The foundation of any successful business is well-trained employees. Richland County and Olney's productive people have a proven work ethic. Skilled and entry-level workers are readily available in the area.

If you want evidence of a productive workforce, just ask the management team of the Wal-Mart Food Distribution Center. After the first year of full operation, Corporate officials recognized the Olney associates' work ethic by naming them "Distribution Center of the Year" two straight years, 1998 and 1999.

Richland County Unemployment Averages
Annual Average (2007)	Monthly Average (August 2008)
4.9%	8.0%
Source: Illinois Department of Employment Security

Largest Employment Sectors - Annual Average, 2007

NAICS
Total Non-farm		6,830
Total Private		5,790
Service Producing		4,970
Goods Producing		820
Trade, Transportation & Utilities		2,410
Education & Health Services		1,070
Government		1,040

Richland County:
July 2008 Unemployment Rate:		6.9%
Total Labor Force		7,680
Unemployment		529

Total Population Within 35 Miles is 125,989

Average unemployment within this 35 Mile radius is 8.0%

EMPLOYEE TRAINING
Your workforce will maintain up-to-date skills with the availability of individual or group training. There are numerous grant, loan and training packages available.

 

•	Industrial Training Program, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
•	Business Development Center, Eastern Illinois University
•	Center for Business and Industry, Lake Land College
•	Vocational Education, Olney Community College
•	High Intensity Training Services, State Board of Education, Employment Services