Gov. Blagojevich announces town hall meetings to begin hiring process at Thomson Correctional Center

THOMSON-- Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced a series of town hall meetings in Thomson, Port Byron and Morrison to inform residents about the job opportunities that will become available as the Illinois Department of Corrections begins the correctional officer hiring process for the Thomson Correctional Center.

"The Thomson Correctional Center will become an important economic engine in the Quad Cities area, creating dozens of jobs in the region. These town hall meetings will help us inform residents about our plans, and about the job opportunities that will become available," said Gov. Blagojevich.

The meetings will provide information on the employment opportunities and recruitment process for the prison.  Applications will be available for other Thomson Correctional Center positions.  A correctional officer cadet training class is slated to being in late June. 

The minimum-security prison requires approximately 75 employees.  The cost to begin hiring during this year will be $1.2 million and the operational cost for FY07 will be $6.7 million.

The target date to open the minimum-security prison is September 1, 2006.

"We are excited and look forward to talking to those interested in seeking employment as we work toward the opening of the facility.  We applaud the Governor and the legislature for approving this endeavor during their budget making process," said Director Walker.

 "Opening the Thomson Correctional Center is another notch in the belt of the growing economic engine in our district.  I have worked tirelessly with numerous state and local entities so we could bring the opening of this facility to fruition.  These efforts have paid off, and it is clear that even in tough budget times, we can meet the needs of Illinois families," said Sen. Mike Jacobs (D-Moline).

"The opening of Thomson prison is a result of years of hard work," said Rep. Mike Boland (D-Moline).  "These town hall meetings will allow our communities to see the tangible result of these efforts and offers local residents a chance to gather information about employment opportunities and when the hiring process will commence."

Town Hall Informational Meetings Schedule:
 
Thomson Correctional Center  Thursday, May 25, 2006  6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
1100 One Mile Road
Thomson, Ill.

A Prairie Lodge (Reception Hall)  Friday, May 26, 2006  9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
207th Street North
Port Byron, Ill.

Community Room, Odell Public Library Friday, May 26, 2006  2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
307 S. Madison Street
Morrison, Ill.

For more information regarding the application process, visit the Illinois Department of Corrections website at www.idoc.state.il.us or call 217-522-2666 ext. 2100.