| Press Release |
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| November 30, 2004 |
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Amy's Kitchen to Expand California Operations to Medford
Salem, Ore. ) – Yesterday, Amy’s Kitchen officials announced their decision to expand their Santa Rosa, California operations to Medford, Oregon. The company expects to complete a land purchase in Medford later this month, at which time they will announce their final plans for expansion.
Amy’s, with annual sales of more than $100 million, has grown nearly 25 percent this year, forcing the company to expand its manufacturing space sooner than expected. The new facility in Medford, when built, could create more than 200 jobs for the area.
“Amy’s decision reveals that, not only can Oregon compete for business with any state in the Northwest, but our state has distinct advantages that many companies seek,” said Governor Kulongoski. “Amy’s Kitchen espouses corporate values that align perfectly with Oregon ’s, such as a clean and healthy environment, livability, and product/service quality. It’s a perfect match, and we expect businesses with similar values will soon be considering Oregon.”
The Oregon Economic and Community Development Department (OECDD) has been working with Amy’s Kitchen since April, 2003. While the OECDD holds details of its negotiations and incentives confidential until the company makes its formal announcement later this month, the agency is eager to share the Amy’s Kitchen story with other businesses considering relocation or expansion.
“It’s a win-win for Oregon and California,” said Marty Brantley, Director of the OECDD. “California will retain Amy’s headquarters operation in Santa Rosa and Oregon will have the opportunity to host the company’s expansion facility.”
A report by the Tax Foundation in Washington D.C. released this week rated Oregon one of the most business-friendly states. Oregon ranked 10th best in the nation for a combination of factors, including lack of a sales tax, low “sales and gross receipts” taxes, a beneficial corporate income tax structure, and low unemployment insurance levels. According to the 2003 Cost of Doing Business Report by the North American Retail Dealers Association, Oregon ´s cost of energy is lower than 40 other states, another benefit for Oregon businesses.
In October, Governor Kulongoski announced that the average “pure” premium rate for Oregon workers´ compensation insurance will remain flat in 2005, marking three years of stable rates after twelve consecutive years of rate reductions. “Businesses that relocate to Oregon from neighboring states often tell us that our low workers´ comp rates are one of the primary reasons they choose to come here,” said the Governor.
The Oregon Economic and Community Development Department works to strengthen the state’s economy and put more Oregonians to work in good jobs. By partnering with private sector organizations and working closely with local communities, the Department creates opportunities for business expansion, creation and relocation. For more information on doing business in Oregon, call the OECDD at 1-(866)-4OREGON (1-866-467-3466) or visit http://www.Oregon4biz.com/.
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