Life In The Jacksonville Region, Illinois

"James’s background in manufacturing and engineering proved valuable. With experience in injection molding and root cause analysis, his skills aligned with Jacksonville’s growing industrial base.

'I was awarded the incentive as a remote worker at first. Then Kristin [President of JREDC], who runs the program, asked if she could share my résumé with local employers. That’s how I found CCK Automations,' James explained.

Located less than a mile from his new home, CCK Automations offered James a role as a process engineer. 'It was a no-brainer. The job matched my experience and gave me a chance to contribute to a growing company,' he said."

Read more about James's story HERE.

"When Emily Clough and her family left Muskego, Wisconsin, for Jacksonville, Illinois, they were looking for much more than a change of address. Remote work had opened the door, but proximity to family and the chance for a slower pace of life made Jacksonville the clear choice.

The MakeMyMove program helped offset the cost of relocating and was the perfect way to introduce Emily's family to local restaurants, events and activities, which quickly made them feel part of the community. 'When you're new, you don't always know where to start. This program gave us direction,' she said."

Read more about Emily's story HERE.

The Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce, Jacksonville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jacksonville Main Street and Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation (JREDC) will host a welcome tent at the downtown concert on Friday, June 21, to connect newcomers in the community to people already established in the area.

“In my conversations with human resource professionals and people who have recently moved to the area, I have learned we can do a better job introducing people to one another in our communities,” said Kristin Jamison, president of JREDC. “Those of us who are originally from this area or have lived here for a number of years should serve as a resource to new residents in an effort to connect them professionally and socially.”

The event builds upon the talent attraction campaign recently launched by JREDC, which includes a digital advertising that promotes job opportunities and a relocation incentive effort worth more than $9,300 in cash and other offerings for three new residents who chose to live in Morgan or Scott counties.

The talent attraction campaign also includes new videos that market the quality of life and work opportunities in the Jacksonville region developed in partnership with the Jacksonville Chamber. I addition, the Chamber is developing a new digital welcome kit that will be available to new residents and business owners this summer.

“The collaborative nature of this new event only underlines the quality of the community that makes Jacksonville a great place to live and do business,” said Jamison. “My colleagues at the Chamber, CVB and Main Street want people to thrive here, and it starts with making them feel welcome.”

Anyone new to the Jacksonville area is encouraged to attend the free, outdoor concert on June 21 featuring music by Chicago Farmer and the Fieldnotes. The welcome tent will include giveaways and the opportunity to meet people invested in Jacksonville area communities.

If you're looking to learn more about the employer landscape of Jacksonville, IL, this Employment Guide is a great place to start. We’ve rounded up many of the region’s top employers and fastest-growing industries to help you get a feel for the local job market and spot opportunities that align with your skills. Click through to explore who’s hiring and what makes Jacksonville a strong place to build a career.

See the full Employment Guide here.

Illinois College is one of Jacksonville’s most respected employers and a cornerstone of higher education in central Illinois. As a private liberal arts college founded in 1829, Illinois College is known for its commitment to academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and community engagement.

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The college offers a variety of career opportunities across academic departments, student services, administration, admissions, finance, IT, facilities, and support functions. With roles spanning faculty, professional staff, and operational teams, Illinois College provides diverse options for individuals passionate about education and helping students thrive.

Illinois College’s culture is rooted in collaboration, inclusivity, and a student first mindset. Employees are supported through professional development, strong benefits, and a shared mission to advance learning, leadership, and civic responsibility.