Interesting that Wisconsin still has the highest per capita manufacturing in the nation, even though we are a "tax hell" in this free trade era, of jobs going to 3rd world countries.
80 jobs over a decade means another 80 less houses on the market? That is a reach at best. Any new jobs is positive, but what do you bet in the next 10 years that those 80 jobs added will seem like peanuts next to the job losses we continue to suffer? Hate to be pessimist here , but this isnt the big pile of roses that you would like it to be. I HOPE I am wrong, I really do. You can blame it on taxes all you like, I just dont buy it. Again , you can buy into whatever makes you happy.

Blain's is a family owned business yet, "The stores and Blain Supply, however, are under separate ownership." ------------------- Without further details, it sounds like a tax write-off and avoidance gimmick to me.

Fear, my comment about "tax the hell out of them" was about Wisconsin in general, even though the content was about business in Janesville.

according to http://www.taxfoundation.org/files/bp60...., Wisconsin continually ranks around #40 of states in business tax climate, which considers factors of the tax base in determining among other things, how likely that state is to attract and/or retain business. Therefore, I stand by my original statement.

fear, go find another parade to rain on. You're the type of guy that would whine and moan "poor me" about winning the lottery because of the taxes. Is anything good enough for you?

If Janesville's top 10 employers each had this sort of story, we'd all be happy - well, all of us except you. Do you expect Blain's to be the savior for the community? Instead of complaining about what they aren't doing, shouldn't they be praised for what they are? Not in your book I guess.

You are a huge hypocrite. You blast other posters for making assumptions about higher pay when you are making equally uneducated assumptions about lower pay. You blast Blain's for providing jobs in this down economy (something very few companies have done) then you claim that you're a former business owner. If you were really a former business owner you'd appreciate how amazing it is that Blain's has been growing through this horrible recession.

You haven't addressed this... You say adding 80 jobs over the next 10 years won't impact Janesville at all. Then the corollary must be true - taking 80 jobs away over the next 10 years wouldn't affect Janesville either, right? Eighty more houses for sale (supply & demand says that would lower existing home values), 100 less students in school (probably at least 3 teaching jobs lost), and the countless dollars spent at grocery stores, gas stations, etc.

The bottom line is, Janesville needs employers. It doesn't matter if they'll provide 2 or 200 jobs. And an attitude like yours will do nothing to encourage them to come to Janesville.

BelieveMe open up your own company and see how easy it is.

8 jobs a year in the next decade, will resonate through the community for years? You had me until then. There are 60,000 people in this community, 8 jobs a year will resonate? Okay bud if you say so, I guess at this point all I can say is we will see.

Great news! Here is a company that is continuing to grow based on applying many of the principles of running a strong business. To see that they will be adding more jobs to this community, as well as others, is something we should all be glad to read.

Given the fact that this announcement is for the expansion of their corporate headquarters, one should be able to infer that these will be higher paying professional jobs. Sure, some of these jobs will be lower paying ones. Yet, a person shouldn't ever expect an entry level job to pay nearly as much as those held by people with more experience.

One of the most positive aspects of Blain's success is the fact that they are still a private company. Most often the resentment of large companies that gets expressed by people stems from the practices of public corporations. Being a private company, and not having the same obligations to shareholders, they are able to expand at a rate that is appropriate for their business.

Given the many positive traits Blain Supply has going for it, the impact of these jobs will resonate through the community for years to come.

Saw a comment on how we will "tax the hell" out of businesses here in Janesville. Really? Could you please provide some proof of that? My property taxes are lower here than every other place I have lived. Please provide some proof of that statement, or are you just stating that business should pay NO tax, I am guessing that some of you will only be happy when that happens. Then the tax burden will completely shift to the individual. Of course business uses no govt services right?
I just find the ideological fluff unbearable sometimes. To state that Janesville businesses are just carrying this huge tax burden compared to other communities in WI is laughable at best. Take it from someone who has experience with such things(business owner).

Just some, Its great assuming that your bump up in AVG salary is even close. My guess is.... NO! If that assumption makes you feel better then okay, but that is a big assumption. Whatever makes you sleep at night. My guess is that a VERY small percentage of those 80 jobs will fall into that category, your guess is that they all will. We will see where the chips fall.

