Four Tennessee Businesses Honored with Community Impact Awards
Companies and ECD Honored for Efforts in Community Impact and Economic Development
NASHVILLE – The publishers of Trade & Industry Development magazine, a national economic development publication, have named Amazon.com, Inc., General Motors, Quaprotek USA, MANN+HUMMEL USA and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development among the recipients of its 2012 Corporate Investment & Community Impact (CiCi) Awards. With more than 700 project submissions throughout North America, these projects were chosen as four of only 15 finalists in the Community Impact division of the CiCi Awards, totaling the most for any state.
“Under Governor Haslam’s leadership, our department is dedicated to creating a business friendly environment that gives companies the confidence to invest and grow in our state,” Bill Hagerty, commissioner, ECD, said. “Each of these projects represents the types of investment and jobs that will help Tennessee’s economy continually improve and thrive. It is an honor to receive national recognition for the hard work being done in our state.”
Trade & Industry Development recognized Amazon.com, Inc. for the company’s December 2011 announcement that two new fulfillment centers will be built in Wilson and Rutherford counties. These latest Middle Tennessee locations will create more than 1,300 jobs and generate an investment of $135 million. Together with three existing facilities in Wilson, Hamilton and Bradley counties, Amazon will create more than 3,300 jobs and invest over $270 million in Tennessee.
In November 2011, General Motors announced a $61 million investment to bring its idled Spring Hill, Tenn. assembly plant back to life as one of the world’s most-flexible manufacturing facilities capable of building any GM car or crossover based on customer demand or manufacturing need. The investment will create 594 hourly jobs and 91 salaried positions for the flexible operation scheduled to begin with the Chevrolet Equinox in the second half of 2012. GM also announced a second investment of $183 million for future midsize vehicles to be built at Spring Hill with the exact timing to be determined. The investment is expected to create an additional 1,090 hourly and 106 salaried positions.
Quaprotek USA announced in August 2011 its plans to locate a manufacturing facility for the production of metal parts for vehicles, engines and power trains in Ripley, Tenn. The German-based company will invest $22 million and create 126 jobs during a five-year period to supply leading manufacturers within the automotive industry.
MANN+HUMMEL USA announced in November 2011 its decision to locate a satellite production facility in Dunlap, Tenn. The company expects to invest nearly $15 million during a three-year period and employ approximately 150 production workers and technicians by the end of 2013. MANN+HUMMEL USA designs and produces air intake manifolds, air cleaner systems and fluid reservoirs for the automotive, heavy duty and industrial markets.
“During a year when the U.S. economy grew only slightly, the 30 companies recognized by our 7th Annual CiCi Awards stand out as gleaming examples of where the growth occurred,” said Scott D. Swoger, publisher, Trade & Industry Development magazine, and president, Due North Consulting, Inc. “The sum of the investments made by the CiCi Award recipients coupled with the economic impact they will have on the communities in which they are located will be transformational.”
The CiCi Awards are comprised of two categories: Corporate Investment and Community Impact. Fifteen recipients were chosen in each category. The 30 recipients of the 2012 CiCi Awards helped create 26,605 new jobs, retain 7,902 jobs, and represent investments in excess of more than $11.6 billion.
For a complete list of winners, see Trade & Industry Development’s March/April issue or visit http://www.tradeandindustrydev.com/TID/CiCi%20Awards/news/2012-cici-awards-announced-trade-industry-developm-6177.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. To find out more, go to www.tn.gov/ecd.
About Trade & Industry Development
Trade & Industry Development serves executives within specific vertical industries. Its mission is to help companies perpetuate success by providing clear and crucial insight into the challenge of site selection and facility planning. By working with thought leaders and experts in various fields, Trade & Industry Development provides actionable content that is both innovative and forward-looking. It is committed to being a valuable and trusted partner for C-suite executives, corporate real estate professionals and site consultants, enabling them to make the best possible decisions – for themselves, their companies and their shareholders. www.tradeandindustrydev.com.
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Media Contact: Shannon Sumrall, ECD
Office: (615) 253-4897
E-mail: shannon.sumrall@tn.gov