Illinois. Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), local officials, and workforce partners announced $20 million in investments for workforce training and wrap-around services that will bolster equitable workforce recovery for those struggling to gain meaningful employment. Through the Job Training and Economic Development Program (JTED) grants, 44 community-based organizations will serve more than 2,500 individuals, with a special training focus on industries hardest-hit by the pandemic. All training programs will provide the opportunity to earn a post-secondary or an industry-recognized credential or certification. The program will also provide resources and support services to reduce challenges low-income job seekers often face. JTED also supports industries that have struggled with labor shortages during the pandemic by offering training with an emphasis on hard-hit sectors – such as construction or IT.[1]; Governor Pritzker also announced, alongside the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Board, conditional awards totaling nearly $34 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) that will fund 25 affordable housing developments in 15 counties across Illinois. Once sold to investors, the tax credits will generate an estimated $296 million in private capital to finance the creation and/or preservation of 1,343 affordable units for low- to moderate-income families, seniors, veterans, and persons with special needs. The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program was created with the passage of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 (P.L. 99-514). The Internal Revenue Service allocates a certain number of tax credits annually to each state based on population. IHDA administers the LIHTC program on behalf of the state of Illinois and awards the credits after a competitive application process. Once developers receive the credits, they traditionally sell them to investors and use the equity generated from the sale to reduce construction and operating costs. These savings in underwriting are passed on to the renter in the form of below-market rents, which must remain affordable for a minimum of 30 years. Some of the awarded projects may be allocated additional funding from the Illinois General Assembly to overcome pandemic related construction cost increases.[2]
Indiana. McLaren Racing plans to build a state-of-the-art IndyCar facility in Whitestown. The facility will be focused on advances in technology and engineering, while highlighting McLaren’s history in Indianapolis. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation and the town of Whitestown are working with the company to finalize an investment offer in the form of a performance-based incentive package. The $25 million project is expected to create 175 jobs by the end of 2025. Construction is slated to begin in the fall with plans to open by early 2024.[3]; Eli Lilly and Company plans to establish two new manufacturing sites in Boone County. Pending approvals of local zoning and annexation, Lilly plans to build its new operations within the new LEAP (Limitless Exploration / Advanced Pace) mega-site, the recently reported innovation and research district in Boone County. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) is working with Lilly to finalize an investment offer in the form of a performance-based incentive package. The $2.1 billion project is expected to create 500 jobs.[4]; Stellantis and Samsung SDI will undertake a joint venture to build a new electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility in Kokomo. IEDC committed an investment in the Project of up to $37.5 million in the form of conditional tax credits; up to $2 million in conditional training grants; up to $20 million in conditional redevelopment tax credits based on the company’s investment plans; up to $2 million to the local community from the Industrial Development Grant Fund to support infrastructure improvements; and up to $100 million in conditional structured performance payments and $25 million for site readiness to offset capital and infrastructure costs. The IEDC and other state financing authorities will also offer repayable financing support to the Project to aid construction and infrastructure. These incentives are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim state benefits once investments are made and employees are hired and trained. The $2.5 billion project is expected to create 1,400 jobs in Howard County.[5]; Exurban, an international e-waste recycling company, will establish its first U.S. operations at Adams Township Industrial Park in Fort Wayne. The IEDC committed an investment in Exurban of up to $2.5 million in the form of incentive-based tax credits and up to $200,000 in conditional training grants. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired and trained. The city of Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana Works support this project. The $340 million project is expected to create up to 200 new jobs by the end of 2026 in Allen County.[6]; Do Good Foods, a producer of sustainable foods that seeks to use nutritious surplus grocery from stores and farmers markets, plans to establish operations in Fort Wayne. IEDC committed an investment in KDC Agribusiness Fort Wayne LLC, dba Do Good Foods, of up to $1.2 million in the form of incentive-based tax credits and up to $100,000 in conditional training grants. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired and trained. Northeast Indiana Works will provide the company with additional hiring and training assistance. The Fort Wayne City Council will consider additional incentives. The $100 million project is expected to create 100 jobs by the end of 2024.[7]
Kansas. Last month, Governor Laura Kelly celebrated the creation of 8,800 high-paying, quality jobs in Johnson County. During visits to Overland Park and New Century, she highlighted the strides Kansas has made in attracting businesses to the state – and how her administration has made it easier for businesses to grow and succeed in Kansas. For example, the New Century Commerce Center, one of the largest multi-tenant business parks in the Kansas City Metro Region, is breaking ground on a 9-million square-foot expansion. This project will bring an estimated 4,700 permanent jobs and 3,500 construction jobs over the next 16 years. Also, the Spectrum Retention Center in Overland Park, a $19 million investment, will create more than 600 quality jobs. For back-to-back years, Kansas has attracted the most capital investment by businesses in the history of the state. Since the start of the Kelly Administration, economic development projects have created and retained more than 42,000 jobs and have attracted $9 billion dollars of investment into the Kansas economy.[8]
