< Previous106 JANUARY 2024 SITE SELECTION Georgia Dept. of Econ. Dev. Technology Square 75 Fifth Street N.W., Ste. 1200 Atlanta, GA 30308 Pat Wilson C OMMISSIONER 404-962-4000 georgia.org “The laws on our books make it too easy to bring frivolous lawsuits against Georgia business owners, which drives up the price of insurance and stops new, good-paying jobs from ever coming to communities that need them most.” — Gov. Brian Kemp, addressing a Georgia Chamber of Commerce symposium in August, and signaling a push for liability limits to thus challenge Georgia’s #1 “Judicial Hellhole” ranking by the American Tort Reform Foundation GDP 8 th 2022 GDP (in millions of current US$) $655,827 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 20222021202020192018 Georgia Pop. (2023): 11,033,083 Pop. growth 2023–2028: 0.51% Median household income (2023): $69,506 Median age (2023): 37.5 Credit Rating: AAA / Stable Right-to-work state: Yes LEGLISLATIVE UPDATE SB 56, signed May 2, requires digital products, goods, services and codes downloaded in Georgia to be subject to Georgia sales and use tax beginning in 2024. SB 246 establishes a student loan repayment program for nursing instructors. Also in May, Gov. Kemp signed HB 408, which extends until 2027 a sales tax exemption for tangible personal property used in construction projects deemed to have a signifi cant regional impact. The state budget approved by Kemp May 5 includes raises for teachers and law enforcement offi cers, and as with many states, devotes signifi cant funding to supporting mental health among high school students. Close to $27 million is directed toward hiring new high school counselors throughout the state. HB 128: “Classifi ed subcontractors” — to specifi cally include those from underrepresented communities, including minorities and veterans — will face fewer layers of red tape in pursuit of state contracts, resulting in “increased competition,” said Kemp, “so contracts are delivered at the lowest cost and the best value to the taxpayer.” Higher Ed. R&D Expenditure in $000s: 3,264,605 Number of NCRCs: 347,625 | Percent Improvement 2022–2023: 0.31% Business Tax Climate Rank Change 2023–2024: 0 Industrial power cost per kWh: $8.65 Total Revenue as Share of Total Expenses, FY 2007-2021: 103.0% 2023 Workers’ Comp Index Rate: 1.15 PROJECT WATCH R ivian plans to break ground soon on its $5 billion EV truck facility east of Atlanta. Construction has been delayed through legal challenges, with opponents of the project near the rural towns of Rutledge and Social Circle having exhausted legal appeals last year. In November, nearly two years after announcing the project, the California- based carmaker that currently produces in Normal, Illinois, offi cially closed on a complex land agreement that clears the way for construction at the 1,800-acre site in Georgia. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe Photo Courtesy of Georgia Dept. of Economic Development GDP Growth Rate Trend108 JANUARY 2024 SITE SELECTION LEGISLATIVE UPDATE SB691 (Act 224) authorizes the State Energy Offi cer to adopt rules to enforce or amend minimum effi ciency standards for certain products. This will provide product suppliers ample time to bring more energy-effi cient products to market, which will result in greater energy and water savings starting in 2025. SB1024 (Act 226) establishes long-term goals and implements strategies that help to reduce and ultimately eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from Hawai’i’s ground and interisland transportation sectors. HB28 appropriates funds to the Department of Taxation for upgrades to software and computer systems and requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to work with the University of Hawai’i on workforce development activities that support the development of the Hawaii Pacifi c Hydrogen Hub. Hawai’i Dept. of Business ED & Tourism No. 1 Capitol District Building 250 South Hotel Street Honolulu, HI 96813 James Kunane Tokioka D IRECTOR 808-586-2355 dbedt.hawaii.gov “The state is focused on building a strong economy and it can only happen with a robust and resilient workforce. We are pleased to honor the tireless eff orts of these individuals who have shown dedication in developing the pathways to lift our workforce so our communities can thrive and prosper.” — Gov. Josh Green, M.D., on September 27, 