Gov. Doyle: Announces $1.5 Million loan to help Logistics Health create 290 new jobs

Contacts: Laura Smith, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162

Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661

La Crosse Company Plans to Expand Operations

LA CROSSE – Governor Jim Doyle today announced that the state is providing a $1.5 million loan to Logistics Health in La Crosse to help the company expand its operations and create 290 new jobs. The funding announcement builds on Governor Doyle’s efforts to grow Wisconsin and create and retain jobs.

“My number one priority this year is helping our businesses create jobs and giving our workers the opportunities to get those jobs,” Governor Doyle said. “We have been a great partner with Logistics Health over the years, and we are pleased to provide this assistance to help the company grow and provide new jobs for families in the Coulee Region.”

Logistics Health provides cost-effective, innovative healthcare solutions to government and commercial organizations. It will grow its La Crosse operations to accommodate expanded contract opportunities. The company expects to create up to 290 new full-time positions. The Department of Commerce is providing a $1.5 million loan through the Wisconsin Development Fund to assist with the project.

Governor Doyle also announced a $30,000 regional marketing grant from the Department of Commerce to 7 Rivers Alliance, Inc. to help the organization develop a regional brand strategy and marketing plan. The project represents $60,000 in total investment. 7 Rivers Alliance is a regional leadership group fostering collaboration in western Wisconsin, southeastern Minnesota, and northeastern Iowa.

Since taking office in 2003, Governor Doyle has worked aggressively to create and retain jobs in Wisconsin. Because of Governor Doyle’s leadership, Wisconsin now has some of the most powerful economic development tools in the country. The Governor’s efforts have helped Wisconsin companies expand and create thousands of new jobs in communities throughout the state. The Governor has also worked to improve Wisconsin’s tax ranking and business climate. Today, Wisconsin ranks 30th in business taxes – well below the national average.

The Governor has laid out plans to continue building the state’s economy and create jobs, including passing the Clean Energy Jobs Act to create 15,000 jobs in the emerging clean energy economy; creating the Wisconsin Green to Gold Fund to help manufacturers reduce energy costs and create and retain jobs; and passing the CORE Jobs Act to strengthen successful programs for manufacturing, research and development, and worker training.