BelieveMe, even if you are correct, which I don't agree with but am giving you the benefit of the doubt purely for the sake of example, the point is that $213 a week is still higher than zero. What about all those other expenses? Get a roommate who also makes $213 a week, and share rides to and from your "crappy" job. Live with your mother. Whatever. It may not be the luxury you are seeking, but it's still a heck of a lot better than zero, which many people in this community have right now.

In the world of mega-public companies, it's great to see a privately held, local business thrive. I spend $10 at Fleet versus $1 at Wally World. Congratulations.

Steve

Great news! It's always exciting around Blain Supply and Farm and Fleet when the company is growing and stores are added. Congratulations to Bob and Jane for doing a great job growing a local company and providing jobs for Rock County!

Don't forget to build this expansion it will mean contstruction jobs to get that done . Concrete workers ,Electrians, Plumbers Etc adlib. this is a lot more than the 80 they are talking about. This is an addition not moving into some building that already exists

hellojvl, thanks for the input. So there you have it fear. I'm guessing Blain's is smart enough to know that you have to pay more than $30K a year to attract talented IT, operations and accounting people. So now you have 80 people making, let's say, an average of $35K-$40K a year conservatively. Now we're looking at $2.8-$3.2 million a year going into Janesville's economy. I say that's a good thing. What say you?

BelieveMe, you've described exactly what the right-wing loons want in Fitzwalkerstan. Every dollar they can cheat you out of wages, health care and pensions is another dollar they are entitled to. Why? Because they're the "producers" and wages are little more than drains on their profits. After they count their winnings, they can show their high morals and generosity by donating to United Way or the Red Cross. This way their name is put up in lights and inked in newspapers. In the meantime, watch them contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars to politicians to legislate even more tax cuts and credits for them at the expense of programs that put food and roofing over the heads of the working poor - their employees.

fish on;)

"But I do know that many of them will be "career" jobs in "career" fields, like IT, operations, accounting, etc."
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(Speaking as an IT person with an accounting and operations mgmt background.) If Blain Supply plans on attracting and retaining experienced employees for these new positions, they'll have to pay more than 30K and I'm sure they know that. You don't do well enough to expand in a bum economy if you don't understand how to attract and retain talented professionals. Like I said before - I don't believe these jobs will be anywhere near minimum wage and I'm thrilled to hear the company is expanding.

Maybe we ought to put a sign up on the interstate exits for Janesville that reads the following "Entitlement town baby! I want, I want, I want. We deserve, we deserve, we deserve." I love it. The comedy on here gets better every day.

for those of you complaining that it's not enough: I would agree that its not enough, but its more than there is now. After all, what exactly does Janesville offer to attract new business? Tax the hell out of them? sure that will get them here. Hold your hands out and cry that they're not giving enough to those who won't work or who "justify" their measly existence because they won't work for only ____ per hour? Chastising your LOCAL businesses for expanding, no matter what the starting point of the expansion is? Exactly why should a business of any type WANT to come to such a business-hostile community?

Also, the BANKS set the interest rate. The business itself has no say whatsoever what that interest rate is. If you accept a card with an interest rate that you don't like go find a mirror and blame the person looking back at you. You were stupid enough to accept the card at those terms and even moreso to keep using it. If you think F&F is the only place that asks for your ZIP code or phone number you're absolutely nuts. It's called demographics. Trying to see who is shopping there and where they live so they can decide where they might be wise to expand.

fear, you're right. It doesn't matter to me if the jobs are added today or over the next 10 years. To me it's good news that a local employer is growing and adding jobs at all. To me, that's the story. If the story was that a local employer was adding 5 jobs, I would applaud it. After GM, Lear, etc. I would think any news of jobs coming to Rock County would be welcome.

In regards to salary, I really don't know what they will pay. You were making assumptions that they would be minimum wage jobs, I was just countering that. But I do know that many of them will be "career" jobs in "career" fields, like IT, operations, accounting, etc.

