March 27, 2003 Olney Named Top 100 Small Town in America
Olney area residents already know their home town is a great place, but now so does the international business community. Site Selection magazine, the professional publication for economic development professionals, has named Olney, Illinois as one of the Top 100 Small Towns in America.
According to the magazine editors, Olney’s Top 100 ranking is a direct result of the community’s success in attracting and growing businesses. Olney also helped the State of Illinois become the number one state in the nation in 2002 for new and expanded business facilities as tabulated by the publication.
Richland County Development Corporation (RCDC) has spearheaded the public and private partnership that has resulted in several new business locating in the community along with the growth of businesses already established in the county. The RCDC web site located at www.rcdc.com and active marketing efforts have been promoted by a strong Board of Directors along with Economic Development Director, Mary Heitzig. The group has helped get the word out that "Richland County is a great place to do business."
"Area leaders understand business goals and work aggressively to achieve them," reports Heitzig. "Our City and County governments support business investments. Olney offers several programs to encourage new business start-ups and support local business expansions. We welcome the business community that provides quality employment for our citizens."
Site Selection quotes Illinois Governor, Rod Blagojevich, "On behalf of the people of Illinois, it is an honor for our state to be named as the top state in America for business development for the second year in a row. Site Selection’s rankings clearly show that despite tough economic times, Illinois is a great place to do business. Our highly skilled workers and strong communities provide companies with a competitive edge in today’s global economy."
"Olney is a progressive community offering exactly what employers want most – a quality educational atmosphere, fully-developed business locations, an available workforce and recreation diversions," concludes Heitzig, who was also recently named the Illinois Economic Developer of the Year. "We are very pleased to be recognized as a Top 100 Small Town in America."
According to many residents, Olney is a remarkable place to live, a remarkable place to work and raise a family and, according to Site Selection Magazine, it is truly a remarkable place to do business.