For a complete list of resources, click HERE. If you are an employer looking to hire right now, please email Lindsayromano@neuhoffmedia.com and they will be added to the resource page.
February 22, 2023 – Akorn Pharmaceuticals locations in Decatur are closing effective immediately, affecting nearly 450 employees and community leaders are urging those employees to access the resources available to them.
The pharmaceutical company stopped production this week and notified employees Wednesday that they had been let go. The closure is affecting the location at 1222 W. Grand Ave. and 150 S. Wyckles Rd. Workers will not be receiving severance pay and benefits are also terminated.
The company, which filed for bankruptcy, did not file a WARN notice with the state prior to the dismissals. Illinois WARN applies to employers with 75 or more full-time employees and requires employers to provide 60 days advance notice of pending plant closures or mass layoffs. Akorn Pharmaceuticals has not responded to our request for comment.
For affected employees, community and organization leaders in Decatur and Macon County stress that there are local resources available to help.
Rocki Wilkerson of Workforce Investment Solutions said they have already started to field calls about job placement and retraining. “Workforce Investment Solutions is here to provide those resources, retraining, and education. I want to encourage affected Akron Employees to fill out an application with us so that we can determine your eligibility and find what would be best suitable in getting them back into the workforce.” That application and additional resources are listed below.
John Oliver, Dean of Workforce Development at Richland Community College said that Richland can offer those employees a chance at a career reset. “I advise that they reach out Richland and schedule a time to speak with our career services and work with our planners. Registration for the summer and fall is coming up on March 27th and it would be a good time to consider re-training options in careers like healthcare, HVAC, automotive and more.” Oliver adds that there are re-training dollars and financial aid available through many of the programs run through Workforce Investment Solutions and echoed Wilkerson in encouraging employees apply for their services. “There are funds available for this type of situation such as dislocated worker dollars and retraining funding.”
The United Way of Decatur and Macon County is also available for families who’s immediate needs may be affected by the closure. Families in need of assistance can call or text 2-1-1, which can connect callers with free information and referrals for community services in Macon, DeWitt, Moultrie, Piatt & Shelby counties. 2-1-1 can connect you to programs that assist with rent and utility assistance, food pantries, support groups, financial assistance, maternal and child health care, legal assistance and more.
Debbie Bogle, President of the United Way of Decatur and Mid Illinois said the services is free and confidential. “Our call center is also the Mental Health Hotline. You can reach this hotline through 211 or you can call directly using 988. United Way’s 211 is here to connect people to resources that are just a phone call away.”
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RESOURCES:
- You can also call and schedule a call back from an expert at 1-800-244-5631
- Schedule an in-person appointment for identity verification help, employment services and to use the resource room. 217-558-0401
Workforce Investment Solutions
Apply for services through Workforce Investment Solutions HERE. You can also fill out a hard copy application for print HERE.
- Also available at 217-875-8751
- 757 W. Pershing Rd
- Available computer lab for resumes, job search and on-line applications
- Job readiness workshops
- Resume Building Assistance
- Job re-training and career services
EDC of Macon County – CareersDecatur.com
- spreadsheet of job openings right now in Macon County.
- The list can be long so use the “find” feature within the spreadsheet to search for keywords, job titles, or companies.
- Take the Interest Profiler from My Next Move assessment to get an idea on what careers may align with your interests. This tool will also provide the most current local data on wages, employment, job postings, and associated education and training.
Richland Community College Workforce Development
- Prepare individuals for new careers by teaching Essential Skills
- Career Re-training
- Summer and Fall registration begins March 27th. Click HERE for info.
- Schedule an appointment with Career Services by calling 217.875.7211 ext. 6280 or e-mail careers@richland.edu
- Financial aid available
- CAREER FAIR OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: Friday, March 31st from 11am-3pm in the Shilling Salons
- In light of the recent news that layoffs are occurring at Akorn Pharmaceuticals, Millikin University has invited those workers directly affected by layoffs to take part in the University’s Spring 2023 Career Fair. The Career Fair, hosted by Millikin University’s Center for Academic and Professional Performance (CAPP), will feature more than 50 Central Illinois employers on Thursday, Feb. 23 from Noon-2:30 p.m. in the Third Floor Banquet Room of the University Commons. The event is limited to all Millikin students, alumni and those affected at Akorn.
United Way of Decatur and Mid Illinois
- 2-1-1: : 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember telephone number that connects callers with free information and referrals for community services in Macon, DeWitt, Moultrie, Piatt & Shelby counties. You can call 2-1-1, text or use the web version. The service is staffed 24/7 by trained volunteers and staff who will listen to your situation and refer you to the most appropriate source of assistance.
- Services referrals available for:
- Rent and utility assistance
- Food Pantries
- Shelter
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- Support Groups
- Mental Health
- Financial assistance
- Education
- Health Care
FOR A FULL LIST OF RESOURCES, CLICK HERE.