Also, many of these $30K/year professionals will bring with them working spouses. Let's say the spouse makes $20K a year. Now you have a household income of $50K and they can absolutely buy a house. The bottom line is, adding jobs = good news, not something to complain about.

just- I think the general disconnect here is that you are acting as if 80 more people got jobs TODAY! Those jobs whatever they may be are going to be added at the pace of 8 per year, and do we even know when the first one will be added?
No offense but a professional position starting salary should be higher than 30k IMO. I made more than that filling vending machines, a lot more.
Even at 30k a year (which I think is high) where in Janesville can you buy a home with that income? Maybe in Beloit(no offense to B-Town) but not here , at least not outside of the 4th ward.

thekidd - Got one of them too. It's not boney, but just the right padding!!

fear, no one is saying this is going to solve all of Janesville's problems, but it's definitely a positive.

I can't say for certain that the jobs will average $30K a year, but I think that would be a fair starting salary for the white collar jobs I previously listed. And in talking with my neighbor, these are the types of jobs that will be added - at least a good portion of them.

If 80 new jobs won't impact the community at all, it would reason that 80 less jobs wouldn't either. So let's say instead that Blain's decided to lay off 80 white collar jobs over the next 10 years. That's 80 more homes for sale, maybe 100 less kids going to Janesville schools, 80 less families spending money in the community. Do you disagree that this would have a negative impact?

The 80 office and warehouse jobs Blain Supply will be adding with their expansion can't make up for the 2200 jobs lost at GM or the 360 lost at Lear or the 130 lost at LSI or, most recently, all the teacher layoffs here in town. But come on, this is a local company that is expanding and growing despite the recession that has hit most businesses and retailers in particular very hard. It is nice to hear that there is some growth in this town for a change. Good luck to Blain Supply and please keep growing.

a sweet derriere will also save you a spot in my boat;)

fo sho swisschick. the more the merrier...especially if they possess a sweet disposition;)

Fair enough Shrek. I guess the main points that I am making is that the impacts these jobs will have on the community as far as property values will be NOTHING. If you live in the City Of Janesville, dont you want the city to start getting jobs that will actually allow folks to buy homes? When we lay off 100+ teachers, what will those 8 jobs at 20,000/yr provide? You will be able to buy a used car? I suppose thats not a bad ting, but will there be anyone to buy any of the homes that go into foreclosure because families cant afford their mortage payments on 20,000 a yr? Just trying to see it a little more big picture here. Obviously this type of job would benefit your fam, so I hope your wife gets one of those jobs. Good luck!

Even if these jobs are full time at $10 per hour, that equates to a little over $20K per year. My wife currently does not work so if she were to get one of these jobs, it would be money that would be used to buy a new car, or new TV or other products and services. To say that these jobs will not make a difference is ludicrous. These jobs will make a huge difference for the people that get them and the people that their income will support.

Okay, so we have a local business expanding the sales and distribution of mostly foreign made goods. We live in global economy, I suppose if someone's got to do it, why not be local, uh? My main concern is whether Blain's will be picking up welfare hand-outs, credits, zoned credits or forgivable loans from the U.S. taxpayer for their expansion. The Gazette not surprisingly doesn't elaborate on that. Afterall, if they are wealthy enough to give to charities, they certainly shouldn't be taking from the taxpayers. ------------ I knew it, donnaw writes that we expect too much and iluvjvl connects it all to entitlements. Workers expect fair wages for fair work - it's an entitlement! Expect group health care insurance from your employer? Another entitlement! Pension? Entitlement? Holidays? More entitlement! Sick days? Oh yeah.. It's gotten to the point here in Fitzwalkerstan that if wage earners expect anything in exchange for your hard work or cash - it's the entitlement mentality at work. Entitlements are only for the rich.

I guess you are misunderstanding me. I just dont see this having any impact. Lets stop talking about 80 jobs, its 8 per year for a decade, and that is a projection.
If you can show me something somewhere that says the avg pay is 30k I could agree on some impact. I just dont see it, maybe your neighbor could enlighten me. Janesville will lose 3 times that many jobs over that same time period. Believe me I am NOT trying to be negaitive, but the way things are, its very difficult not to be. To assume these jobs will be avg 30k a year is a BIG reach on anyones part, plus it will be 5 YEARS before we have"40 people buying groceries" from this move. You act as if the 80 people started working yesterday.

fear, if this is not good for the community, then what is? You must have something in mind. Are you looking for high paying manufacturing jobs for people without a college education? I'm not being glib. But clearly something has you bent out of shape if you don't see this as a good thing for Janesville.

