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Galesburg to boost Western Smokehouse, Graham Health System expansions

The Galesburg city council approved two development agreements for business expansions.

Per the agreements, Western Smokehouse Partners will get $300,000 from the city and Graham Health System will get $250,000.

The funds for Western Smokehouse Partners Inc. are contingent on meeting the terms of the agreement.

The company, which makes meat snacks, has their headquarters at 56 S. Kellogg St. in Galesburg and a production facility at Thrushwood Farms, 2680 W. Main St.

To get the funds from the city, Western Smokehouse must keep headquarters in Galesburg for the next ten years and retain or create 32 jobs, including 15 manufacturing jobs.

City Manager Eric Hanson said that will have an economic impact of over $2 million annually in Galesburg.

“In 2004, this operation out at Thrushwood Farms had 11 employees and today they have 108,” Hanson said “I can’t stress enough how thankful we are for their investment in our community.”

The incentive will be paid in three installments.

Western Smokehouse also has a production facility in Burlington.

As Graham Health System continues its expansion in Galesburg, the city will pay for the creation of a second entrance at a new 13,600 square foot clinic under construction.

The multi-specialty clinic is being built on 36 acres in the 2000 block of North Seminary Street.

The second entrance will align with Mayo Drive to create an intersection and improve traffic safety.

The city will provide the $250,000 to Graham Health System once the project is complete.

Tri States Public Radio produced this story.  TSPR relies on financial support from readers and listeners in order to provide coverage of the issues that matter to west central Illinois, southeast Iowa, and northeast Missouri. As someone who values the content created by TSPR's news department please consider making a financial contribution.

Jane Carlson is TSPR's regional reporter.