7.23.10

The atmosphere is energized at Big River Fish after last week’s announcement the Pearl company would receive

state assistance in expanding its facilities, enabling the company to export 30 million pounds of Asian Carp to

China in the next two years.

“We’re working on getting this facility retrofitted,” Rick Smith of Big River Fish, said. “We have to get freezers,

compressors, a forklift and other equipment ready.”

Lisa McKee, also of Big River said the hope is the Pearl facility will begin accepting fish for the contract beginning

in mid-August.

“The phone has been ringing off the wall,” McKee said. “We are accepting applications at this time and we are

also talking to fishermen who are interested in bringing us fish.”

The company is hiring production employees who will assist in the processing of the fish – gutting, racking,

weighing, etc.

McKee said while the news is great for Big River Fish, it is also big news for the community. In addition to the

60-120 jobs expected to bee created, McKee sees several spin-off jobs.

“We’re going to need pallets, employees are going to need gas,” she said. “Look at the money this will bring into

Pike County.”

Both McKee and Smith had high praise for all the officials who helped them with the project.

“The agencies who helped us, the individuals – Brenda Middendorf, State Senator Deanna Demuzio, the folks at

DECO, were all a big part of this. Pike County has really been behind us on this.”