The region's work ethic is born of generations on the family farm, in mining, and in manufacturing. We are highly trained and adapt seamlessly to new technology.
The corporate headquarters of Gilster-Mary Lee, one of America's largest manufacturers of private-label food products is in Randolph County. Other local companies include Knight Hawk Coal, Red Bud Industries, Spartan Light Metals, Southern Illinois Crankshaft, Roeslein Red Bud, Total Titanium, Flex-Line Automation, and The Material Works. Randolph County Government, as well as local city governments understand the importance of all our businesses and we advocate for them. Business incentives include an Enterprise Zone, TIF Districts, Opportunity Zones, Sales Tax Rebates and Industrial Parks.
We hold a business-friendly tax structure, competitive labor, construction and utility costs, and an excellent communications system including ubiquitous, high-speed Internet.
Randolph County is served by several rail lines including Union Pacific, Mo Pac and the Illinois Central. There are plentiful highways and Interstate 55 is just minutes away. A report for a Southern Illinois Connector Rural four-lane Expressway has been written and submitted to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). As a result of that report, a $15 million grant has been allocated for IDOT to study the route alternatives from Sparta to Waterloo. The Chester Bridge provides a gateway to the West and over 2000 trucks roll through Randolph County daily.
Randolph County is within a day's drive of 65 percent of America's population.
Randolph County's public and private school systems are the pride of southern Illinois. Southwestern Illinois College is in Red Bud and provides new technology education and training. Southern Illinois University at Carbondale is a nationally recognized business, science, agricultural and medical Campus.
Randolph County is a beautiful place to live. The inviting and family-oriented culture enhances our wonderful quality of life. More than 100 churches in several denominations provide worship choices. There are three hospitals in Randolph County, more than 60 restaurants, and, if you enjoy big city culture, St. Louis, Belleville, Cape Girardeau and Carbondale are less than an hour away.
We invite you to explore this website, follow us on Instagram, follow us on our Facebook page and visit our Pinterest boards for a photo tour of the sites and scenes of Randolph County. There are also links to digital video products that highlight Randolph County on several pages of this website. Click on History. Sites.Nature. The Confluence Heritage Area.
Please contact Randolph County Economic Development to see how we can help your business grow ... Where Illinois Business Began!