Kentucky. SITEX Corp., a family-owned uniform and linen rental business, plans to expand its operations in Henderson. The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved a 10-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment (KBI) program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $300,000 in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $4.5 million and annual targets of creation and maintenance of 30 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 10 years, paying an average hourly wage of $20 including benefits across those jobs. KEDFA allows companies to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates and may claim incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments by meeting its annual targets. Companies that receive a KEDFA agreement can also receive resources from Kentucky’s workforce service providers including no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job-training incentives.[9]; Omnis Building Technologies (OBT) Ashland, a startup manufacturer of economical, sustainable, and fire-resistant doors and cabinetry, will establish a new facility at the Wurtland Riverport in Greenup County. KEDFA preliminarily approved a 15-year incentive agreement with the company under the KBI program. The agreement can provide up to $2.1 million in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $45.5 million and annual targets of creation and maintenance of 55 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 15 years; and paying an average hourly wage of $33 including benefits across those jobs. The $45.5 million project is expected to create 55 jobs.[10]; Startup meat processor Green River Meats plans to locate a processing plant in Campbellsville. The operation will offer custom processing services of cattle and hogs under U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspection and feature a retail storefront for the sale of beef and pork cuts. KEDFA preliminarily approved a 15-year incentive agreement with the company under the KBI program which can provide the company with up to $550,000 in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of over $2.3 million and annual targets of creation and maintenance of 25 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 15 years and paying an average hourly wage of $21 including benefits across those jobs. The $2.3 million project is expected to create 25 jobs in Taylor County.[11]; Conveyor systems manufacturer Process Solutions and Services Inc., doing business as Rapid Industries, will expand its footprint in Jefferson County. KEDFA preliminarily approved a 10-year incentive agreement with the company under the KBI program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $300,000 in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $6.8 million and annual targets of creation and maintenance of 25 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 10 years, and paying an average hourly wage of $25 including benefits across those jobs. The $6.8 million project is expected to create 25 jobs.[12]; Hollobus Technologies Inc., a new subsidiary of Canada-based engineering design technology company Superior Tray Systems, will locate its operations center in Murray. KEDFA preliminarily approved a 10-year incentive agreement with the company under the KBI program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $1.2 million in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $2.25 million and annual job creation targets. The $2.25 million project is expected to create 150 jobs.[13]; Catalent Inc., which partners with pharma, biotech, and consumer health companies to optimize the development, launch and life-cycle supply of products for patients, will expand its existing operation and add a new R&D facility in Clark County. KEDFA preliminarily approved incentive agreements with the company under the KBI program. Additionally, KEDFA approved the company for tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). KEIA allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing. The $175 million project is expected to create 277 jobs.[14]; A2A Pharmaceutical Network, a pharmaceutical manufacturing, wholesale, and technology organization, will expand its operations with a new headquarters facility in Scottsville, investing a combined $1.7 million-plus and creating 27 full-time jobs for residents in the community. KEDFA preliminarily approved 10-year incentive agreements with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreements can provide up to a combined $275,000 in tax incentives based on the company’s investments of more than $1.7 million.[15]
Louisiana. Supreme Rice, one of the largest rice-milling operations in the state’s southwest rice region, is investing $16.2 million to develop parboil facilities in Crowley and Mermentau. The state of Louisiana provided Supreme Rice with a competitive incentive package that includes $750,000 from the state’s Economic Development Award Program. Supreme Rice is also expected to utilize the state’s Quality Jobs and Enterprise Zone programs.[16]; Mid-South Extrusion, which produces polyethylene film for food packaging and other consumer and industrial uses, is investing $4.9 million to add a 12th production line at its manufacturing facility in Monroe. The company will retain 170 jobs and create eight direct new jobs, and LED estimates the project will result in 16 indirect jobs, for a total of 24 new jobs in Ouachita Parish. To secure Mid South’s investment in Monroe, the State of Louisiana provided the company with a competitive incentive package that includes $170,000 from the state’s Retention and Modernization Program. The company is also expected to participate in the state’s Enterprise Zone and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.[17]
