Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

Wednesday, June 09, 2003 Governor Jim Doyle Secretary Roberta Gassman

News Media Contact Rose Lynch 608/266-6753 e-mail: news@dwd.state.wi.us fax: 608/266-1784

Governor Announces Rapid Response Assistance
for Laid-off Fleming Employees
Services to be Provided for Fleming Employees in Superior

Following the news of the recent job loss, Governor Jim Doyle spoke with Mayor Dave Ross of Superior today to pledge his support in bringing economic growth to the area. "We are committed to helping the people of Superior through this difficult transition, by working to bring long term economic growth to Superior," said Doyle.

Department of Commerce Secretary Cory Nettles has also contacted Mayor Ross to offer the department's help to the community as it confronts this major job loss. The mayor and local officials will meet today and come back to Commerce with a request for specific types of assistance.

Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman spoke with city officials to provide details on DWD's plans for assisting the individuals directly impacted by the layoffs. DWD will be providing an additional $25,000 for rapid response start up and will assist the 262 employees affected by the facility closing.

DWD's Dislocated Worker Program provides rapid response assistance to workers, companies, and communities affected by business closings or mass layoffs. The Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board and the local Job Center will ensure that employment and training services are made available quickly through locally operated programs and state rapid response coordinators. Rapid response coordinators work with company officials to implement orientation meetings for affected employees, determine what specific services employees need, coordinate services among private and public employment training agencies, assist in developing re-employment strategies, and applying for additional funds for special projects.

Affected Fleming employees can select available benefits and services through the local Workforce Development Board, Job Service, Unemployment Insurance and the Vocational Technical College System. Specific services available to employees include: comprehensive skill level assessment, career counseling, job search and placement assistance, development of individual or group employment plans, individual counseling, career planning and case management.

The notice for the rapid response meeting will be forthcoming from the Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board. For more information about Dislocated Worker services, contact Ana Toledo at the Wisconsin Dislocated Worker Unit at (608) 266-0745. All calls will be kept confidential.

News Release Index Page

Division of Administrative Services
Content Contact: Rose Lynch