Lt. Gov. Rodriguez learns about BRI during visit to Medford

For 50 years the staff at Black River Industries (BRI) has been serving individuals with disabilities and providing opportunities for them to achieve independence.

On Tuesday, Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez stopped in Medford and received a tour of BRI’s facility located on Jensen Dr. from director Amber Fallos. Lt. Gov. Rodriguez learned about BRI’s history and its continued growth.

BRI currently employs more than 180 staff meeting the needs of a growing client base seeking to utilize its services. During the tour, Fallos talked about the value of a state program that allows agencies and sheltered workshops to bid on state projects. BRI embroiders the uniform shorts used in the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. In addition it has a contract to package the spices used in the kitchens in state facilities.

In addition to the state work, BRI also contracts with local and regional companies including a longtime partnership with Phillips Medisize and other businesses within the community and region.

During her tour, Rodriguez spoke to those working at BRI about what they enjoyed about their work.

Lt. Gov. Rodriguez stopped in Medford as part of a several-day tour of Northern Wisconsin communities.

Following the tour of BRI, she stopped at Marilyn’s restaurant in downtown Medford to hear about the history of the business from Marilyn Frank.

She also spoke with local economic and civic leaders about the current status of the Medford-area economy, and ways that the state of Wisconsin can best work to further strengthen small businesses.

While at Marilyn’s Lt. Gov. Rodriguez stopped in to a 10-county regional meeting of county highway commissioners and board members who were also meeting at Marilyn’s on Tuesday.