Michigan. ATESTEO North America is a subsidiary of ATESTEO Group, a Germany-based testing services provider for automotive drivetrains, plans to establish its North American headquarters in East Lansing. The city of East Lansing has approved a 50-percent Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption and a new Personal Property Tax Exemption as an incentive. To further help attract ATESTEO to East Lansing, LEAP also facilitated support from key workforce development partners at Capital Area Michigan Works!, MSU and LCC to assist with hiring and training needs. The $27.7 million project is expected to create 46 jobs.[18]; JR Automation, a designer, builder, and integrator of advanced automation solutions globally, is expanding its operations in Holland. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is supporting this project with $2,394,581 in state incentives from the Michigan Business Development Program and the State Education Tax Abatement. The City of Holland is also supporting this project in the form of a 12-year Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption. The City of Holland is also supporting this project in the form of a 12-year Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption. The $9 million project is expected to create 140 jobs.[19]; UTAC, formerly Millbrook Revolutionary Engineering Inc., a company that provides automotive testing services, will establish a testing facility in Redford. The project is being supported by an $850,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. In addition, the Charter Township of Redford has offered to assist the company with talent attraction and recruitment. The project will further boost Michigan ‘s efforts to position itself as the global leader in the future of mobility and vehicle electrification. The $26.2 million project is expected to create 85 jobs.[20]; Bleistahl North American Limited Partnership, a company that manufactures powder metal valve train components, will expand its factory in Battle Creek. The project is being supported by a $414,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Battle Creek Unlimited, which helped secure the company’s facility in Battle Creek in 2012, has offered staff time and resources in support of the project. The company also works with Michigan Works! to reach local talent in disadvantaged areas and has worked with the local nonprofit Kalamazoo Probation Enhancement Program (KPEP) to provide second chances to adult offenders as an alternative to incarceration. The $8.7 million project is expected to create 69 jobs.[21]
Missouri. Global technology leader Hitachi Energy will expand operations in Jefferson City. Hitachi Energy used the Missouri Works program for the expansion, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation. The $10 million project is expected to create 75 jobs.[22]; Cleaning products company Hillyard, Inc. will expand in St. Joseph. The company will remediate a previously owned downtown St. Joseph site to serve as an expanded campus and an attractive, modern distribution center. Hillyard used the Brownfield Remediation Program for its expansion, which provides financial benefits to redevelop contaminated commercial or industrial sites. The new distribution center is planned to be fully operational by late 2023. The $50 million project is expected to retain more than 200 jobs.[23]
North Carolina. Hans Kissle Company, a fresh foods manufacturer, will establish a manufacturing facility at Apple Creek Corporate Center in Gaston County. Hans Kissle’s project will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee. Over the course of the 12-year term of this grant, the project is estimated to grow the state’s economy by $599 million. The JDIG agreement authorizes the potential reimbursement to the company of up to $2,156,400 spread over 12 years. State payments only occur following performance verification by the departments of Commerce and Revenue that the company has met its incremental job creation and investment targets. JDIG projects result in positive net tax revenue to the state treasury, even after taking into consideration the grant’s reimbursement payments to a given company. Because Hans Kissle is located in Gaston County, classified by the state’s economic tier system as Tier 2, the company’s JDIG agreement also calls for moving $239,600 into the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account. The Utility Account helps rural communities across the state finance necessary infrastructure upgrades to attract future business. The $42.2 million project is expected to create 219 jobs.[24]; D’Artagnan, Inc., a specialty food company distributor, will create 23 new jobs in Granville. The company will invest more than $4 million to locate a warehouse and distribution facility in the City of Oxford. The North Carolina Department of Commerce led a team of partners in supporting D’Artagnan’s decision to expand to North Carolina. Although wages will vary for each position, the average annual salary for the new positions is $46,170, which exceeds Granville County’s overall average annual wage of $45,096. The new jobs have the potential to create an annual payroll impact of more than $1 million. A performance-based grant of $50,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help with D’Artagnan’s location to North Carolina. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. D’Artagnan must invest at least $3,695,300 to receive One NC grant payments. All One NC grants require matching participation from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.[25]
Ohio. Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced the approval of assistance for six projects set to create 1,281 new jobs and retain 747 jobs statewide. During its monthly meeting, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority (TCA) reviewed economic development proposals brought to the board by JobsOhio and its regional partners. Collectively, the projects are expected to result in more than $91.7 million in new payroll and spur more than $185 million in investments across Ohio. Projects approved by the TCA include:
NORTHEAST
Boston Retail Products Inc., city of Ravenna (Portage County), expects to create 45 full-time positions, generating $2.25 million in new annual payroll and retaining $1.2 million in existing payroll, as a result of the company’s new project in Ravenna. Boston Group designs and manufactures custom metal and plastic retail displays, fixtures, and display protection items for retail stores, hospitals, and pharmacies. The TCA approved a 1.232%, six-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.
Omnova Solutions Inc., city of Beachwood (Cuyahoga County), expects to create 43 full-time positions, generating $4.68 million in new annual payroll and retaining $35.4 million in existing payroll, as a result of the company’s expansion project in Beachwood. Omnova Solutions Inc. manufactures aqueous polymers for a variety of industries including coatings, construction, and paper. The TCA approved a 1.778%, eight-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.
