Governor Dedicates One-Stop Career Center

Mt. Vernon, Ill. -- Governor George H. Ryan today dedicated the newest of seven, World Class One-Stop Centers in Illinois, similar to others across the state. The center will provide coordinated services for the community through co-located state agencies, community colleges and community organizations.

"With the collaboration of the Local Workforce Boards, we've worked hard together to create One-Stop Centers across the state as one component of a total workforce development system," Ryan said. "The ceremony today is a testament to the hard work and dedication everyone has put forth to create this hub for learning and development."

The centers are customer focused to meet the needs and desires of employers and job seekers, as well as those individuals and families needing supportive services. The partnership between state government, local businesses and local government agencies has led to even more success than was anticipated at the centers. This paved the way for the center in Mount Vernon.

"The center will help business and industry find skilled workers," said Governor Ryan. "It will provide the job seekers with training and employment, and it will contribute to the economic development of the community by tying together education and workforce development."

The Illinois Workforce Advantage team has secured $2 million federal dollars for the One-Stop program. The state has committed $200,000 more toward the development of the program.