2023, recognizing winners of the Workforce Development Hero Awards Higher Ed. R&D Expenditure in $000s: 302,419 Number of NCRCs: 649 | Percent Improvement 2022–2023: 0.15% Business Tax Climate Rank Change 2023–2024: +1 Industrial power cost per kWh: $36.71 Total Revenue as Share of Total Expenses, FY 2007-2021: 95.6% 2023 Workers’ Comp Index Rate: 2.27 GDP 40 th 2022 GDP (in millions of current US$) $85,211 -12 -10 -8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 20222021202020192018 Hawai’i Pop. (2023): 1,466,064 Pop. growth 2023–2028: 0.06% Median household income (2023): $85,844 Median age (2023): 40.1 Credit Rating: AA+ / Stable Right-to-work state: No GDP Growth Rate Trend Idaho Dept. of Commerce 700 W. State St. Boise, ID 83720 Tom Kealy D IRECTOR 208-334-2470 commerce.idaho.gov “Working together, we achieved major investments in teacher pay, workforce training, roads, water, and other critical infrastructure to improve the lives of the people we serve, in addition to passing simple, enduring property tax relief.” — Gov. Brad Little, on April 6, 2023, commenting on the recently concluded legislative session GDP 38 th 2022 GDP (in millions of current US$) $91,684 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 20222021202020192018 Idaho Pop. (2023): 1,955,585 Pop. growth 2023–2028: 1.07% Median household income (2023): $69,400 Median age (2023): 36.6 Credit Rating: AA+ / Stable Right-to-work state: Yes LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Senate Bill 1129 adds $125 million to improve broadband infrastructure throughout the state as part of Governor Little’s “Idaho First” plan. House Bill 24, known as “Launch,” is the Governor’s solution to getting Idaho students trained for in-demand careers and keep Idaho students in Idaho. The program makes available $8,000 to qualifying Idaho high school seniors starting in 2024 to help pay for enrollment in an Idaho-based education or training programs geared toward high-demand careers — professions such as nursing, truck driving, information technology, electricians, welding, teaching, construction, fi nance professionals, mechanics, plumbing and others. Higher Ed. R&D Expenditure in $000s: 180,926 Number of NCRCs: 195 | Percent Improvement 2022–2023: 1.04% Business Tax Climate Rank Change 2023–2024: -1 Industrial power cost per kWh: $6.71 Total Revenue as Share of Total Expenses, FY 2007-2021: 107.6% 2023 Workers’ Comp Index Rate: 1.43 GDP Growth Rate Trend SITE SELECTION JANUARY 2024 109 Indiana Economic Development Corporation One North Capitol, Suite 700 Indianapolis, IN 46204 David Rosenberg, S ECRETARY OF C OMMERCE 317-232-8800 iedc.in.gov “Today’s commitment from Stellantis and Samsung SDI will double the capital investment, the new jobs created, and the impact this joint venture will have on Kokomo and the state of Indiana for decades to come.” — Gov. Eric J. Holcomb, on October 11, 2023, at the companies’ $3.2 billion EV battery manufacturing expansion announcement GDP 19 th 2022 GDP (in millions of current US$) $396,009 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 20222021202020192018 Indiana Pop. (2023): 6,879,052 Pop. growth 2023–2028: 0.16% Median household income (2023): $65,069 Median age (2023): 39.1 Credit Rating: AAA / Stable Right-to-work state: Yes LEGISLATIVE UPDATE House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1001, the governor’s agenda bill, creates a new $500 million deal closing fund, provides additional resources for megadeals over $5 billion, creates a new site acquisition fund for shovel-ready development and invests an additional $500 million in the nationally innovative READI program that has already leveraged $8.54 billion in quality-of-place investments throughout the state. Among other measures, it: • Creates a new $500 million Deal Closing Fund; • Allocates $150 million over the biennium to support the IEDC’s strategic sites initiative, ensuring that competitive land and infrastructure is available for new investment; • Formalizes an annual tax credit bucket of $250 million per year, providing the IEDC fl exibility to leverage incentives to attract new investment and job opportunities for Hoosiers; • Allocates $40 million over the biennium to advancing and future-proofi ng Indiana’s manufacturing sector, doubling the funding available to businesses through the Indiana Manufacturing Readiness