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During Economic Growth Roundtable, Governor Announces Over $400,000 for Greater Marshfield Area | |||
During Economic Growth Roundtable, Governor Announces Over $400,000 for Greater Marshfield AreaDuring an economic growth roundtable in Marshfield today, Governor Jim Doyle announced a series of state grants, loans and technology zone credits totaling more than $400,000 that will help boost the area’s economy, create jobs, assist dislocated workers and bolster tourism efforts. Before a tour of Dental Crafters, Inc. in Marshfield, the Governor announced that the Department of Commerce will provide $99,000 in Technology tax credits to assist the company’s expansion. A second-generation, family-owned business, Dental Crafters, Inc. produces a variety of replacement teeth products. The grant will assist the company as it constructs and equips a new dental laboratory and office at a cost of over $1 million. The expansion project will create 7 new jobs at an average wage of $12.63/hour plus benefits. "My Grow Wisconsin initiative supports the growth and development of technology development businesses across our state," Governor Doyle said. "Firms like Dental Crafters, Inc. develop the new products and processes that find acceptance in emerging markets. This project will further the development of a technology base in north central Wisconsin." The Governor also announced that Commerce is providing a Milk Volume Production Loan totaling $50,000 to Jeffrey Mork of Mork Century Farms in Amherst to assist in the expansion of the farm’s existing herd and the modernization of its dairy operation. "By providing low-interest loans for dairy producers seeking to expand their milk production capacity, we assist Wisconsin cheesemakers in having a supply of high-quality Wisconsin milk that will allow them to continue to meet the demands of the cheese market," Doyle said. Mork Century Farms milks 108 cows and farms 400 acres. The loan will allow the farm to modernize its facilities and expand its dairy operation by adding 120 cows. At the roundtable, the Governor also announced that the Marshfield Convention and Visitors Bureau will receive a $10,268 state tourism grant through the Department of Tourism’s Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program to promote area visitor spending. The JEM grant program awards $1.1 million each year to help non-profit tourism organizations attract visitors through unique events and promotions. The grant to the Marshfield Convention and Visitor’s Bureau will be used to help advertise the Treasures for Tomorrow Quilt Show that will be held October 31 through November 2, 2003. The funds, matched by local promotional dollars, will help cover the cost of advertising in news media, on the internet, radio, television, and a direct mail campaign. "We are pleased to partner with the Marshfield Convention and Visitors Bureau," Governor Doyle said. "This event will attract the attention of quilt makers throughout the Midwest and bring traveler spending to the Marshfield area." The Governor additionally announced today that $246,515 in additional federal funds will be directed to the Workforce Development Board for North Central Wisconsin to assist workers who have lost their jobs from several plants in the north central area of the state. Dislocated workers from Stora Enso to Roundy’s to Marshfield Door System to Blue Cross/Blue Shield are eligible for additional services, including career counseling, job search assistance, classroom, vocational, and on-the-job training, outreach and recruitment, job development and placement, basic remedial education, English as a Second Language, and support services. "These are difficult economic times, and many Wisconsin families have lost their source of income," Governor Doyle said. "This assistance will mean real help for dislocated workers who are trying get back on their feet and support their families." Division of Administrative Services |
