Decatur, also known as the "Soybean capital of the world" includes prominent agricultural processing and manufacturing sectors. The service based industries have been expanding and have become a more significant factor for the local economy. In addition, Decatur is home to the corporate headquarters of ADM.
The major sectors for employment in Decatur are healthcare, machinery, education, food; metal and metal products; plastic and rubber products; and finance and insurance. Engineers, technicians, scientists, managerial and professional people comprise a sizeable portion of the workforce. The city also includes a large number of workers who have skills and experience in manufacturing and production industries.
Some of the occupations more prevalent in Decatur than most other cities include engineers; education, training and library workers; industrial engineers, engineering managers, teachers, logisticians, computer-controlled machine tool operators, metal and plastic; and human resources, training and labor relations specialists.
The largest employers in Decatur are shown below:
- Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
- Mueller Group LLC
- ADM/Growmark River Systems Inc
- DMH Health Systems
- Tate & Lyle Ingredients Americas Inc
- Decatur School System
- New K's Merchandise LLC
- Illinois Power Company
- American River Transportation Co, Inc
- Decatur Memorial Foundation
- Decatur Memorial Hospital
- City of Decatur
- St Mary's Hospital Sisters of the Third Order of St Francis
- Macon County
- ADM Trucking Inc
- Illinova Corporation
- Morgan Distributing
Noteworthy information about Decatur: In 2009 the average salary in Decatur was $37,000. In 2008 the cost of living index was 75 which is low when compared to the country's average of 100. Regarding the adult population, about 17% hold a bachelor's degree or better.
Companies situated in Decatur have access to helpful business organizations including:
- Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce
- Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County
- Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
The Herald & Review offers current information regarding the business activities in Decatur.