BALSAM LAKE - Governor Jim Doyle announced today that Bishop Fixture & Millwork of Balsam Lake will receive a $1.2 million Industrial Revenue Bond for an expansion project.

Following an economic development announcement, Gov. Jim Doyle presents a big check to Bishop Fixtures & Millwork Operations Manager Stacy Skemp and Balsam Lake Mayor Laura Mackenzie on Oct. 15.

"My 'Grow Wisconsin' initiative calls for investing in Wisconsin's manufacturing industry," Governor Doyle said. "Bishop Fixture & Millwork is a great example of the kind of company that we have in Wisconsin. It's a company that's committed to producing quality products and is willing to make investments in its workers and community. With this project alone, it plans to create 130 manufacturing jobs for Polk County."

Bishop Fixture & Millwork is a leading manufacturer and installer of wood and metal store fixtures and custom millwork. The company's products include office furniture and retail display fixtures. The company will invest more than $2 million to construct and equip a 45,000 square foot addition to its existing facility. The project will create 130 manufacturing jobs and retain 156 manufacturing jobs.

"We appreciate Governor Doyle's assistance and support as we expand our business to meet market opportunities," said Stacy Skemp, operations manager of Bishop Fixture & Millwork.

Governor Doyle said his Administration's work to foster the growth of business statewide, create high-wage, high-end jobs for citizens, and build a strong economy from the ground up is starting to pay off. The Governor said that his Administration has worked hard to create a better business climate for manufacturers, from not raising any taxes in the budget, to implementing the most aggressive regulatory reform in the Midwest, to helping manufacturers meet the rising costs of energy.

"In the past 12 months, we've created more manufacturing jobs - more than 12,000 - than any of our Midwestern neighbors," Governor Doyle said.

Industrial Revenue Bonds are free of federal tax, issued by local governments, and the proceeds are loaned to new or expanding businesses for development projects. The interest rate is generally below the going prime rate.

For further information about the Industrial Revenue Bond Program, contact Jamie Wall at Department of Commerce at 608-267-0770.

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