I don't understand how you can say adding 80 new jobs won't make a difference in the community. Let's say 40 of those jobs go to college grads that move to Janesville. That's 40 more people buying groceries, paying taxes, buying homes, etc. That's 40 more families going to schools, health clubs, restaurants, churches, movies, etc. If the pay averages even $30K a year for 80 jobs, that's another $2.4 million going into the Janesville economy. I don't understand why you can't see that. Maybe the issue is that, instead of helping current Janesville residents recover from the downturn, it's helping new people? Is that your issue?

thousands of sq ft of office space provides 8 white collar jobs a year? Sounds like its going to be an empty addition!
No victim card here, not addressing my situation, addressing the reality here. If you all want to ignore it and call me names, I am used to little debate on this website.
I conceeded the point that these may not be 'minimum wage' jobs. I contend what will this do for the community? NOTHING, guaranteed. Please stop using talking points words. The whole 'entitlement mentality' phrase is played out.
I am all grown up, I just care for others lives outside my own, including the overall community. THis will do ZERO for property values and will sell no homes, if you think so, thats your opinion.
I also wont say this is BAD , having this expansion, or adding these jobs. I just dont think it will help the community one IOTA. I dont see it as news worthy. Other than maybe you will get a picture of how bad thinngs around here really are, when 500 people will line up around a building to apply for 8 warehouse jobs that pay what 10 bucks an hour? That is what most of you should be worried about.
Name calling gets you nowhere, maybe if some would wake up and see things for how bad they are, instead of getting excited everytime Gov Monkeybutt hands out a large cardboard check in front of a TV camera announcing 25 jobs at 10 bucks an hour , while 100 teachers are getting laid off! You like that version of America, I dont! You call it whining, I call it looking around with my eyes wide open. I may be complaining, and some may not like it, fine, refute it with a fact or two to help me to understand. The rhetoric is thick these days, filled with ZERO fact!

thekidd - Come to think of it, my stomach's growling. Got room for me too??? I'd help pay for gas, but I figure my sweet disposition is payment enough.

Kid is going to make some brownies. Make sure you bring enough for the whole class.

unclesmoothie...fresh walleye ok?? ill take care of dessert too;)

Well, uh, those jobs are great. I don't think Blain's pays anywhere near minimum wage, but then I don't know for sure. Problem is, retail sales have tanked again, so long term.....? who knows? The larger issue is the US making things again, not just retail, which is all Blain's is.

fear, where are you getting your information? What makes you think these are McJobs that Blains is adding? You're turning this good news into a political soapbox. I haven't heard anyone bring up Walker except you.

I can tell you with 100% certainty that you don't know what you're talking about. They are adding tens of thousands of sq feet of office space which to me means white collar jobs. I have a neighbor that works at Blains and these are not minimum wage jobs. I don't know what lead you to that assumption but you are flat out wrong.

So I suppose when Blain's hires a new IT professional that comes in and buys a house, and a car, and groceries, and starts a family, and pays taxes, we should all go to the Blain family and say, "Shame on you for adding these jobs"?

It is going to be hot Vato, I want one too.

Oh yeah, I forgot to add that I will give nothing in return for it. I just think I should have a nice breakfast.

I'm kinda hungry. Who wants to buy me breakfast? Let me know where to meet so I can be there on time. Steak and eggs would be nice.

I have to agree with donnaw. Maybe it's a generational thing, but the entitlement mentality is getting people nowhere - except to the unemployment line, and apparently to newspaper blogs so they can complain about the fact that they stuck out their hand, but nobody put anything in it.

Fear,
You need to quit playing the victim card all the time. Lose the anger and actually put your energies into improving things rather than complaining about EVERYTHING.

Let's see - a successful local company, doing well, creating jobs, led by a community-minded family who gives back to local causes - gets bashed ?!? How about instead we congratulate Blains, thank them for their contributions to the local economy, and wish them continued success......

Believe me...I have had several jobs and careers over the years. I worked 3 part time jobs to get thru college. The point is if you think you are going to get one job in your life at a good company or whatever you are dreaming. If you haven't developed marketable skills over your working career, thinking you can stay where you are your whole life then you are naive. I know the jobs aren't plentiful now but why would any org hire an unskilled worker and pay a high wage? If you lived in Janesville all your life you must know the options for other jobs should you lose yours. You may have to move and rent an apartment somewhere else to get started. It isn't easy but it can done.