Grants. Higher Ed. R&D Expenditure in $000s: 1,878,030 Number of NCRCs: 142,319 | Percent Improvement 2022–2023: 0.42% Business Tax Climate Rank Change 2023–2024: -1 Industrial power cost per kWh: $8.65 Total Revenue as Share of Total Expenses, FY 2007-2021: 103.3% 2023 Workers’ Comp Index Rate: 0.77 GDP Growth Rate Trend LEGISLATIVE UPDATE From the National Association of State Budget Offi cers: Iowa’s legislature passed the governor’s $8.5 billion FY 2024 budget as well as bills which provide universal school choice; realign state government including reducing the number of cabinet-level departments from 37 to 16; establish a red tape review process; support economic development; provide stability for the state’s healthcare system; establish the Iowa Offi ce of Apprenticeship; and combat the fentanyl crisis. The governor also signed a bill that reduces property taxes by $100 million by curbing the growth of local governments and provides additional property tax relief for older Iowans and military families. Iowa Economic Development Authority 1963 Bell Avenue, Suite 200 Des Moines, IA 50315 Debi Durham D IRECTOR 515-348-6200 iowaeda.com “Incentivizing childcare initiatives through collaboration with local businesses can help Iowans pursue opportunities that are best for their families. Tackling this challenge requires everyone in our communities to be part of the solution and this third round of funding underscores our commitment to making childcare more accessible throughout the state.” — Gov. Kim Reynolds, on October 4, 2023, announcing new funding for the Child Care Business Incentive Grant Program Higher Ed. R&D Expenditure in $000s: 1,007,864 Number of NCRCs: 136,597 | Percent Improvement 2022–2023: 1.63% Business Tax Climate Rank Change 2023–2024: +5 Industrial power cost per kWh: $7.06 Total Revenue as Share of Total Expenses, FY 2007-2021: 104.2% 2023 Workers’ Comp Index Rate: 1.52 GDP 30 th 2022 GDP (in millions of current US$) $197,846 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 20222021202020192018 Iowa Pop. (2023): 3,226,869 Pop. growth 2023–2028: 0.19% Median household income (2023): $67,730 Median age (2023): 39.7 Credit Rating: AAA / Stable Right-to-work state: Yes GDP Growth Rate Trend110 JANUARY 2024 SITE SELECTION LEGISLATIVE UPDATE From the Illinois Department of Revenue: Senate Bill 1963, Public Act 103-0009, among other measures, amends the Economic Development for a Growing Economy Tax Credit Act to provide, for agreements that are executed on or after June 7, 2023, a “startup taxpayer” is a corporation, partnership, or other entity that is incorporated or organized no more than 10 years before the fi ling of an application for an agreement and that has never had any Illinois income tax liability; Amends the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles (REV) in Illinois Act to expand the credit to certain taxpayers that enter into agreements on or after June 7, 2023, and before June 1, 2024. Provides certain taxpayers entering into agreements during this time frame may receive a tax credit not to exceed 75% of the incremental income tax attributable to retained employees at the applicant’s project or not to exceed 100% if the project is in an underserved area or an energy transition area. House Bill 2204, Public Act 103-0268 creates the Hydrogen Fuel Replacement Tax Credit Act. Provides for tax years ending on or after December 31, 2027, and beginning before January 1, 2029, a credit is allowed in an amount equal to $1 per kilogram of eligible qualifying hydrogen used by an eligible taxpayer. Illinois Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity 555 W. Monroe St, 12th Floor Chicago, IL 60661 Kristin Richards D IRECTOR 312-814-7179 Dceo.illinois.gov “Illinois is open for business and leading the way as one of the top 10 states for corporate investment, with Chicago named the number one metro for the 10th year in a row. Thanks to our nation-leading infrastructure revitalization, talented workforce and growing economy, Illinois is the best place to do business.” — Gov. JB Pritzker , on March 1, 2023, commenting on Site Selection’s Governors’ Cup and Top Metros rankings Higher Ed. R&D Expenditure in $000s: 3,165,667 Number of NCRCs: 161,075 | Percent Improvement 2022–2023: 0.67% Business Tax Climate Rank Change 2023–2024: -1 Industrial power cost per kWh: $8.57 Total Revenue as