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County OKs incentives for two companies

One firm may hire up to 45

By Mike Conley | The McDowell News

Published: February 9, 2010

The McDowell County Commissioners held two public hearings Monday about two different economic development projects, one of which could employ as many as 45 people. The commissioners also approved incentive packages to help bring these jobs to McDowell County.
At the regular meeting on Monday, County Manager Chuck Abernathy talked about the two projects. Abernathy, who is also the county's economic development director, said he could not give out all the details because the deals aren't final.
The first involves a small company located in another county. The owner has roots in McDowell and wants to bring it here.
"It is not a startup operation," said Abernathy, adding he could not name the company.
This business would employ 13 people and would lease space in the old Coca-Cola building on East Court Street in Marion, which is owned by Rick Bowman. The company plans to take over a part of the building's back section. It would hire people for welding-type jobs, other metal-working positions and building cabinetry. They would work on gates, fences and some construction-type work.
During the public hearing, the commissioners talked about offering an incentive package of $30,000, which represents slightly more than $3,000 per job. The money would be paid over a three-year period and would be used for "building improvements." No incentive would be paid until the company performs, county officials said.
After hearing no comments from the public, the commissioners voted unanimously to offer the incentive package to the first company.
The second project talked about is bigger and has more involvement with the state Department of Commerce. It involves a company located in two other states that wants to expand its operations into North Carolina. This business will purchase an existing building in McDowell and employ 45 workers over a period of several years.
"The company will also invest over $3 million," said Abernathy to the board. "We have worked on this project for over five months."
Abernathy said he could not name the company or state what exactly kind of business it would be. He said it is "a manufacturing operation." He said he also could not name the existing building that the company wants to purchase.
"This is a more substantial project in numbers and impact," he said.
The incentive package offered by the county is $135,000, which would be used for "site and building improvements." It represents $3,000 per job. Like the first one, the incentive would be paid over three years and no money would be paid until the company performs. The proposed wages will be higher than the county's average wage.
Abernathy also said he expects the state to make an announcement about this company soon.
"This one has a lot of potential," he said. "I see it as 90 percent imminent."
After hearing no comments from the public, the commissioners unanimously approved the incentives package.
County officials said they are working to bring new jobs to McDowell even if the jobs may not happen immediately.
"I want the public to know this board is very proactive," said Vice Chairman Barry McPeters. "This board is working and we are very concerned."