SOUTHERNMOST ILLINOIS DELTA

A. Zone Vital Statistics

1. Counties (Census Tracts): Alexander (9577, 9578, 9579), Johnson (9778), Pulaski (9710, 9711)
2. Population: 18,743
3. Net Area: 449 square miles
4. Poverty Rate: 31%
5. Unemployment Rate: 11%
6. Education: 40% of the area population has less than a high school education

B. Number of Jobs Created or Retained: 4,050

C. Proposed Leveraged Commitments: $180 million

D. Key Business Partners:

Role of Key Business Partners:
• Shawnee Community College will serve as the fiscal agent, and will contribute support staff, office space, and technical assistance to the effort. Alexander, Pulaski and Johnson Counties each committed $10,000 annually to support the Zone.

• The Southern Five Regional Planning Commission is donating computer equipment and technical assistance to help start up the Zone.

• Other partners include the Southern Illinois Electric Cooperative and the Southern Seven Health Department.

E. List of Other Key Partners

• Illinois Department of Commerce
• Southern Illinois University
• Small Business Growth Corporation
• Shawnee Development Council
• Southern Seven Health Department

Content Archived: January 20, 2009