Superior has a special group that will focus on one of its biggest employers. They hope to help the transition during the proposed sale of the Murphy Oil Superior refinery. Laura Podgornik reports.

Superior has had the Mayor’s Development Group since Fleming Foods closed its warehouse in the late 1990’s. It meets regularly to talk about issues affecting the Superior area. Mayor Dave Ross says the group is already working to learn more about the sale of the Murphy Oil refineries.

“Certainly we’re not going to be on the inside dealings of Murphy Oil. We’re certainly not going to be insiders as they negotiate the sale with potential buyers. But we do have the opportunity, as this process goes along, to make sure that we’re in constant contact with Murphy Oil, that we’re in constant contact with their investment bankers and that we make sure that at every point in this process, that we are looking out for the best interest of the employees and the Murphy Oil refinery.”

Ross says the group includes Superior Business Improvement District Director Kaye Tenerelli, Director of Government Affairs Jeff Vito, and Planning Director Jason Serck.

“This is where partnerships in the community really shine. We’ll be working closely with Andy Lisak, who now is the administrator for Douglas County who also was the former director of Superior-Douglas County Development Association. It’s a natural team that’s always functioning, always looking out for the best interest of Superior and that group of people will be fully engaged.”

Murphy Oil will also be selling its two other refineries in Louisiana and the United Kingdom.

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