Official Statement of Commerce and Community Development Secretary Kevin Dorn on Democratic Party Press Release on Vermont Tubbs

CONTACT: David Mace (802) 828-5229 July 10, 2008 Official Statement of Commerce and Community Development Secretary Kevin Dorn on Democratic Party Press Release on Vermont Tubbs A recent press release issued by Vermont Democratic Coordinated Campaign Director Kristina Althoff is patently inaccurate. Ms. Althoff reports that “Vermont Tubbs is just another example of Douglas' failed leadership and his inability to deliver results. Even worse in this case is the fact that the governor wasted half a million taxpayer dollars less than three months ago to supposedly keep this company and its jobs in Vermont.”

This is completely false. The Vermont Community Development Program authorized a $500,000 grant to the town of Brandon this spring, which was to be loaned to the former owners of Vermont Tubbs. The company never asked for the money, and it was never sent to the town. The money was not “wasted.” Furthermore, this Agency did everything reasonable within its authority to keep these jobs in Vermont. That included assisting Vermont Tubbs securing financing from the Vermont Economic Development Authority in 2003 when the management team acquired the company from its primary lender.

We will continue to do what we can to support the workers at Tubbs and the people of Brandon. Governor Douglas has made it clear that while we want to encourage new businesses to relocate or expand in Vermont, helping our existing companies thrive and grow is our highest priority.