Any employing unit which is not a resident of this State and which exercises the privilege of having one or more individuals perform services for it within this State, and any resident employing unit which exercises that privilege and thereafter removes from this State, shall be deemed thereby to appoint the Secretary of State as its agent and attorney for the acceptance of process or notice in any judicial or administrative proceeding under this Act. The filing of such process or notice with the Secretary of State shall be sufficient service upon or notice to such employing unit and shall be of the same force and validity as if served upon it personally within this State if (A) notice of the service of such process or notice together with a copy thereof is sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, to such employing unit at its principal place of business or its last known place of business or residence and (B) an affidavit of compliance with the provisions of this Section and a copy of the notice of service are appended to the original of the process filed in the course of such action.
     Such continuances in any such action shall be granted as are necessary to afford such employing unit a reasonable opportunity to defend its interests.