Governor announces Rural King expansion

MATTOON, ILL. - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that Rural King in Mattoon will expand its warehouse and distribution facility. The company plans to serve an additional ten stores as a result of the expansion, which will also create 30 new jobs.

"I want to congratulate the people at Rural King on the company's continued growth," said Governor Blagojevich. "For over 40 years Rural King has called Mattoon home, and we appreciate the additional commitment they are making to our state and this community."

Rural King is eligible for tax credits through the Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) program and for workforce training grants through the Industrial Training Program (ITP). In addition, the company will benefit from being located in an Enterprise Zone. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) administers all of the programs.

"As we work to support the state's entrepreneurs in their efforts to build and grow businesses, we also remain committed to supporting mature Illinois-based companies like Rural King continue their growth and create new job opportunities," said DCEO Director Jack Lavin. 

Rural King was founded in Mattoon in 1960. Today they have 24 stores in a four state area (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee). Rural King has a product mix that includes livestock feed, farm equipment parts, lawn mowers, workwear, clothing, housewares and toys.

"We are very excited about this expansion and the new jobs this project will create," said Gary Melvin, president and CEO of Rural King. "We also want to acknowledge the support of Governor Blagojevich, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Coles Together organization for helping make this happen."

"We at Coles Together truly appreciate the Governor's support, and the time he has taken to be with us," said Bill Rowland, President of Coles Together, the economic development organization for Coles County. "We also value Rural King's commitment to the region and their investment in the economic development future of Coles County."