The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is providing an additional $40,000 to an existing technical assistance contract with the Western U.P. Planning & Development Region (WUPPDR). The emergency and temporary increase will match a $60,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) in addition to support from Baraga and Ontonagon counties.
“We recognize the severe economic plight of this critical region of the state,” Greg Main, MEDC President and CEO, said. “The additional funding will facilitate immediate economic development strategies to address business attraction, retention and growth within the region.” Main added that the Western U.P. has several Renaissance Zones located in Houghton, Ontonagon and Gogebic counties providing virtually tax-free development within their borders.
Smurfit-Stone announced plans on December 14 to close the Ontonagon plant effective December 31, filing bankruptcy. Another local employer, Terex Handlers in Baraga, also permanently closed their doors at the end of December by shifting all work to their Redmond, Wash. facility, throwing 90 employees out of work. In addition, White Pine Refinery, also located in Ontonagon County, has announced plans to close its facility in July. They currently have 60 employees.
Baraga County had the state’s highest employment rate, 25.6 percent, last November, and the third-highest in the nation. The jobless rate in Ontonagon County is 17.4 percent.
Chicago-based Smurfit-Stone is one of the industry’s leading integrated containerboard and corrugated packaging producers, and one of the world’s largest paper recyclers.
WUPPDR comprises the six counties of Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a partnership between the state and local communities, promotes smart economic growth by developing strategies and providing services to create and retain good jobs and a high quality of life. For more information visit the Web site at MEDC
 |
All comment postings require your name and email address for user verification only. Your email address will not be used or distributed for any other purpose.
No advertising is permitted and will result in the post being deleted and/or banning. Please click "REPORT" to report any inappropriate posts. blog comments powered by Disqus
Permission to Reproduce:
Unless otherwise stated, the copyright and similar rights to all material published on this website are owned by The Manufacturers Group Inc. DBA Manufacturing & Technology eJournal( mfrtech.com ). Reproduction of any article in print, electronic or any other form must acknowledge mfrtech.com as the Source and include a link to http://www.mfrtech.com
 |
