MARSHALL - Gov. Tim Pawlenty had told a crowd in Marshall earlier Friday of the benefits of the JOBZ program. Later that afternoon, he got to see some results of that program at Ralco Nutrition Inc. in Marshall.

Pawlenty toured the Ralco plant Friday afternoon, calling it an example of a company utilizing JOBZ, the Job Opportunity Building Zone, to expand and create jobs in Minnesota. Ralco is a manufacturer of livestock nutrition products with international markets.

"One aspect of this operation is it's in a JOBZ zone and they indicate that made a huge difference in their decision to grow and expand," said Pawlenty. "It's good for Minnesota, it's good for Marshall and it's good for the whole region."

The JOBZ program creates tax incentives for companies to start or expand in specific target areas of greater Minnesota.

Brian Knochenmus, vice president for Ralco, said it was exciting to show Pawlenty how the company has successfully used JOBZ.

"We're excited to be able to present Governor Pawlenty some of the business activity we've been involved in over the last few years," said Knochenmus. "It was a great opportunity to give him a real life company story on JOBZ and the benefits that has brought to our company."

Knochenmus said the JOBZ program has created a lot of opportunities for Ralco.

"In the last four years we have added a pretty significant amount of jobs here in Marshall as we have expanded our business and our geographical area," said Knochenmus.

"We're going from a company that distributes not only in the states here but also worldwide," said Knochenmus. "It has helped us centralize our business activity by creating jobs in Marshall and bring more people in to support our endeavors."

Pawlenty said creating those jobs is important and represents why he supports the JOBZ program.

"Growing jobs and maintaining jobs is really important (in Minnesota)," said Pawlenty. "This is an example of how our JOBZ program has allowed a local company to expand and do better, be stable and be more successful so they're able to provide jobs in the Marshall area.

"One of the key aspects of our quality of life in Minnesota is making sure we have jobs for our citizens," Pawlenty said. "If they don't have jobs they don't have access to much else."

During a stop at the YMCA earlier in the day, Pawlenty said the JOBZ program has been under attack by Democrats in the Legislature in the most recent session.

Pawlenty had asked for an extension of the 12-year program that started four years ago.

Pawlenty said using companies like Ralco that have successfully utilized the JOBZ helps put a face on the program.

"It's one thing for us to talk about the legal requirements or the mechanics of JOBZ, but when you can show actual stories and actual people working in jobs, buildings equipment and people getting a paycheck, I think it's a more human connection for legislatures instead of just statistics."

Pawlenty also talked about his E-3 initiative during his stop at the YMCA earlier in the day.