Business Facilities - June 2008 - (Page 39)

Idaho was one in five states considered for the uranium plant. Washington, Ohio, Texas, and New Mexico were also in the running, but the Idaho Department of Commerce and Grow Idaho Falls, Inc. worked together to satisfy the 39 physical and economic criteria in a state-to-state comparison. “Areva is a natural fit for Idaho because both are world leaders in nuclear research and technology,” says Senator Mike Crapo. The Idaho Legislature recently passed several tax-related bills designed to make the state more competitive. One in particular, the Small Employer Tax Incentive Act, is currently available for businesses that invest a minimum of $500,000 in new Idaho facilities and create at least 10 new jobs that pay at least $40,000 annually plus benefits. Qualifying companies receive a 3.75% investment tax credit up to $750,000 in any one year; a new jobs tax credit starting at $1,500 per job and climbing to $3,000 per job; a 2.5% real property improvement tax credit up to $125,000 in any one year; and a 25% rebate on sales tax paid on construction materials for new facilities. But effective this July, House Bill 431 modifies the computation used to determine the group average earning needed to qualify for this incentive to include wages of less than $12 per hour, resulting in the possibility of more qualifying companies. This year has also seen the launch of Idaho’s revamped Department of Commerce Web site, which links to another new site, the Gem State Prospector (www.gemstateprospector.com). This tool gives users instant demographics and property availability, both by size and type of property. Site inventory is gearing up through- out May and June, with input from local economic development partners and realtors throughout the state. The Web site will be an indis- pensable resource for companies looking to relocate. Several states offer similar site search engines, while others scurry to compete. Take Two Valleys And Call Us In The Morning The Perfect Cure for Business Relocation Anxiety If you suffer from the headache of not knowing where to relocate, expand or build your new or existing business, or if you’re stressed over lifestyle versus work or work versus play, relax, The Valleys of Southern Idaho are just what the doctor ordered. From its upscale, younger, creative demographic to its world class skiing and resort lifestyle, the Wood River Valley is an entrepreneur’s dream. Tech-savvy, energetic, with engineering and business-tobusiness support, many upperline manufacturers like Scott and Rocky Mountain Hardware have chosen to call this Valley home. For a company looking at a large area manufacturing facility with easy distribution, we would prescribe the Magic Valley, a major retail center with a strong, versatile work force, affordable housing and the College of Southern Idaho. Not to mention some of the lowest energy costs in the nation. We are home to companies like Dell Corporation’s Technical Support Center and Jayco Inc. Whether you’re looking for large scale or upscale manufacturing, the good news is within a little over an hour you can experience both of our Valleys. In the ﬁnal diagnosis, we know we must meet a very speciﬁc list of criteria before business relocation. We also know, all things being equal, that given a big dose of The Valleys of Southern Idaho and you’ll feel a renewal and excitement about your business you haven’t felt for years. The Wood River and Magic Valley, the best of both worlds. Try them and we guarantee you’ll be hooked for life. Jayco Inc. Magic Valley Premier manufacturer of recreational vehicles Rocky Mountain Hardware Wood River Valley Premier manufacturer of hand-made architectural hardware Office: 208-324-7408 Toll Free: 1-866-768-8443 #4102 at www.BusinessFacilities.com BUSINESS FACILITIES 39 http://www.southernidaho.org http://www.gemstateprospector.com http://www.gemstateprospector.com http://www.BusinessFacilities.com

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Business Facilities - June 2008 Contents First Word Snapshots Metro Spotlight: Austin, TX The Greening of America Winds of Change in the Berkshires Hot Logistics Locales Metro Spotlight: New Mexico Borderplex Hollywood on the Louisiana Bayou Idaho: Gem State's Economy is Glittering Mayor's Reports New Brunswick, Canada's Export Leader Virginia: Where Business and Fun Come Together How Green Is Your Site? Maine's New Maritime Marketing Message Corporate Moves: Alabama Advertiser Index Ask the Expert

Business Facilities - June 2008

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