Share of Total Expenses, FY 2007-2021: 93.8% 2023 Workers’ Comp Index Rate: 1.39 GDP 5 th 2022 GDP (in millions of current US$) $864,171 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 20222021202020192018 Illinois Pop. (2023): 12,719,013 Pop. growth 2023–2028: -0.19% Median household income (2023): $74,859 Median age (2023): 38.8 Credit Rating: A- / Stable Right-to-work state: No GDP Growth Rate Trend PROJECT WATCH G ulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced in June 2023 it would expand its completions and outfi tting operations at St. Louis Downtown Airport in Cahokia Heights, Illinois. The company said the project includes support from the State of Illinois through its Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credit program that stipulates creation of 200 jobs and retention of nearly 500. Gulfstream says it will increase completions operations at the site while modernizing its existing spaces by adding new, state-of-the-art equipment and tooling, representing a total capital investment of $28.5 million. The facility will include greater capacity for exterior aircraft painting, furniture installations and avionics integrations, among other work, that will enable full aircraft completion and customer deliveries directly from the St. Louis facility. “As we continue to experience extraordinary demand, we are implementing strategic investments in our people and places,” said Gulfstream President Mark Burns in a press release. “St. Louis has a deep aviation history, and we are proud to build on that history while enhancing support for our customers. We look forward to off ering these expanded capabilities to Gulfstream customers from around the world, so they can experience fi rsthand the region’s talented workforce and artisans.” Photo courtesy of Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation112 JANUARY 2024 SITE SELECTION Kansas Department of Commerce 1000 S.W. Jackson St. Suite 100 Topeka, KS 66612 David Toland S ECRETARY OF C OMMERCE 785-296-3481 kansascommerce.gov “This investment by Hill’s Pet Nutrition is a testament to my administration’s success in creating a pro-business economy, including for the animal health industry. I’m delighted our unique Animal Health Corridor continues to expand, growing our economy and supporting communities like Tonganoxie.” — Gov. Laura Kelly , on October 16, 2023, at the groundbreaking of the company’s new $450 million facility GDP 33 rd 2022 GDP (in millions of current US$) $174,795 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 20222021202020192018 Kansas Pop. (2023): 2,952,421 Pop. growth 2023–2028: 0.05% Median household income (2023): $65,296 Median age (2023): 37.9 Credit Rating: AA- / Positive Right-to-work state: Yes LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Senate Substitute for HB 2302 increases funding for the State Water Plan, including two funds for grants for water-related infrastructure projects. House Bill 2292 creates a tax credit for certain employers who create apprenticeship programs to strengthen and expand the Kansas workforce. House Bill 2292 also creates new grant programs that will support apprentices pursuing careers in education and health care. House Bill 2184 allocates funding through Fiscal Year 2025. The budget allows the state to continue its path of economic growth through targeted investments in workforce development, health care, and aff ordable housing. It provides over $20 million in new funding for need-based scholarships, allowing more Kansas kids to aff ordably attend college. The Governor’s budget also makes historic investments in community colleges by appropriating $14 million to advance technical education and grow partnerships between business and education. Higher Ed. R&D Expenditure in $000s: 883,795 Number of NCRCs: 98,937 | Percent Improvement 2022–2023: 16.92% Business Tax Climate Rank Change 2023–2024: -1 Industrial power cost per kWh: $8.30 Total Revenue as Share of Total Expenses, FY 2007-2021: 102.4% 2023 Workers’ Comp Index Rate: 1.02 GDP Growth Rate Trend PROJECT WATCH A ribbon-cutting ceremony in May 2023 marked the completion of Schwan’s Company’s pizza manufacturing facility expansion in Salina. The 400,000-sq.