CONTACT: Dean R. Kaufert, Neenah Mayor
(920)886-6104
(920)450-3058 (cell)

“I want to Thank Governor Walker for reaching out to the hard working
employees in the Fox Valley and looking to help find ways to keep Kimberly-
Clark’s two mills operating in the Neenah area. Last Wednesday the Governor
returned my call within hours of the announcement and we discussed ways to
help find ways to retain its operation here.”

Neenah is the birthplace of Kimberly-Clark manufacturing facilities and ensuring
the company continues to have a manufacturing presence in the community is
vital to the region.

In addition, the supply chain impact also would have a serious negative to our
region and community.

During our discussion I stressed to the Governor that job retention is as important
to the region as bringing new companies in. The effort to attract Foxconn
investment is noteworthy and a positive for Wisconsin. The State also stepped up
a few years ago when Mercury Marine was considering moving operations.
Neenah is home to many of the employees who make their living, buy homes and
services and raise families here due to the quality of life here. The skilled trained
workforce is an asset to the company and the area.

The Governors willingness to have Wisconsin Economic Development Council
partner with the Fox Cities Regional Partnership and New North shows that he is
concerned and listening to local leaders in searching out solutions for the
company and workers.

My hope is a meeting can be held with the Governor’s Office, State of Wisconsin
officials and elected leaders, Kimberly-Clark management and labor
representatives along with local government leaders to find ways to make this
work.

I have also spoken with Village President Dale Youngquist, Representative Mike
Rohrkaste and Senator Roger Roth about how we can collaborate to help this
process.

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