Attorney General's News Release

March 29, 2002

Nixon recovers $41,934 in state money from optical business that failed to maintain jobs at Eldon facility

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon announced today that his office has recovered $41,934 from an optical business that received state funds to train 125 employees at its facility in Eldon. The company, SOLA Optical U.S.A., defaulted on its contractual obligations to the state to maintain the jobs for at least three years.

Nixon took the action to recover money awarded through the Missouri Customized Training Program, administered by Missouri Department of Economic Development's Division of Workforce Development. The program awarded $29,900 to SOLA Optical in 1999 to train 50 employees and keep them for three years and awarded the company $12,034 in 2000 to train an additional 75 employees and keep them for three years.

"Missouri taxpayer money should not be used to finance businesses that do not uphold their obligations to keep jobs in the state," Nixon said. "Certainly we won't let a company off the hook if things don't work out."

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

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