MACON - Gov. Nixon visited Macon on Monday morning to announce that Ardent Outdoors will add eight new jobs, thanks to new funding from the Nixon administration. The fishing supply company will receive more than $100,000 in incentives and awards. The expansion comes at a time when many small businesses in the area are closing, and an official with the Missouri Career center says this is a sign of progress. Ardent Outdoors is a fishing supply company that is the only manufacturer of freshwater casting and spinning reels in the United States. Governor Nixon believes Ardent Outdoors "is exactly the type of company we want to nurture and keep right here in Missouri." The Administration is awarding Ardent Outdoors $95,033 in Enhanced Enterprise Zone incentives and $18,600 in training funds. This money is part of a $3.2 million capital expansion that will create eight new jobs at the Macon plant. Workers at the Missouri Career Center in Moberly were excited to hear about the new opportunities. Career services worker Steve Moore says "We are just tickled that this is happening." One man who was been struggling to find permanent work says he will definitely take advantage of this is opportunity. He says he has been trying to find a job, but it has been difficult with so many businesses closing in the area. Ardent Outdoors CEO says that although only eight more jobs will be added, that is eight new paychecks earned in the community. Right now Ardent Outdoors currently employs 21 people.