East Central Reporter

In a June 2 Facebook post, Sen. Jason Plummer shared accolades that his family business had earned.

Plummer shared an article from HBS Dealer that announced the recognition of R.P. Lumber, from the City of Edwardsville. The company was named Edwardsville’s Large Business of the Year for 2022, and the award was presented March 7 to Robert Plummer, CEO and founder of R.P. Lumber and father of Sen. Jason Plummer.

“I'm very proud of the company my parents and the R.P. Lumber team have worked so hard to build from literally nothing,” he wrote on Facebook. “It's a great story, a story that I pray more Illinoisans can replicate. It's truly the American dream. Thank you to the hundreds of R.P. Lumber team members, the hundreds of team members of our affiliate companies, and the many thousands of wonderful customers, vendors, bankers, and other great partners who are part of that team!”

R.P. Lumber Company was founded by Robert L. Plummer, in Staunton in 1977. The family-owned and operated company is a full-service retail home center and supplier of building materials. It offers design, delivery, and a variety of other services for consumers and professional contractors. The company has locations in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and other states.

“We truly are fortunate that R.P. Lumber calls Edwardsville ‘home,’” Edwarsville Mayor Art Risavy said, according to HBS Dealer. “Not only do they sustain hundreds of local jobs, but they also supply the building materials for many commercial and residential property developments in our area, which, in turn, employ dozens more local construction contractors as well. R.P. Lumber has been a valued contributor to our region for over 46 years and remains a key player in the economic growth of our community.”

“It’s always nice to be recognized for our contributions to the communities we serve,” said Robert Plummer. “We are honored to accept this award on behalf of our great team members, customers, vendors, and other partners.”

To learn more about R.P. Lumber, call 618-656-1514. Its corporate office is at 514 East Vandalia Street in Edwardsville.

The company also has a subsidiary business with 22 locations. That is R.P. Home & Harvest with 22 farm and ranch lifestyle stores across Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio.

In other news, on May 30, Sen. Jason Plummer hosted a town hall forum with Sen. Erica Harriss (R-Edwardsville) in Edwardsville, and shared information about the event on June 1, in a Facebook post. 

“Thank you to Scott from the The Edwardsville Intelligencer for covering the town hall Senator Erica Harriss and I had in Edwardsville Tuesday evening," he posted. "While there were many question, conversations, and topics, he did a nice job trying to cover as much as possible in one article! Thank you to Senator Harriss, too, for joining in this event. She had a great session as a freshman senator and was able to meaningfully impact a lot of legislation and conversations in Springfield. She's doing a great job for St. Clair and Madison Counties. We had a lot of great questions from the many residents of Madison County and surrounding areas who were able to attend the town hall. Thank you for caring and being so engaged. More to come!” 

He also announced a visit to Edwardsville from the Secretary of State Mobile Office. In the June 3 Facebook post, he wrote: “Can't make it to the Secretary of State's office to handle your business? No worries...we are bringing the SoS's office to you! On June 12 we are bringing the SoS mobile unit to the Louisville Village Hall from 10 am-2 pm. What services will be provided? License plate renewal stickers, driver's license issues, voter registration, and more! I hope this is helpful to the folks who live in Clay County, Richland County, Effingham County, Fayette County, Marion County, and elsewhere who might find this more convenient than driving to a traditional SoS office! We are here to serve you! Thank you!”