In response to the recent plant closure of Champion Laboratories in Albion that has left many local workers without jobs, numerous agencies and organizations are coming together to offer immediate support, job opportunities, and retraining resources.
One of the largest upcoming events for displaced workers is a job fair organized by the Albion Chamber of Commerce. The event is set for Wednesday, March 4th, and will take place in the Exhibition Building at the Edwards County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Albion Area Chamber of Commerce spokesperson, Michele Ward says over 40 employers have already committed to attending, with more expected to join. Lunch will be provided to those attending by Edward Jones offices of Brian Mewes, Abbi Mosson, Kevin Schuh, and Tyler Smith.
Current employers signed up to attend are: Conard Financial Group/Raymond James, Haven on the River, Marvin Keller Trucking, Master Halco Olney, Millennium Steel, Nix Industrial Prodigy Mold & Tool, Inc., Staff Quick Flora, Toyota Boshoku Lawrenceville, Wabash County Health Dept, Wabash General Hospital, Wabash Valley FS, WADI/WIOA. Walgreens DC, Verano, Jade Investments & Retirement Solutions, Hucks, Nidec in Princeton, Toyota Manufacturing (Princeton, IN), Illinois Department of Corrections, Walmart Distribution (Olney), Hella Manufacturing (Flora), MotoRad (Mount Carmel), and many more businesses within an hour’s drive of Albion. Other participating employers include BWXT Carle, Vibracoustic, Continental Tire, Wabash General Hospital and Walgreens DC.
Wabash Area Development, Inc. (WADI) will play a key role at the job fair, providing information about in-state approved educational training programs, paid employment opportunities with local employers for up to six months (with wages covered by WADI), and on-the-job training. Employers who hire through this program may be reimbursed for up to 75% of new employee wages. More information is available at www.wadi-inc.com.
Local lawmakers, including State Representatives Terri Bryant and Dave Severin, have been in close contact with Albion officials to coordinate support for those impacted. They are working to ensure that information about unemployment benefits and job openings reaches those in need.
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges are also working with state agencies and regional workforce partners to provide rapid response support, which includes job search assistance and short-term training opportunities.
Fairfield Memorial Hospital has announced it is sharing a full list of open positions on its website and social media platforms. The hospital is also providing links to training and credentialing resources through Frontier Community College, making it easier for displaced workers to gain the qualifications needed for new roles.
As the region rallies to support its workforce, displaced employees are encouraged to attend the job fair, explore training opportunities, and utilize the many resources now being offered.
For more information about the job fair, visit the Albion Chamber of Commerce, or check WADI’s website for details on workforce programs.