Vandalia Illinois Economic Development

08/18/2026

What an exciting morning for economic development in Vandalia!

We are incredibly grateful that Vandalia was selected to host this important regional event. Thank you to the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and its Regional Economic Development Team for choosing Vandalia to host today’s Southeast Region Business Development Roadshow at the Kaskaskia College Education Center!

The event brought together economic development professionals and community leaders to learn about:

New and updated state business development programs
Funding and grant opportunities coming in FY27
Technical assistance resources
Regional and statewide economic development successes
Progress on Illinois’ five-year economic development plan
Rural economic development challenges and opportunities

We appreciated hearing from representatives of Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Illinois EDC, and USDA Rural Development. Their presentations provided valuable information and resources that will help communities like Vandalia support business growth, encourage investment, and create new economic opportunities.

There is tremendous momentum building across our region, and we are excited about what’s ahead for Vandalia!

08/06/2026

More exciting news for Vandalia’s future!

The City of Vandalia is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded an additional $2,368,867 through the State of Illinois’ Regional Site Readiness Program!

Announced today by Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, this Capital Ready grant will support utility and roadway extensions serving 97 acres at the Vandalia Industrial Park.

This new award is in addition to the $3 million Regional Site Readiness grant Vandalia received in 2025 for road and water improvements at the same site—bringing the State’s total investment in this transformational project to more than $5.36 million!

These critical infrastructure improvements will help make the Vandalia Industrial Park shovel-ready, strengthen our ability to compete for industrial development, attract private investment, support business growth, and create new job opportunities.

We sincerely thank Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, and our state and local partners for recognizing Vandalia’s potential and continuing to invest in our community’s future. We are incredibly excited about the momentum building in Vandalia and look forward to sharing more as this project moves forward!




Read today’s announcement:

Site Ready Illinois grants provide $35 million for 22 sites to spur infrastructure improvements, community renewal, and industrial economic development

08/03/2026

📢 Business Owners: Have You Planned for What's Next?

You've spent years building your business, serving your customers, supporting your employees, and investing in our community. But have you taken the time to plan for the future of everything you've worked so hard to create?

Business succession planning isn't just for retirement. It's for every business owner.

Whether you've owned your business for 5 years or 50 years, having a succession plan gives you more options, protects your investment, and helps ensure your business can continue to thrive through future transitions.

Join us this Friday for a FREE workshop presented by The Illinois SBDC at Eastern Illinois University and learn how to prepare your business for long-term success.

📅 Friday, August 7
⏰ 3:00-5:00 PM
📍 Vandalia City Hall

Topics include:
✔️ Accounting & Business Financing
✔️ Buy/Sell Business Planning
✔️ Cash Flow Management
✔️ Managing a Business for Long-Term Success

Whether you plan to pass your business on to family, sell it one day, transition to employees, or simply want to be prepared for the unexpected, this workshop will provide practical guidance to help you protect your legacy.

⚠️ There are still a few seats available, but registration is required. Scan the QR code on the flyer to reserve your spot today!

Your business is one of your greatest investments. Give its future the same attention you've given its success.

06/29/2026

🇺🇸 Thank You to Sheldon Schulte Construction Inc.! 🇺🇸

The City of Vandalia would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Sheldon Schulte Construction Inc. for generously donating the time, equipment, and expertise needed to install two new flagpoles at the Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Vandalia.

With the help of some members of our City Street Department, they were able to complete the installation of the POW/MIA and United States Space Force flagpoles, ensuring that every branch of our nation's military is now proudly represented at the memorial.

Projects like this are only possible because of community-minded businesses and dedicated City employees who are willing to step up and give back. Their generosity and teamwork have helped enhance a place that honors the brave men and women who have served our country.

Please join us in thanking them for preserving a meaningful space where we recognize the sacrifices of our veterans.

Together, we continue to make Vandalia a community that remembers, honors, and serves. 🇺🇸❤️

06/24/2026

💼🔎 Looking for a job? Hiring for your business? Illinois workNet is a powerful FREE resource that can help.

Whether you're searching for your next career opportunity or trying to fill open positions, Illinois workNet connects job seekers and employers with the tools they need to succeed.

👷 Job Seekers Can:
✅ Search thousands of job openings
✅ Explore career pathways and high-demand occupations
✅ Find training and education programs
✅ Attend virtual job fairs and workforce events
✅ Access local employment and career services

🏢 Employers Can:
✅ Connect with qualified job candidates
✅ Promote job openings
✅ Participate in virtual job fairs
✅ Access workforce development resources
✅ Find tools to recruit, train, and retain employees

🌟 Why does this matter for Vandalia and Fayette County?

