January 21, 2013, The latest figures released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security to the Lincoln and Logan County Development Partnership indicate that unemployment has dropped from 8.6% in November of 2011 to 7.5% for November 2012 which is below the state average of 8.2%.

“It is always good to see the figures trending down” said Brian Bergen, Executive Director of the Lincoln and Logan County Development Partnership. “The businesses I have meet with in Logan County over the past few weeks are positive about business in 2013 and a few have indicated the possibility of expanding in some capacity.”

“I believe we are working hard to create more opportunities for Logan County residents. I think with the new focus on Main Street, the Chamber focus on workforce development, and Lincoln and Logan County becoming part of an Economic Development District are all measures needed to continue to add jobs and create the place and opportunities residents desire.”

Logan County hit a historical 9.4% unemployment in 2010, and has stayed above the state and national average until the November 2012 statistics were released.