Rumors can jeopardize efforts

To The editor,
I read with interest the “anonymous package of information” article. It reminded me of the unneeded obstacles and confusions during the efforts to finalize an industrial development project called “The Orsi Project.” At a very critical time, the anonymous rumor surfaced claiming the Orsi family was involved with the mob.
This unchecked and misguided pressure against the collaborative efforts of the development almost cost the area the $1.27 million Housing and Urban Development Urban Development Action Grant and the $600,000 Minnesota Small Cities Grant, which, when applied to the project, revolved back to the city to establish it’s current economic development loan programs. The anonymous confusion almost cost establishment of the first tax increment finance program in the area — which has been a great often used economic development leveraging tool.
Also put at risk were the primary lending provided by Minnesota Agricultural Loan Guarantee Program, the Industrial Development Grant provided by Minnesota Power, the job’s training grant provided by then Rainy River Community College and the Minnesota Department of Economic Security, the firm supplemental position working capital loans provided collaboratively by the First National and First American Banks, the secondary position of Boise Cascade in the real estate transfer, the secondary position participations from the “Taconite Relief Funds,” which also revolved back to the county, and the union construction agreement applied to the modification of the sidings plant and the installation/construction of the machinery and equipment.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the up-front cash and full faith and credit injection of the Orsi Family.
International Falls and Koochiching County cannot stand still. THEY must either move forward or backward. The best way to move forward is through the creation of more payroll — and the best way to create more payroll is through the expansion of existing commerce and the attraction of new business and industry.
With fond memories,
Bob Schwiderski,
Wayzata, Minn.

Editor’s note: Schwiderski served as the city’s director of economic development in the late 1980s. The project he is referring to is now International Bildrite.