Fear I paid my own way through college working for companies like Blain that contributed. I saved and crimped to do this. It was not handed to me on a golden platter because my family worked there first. I am so tired of your I belong at the top posts it is unbelieveable. how many people like me started at the bottom and with the help of the company I worked for actually were able to attend college. Grow up or go away.

Vato-the Taco Bell Mcds thang- FUNNY STUFF! Not even from Rush or Faux, nice work! You should switch to comedy. Ploitics isnt your bag;)

First off the whole "entitlement" term is getting old you guys. Second to think that there will be all these white collar jobs included in a 43,000 sq ft expansion is silly.
Why cant some leave GM out of it? Probably because you never worked there, and thats fine, neither did I! I will say this, the local economy will never be the same around here, and thats a fact.
Sorry to bust your bubble cronies, but I do EXPECT better things in the community that I call home. Why? because I want more people to live here, I want this to be a desirable place to live, I want more homes to be purchased, I want higher property values. Arent these things that most of us should expect living in a so-called great nation? Maybe you dont like the word expect , and thats fine, insert any word you like to make you feel better about it, I really dont GAF. 80 projected jobs over 10 years will add little if anything to the overall community. No tax base no homes purchased, nothing. It just gives fodder to the masses that want to talk about how great Walker is doing. You are talking about 8 lower class jobs a year over the next 10 in a city of 60,000, not impressive, not at all. Some of you may be happy in "these times" anytime you hear a job being added. I cringe , because I know they are all low paying jobs with no real future. They might be nice for a kid who chooses not to go to college for a year or two, but good luck past that.
I am concerned because the jobs being added by Governor Monkeybutt will not improve the economy, they just wont. I am sure he will be there in a couple of days with a big cardboard check and add the 80 jobs to his job counter, although they havent even been realized yet.
Keep settling for this kind of stuff, and this nation will soon be 3rd world. Heck, it is getting there sooner than later anyway.
Oh since we are on the topic of jobs , I believe that the conomy has ADDED over a MILLION jobs in the last 14 months, correct? That isnt a projection, that is a number. On the flip side those jobs are not really good ones. Last month the economy added 54,000 jobs (30,000) were at McDonalds. Welcome to the new America. This will be the first generation in history that will be less educated and paid less then their predecessors. But hey Way to go Blains! Wont hear any cheerleading coming from me.

Fear, would you want to rephrase your statement from "expecting" higher wage jobs to the word "desire" higher wage jobs? How can you expect anything? That sounds like entitlement to me.
.
I've done just about every kind of job you can think of and I worked in just about every kind of environmental condition you can think of. I've been treated like crap in some jobs and I've been treated well in others. When I came out of high school I was happy to work any job that paid decent and had benefits (like these Blain jobs). Why? Because I did not nor never will believe anyone owes me anything. I know I need to take care of myself and live within my means. If that means living in a one room rental and I ride my bike for transportation then that's what I do until I can afford to upgrade to a junker car.
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The problem with people that expect high wages and golden benefits is that somehow they have been brainwashed in to thinking they deserve it right out of the gate for some reason. Just like the kids today that play sports at the Y. There are no winners or losers. At the end of the season everybody gets a metal because they don't want anyone to feel bad because they did not come in first. I believe it is practices like this that cause people to expect rather than work hard.

fear, your comments are way off base. First, it says the jobs will be at the campus, which means many of them will be corporate jobs - accountants, human resources, IT personnel, advertising, computer programmers, web design, marketing, operations, etc. Do these sound like minimum wage jobs? That is potentially 80 more Janesville residents with health and dental insurance. That could add patients to doctors and dentists in town. The trickle down effect will absolutely help more than 80 people.

The article also says there is another store opening soon in Rockton. That's probably another 100 people earning money thanks to Blains.

I've also seen they're renovating the Janesville store. There are a bunch of construction workers making money from Blain's reinvesting in their business.

I'm amazed that a good company like Blain's adding jobs could be turned into a negative. I guess it sucks there's a new hospital going in too, huh?

Rule #15 Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your grandparents had a different word for burger flipping. They called it opportunity.

