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Coles County

Coles County is anchored by top-tier institutions, including the Sarah Bush Lincoln Healthcare Complex, Carle, SIHF, HSHS St. Anthony's, and the regional headquarters of Blue Cross Blue Shield. Together, this network delivers outstanding healthcare services while also driving medical research and wellness initiatives that foster a healthier, more vibrant community.

Coles County places a strong emphasis on education, featuring prominent institutions such as Eastern Illinois University, Lake Land College, LIFT, and the innovative Trojan A&M program, as well as Oakland’s agri-business programs. These educational centers are dedicated to equipping our workforce with the skills needed for the future, creating a culture of continuous learning and advancement.

Our retail sector is led by Rural King, which operates 146 stores and employs over 9,000 people, complemented by a vibrant array of local shops and dining options. This thriving retail environment not only boosts the community’s economic vitality but also offers residents and visitors a diverse and enriching shopping experience.

The Linders Sports Complex and the newly developed Emerald Acres Sports Complex showcase our dedication to recreation and community engagement. These state-of-the-art facilities not only host local sporting events but also attract regional tournaments, promoting a healthy lifestyle and strengthening community spirit.

Our diverse industrial sector is home to leading companies such as Mars Petcare, John Deere Logistics Center, Justrite, Vesuvius, Hi-Cone, Grupo Bimbo, Kingspan, and Ox Engineering. This robust ecosystem drives innovation and job creation.

Our strategic location further strengthens this sector with a multi-modal transportation network, including a through-the-fence operations airport, a mile-long Class 1 railyard, and three onramps to Interstate 57. These assets make Coles County a vital hub for logistics and supply chain management, ensuring seamless connections for businesses.