the National Council Licensure Examination on the first take of the exam.
Todd Shultz of Shultz Nursery reports that 5 employees have recently completed OSHA training for the 60-year old family owned business
Update May 18: The recently completed United Way campaign has yielded some heroic results. United Way Worldwide reports the average residential gift per capita is among the top10% for communityes of our size in the country...Individual and Employee gifts were also among the top 10% for communites of our size nationwide plus the overall number of residential contributors finished in the top 10%...Congratulations to everyone who supported this year's United Way campaign...you have made a difference in your community.
Update May 7: The 2010 Danville Area Visitors Guide in now available. The annual publication has doubled in size from 36 to 72 pages. See it today at danvilleareainfo.com.
Trillium Staffing reports record number of placements for contract employment services through their Danville office.
Full-Fill Industries is celebrating it’s 10th year in business. In 1999 the Clapp family began with four employees – today, their Henning facility has grown to 120,000 square feet with four production lines, two large warehouses and more than 100 employees.
...and Andrew Harby of Catlin was recently named as the recipient of the International Broadcasters SESAC Scholarship…Harby, a 2010 DACC graduate, received $7500 toward his education at Northern Illinois University.
Update April 19: Arda Meadows, a Mammography Technologist at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center was recently chosen from over 10,000 employees as the RISE award recipient.
Vicki Haugen of the Vermilion Advantage indicates area industry reporting 87% of those recently surveyed as showing business as steady to growing in the second-quarter and up to 93% in the third quarter.
Dr. Alice Jacobs of Danville Area Community College has recently declared students finishing the college this spring as “Shovel Ready Students” to area employers…
Update April 12: Here is more Good News Vermilion County…
Deb Fridy of Friday Realty has been named Realtor or the year by the Danville Area Board of Realtors while rookie real estate agent Mike Van De Walker closed his first transaction, helping a new family move to our area.
Cannon School principal Kim Pasbt was named by the Illinois Jaycees as one of Ten Outstanding Young People of Illinois.
151 students were honored by the Vermilion Advantage before an overflow crowd at DACC last week.
...and the entire sales staff of Neuhoff Media completed the CRMC certification training from the Radio Advertising Bureau in Dallas.
Update April 6: There is more Good News Vermilion County…
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois recently announced they are hiring a number of NEW employees. Positions include the hiring of new processors and customers advocates for their Danville facility.
Danville Area Community College is hosting it’s annual Career Connection Job Fair on April 14th. Many of the area’s employers will be present at the Mary Miller Complex.
A county-wide program called “Let’s Talk Trash” is planned for later this month where Middle School students will clean along area road ways.
Update March 30:
Last week the NJCAA awarded Danville a 3-year contract extension as host of the Division II Men’s National Basketball Tournament. In choosing Danville over Springfield Illinois, the national board cited the overwhelming support of past participants as a major factor in keeping the tournament here. The economic impact from the decision is over $6 million.
Covington Foods has announced a large capitol investment in the remodeling of the Village Mall County Market which begins in May.
The local auto market is showing signs of growth as Vermilion Chevy posted it’s best month in over 6 quarters.
First Midwest Bank recently reopened it’s downtown location adding two new positions.
Wells Fargo celebrated it’s 13th year locally with the opening of a new office on N. Logan Avenue in Danville.
Update March 22: The Good News stories keep coming as we March Forth Vermilion County….
Last week the Vermilion Advantage Job outlook numbers were finalized showing over 1000 jobs will need to be filled in the county by the end of next year.
Depke Gasses and Welding Supplies reported YTD sales up 26% thru February.
Toyota of Danville received the President’s Award as one of the top 10% Toyota dealers in the country.
Habitat for Humanity is breaking ground on a new home, while 3 recent home-owners are making their last payment this spring.
…and in Q4, Danville posted the only positive retail sales growth between Champaign, Urbana or Kankakee as retail sales were up by 1% compared to an almost 5% decrease in Urbana.
Video Update:
Dick Read, VP Hoopeston Regional Health Center Board of Directors.
McLane Midwest is hiring warehouse workers. They have hired 53 people so far and need approximately 30 more. These are entry level positions, starting at $11 per hour. To apply, register with illinoisskillsmatch.com or contact the Workforce Development Center for moreinformation.
Update: March 15th The Good News stories keep coming as we March Forth Vermilion County….
This week Vermilion County welcomes visitors to the NJCAA National Tournament. Jeannie Cooke of the Convention and Visitors Bureau estimates the economic impact of the tournament could reach as high as 2 millions dollars.
The City of Hoopeston recently announced the approval of a construction project for 25 affordable single family homes.
Rob Black at Blackie’s Automatic Engineering reports a increase in the number of customers upgrading heating and cooling systems by using economic stimulus funding and tax credits.
And... for the first time ever, a Vermilion County High School wins a State Basketball Championship…Congratulations Salt Fork!
Video Update:
Jeanie Cooke, Executive Director,
Danville Area Convention & Visitor's Bureau.
Update: March 8th
Recently we’ve seen the announcement of a new construction project in Danville as O’Reily’s Auto Parts has purchased the former Woodbury’s building on Gilbert Street to open by August which will employ up to 12 employees
A Hall of Fame induction marked the high point in the financial services career of Catlin resident Dave Harby who was inducted last week into the Country Financial Hall Of Fame, becoming one of only 60 agents to ever earn such an honor.
The Red Wing Shoe Store in downtown Danville has reported sales this year up by over 20%
442-Jobs is reporting over 20 positions now available with local firms…
Video Update:
Tom Chamberlin, Vice President Iroquois Federal,
and Manger of their Danville Office
If you have positive economic news anywhere in the Vermilion County area, we’d like to feature it in our March Forth Campaign. Just e-mail us at marchforthvc@hotmail.com. It's amazing what happens when you concentrate on positive news…you get more of it!
"March Forth" Vermilion County is made possible by the Vermilion Advantage, and Neuhoff Media while being supported by, Provena United Samaritans Medical Center…Vermilion Chevrolet…The Gaudio Family... Iroquois Federal, Iroquois Financial and Iroquois Insurance.
