New jobs on horizon

County OKs incentives package for company

By: Mike Conley | McDowell News
Published: November 10, 2009

The McDowell County Commission on Monday approved an economic incentive of $310,000 for a company that promises to create 103 jobs in the first three years of operation.
During Monday's regular meeting, the commissioners held a public hearing about an economic development project. County Manager Chuck Abernathy, who is also McDowell's economic development director, said he and others have been working with a company for more than four months. He said he could not state the company's name or what kind of operation it is.
"The company name cannot be released until the state processes the project application," read a memo from Abernathy to the commissioners.
This company plans to take over an existing building in McDowell County. The company could possibly add another 70 jobs to the 103 in the fourth and fifth years of operation, said Abernathy, adding he could not state the name of the existing building.
"It's a tentative situation where we are trying to make this happen," he said.
County officials said this company would pay wages that are greater than the county's average.
As part of the process, the commissioners held a public hearing about a proposed economic incentive. No one from the public spoke at the hearing.
The commissioners then agreed to provide an incentive of $310,000 for site and building improvements. It will be paid over a three-year period.
"We don't do these things up front," said Abernathy. "We pay incentives after the jobs are created."
Abernathy said the state could formally announce this project within a couple of weeks. He said he's even seen a draft press release from the state about it.
"This is something positive for our community, for the people of McDowell County," said Commission Chairman David Walker.
Abernathy also gave the commissioners an update about another project that it is still ongoing but on a smaller scale.
In September, county officials said they are working to recruit an Internet-related company that promises to create nearly 200 new jobs. At that time, the commissioners agreed to offer an incentive of $400,000 to this business that would be provided over a three-year period. This local money would provide an equal match for a state grant of $400,000.
The Internet-related company planned to invest around $5 million for building improvements and new equipment.
On Monday, Abernathy said he still could not name the Internet-related business. He also said the project has been downsized somewhat.
"That project has seen some serious setbacks but it is still alive," he said.
Meanwhile, both Toolcraft and Baldor Electric have recently expanded their operations and added new workers. Commissioner Andy Webb said Ethan Allen in Old Fort has called back some of its employees who were laid off. Abernathy said the International Automotive Components plant, formerly known as Collins & Aikman, has done the same.

New jobs on horizon

County OKs incentives package for company

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