Dept. of Commerce: Governor Doyle announces $130,000 in tax credits to help Whitehall Holdings expand

Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608/267-9661

Project to create 22 jobs in Trempealeau County

WHITEHALL – Governor Jim Doyle announced today that Whitehall Holdings, Whitehall, Trempealeau County will receive $130,000 in economic development tax credits for an expansion project that will create 22 new jobs for the community. Department of Commerce Secretary Aaron Olver made the announcement on behalf of the Governor during a visit to the company.

“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. “I am pleased that we could provide this assistance to Whitehall Holdings to help the company grow and provide new jobs for families in Trempealeau County.”

“Our strong local workforce has always been the key to our success,” said Steve Fawcett, Whitehall Holdings President. “And with the new addition, we will have over 300 employees, all located in Wisconsin.”

Since taking office in 2003, Governor Doyle has worked aggressively to help grow Wisconsin’s economy, help businesses create and retain jobs, and position the state for future growth. Governor Doyle’s budget last year created some of the strongest economic development tools in the nation to help businesses create jobs and get people back to work. Wisconsin now has powerful new tax credits to help manufacturers create and retain jobs, new tools to help investors create start-ups, and new incentives to spur research and development.

Whitehall Holdings is closely affiliated with Whitehall Specialties, Inc., which produces and markets cheese and cheese substitutes. Most of its customers are industrial users that incorporate the company’s products into frozen pizzas and other entrees. The company recently completed an 18,000 square foot addition to its Specialty Way facility. The new addition is home to a new sliced cheese manufacturing line that will create 22 jobs and represent $6,150,000 in total investment.

For more information on Commerce programs and services, contact the Commerce area development manager at http://commerce.wi.gov/BD/BD-AreaDevManagers.html