Red Rock On Air

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle, Monday, announced three state awards to boost the economy of Northwestern Wisconsin and grow local jobs. Governor Doyle presented workforce training grant to Indianhead Technical College, and tax credits to support growth at Great Northern Corporation and Air Motion Systems. The Governor was joined by new Commerce Secretary Dick Leinenkugel for the announcements.

“To ensure Wisconsin succeeds in the future, we must continue to invest in the skills of our workers and our world-class manufacturers in all corners of the state,” Governor Doyle said. “I am pleased the state is partnering with Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, Great Northern Corporation, and Air Motion Systems to create jobs, boost workforce training, and grow the economy of northwestern Wisconsin.”

Today Governor Doyle awarded three Workforce Advancement Training Grants to Indianhead Technical College to work with manufacturers in Northeast Wisconsin. These grants, totaling nearly $212,000, will allow Indianhead to build Northeast Wisconsin’s local manufacturing workforce by providing critical training to update worker skills, improve quality and productivity, boost communication and performance skills, and provide resources for career advancement.

As a result of these grants, more than 400 workers will receive thousands of hours of training to learn project management techniques, and bridge skill gaps vital to success in challenging markets. Companies benefiting from the grants include OEW Fabricators, Federal Foam, Northwire and four Northwestern Wisconsin plastic industry companies. Since Governor Doyle established the WAT program in the 2005-07 budget, more than 28,000 incumbent workers have been trained, resulting in improved employee skills, cost savings to businesses, and lower turnover rates.

Governor Doyle also announced that Great Northern Corporation of Chippewa Falls will receive $250,000 in Technology Zone tax credits. The credits will support Great Northern Corporation’s $3.75 million project to invest in cutting-edge digital printing equipment. The project is expected to create 25 new positions.

Great Northern Corporation, founded in 1962, provides custom packaging and distribution services and employs 712 workers across the state. The company designs, manufactures and distributes packaging solutions and point-of-sale display programs for industrial, commercial and retail products.

In addition, Governor Doyle today announced that Air Motion Systems, Inc. of River Falls will receive $250,000 in Technology Zone tax credits to support its relocation from Colorado. The $3.55 million project is expected to create 53 new positions.

Air Motion Systems, started in 1997, designs, manufactures, sells and services ultraviolet (UV) curing systems. The company provides and helps with the maintenance of products for the UV printing industry. Air Motion Systems plans to relocate to a manufacturing facility in River Falls. The new facility will also have space for offices, a showroom, R&D, engineering and quality control.

(From Office of Gov. Doyle)