ALBANY - Men, women and families left hopeful Monday night after attending a community support seminar for those affected when Ogden Manufacturing closes its doors.
Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, led the seminar. About 70 people attended.
"We want all of you to know that there is community support and that we're all in this together," Davis said. "Whatever type of help you want, there are resources available."
Albany's largest employer, Chromalox, the parent company of Ogden Manufacturing, announced in early May it is closing factories in Albany and Orfordville starting in July and August.
Eighty jobs in Albany and 30 jobs in Orfordville will be eliminated. The company manufactures electric heat and control products.
"This is a big loss to the community," Village President Larry Hanson said. "Losing 80 positions in a village this size will create just as large of an impact, maybe even larger, as 700 jobs lost at General Motors in Janesville."
Representatives from Green County Human Services, the Green County Health Department, Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, Green County Board of Supervisors, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, staffing firms QPS and Aerotek, Blackhawk Technical College, First Banking Center and Green County Development Corporation attended to provide information for programs and services that are available.
The mood lightened some when school district Superintendent Stephen Guenther offered the school's resources - guidance counselors, software, computers, rooms, staff, resume writing, whatever is wanted.
"We don't have a problem working with people over 18," Guenther said.
"Knowing that the schools are the backbone of the community of Albany, it's no wonder that Stephen's words offered hope," Davis said.
"We are here," Guenther said. "Let us know how we can help."
Most of the representatives talked specifically about the programs or services they or their agency offer.
Robert Borremans, executive director of the Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, reassured those in attendance that the "job market is pretty good right now."
"There are many employers looking for good, qualified individuals with good work ethics," Borremans said. "You need to make the contacts or go back to school to find the right job for you."
Kathy Doubleday of the state's unemployment division explained many questions would be answered at the Rapid Response Program on June 3.
Anna Schramke from Green County Development Corporation encouraged people to get the "entrepreneurial spirit" and start their own business and talked about the resources available.
A representative from Blackhawk Technical College enthusiastically highlighted the opportunities for continuing education and the available free career guidance service.
"You might find a completely new direction that you didn't even anticipate," she said.
Many members of the Albany Village Board attended, including Hanson, who assisted in organizing the seminar.
"Judging by the turnout, this was extremely worthwhile," said Hanson, who is directly affected by Ogden Manufacturing closing. His wife Jill has worked for the company for 28 years.
Hanson remains optimistic, however.
"Albany has seen new developments within the last year, including the new Monroe Clinic and the library," Hanson said. "Hopefully, it won't be too long and another business will occupy Ogden's building."
Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, led the seminar. About 70 people attended.
"We want all of you to know that there is community support and that we're all in this together," Davis said. "Whatever type of help you want, there are resources available."
Albany's largest employer, Chromalox, the parent company of Ogden Manufacturing, announced in early May it is closing factories in Albany and Orfordville starting in July and August.
Eighty jobs in Albany and 30 jobs in Orfordville will be eliminated. The company manufactures electric heat and control products.
"This is a big loss to the community," Village President Larry Hanson said. "Losing 80 positions in a village this size will create just as large of an impact, maybe even larger, as 700 jobs lost at General Motors in Janesville."
Representatives from Green County Human Services, the Green County Health Department, Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, Green County Board of Supervisors, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, staffing firms QPS and Aerotek, Blackhawk Technical College, First Banking Center and Green County Development Corporation attended to provide information for programs and services that are available.
The mood lightened some when school district Superintendent Stephen Guenther offered the school's resources - guidance counselors, software, computers, rooms, staff, resume writing, whatever is wanted.
"We don't have a problem working with people over 18," Guenther said.
"Knowing that the schools are the backbone of the community of Albany, it's no wonder that Stephen's words offered hope," Davis said.
"We are here," Guenther said. "Let us know how we can help."
Most of the representatives talked specifically about the programs or services they or their agency offer.
Robert Borremans, executive director of the Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, reassured those in attendance that the "job market is pretty good right now."
"There are many employers looking for good, qualified individuals with good work ethics," Borremans said. "You need to make the contacts or go back to school to find the right job for you."
Kathy Doubleday of the state's unemployment division explained many questions would be answered at the Rapid Response Program on June 3.
Anna Schramke from Green County Development Corporation encouraged people to get the "entrepreneurial spirit" and start their own business and talked about the resources available.
A representative from Blackhawk Technical College enthusiastically highlighted the opportunities for continuing education and the available free career guidance service.
"You might find a completely new direction that you didn't even anticipate," she said.
Many members of the Albany Village Board attended, including Hanson, who assisted in organizing the seminar.
"Judging by the turnout, this was extremely worthwhile," said Hanson, who is directly affected by Ogden Manufacturing closing. His wife Jill has worked for the company for 28 years.
Hanson remains optimistic, however.
"Albany has seen new developments within the last year, including the new Monroe Clinic and the library," Hanson said. "Hopefully, it won't be too long and another business will occupy Ogden's building."