Even as Madison's manufacturing plants have laid off workers or cut hours, we see other sectors of our local economy growing, and even signs of life in manufacturing.
The Lake Area Improvement Corporation reported to investors in its "Forward Madison" program that some jobs are being created at other local businesses, such as Secure Banking Solutions. While the overall numbers aren't huge, they are good jobs with excellent prospects for the future.
With its large, new facility on east Highway 34 almost complete, James River Equipment has been adding staff. The South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems will soon move to Madison and add positions. A Willmar, Minn.-based company called West Central, Inc. has purchased a building in Madison for a warehouse.
Optimism extends to other areas as well. Dakota State University's enrollment looks to be up again this year. A new loan fund has already approved three new low-interest business loans in the area. The Lakeview Industrial Park's expansion is making progress and Heartland Consumers Power District's new LEED-certified headquarters building is taking shape.
Even the beleaguered manufacturing sector might see the light at the end of the tunnel. While Gehl Mustang is still only making skid steer loaders a few days a month, the company has worked down much of its finished goods inventory. As the national recovery gets under way, the plant will need to start building more.
This isn't the best of times, but we're enthused that a number of small accomplishments is boosting the optimism for renewed growth in Madison and Lake County.
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