PEORIA, Ill. – Peoria-based Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois and Central and Southern Indiana are becoming one.
Don Johnson, President and CEO of Goodwill of Central Illinois, says the merger is a win-win for both non-profits.
“It’s two great organizations that have assets. It’s not out of necessity at all, and not like other mergers you’ve seen or heard about in Central Illinois,” Johnson says.
With the merger, Goodwill Industries will be serving 21 counties here in Central Illinois, and 40 counties in Indiana.
Johnson tells WMBD’s “Greg and Dan” the merger also means more job opportunities for Central Illinois over the next three years.
“Looking at the data, we believe we’ll go from 420 to 600 employees quickly…because we’re going to need them. But, also doing it for our employees…everybody will stay and we’ll grow,” Johnson says.
Johnson says the merger resulted from conversations with Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana’s Kent Kramer.
Both leaders say they’re focused on working together to increase the mission impact of Goodwill Industries in Illinois and Indiana.
Johnson plans to retire from Goodwill of Central Illinois in August, but says he will remain connected to the organization and assist with the transition as a consultant.
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