-ft. project adds 225 jobs to the company’s payroll. “In 2020, we announced to the Salina community a bold new project that would enable us to continue to make delicious pizzas for millions of families for decades to come,” said Dimitrios Smyrnios, Schwan’s Company CEO, at the event. “In March of this year, we realized our dream, and our teams began making pizzas in our new facility.” Schwan’s has operated the facility since April 1970, when it bought the Tony’s® pizza brand and plant from a local businessman. It still makes Tony’s® and Red Baron® pizzas. Since Schwan’s acquired it, the facility has grown from almost 20,000 sq. ft. to nearly 1 million. The company also is expanding its distribution center in Salina from 140,000 sq. ft. to 245,000 sq. ft. Photo courtesy of Kansas Dept. of Commerce114 JANUARY 2024 SITE SELECTION LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Senate Bill 57 allows military spouses who are licensed cosmetologists in another state to easily work here in Kentucky. It assists service members and their spouses when they must move to best serve our country, and it is priority legislation for the U.S. Department of Defense. House Bill 200 addresses Kentucky’s nursing shortage by creating a public- private partnership program to support scholarships and improve and grow high-need health care programs. House Bill 320 makes it easier for Kentucky to attract more drivers to its trucking industry. It allows an applicant who has a nonresident operator’s license and a commercial driver’s instruction permit to take the CDL skills test within the state of Kentucky. Senate Bill 54 opens Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) eligibility to students attending proprietary schools that are not eligible to participate in the Federal Pell Grant program. Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development Old Capitol Annex 300 W. Broadway Frankfort, KY 40601 Jeff Noel S ECRETARY 502-564-7670 thinkkentucky.com “If we keep pushing — not right, not left, but forward — we will keep building that better Kentucky we all want: one where all our kids and grandkids can pursue every dream, no matter how big, right here in the Commonwealth.” — Gov. Andy Beshear , on October 5, 2023, announcing nearly 900 private-sector new-location and expansion projects that total $27.5 billion in investments, creating 48,000 jobs since the beginning of his administration Higher Ed. R&D Expenditure in $000s: 734,645 Number of NCRCs: 169,390 | Percent Improvement 2022–2023: 0.99% Business Tax Climate Rank Change 2023–2024: 0 Industrial power cost per kWh: $7.41 Total Revenue as Share of Total Expenses, FY 2007-2021: 100.0% 2023 Workers’ Comp Index Rate: 0.86 GDP 28 th 2022 GDP (in millions of current US$) $217,568 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 20222021202020192018 Kentucky Pop. (2023): 4,547,961 Pop. growth 2023–2028: 0.12% Median household income (2023): $57,015 Median age (2023): 40.4 Credit Rating: A+ / Stable Right-to-work state: Yes GDP Growth Rate Trend PROJECT WATCH G ov. Andy Beshear was on hand at Pratt Industries in Henderson on September 14, 2023, at the opening of the company’s new $500 million paper mill and box factory. The project will create more than 320 jobs across two facilities. It’s the largest investment in the region in more than 25 years. “I want to congratulate Pratt Industries on this newest milestone in Henderson,” said Gov. Beshear at the event. “The quality job opportunities for hundreds of Kentucky residents this project is bringing to the region is something to celebrate. Pratt Industries is a perfect fi t for the Henderson community, and I want to thank Anthony Pratt and his team for their commitment to the commonwealth.” In late 2021, the company broke ground on the fi rst of two facilities that will total 1.15 million sq. ft. of space in Henderson County. Earlier that year, the company announced a $400 million investment, which has since grown to $500 million to support the construction of a 500,000-sq.-ft. box factory. Pratt Industries will produce corrugated sheet and boxes, including pizza boxes and packaging for major distributors and big box stores, with paper sourced from the new state-of- the-art, 650,000-sq.-ft. paper mill, which produces 100% recycled paper. The new location expands Pratt’s footprint in the commonwealth, which currently includes a Pratt Display manufacturing plant established in Hebron in 2011 that employs over 200 Kentuckians. Photo courtesy of the Offi ce of the GovernorNext >