Vermilion Advantage is a member-based organization that exists to strengthen and grow the overall economy of Vermilion County.  Through Member support, we have the resources to market Vermilion County’s strengths to potential new businesses and residents. We also make available educational programs to all Vermilion County schools to enhance our students’ preparedness for today’s workplace skills by focusing on math and science skills and character development.

Each time our Vermilion Advantage Team is successful in retaining or growing the local job base, we create an opportunity to broaden the local tax base, create more customers and spendable income in our community.   However, our existence would not be possible without the generous support of our members.  Therefore, most of our services are restricted to benefit our members only.  These benefits include:

1. Make New Business Contacts and Networking Opportunities

Small businesses today have less and less discretionary time and dollars to devote outside of their business.  As a Member of Vermilion Advantage, we try to bring opportunity to you.  This is done through networking opportunities such as Business After Hours, Breakfast Briefings and Lunch and Learns.  We also host a variety of member-only councils including Personnel, Safety and Agriculture.  In the near future, we will establish a Retail Council.   Highlights of these meetings are distributed to our members only so that, if a member business cannot attend, the member does not miss out on the topics discussed or expert contacts made.

2. Stay abreast of state and federal legislation

We work diligently to monitor the legislation that is proposed throughout various levels of governments and regularly send our members update bulletins on items that could impact local governments or small businesses.

3. Business Referrals

Whether we are working with a new location, expanding business or an existing business seeking specific products or services, our referrals remain only within our member base.

4. Heightened Visibility

Members of Vermilion Advantage get exposure in the community and to new business prospects through:

a. Our online Membership Directory

b. Membership listing in our monthly newspaper tabloid

c. Exclusive rights to sponsorship for business and Young Professional events

d. Exclusive access to post job openings on 442jobs.com

5. Customized data

Members can access customized data or recruiting information for customers or for potential new employees through our extensive data base and relocation information.  From cost-of-living comparisons to retail leakage or wage and benefit comparisons and much more, we are here to compile what is needed to help members better define their business opportunities and to recruit the most qualified professionals for their positions.

6. Members Only Information

We provide critical local, state, and national information to on our website in a secure portion of our website.  To access this information, please contact our office for the password, and then click on the following link: Members Only

7. APPI Partnership

Vermilion Advantage partnered with Affiliated Power Purchasers (APPI) in 2007 to assist members in managing and reducing electricity expenses.  Scores of members are already working with APPI with great success.  We encourage members to contact APPI and let the experienced APPI staff review your current bill, determine your tariff rate, and discuss the options available to your business.  There is no obligation - they will let you know if cost-savings are not available at pricing time, but will keep trying on your behalf.

Current market data and projections of future energy supply/demand factors indicate that it is very likely that the long-term trend of steady price increases will continue for many years.  One way to protect against the rising and volatile markets is to lock in a fixed-price electricity contract with the assistance of an independent, experienced consultant.  APPI can position you for success in the highly competitive Illinois electricity market.

You can contact APPI at 800-520-6685 or info@appienergy.com.  Also, feel free to contact Vermilion Advantage at 217-442-6201, Vicki Haugen: vhaugen@vermilionadvantage.com for further information.

Ready to become a member?  Complete our online membership application.