Marshfield Community Offering Support to Former Figi's Employees
Wednesday, January 16th, 2019 -- 9:42 AM
(Marshfield News Herald) -News on Jan. 4 that Figi's would be closing after 75 years in Marshfield came suddenly for employees and business leaders.The elimination of 276 full-time jobs and an undisclosed number of part time positions at the company, which has its headquarters in Marshfield, is a hard-hitting loss for the central Wisconsin community of less than 20,000 people. Mason Companies, which has owned Figi's since 2013, said 129 employees were let go on Jan. 4 and an additional 147 employees will lose their jobs by mid-March. About 125 people still will be employed in the call center, distribution and the Gallery division, which will be under the Mason Companies umbrella by summer, said spokeswoman Jennifer Mercer. The Figi's Gifts in Good Taste and the Birchland Market divisions were eliminated and the Figi's Outlet Store will close by the end of January. The Figi's headquarters and distribution centers in Marshfield, Neillsville and Stevens Point will continue to operate, with reduced staff at each, Mercer said. The Figi's name also will cease to exist by this summer, she said.
Local businesses, such as Blue Heron BrewPub, were quick to offer support for Figi's employees who are out of work and posted on social media to urge those employees to come in and fill out an application. Marshfield Chamber of Commerce & Industry also helped to organize two job fairs geared toward out-of-work Figi's employees. The Marshfield Chamber of Commerce & Industry has helped organize two job fairs geared toward out-of-work Figi's employees. The first will be from noon to 6 p.m. Jan. 24 at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point at Marshfield campus. The second is slated for March 7 at the Marshfield campus. MACCI said more than 30 businesses plan to participate in the job fair. Post-secondary education institutions also will provide resources on continuing education opportunities.
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