A strong workforce is the foundation of a strong community. When residents can connect with quality employment opportunities, businesses have access to the talent they need to grow, expand, and create jobs. Workforce development is about more than filling positions today. It's about building career pathways, strengthening our local economy, attracting investment, supporting business retention and expansion, and creating opportunities for current and future generations.

Resources like Illinois workNet help bridge the gap between employers seeking skilled workers and individuals seeking meaningful careers, making our community more competitive and resilient.

🌐 Visit: https://www.illinoisworknet.com/

Whether you're looking for your next employee or your next career move, this is a great place to start.

💬 Have you used Illinois workNet before? Share your experience below!
🔁 Help spread the word by sharing this post with someone who is hiring or job searching.




https://www.illinoisworknet.com/

06/24/2026

🎒📚 HELP FILL BACKPACKS, BUILD FUTURES! 📚🎒

For more than 20 years, Tools 4 School has helped Fayette County students start the school year prepared and ready to learn by providing FREE basic school supplies for K-12 students.

As families continue to face rising costs, your support can make a real difference in the life of a child. Every donation helps ensure local students have the supplies they need to succeed in the classroom this school year.

📍 Supply Distribution Location:
St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church
727 W. Gallatin Street, Vandalia

📅 Distribution Dates:
• August 5 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• August 6 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• August 7 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• August 8 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

❤️ Want to help?
Donations may be mailed to:

Tools 4 School
P.O. Box 35
Vandalia, IL 62471

Together, we can help Fayette County students walk into the classroom with confidence and the tools they need for success. Every notebook, every pencil, and every backpack makes a difference! Please share!!!!

06/17/2026

Check out the new Vandalia Park District page!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591098925113

Vandalia Park District maintains the parks, public pool, ball fields and airport in Vandalia, IL

06/12/2026

🌟State Leaders Visit Vandalia🌟

A huge thank you to Deputy Governor Manar, the DCEO Team, Economic Development Team, and many other state leaders for spending time with us!!

This week, Vandalia Civic Advancement had the opportunity to host representatives from the Illinois Governor’s Office, DCEO, and statewide economic development leadership for an in-depth discussion about the future of Vandalia and our area.

The conversation focused on many of the priorities our community has identified as critical to long-term success:

• Workforce Development & Talent Retention
• Housing & Community Growth
• Healthcare Access & Workforce Needs
• Site Readiness & Economic Development
• Infrastructure Investment
• Recreation, Quality of Life, and Community Assets

What made this meeting especially meaningful wasn’t simply who was in the room—it was the unified voice at the table.

Representatives from local government, healthcare, education, economic development, park district, the YMCA, and the business community came together to tell a shared story: Vandalia is investing in itself, planning intentionally, and working collaboratively to build a stronger future.

State leaders recognized what many of us already know: communities that succeed are those willing to work together around a common vision.

The State team shared that communities across Illinois often seek assistance in building the type of collaboration and stakeholder alignment that already exists in Vandalia. While there is still much work ahead, it was encouraging to hear that our community’s willingness to work together is being noticed beyond our borders.

This is exactly why Vandalia Civic Advancement exists.

As we prepare for the Rural MAPPING process this fall and continue developing a long-term community strategy, meetings like this help strengthen relationships, identify opportunities, and position our region for future success.

The work is just beginning, but the momentum is real.

Together, we’re not simply planning for the next project—we’re helping shape the next generation of Vandalia and our region.

06/11/2026

🚨🇺🇸 GREAT NEWS, VANDALIA! 🇺🇸🚨

We've heard from residents and businesses who wanted a little more time to put the finishing touches on their patriotic displays...

✨ THE DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED! ✨

The America 250 Home Decorating Contest and Patriotic Business Decorating Contest entry deadline has been extended to:

📅 Friday, June 26, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM

This is your chance to help transform Vandalia into a sea of red, white, and blue as we celebrate America's 250th Birthday!

🏠 Homeowners – show off your patriotic pride!
🏢 Businesses – decorate your storefronts and windows!
🏆 Top entries will be recognized during Summerfest on July 4th!

Don't wait until the last minute! Our judges will be looking for creativity, visual appeal, and patriotic spirit. Whether you're hanging flags, decorating windows, creating displays, or going all out for America 250, we want to see it!

📍 Entry forms are available at Vandalia City Hall.

Let's make Vandalia shine and show everyone why we're proud to call this community home! 🇺🇸❤️💙