Winnebago County Republican Central Committee 2222 E State Street, Suite A-106 Rockford, IL 61104 Office phone: 815-387-2874

Website: http://wcrcc.com July 17, 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jim Thompson, WCRCC Chairman Work phone: 815-963-4895 E-mail: countygopchair@gmail.com

NEW CHAIRMAN FOR THE WINNEBAGO COUNTY REPUBLICANS James C. Thompson, a Rockford lawyer, has become chairman of the Winnebago County Republican Central Committee, following the resignation of Jan Klaas. Klaas, who served as chairman since 2006, submitted her resignation earlier this month, citing personal reasons for leaving the post. Thompson has served as vice-chair of the organization for over five years, as well as in other leadership positions throughout his twenty-year involvement with the party. A graduate of Rockford College and the University of Illinois College of Law, he has practiced law in Winnebago County since 1988. He is a partner with Shriver, O'Neill & Thompson, with offices in Rockford and Belvidere, where he concentrates on civil litigation and estate planning. He has been active in the local bar associations, has been a member of the county Crime and Public Safety Commission and is a member of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Rockford, where he serves on the pastoral council. He is also known for his music interests, including involvement at his church, performing with SWING Productions (Rockford) and past participation in local barbershop groups. Thompson has resided in Winnebago County since 1988; his wife, Lori, is executive director of the MERIT program, while their son Michael is a senior at Boylan Catholic High School. ###