DUFFY TOURS CHIPPEWA COUNTY BUSINESSES

CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI —U.S. Congressman Sean Duffy toured local businesses in Chippewa County today.

“Small businesses are the engine of our local economy,”said Congressman Duffy.  “They are where most people work, and where most new jobs are created.  We need to be doing everything we can to encourage and empower them to grow, invest and create more jobs.”

After receiving an “Economic Development Update” from the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation, Congressman Duffy toured EOG Resources in Chippewa Falls.

“EOG recognizes what we’ve known here in Western Wisconsin for many years, that we have an extremely productive, hard-working and competitive workforce,”Congressman Duffy noted.“Their presence in this area is precisely the kind of investment that will pave the way to economic recovery.”

“Given the current unemployment rate of 7.4 percent in the state of Wisconsin, EOG is pleased to be a part of a project that we expect to bring 40 to 50 solid, good paying, new jobs to this area over the next year,”said Tim Stauffer, Regional Operations Manager.  “It has been a pleasure to work with members of the business community and our elected officials to get this project moving. We look forward to being a good neighbor in the Chippewa Falls for years to come.”

From EOG, Congressman Duffy  went on to Extrusion Dies Industries in Chippewa Falls where he toured their facility after a “Brown Bag Networking Lunch” with over 20 local business leaders and elected officials.

Congressman Duffy had this to say: “What we need from government are policies that will encourage innovation – because that’s what the private sector does best.  What government should not be doing is piling on higher taxes, burdensome regulations and costly mandates. Extrusion Dies Industries is the perfect example of a local business that can succeed if government allows it to.”

Gary Edwards, the CEO of Extrusion Dies Industries added: “As an innovator in our industry and the community, there are critical components of the upcoming jobs bill that could have a lasting impression on our company.  In addition, as customers of a health insurance company that just made sizeable rate increases, the Health Care Bill may have considerable impact on us.  We are honored to host Congressman Duffy and giveour employees the chance to discuss how the upcoming bills might affect them.”

The third business that Congressman Duffy toured was Superior Silica Sands, LLC in New Auburn, WI.

After receiving an update from Richard Shearer, the President and CEO, Congressman Duffy noted: “As I hear from business leaders in our community, I continue to hear about their genuine desire to expand, grow and create jobs.  Superior Silica Sands is proof that if we empower the real job creators to invest in our communities, our friends and neighbors are the ones who benefit.”

“We are delighted to host a visit by Congressman Duffy to our new frac sand operations in Chippewa County Wisconsin,”Mr. Shearer said.  “With the Congressman's support, and that of the Chippewa County Economic Development Corp., we have found western Wisconsin to be an ideal arena for new business opportunities.  In addition to the high quality frac sand deposits in the area, the ‘business friendly’ environment that exists within the State of Wisconsin has provided Superior Silica Sands with a new and exciting high growth business model.  We are anxious to have a substantial corporate presence in Chippewa and Barron Counties by this fall.”

After a successful business tour throughout Chippewa County, Congressman Duffy thanked all the businesses and the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation:  “As always, I’m grateful for the hospitality, honesty and counsel of the leaders in our local business community.  Moving forward, we will continue to partner in ways that will make Wisconsin more competitive and lead the way to economic recovery.”

NOTE: Pictures from Congressman Duffy’s visits and constituent events throughout the district during June’s first district work week will be continually posted here: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjv3T8Cj.