Manatee County Government
Since ’09 Manatee economic incentives helped create or retain 2,800+ local jobs
MANATEE COUNTY, FL (Jan. 25, 2011) – More than 2,800 local jobs could be created or retained over the next five years as a direct result of economic incentive grants approved by the Manatee Board of County Commission since 2009.
Two of Manatee County’s top economic development leaders brought the Commission that news Tuesday shortly after the Board approved another two grants for local companies. Karen Stewart, economic development manager in Manatee County’s Neighborhood Services Department, and Eric Basinger, Economic Development Council executive director, presented information to commissioners on the status of the grant program.
Since the grant program was implemented in 2009, the county has approved a total of almost $3.5 million in various incentives to 32 companies planning to create or retain a total of 2,844 jobs. The average wage of those jobs is $48,278, which is 43 percent higher than the average wage in the county.
“The partnership between Manatee County Government and the EDC is essential to creating and retaining jobs,” Basinger said. “Reaching the milestone of almost 2,500 jobs is a magnificent accomplishment. It really shows that the sky is the limit. If we can do this in a couple of years, imagine what we can do in a good economy. We have the outreach plan in place, we’re producing leads and there are more potential jobs in the pipeline.”
The return on investment to the community from the incentives program is substantial. Stewart presented two examples of companies that have been approved for incentives to illustrate the economic benefit to the public. Including payroll from direct and indirect jobs, plus capital expenditures and estimated new property taxes, one company’s $333,732 incentive package is estimated to return almost $80 million to the local economy and $367,440 in taxes over five years.
“The incentives are working and it’s being recognized in the community,” said Commissioner Donna Hayes. “You’re making this happen and I applaud you.”
“This is brilliant,” added Commissioner Michael Gallen. “You guys have done a wonderful job.”
“Manatee County Government has stepped up in a big way to support job creation for local residents,” said Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker.
The companies assisted are in targeted industries that tend to provide high-impact jobs. Examples include corporate headquarters, medical manufacturing, financial services and information technology, among many others.
For more information about the EDC’s economic development strategy to provide more, high-impact jobs for local residents, visit the EDC’s web site at www.ManateeEDC.com.
Manatee County offers several customized incentives to assist businesses wishing to relocate or expand in Manatee County. A full list of Manatee County's economic development incentives can be found at www.mymanatee.org/econ_dev.