Gov. JB Pritzker joined Centene and IlliniCare Health in opening their new Carbondale Service Center at 1237 East Main St.

MARION, IL—In two stops in Southern Illinois on Wednesday, Gov. JB Pritzker attended two ribbon cutting events that will result in a combined 400 new jobs in Marion and Carbondale.

In Carbondale, the governor joined Centene and IlliniCare Health as they opened their new Carbondale Service Center at 1237 East Main St., which will create 350 new jobs.

“This 80,000-square foot facility will bring 350 new jobs to southern Illinois. That's a direct investment in this community that will create opportunity for so many working families,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “I will be your partner as we work to ensure communities across southern Illinois and across our state get the care they deserve and the investment they need to thrive.”

“We are proud to continue investing in the people of southern Illinois,” said Michael F. Neidorff, chairman, president and CEO for Centene. “We look forward to attracting and retaining the top talent in the region to help us deliver the highest quality of care to those we serve.”

“Two years ago, Centene began its search for a location for a new service center. We selected Carbondale to aid in its economic development by bringing jobs to its residents and specifically to create opportunities for young people to enter the workforce and therefore remain in the region,” said Leslie Naamon, CEO of IlliniCare Health. “We have many instrumental partners who have enabled our local economic, civic, healthcare and educational involvement—all of which contribute to an enriched environment empowering healthier decisions that create more vibrant families and communities.”

The governor then joined Marion Mayor Mike Absher and Pepsi MidAmerica at a ribbon cutting and community dedication of Halfway Road. The newly constructed road has allowed Pepsi MidAmerica to expand operations and bring 50 new jobs to Marion.

Gov. Pritzker noted that the project has been 20 years in the making and will help drive economic growth in the area for decades.

“We are very excited about the new roadway improvements and the benefits this will have for our community,” said John Rains, vice chairman at Pepsi MidAmerica. “This new roadway will allow for safer travel to the Marion High School as well as for the residents that reside in the southern portion of our community. This roadway improvement also provides for the expansion of the production and distribution at Pepsi MidAmerica.” He adds that in addition to the 50 new jobs, the firm will be investing more than $2.5 million in its expanded distribution facility.

Instant Insights /

400 New Jobs Coming to Southern Illinois

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