Charles J Sykes (2007)

When you have nothing, the name calling begins.

mistergee1 - so you would prefer nothing? This is not good news in your world?

Fair enough, I am sure these Jobs will be at MOST wahat 12 bucks an hour? Thats before any kind of benefits or anything, again, vato I am an advocate for the poor to rise from the ashes created by conservatism, not creating more working poor, while projecting 80 jobs over 10 YEARS!! We will see how many jobs are there compared to now.
Those who call others whiners because we would like to see some better jobs come here, how is that whining? What does it have to do with unions? I was never an advocate of the GM situation, but there certainly was a better tax base here, and more folks with spending money. Now you all are excited about some 10-12 dollar an hour jobs that are projected?
Instead of making assumptions about me, and calling me names , why dont you make an argument? How many folks working in Blains warehouse will be purchasing a home in Janesville? How many will be 'stimulating the economy? Maybe they could afford a home in the fourth ward, so long as they eat Ramen noodles for the next 30 years!
You guys are so hung up on everything being union/non-union, why dont you just worry about folks making a LIVING wage so our entire community can live better? Any jobs are good jobs? Would you say that about working at McDonalds or Taco bell on the third shift? I am really not trying to look down on those jobs, but how is that good for Janesville? What is added to the community?
Some of you haters might want to try substantive arguments before name calling. It just makes you look silly.
BTW, you all act as if Blains is now obligated to add those 80 jobs over TEN years. What kind of projection is that anyway? How is this even news. I also would guarantee all those ridiculing myself and others whom have higher expectations for working wages, wont or dont work in a warehouse making 10-12 bucks an hour, that much I am sure of. Having worked in that environment I will tell you that those folks arent happy to be there, Or happy to get treated (manytimes) like dirt.

Wow - I don't remember seeing anywhere in the story where it says the 80 jobs will be at minimum wage! Hate to burst your whining bubbles, but Blain's offers a good wage with good benefits.

Wow...a Janesville company that is actually doing well, growing and reinvesting in the community...and yet the chicken little idiots in this town still manage to complain about it. Somebody could give these fools a sack of gold and they would whine about it being so heavy.

Sheesh..... another day at Snivelfest. Some people cannot find ANYTHING positive in ANYTHING!

I highly doubt they will be hiring minimum wage cashiers to work in the expanded corporate headquarters. At any rate, I think this is good news. I love to hear about business expansion at a time when it seems like the news is mostly doom and gloom.

Did anyone read the article before commenting? This is a forcasted ten year plan that does little to help today.

donnaw @ 8:59 post: Right on! Anyway, who said corporate office employees are paid minimum anyway?? Or, for that matter, the cashiers at the stores?

Fear and take Walter with you.

Hey FEAR sell your house and go someplace else and take all the whinners with you..You are one of those that still has Gm stuck up your ----. Get over it and be happy that Blains is even here with jobs. Get a life..

Have any of you whiners ever heard of starting at a minimum wage job, showing up for work on time, getting some more training, showing a positive attitude and moving up to supervisor, or manager? You have to start somewhere. Minimum jobs aren't meant to be the be all and end all...they are a starting point if you have some ambition.

Do any of you want more for the community? 80 jobs at minimum wage? How is that good for the economy? Shouldnt we have any type of higher expectations in the community? Those of you that think this is somehow great news, how? You just like the headline and skim the article. 80 low paying jobs over a decade? Congrats! soon we will all be making minimum wage and not able to send our kids to the private schools that will soon ruin what once was the most outstanding public ed systems in the nation. Race to the bottom!

80 jobs? What an addition! These are the types of jobs that will allow families to buy homes and patronize local businesses, what an addition! I wonder if your hero governor monkey butt(top o his head) will take credit for all 80 jobs right now as jobs added? I am guessing his education will allow him to do so, why do we need middle class educators salaries around here when we can bring 8 jobs a year at minimum wage into the community, what a trade off! At least the apartments will be full!
Unfortunately I own a home in this godforsaken community, and these types of actions are the ones that will continue to cause MORE forclosures, and drive property value DOWN. Great! Thats what you all want anyway, drive the prices down, then buy em all cheap in forclosure. More and more examples of the race to the bottom the repubs are heading.

Take the bus. Or better yet walk or ride a bike. Based on what I see many could use some exercise.

