Governor Ryan Cuts Ribbon at New Champaign One-Stop Center

CHAMPAIGN - Governor George H. Ryan today cut the ribbon at the state's newest and first fully functional One-Stop Center. The Center is one of seven in Illinois designed to provide comprehensive employment services to their communities.

"These centers are focused on the customer to meet the needs and desires of employers and job seekers, as well as those individuals and families needing supportive services," Governor Ryan said. "By becoming the primary resource in a community for workforce development, job seekers and employers alike find comprehensive employment services in one location."

The centers provide coordinated services for their communities through co-located state agencies, community colleges and community-based organizations. The desired result is better customer service. By providing training and employment to job seekers through the One-Stop centers, businesses and industries in the community will find a larger base of skilled workers.

"Cutting the ribbon in Champaign today is very special," said Governor Ryan. "The local businesses and agencies shared a vision and determination that enabled this project to be carried out."

The Champaign center is the first fully functional One-Stop Center in the state. The partners first moved into the remodeled, 27,000 square foot building in August. A similar ribbon cutting ceremony took place in Mount Vernon in late August, but that building is not yet occupied. The other "world class" one-stop centers are in Harvey, Marion, East St. Louis, Springfield and Moline. These centers are used as the models for other regional centers throughout the state.

Champaign was not originally designated as a site for one of the six One-Stop Centers in Illinois. Thus, Champaign did not receive any of the $5 million set aside to fund these projects. The unique partnership is largely a result of the collaboration and initiative of the local businesses in the Champaign area.

The Champaign partnership consists of Parkland Community College, Illinois Department of Employment Security, Illinois Department of Human Services, Job Corps, Urbana District 116, Urban League of Champaign County, Illinois Migrant Council, Champaign County Regional Planning Commission and Champaign Consortium WIA Title I. Parkland Community College is the leaseholder.