Olney -- A groundbreaking ceremony was held in the West Industrial Park on Wednesday in the lot across from Sigma Sport, where the new Illinois Gas Company building will be constructed.

Richland County Development Corporation Chair Bruce Runyon recognized Director Mary Heitzig's successes in the industrial park and noted that diversification of the economy is a good thing.

Mayor Tom Fehrenbacher thanked Illinois Gas for choosing Olney and praised the community for making it happen. "The success of a community depends on the individuals. I can't praise you enough.", Fehrenbacher said.

Illinois Gas Company CEO Roger Avery noted that the reason for the building was company growth. The new building will employ 32.

"We thought carefully about where to go and we are here," Avery said.

Heitzig expected Illinois Builders Co. would begin construction on the 27,000 square foot building in the next couple weeks. She noted that space was there for further expansion.

~ Jennifer Ramseyer/Reporte