Champaign RPC offers help to the 80 employees being let go by RhinoAG

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — Earlier this week, WAND News learned that 80 employees are being let go by Agricultural equipment manufacturer RhinoAg in Gibson City.

The Champaign County Regional Planning Commission is already preparing Rapid Response Workshops to help the affected workers.

In addition, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) will be providing information on unemployment benefits and how to apply for assistance, and Community Education at Parkland College will provide training options and information.

“Along with our community partners, the RPC’s Workforce Development program leads the local Rapid Response efforts to provide job placement, unemployment benefits, and training at no cost to dislocated workers after a plant closure,” says Cassandra Dunham, a member of the program’s Business Team. “While RhinoAg is closing, our program has funding specifically set aside for these unforeseen situations to ensure that affected workers have the necessary resources to find new employment, train for a new career, and receive unemployment benefits during that time.”

Dunham encourages any employer that finds itself in a similar closure situation to contact her and learn more about accessing the program’s Rapid Response services.