Not only do the Blains provide a great number of jobs for our local economy, they also contribute a lot of money to local charities and causes. Thank you, Blain family, for investing in Janesville and supplying more jobs and making our community a better place to live!

Let's all hope that businesses who may be thinking of locating, expanding or relocating in Janesville don't read these comment boards. If they do, they're certain to go elsewhere and take their jobs with them.

"none of you know what hell there poor $7.00's an hour employees go threw so you have a good place to shop. yea they are making jobs but not good paying ones probably at least not at the stores. maybe at corporate"

Wow, with spelling and grammer skills like this I am surprised you are not in line for the CEO positon. At least for now, you or any of the other poor $7.00/hour employees are free to seek employment wherever your skill sets will be better compensated.

The Blains have done a wonderful service to Janesville. It took them awhile to catch up. I still remember when they were closed on Sundays and did not take credit cards. I'm not surprised by all the complainers. I don't think they appreciate any nice story printed in the gazette!

I love Farm-n-Fleet but I hate checkout everytime I go there they want zip code and ask are you using Farm n fleet credit card. REALLY stop with all the questions!!

They are honorable, smart smart businessmen/women. I'm happy that they're expanding. Janesville is better for it.

Bravo for that comment, and I agree!

Our small company did business with the Blains. They are honorable, smart smart businessmen/women. I'm happy that they're expanding. Janesville is better for it.

Economics 101. The more businesses that locate here the harder they have to fight to get great employees. In turn they increase wages and benefits. With the future expansion of I90 there will be many wholesale outlets looking to move and expand in Jville

jvlsux.......working in retail is typically a stepping stone to something bigger and better. It's not considered a dream job by any means and typically requires very little responsibility or experience. When I was in high school and in college it was a perfect way to make ends meet and pay the bills. Judging by the grammar used in your post, you have a long way to go with your education. Just stick with it, and be grateful that there are retail positions out there to fill the void while you get yourself prepared for a career you can truly be happy with........

You people vilify Blains and SHINE face it the plant is gone. These are jobs and thats what counts

When we are in Janesville we shop at Farm and Fleet. We use our debit or credit cards and never purchase an extended warranty. Those who pay high intrest charges should not blame those who charge them. While shopping at Farm and Fleet I have never seen anyone dragged into the store and forced to shop there. Anyone can park in the nice parking lot and spend as much time inside of the air conditioned store as they want to, and never spend a penny. I wonder who would pay for all of this if the store did not show a profit. I have found Farm and Fleet to be a class act. I am happy to learn of the expansion.

jv93, I couldn't have said it any better myself. And to you jk916, do you even know how a stores credit card works? It has the Farm and Fleet name on it, but I can assure you that Blains sin't the one charging the 30% interest, it's the lending institution that the cards are through! I say good for you to the Blain family and new jobs are more jobs and that's what we need! jk916, if you detest the store that much, it's a good thing you live in our great country that gives you the freedom to go shop somewhere else, and from the sounds of things Farm and Fleet is better off without your business anyways....

A company cuts jobs, you vilify them. A company adds jobs, you vilify them. Can't you just be happy 80 more people might have jobs than had jobs yesterday?

I knew both Claude and Bert Blain, and have met Jane and Bob.
This is a class act family, and Farm & Fleet has always been a superb place to shop...No hassles on returns, and always very fair priced.
I wish them well and continued success...

paperboy is your idea of not long ago 15 years? i bet they have been taking credit cards for at least that long. credit cards are a gold mine for any business espec. when they have there own at 30% interest they want your money they don't care how. you know they are getting a nice chunk of that interest. if there service wasnt so crappy they wouldnt need to advertise so much to lure people in. word of mouth would do.

jk916,
You must be new to the area. It was'nt that long ago farm and fleet didn't accept credit cards, I think that's how they were able to keep cost down.

my opinion..the monopoly of the blains is due to the money they trick you out of by bludgeoning you with credit cards with 30 percent interest rate and selling xtended warranties in case my poop scooper fails. only place i know of around here that trys to hit you with a credit card [IRRITATING!!!] right when you walk in and trys to sell ya a xtra warranty on a pocket knife on your way out. they prolly are just going to create more non benefit part time jobs with full time hours nothing new