PEORIA — On the heels of Caterpillar Inc.'s decision to move its corporate headquarters out of Peoria, the region's top two non-Caterpillar employers are affirming their commitment to the region.

OSF HealthCare and UnityPoint Health-Peoria employ the bulk of the nearly 30,000 people who work in the health care industry — more even than manufacturing. CEOs of both systems delivered via separate news releases emphatic statements of the their continued commitment to creating jobs in the region.

"We respect Caterpillar’s decision and are pleased the company’s presence in the Peoria area will remain strong. As the region’s third-largest employer, we are committed to partnering with local leaders and doing our part to ensure the Peoria region remains economically vital for years to come," said Debbie Simon, president and CEO of UnityPoint Health-Peoria.

OSF HealthCare, whose history in Peoria predates even Caterpillar's, has added 310 leadership positions in the Peoria area in the last two years, including 213 physicians and advanced practice providers, and in the last 10 years invested about $923 million in the community.

"OSF HealthCare will continue to play a lead role in the growth and diversification of the Peoria economy. Throughout work in health care innovation, OSF has brought new products to market and through collaboration with the University of Illinois, makes Peoria a regional and statewide hub for medical care, research, and product development," CEO Kevin Schoeplein said.

"As it has been the case for decades, OSF HealthCare remains committed to the Peoria area."

Laura Nightengale is the Journal Star health and lifestyle reporter. She can be reached at 686-3181 and lnightengale@pjstar.com. Follow her at twitter.com/lauranight.