The biggest name in Vermillion Plaza in Pontiac, IL, Kmart, plans to close in early 2013. It's been a significant store to Pontiac for four decades. Forty-seven Kmart employees will be affected [1]. As of August 2012, the Unemployment Rate for Livingston County is 9.1%; a number that has been rising since May 2012 [2]. Locals agree that Kmart is one of Pontiac, IL's oldest stores in business. "Save Pontiac IL Kmart" are committed to keeping this store open. If Kmart closes, the empty lot will be one of many vacant lots in Vermillion Plaza.

[1] http://goo.gl/ozv3n

[2] http://goo.gl/WClpq