VERMILION COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — After UPS announced a proposal to close their Tilton location, local businesses rallied together, trying to convince the company to change their minds.

Now, more than 30 local businesses have signed a letter highlighting the role that UPS plays in daily operations in the community, and calling on the company to reconsider or work with the community on solutions.

“UPS has played an essential role in Tilton-not just as a delivery service, but as a trusted partner. Their presence has helped connect our residents to the world and supported countless small businesses in growing and thriving,” Mike Marron, CEO/President of Vermilion Advantage, said. “This is why we are urging an open conversation about the company’s future in our community.”

Marron added that UPS provides both reliable shipping options and employment opportunities, something that many rural areas don’t often have. Losing this company, Marron said, could create challenges for families and businesses that rely on reliable shipments.

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Editor’s Note: This video was published March 26. WCIA spoke with Marron after he decided to send a letter to Carol Tomé, the CEO of UPS. It asks UPS to work with Vermilion Advantage on ways to keep the facility in Tilton.

“We are not here to point fingers-we are here to say thank you, and to ask, what can we do together to keep this relationship strong?” Marron said. “Our doors are open to UPS leadership and our community is ready to work on creative solutions.”

WCIA reported in March that the UPS Customer Center on the border of Tilton and Danville was planning to shut down in order to optimize their network and improve efficiency.

WCIA reached out to UPS for comment but did not immediately receive a response back.