Tri-County Economic Development Alliance hopes to fill Centennial Auditorium at Sterling High School for what it describes as a positive, powerful and peaceful show of support.

The Tri-County Economic Development Alliance (TCEDA) is encouraging supporters to attend the official state hearing on the proposed sale of the Thomson Correctional Center to the federal government.

The event, scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. in Centennial Auditorium at Sterling High School, is expected to draw national attention and protests from several groups.

“I know there are a lot of reports out there saying this proposal is a ‘done deal,’ but we’ve heard that about the Thomson prison too many times before,” said TCEDA Interim Director Russ Simpson.

“We are encouraged by recent events, but TCEDA will not rest until we see good jobs filled by hard-working folks from our region. It’s incredibly important that our supporters make a strong showing at the hearing so there is no doubt in the minds of officials in Springfield and Washington that the people of northwest Illinois want this to happen.”

TCEDA asks supporters who plan to attend the hearing to call the agency at 815-273-1153, or email info@tcedaonline.com so it can coordinate logistics and ensure a strong turnout.

“We know that vocal opponents of this proposal – many of whom live outside of the area – plan to descend on Sterling on Tuesday,” Simpson said.

“While these individuals use fear to divide and conquer, the people of our region have set aside partisan differences to unite and transform the economy of northwest Illinois. I hope our friends and neighbors will join TCEDA in Sterling for a positive, powerful and peaceful show of support for this tremendous project.”

Security at the hearing is expected to be tight, including a strong law enforcement presence and metal detectors at the auditorium entrances.

Meeting organizers say doors will open one hour before the hearing, and seating in the auditorium will be on a first come, first served basis.

TCEDA has posted more information about the Thomson prison plan, including a flyer, the White House report on the economic impact of the project, and links to promote the event via Facebook, on its Web site, tcedaonline.com.

About the Tri-County Economic Development Alliance

Headquartered in Savanna, Ill., the Tri-County Economic Development Alliance is a private, not-for-profit 501c6 corporation formed to develop regional public/private partnerships that promote, encourage and support industrial and economic development in Jo Daviess, Carroll and Whiteside Counties.

For more information, visit tcedaonline.com.

    For more information, contact:
    ------------------------------
    Russ Simpson, 815-858-4295 (cell) or rsimpson@jocarroll.com, or
    Michelle Miller, 815-273-1153 (office) or info@tcedaonline.com