| TORRINGTON, Wyo.-- Goshen County has laid $100,000 on the
table to help maintain the local sugar industry.
In addition to contributions from the county and the city
of Torrington, the Goshen County Economic Development
Corporation has secured funds from Pinnacle Bank, First
National Bank, Platte Valley Bank, Food Pride and other
entities to help obtain sufficient acres to operate the Holly
Sugar Company factory in Torrington for the 2001 crop year.
The feat was accomplished in less than 48 hours after
economic development director Scott Sutherland approached his
board of directors with the idea.
"Scott brought the idea to us, and we fine tuned
it," said Todd Peterson, board member and president of
Pinnacle Bank. "The money will be used only for cash
leases. There are landlords who are willing to have beets on
their land, but theyre concerned about payment because of
the Chapter 11. This should make them feel more secure, and we
should get the acres to put us over the top for this
crop."
According to Sutherland, the money will be administered
through his office. In addition to local businesses and
entities, funding will also come through the Wyrulec revolving
loan fund. Goshen County and Torrington both increased their
contributions to the corporation by $10,000 on Tuesday as
their shares of the fund. Sutherland said the money would only
be used when the go ahead is given to run the factory this
year. The funds will be administered through the Goshen County
Economic Development Corporation as zero percent loans.
Details on the process will be available from Sutherlands
office.
"The money is there," Sutherland emphasized.
"Were ready to go when the acres are there."
The county and city of Torrington joined the project in
order to help maintain the areas agriculture economy.
"We feel its very important to keep the jobs at
Holly for at least another year to give the growers a chance
to acquire the factory," said Alberta Montz, chairman of
the county commission. "We need to maintain the economy
of the county, and this seemed like the thing to do."
Torrington Mayor Mike Varney led the city in passing a
resolution in support of the sugar industry and approving the
additional $10,000 contribution to the economic development
corporation.
"The city feels strongly that we need to preserve the
factory in Torrington. If we dont, were the losers here
in Torrington," Varney said. "I feel the city of
Torrington needs to take the lead in showing people we
appreciate the farmers who raise beets.
"I hope people look at this as our investment in the
economic community, and we want to show the beet growers we
believe in them" Varney said.
Kelvin Thompsen, agriculture director for Holly Sugar, said
the fund is a valuable tool in acquiring additional acres.
"Its a great tool to offset costs and encourage
growers to get additional acres for beets," he said.
"We really appreciate the support of the community and
the economic development corporation for their support of the
growers and the industry."
"Everybody has really stepped up to the plate,"
said Rick Griffith, Holly agriculture manager in Torrington.
"Its great to see the support and the community effort
to continue the success Holly has had in Goshen County since
1926."
Griffith said the company expects at least 20,000 acres
will be committed for the 2001 crop. "Were still
contracting, and anyone interested should contact Holly,"
he said.
Sutherland said anyone wanting to contribute to the fund
should contact him at the GCEDC office. |