Governor Doyle, Beloit Businesses Urge Legislature to Fund Job Creation

For Immediate Release: August 22, 2007
Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608/267-9661
Contacts: Carla Vigue, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162

Wisconsin Development Fund Has Created 3,238 Thousand Jobs

BELOIT - Governor Jim Doyle today joined business leaders from Kerry Americas, Regal Beloit and other Beloit businesses to urge the State Legislature to support the Wisconsin Development Fund (WDF), the state's major job creation tool, which over the last four years has helped create 3,238 good-paying jobs in Wisconsin. The budget passed by the State Assembly slashes more than $35 million from the WDF - significantly compromising Wisconsin's economic outlook by limiting the state's ability to attract and retain jobs in Wisconsin.

"For Wisconsin's economy to thrive, we have to make key investments that support good, Wisconsin businesses - and it starts with supporting the Wisconsin Development Fund," Governor Doyle said. "The Wisconsin Development Fund is the primary tool we use to create and retain businesses and good-paying jobs in this state."

Governor Doyle joined with Beloit business leaders, highlighting the business expansion and retention in the Beloit area that were made possible through the Wisconsin Development Fund.

• At Kerry Americas, the fund helped the international company establish its American headquarters in Beloit after exploring options in other states, including Illinois, helping the company retain 800 jobs and create 250 new jobs;
• At Beloit Regal, the fund helped the world leading mechanical motion and control manufacturer expand its headquarters, and train workers with new skills;
• At Beloit Box, the fund helped the business invest $1.5 million in new equipment and train 34 workers with new skills; and
• At Kettle Foods, the fund helped the company purchase new equipment, acquire more space and more capital, and take on more than 100 new employees.

The WDF is the state's largest economic development fund. Over the last four years, it has helped 40 businesses expand in Wisconsin. It is also a vital resource for training workers with the skills they need for the jobs of the future, and for uniting entrepreneurs with the capital they need to get their ideas off the ground.

Governor Doyle's budget more than doubles funding for the WDF - providing more than $50 million to support business expansion, retention, and targeted business attraction. Under Governor Doyle's budget, the WDF will also help Wisconsin manufactures adopt Lean manufacturing techniques, launch the state's first cellulosic ethanol plant, and support regional economic development organizations, from the M-7 to the New North to REDE in Madison, to Centergy, and Momentum.

The Wisconsin Development Fund will also help support new emerging industries, like renewable energy and stem cell research.

Supporting the Wisconsin Development Fund is part of Governor Doyle's broad agenda to grow the state economy - from investing in industries, businesses and workers, to investing in education and providing access to affordable, comprehensive health care, Governor Doyle is creating opportunity for all hardworking Wisconsin citizens, and ensuring a bright future for Wisconsin.

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