SOUTHWEST
The Hillman Group Inc., city of Forest Park (Hamilton County), expects to create 60 full-time positions, generating $6 million in new annual payroll and retaining $14 million in existing payroll, as a result of the company’s new project in Forest Park. Hillman was founded as a fastener company and has branched out into a diverse entity, serving the consumers’ everyday needs with common products for commercial and residential uses, as well as offering service and merchandising aids. The TCA approved a 1.783%, eight-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.
WESTERN
GA Telesis Engine Services LLC, city of Wilmington (Clinton County), expects to create 50 full-time positions, generating $3 million in new annual payroll, as a result of the company’s new project in Wilmington. GA Telesis ES is a joint partnership between GA Telesis and Air Transport Services Group to develop a dedicated Specialized Procedures Aeroengine Hospital that will provide a wide array of light/medium maintenance services and testing. The TCA approved a 1.316%, seven-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.
TJX Digital Inc., city of Union (Montgomery County), expects to create 820 full-time positions, generating $51.69 million in new annual payroll, as a result of the company’s new project in Union. The TJX Companies is a leading off-price retailer of apparel and home fashions in the U.S. and worldwide. The TCA approved a 2.058%, 10-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.
CENTRAL
AmplifyBio LLC, city of New Albany (Licking County) and village of West Jefferson (Madison County), expects to create 263 full-time positions, generating $24.1 million in new annual payroll and retaining $7.8 million in existing payroll, as a result of the company’s expansion project in New Albany and West Jefferson. AmplifyBio combines the strength, knowledge and experience of its partners and the expertise of cross-integrated teams to advance translational science, cell and gene therapies, and next-generation medicines. The TCA approved a 2.143%, 10-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.[26]
South Carolina. Winglts, a specialty designer and manufacturer of bathroom accessories, fastening systems and Americans with Disabilities (ADA)-compliant products, announced plans to establish operations in Andrews. The Georgetown County Economic Development and the S.C. Department of Commerce teams collaborated with the company to make this project possible. The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved a $200,000 Set-Aside grant to Georgetown County as an incentive to assist with the costs of site preparation and building construction. The $7.4 million project is expected to create more than 40 jobs in Georgetown County.[27]; E.A. Sween Company, a leading supplier in the ready-to-eat sandwich industry, plans to establish operations at North Greenwood Industrial Park in Hodges. The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project. The new facility is expected to be online in the third quarter of 2023. The $38 million project is expected to create 300 jobs in Greenwood County.[28]
Virginia. Birdsong Peanuts, a cornerstone company of the state’s peanut industry for more than 100 years, will invest $25.1 million into its peanut shelling facility in the City of Suffolk. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services worked with the City of Suffolk to secure the project for Virginia. The Governor approved a performance-based grant of $250,000 from the Virginia Investment Performance Grant, an incentive that encourages continued capital investment by existing Virginia companies, as well as a $250,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund to assist the City of Suffolk with the project.[29]; Axxor, a global leader in paper honeycomb development and production, will invest $3.5 million to expand its manufacturing capacity in Ringgold East Industrial Park in Pittsylvania County. Virginia successfully competed with Michigan for the project. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Pittsylvania County and the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance to secure the project for Virginia and will support Axxor’s job creation through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP), which provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs to support employee recruitment and training activities. As a business incentive supporting economic development, VJIP reduces the human resource costs of new and expanding companies. VJIP is state-funded, demonstrating Virginia’s commitment to enhancing job opportunities for citizens. The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program. This project will create 21 new jobs.[30]; Mühlbauer Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Germany-based Mühlbauer Group, will invest $9 million to expand its operation in the City of Newport News. Virginia beat out Oregon for the project. Governor Youngkin approved a $227,700 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the City of Newport News with the project. The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program. Support for Mühlbauer’s job creation will be provided through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, a workforce initiative created by VEDP in collaboration with the Virginia Community College System and other higher education partners, with funding support from the Governor’s administration and the Virginia General Assembly. Launched in 2019, the program accelerates new facility start-ups through the direct delivery of recruitment and training services that are fully customized to a company’s unique products, processes, equipment, standards, and culture. All program services are provided at no cost to qualified new and expanding companies as an incentive for job creation.[31]; Virongy Biosciences Inc., a developer of viral diagnostic technologies, anti-viral drugs, and therapeutic viral vectors, will invest $471,000 to expand in Prince William County. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership will support Virongy’s job creation through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. The expansion project will create up to 70 new jobs.[32]
Wisconsin. Merz North America, Inc., an aesthetics, and neurotoxin manufacturer, is expanding its facilities in Sturtevant and Franksville. Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is supporting the project by authorizing up to $160,000 in state income tax credits over the next three years. The actual amount of tax credits Merz will receive is contingent upon the number of jobs created. The $8 million project is expected to create 35 jobs over the next three years.[33]
