For Immediate Release:  Monday, June 16, 2003

For More Information: Mary Lehecka Nelson, State Development, 605-773-5032

All Efforts Exhausted to Keep Rosco in Madison

Pierre -  The state and the Lake Area Improvement Corporation have exhausted all efforts to keep Rosco operating in Madison, according to John Calvin, secretary, Department of  Tourism and State Development.

“We have been working on this deal literally around the clock,” Calvin said. “We’ve put together several packages, including one where South Dakota investors were willing to purchase the company. We were really optimistic about it, but in the end, the company was not willing to sell,” he said.

State and city officials started working on saving the 100 jobs in Madison in late May when the new owner, LeeBoy of Denver, NC, announced it would be moving the Madison operation to North Carolina.

“The Governor is keenly aware of the situation in Madison and directed us to do whatever we could to keep these jobs in South Dakota. The company wasn’t willing to sell, so now we are looking at other ways to help find jobs for the displaced workers,” Calvin said.

“Right now we are looking at some incentive packages for existing businesses in Madison that are willing to hire displaced workers,” Calvin said. “Our immediate concern is to find jobs for those impacted by Rosco’s closing,” he added.

Russ Olson, executive director of the Lake Area Improvement Corporation, said, he is confident the Madison’s outstanding labor force will be a drawing card in helping find a replacement for Rosco. “We have people driving in from 16 surrounding areas to work at this company. These are obviously hardworking, committed employees who will be an asset to any company willing to hire them,” he said.

Olson concluded by thanking the state for its efforts. “The LAIC and city of Madison are grateful for the efforts that the Governor and John Calvin and his staff put forth in trying to save the jobs in Madison,” he said.

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