Gov. George Pataki

New Empire Zones, major investments in sites from the Big Apple to Buffalo and a renewed commitment to making New York a business-friendly state combined to land New York in third place in the 2001 Governor's Cup competition. "Site Selection's recognition is further confirmation that the dramatic steps we have taken over the last seven years helped turn New York from a place that companies left every day into a place in which companies want to create jobs," says Gov. George Pataki.
        The Rochester area will see 450 new jobs and retain 4,000 existing ones as Citizens Communications, the new owner of Frontier Telephone, reorganizes its workforce. Of the 450 new jobs, 250 involve employees relocating from Texas. And MapInfo is building a 150,000-sq.-ft. (13,900-sq.-ft.) addition to its facility in Rensselar Technology Park, resulting in 400 new jobs in addition to the 334 already employed. Best Buy Co.'s new, 650,000-sq.-ft. (60,40-sq.-m.) distribution center in Tioga County will employ 400 people.
        A new Empire Zone in Sullivan County is projected to generate new, private-sector investment of more than $300 million while creating up to 2,000 new jobs. Businesses that locate in and create new jobs in Empire Zones qualify for significant tax incentives that enable them to do business essentially tax-free.
        "Efforts to improve our business environment, from tax cuts to smart, targeted incentives, have helped New York compete in tough times," says Gov. Pataki. "The improved environment gets us in the door, and our quality workforce and tremendous quality of life help close the deal."

Gov. Michael Easley

The Tar Heel State's No. 1 business climate ranking helped it land in the Governor's Cup finalists pool, as well. "We are extremely proud to be ranked with America's strongest performers in economic development by Site Selection," says Gov. Michael Easley. "We believe this designation validates the hard work and careful planning we initiated in North Carolina to bring jobs to working families and investment to communities across our state."
        Besides the business climate ranking, North Carolina scored well in the small town business-expansion category, coming in fourth in the number of top 100 small towns category. Indeed, the top two small towns for new and expanded facilities from 1998 to present are in North Carolina -- Mooresville and Statesville (see chart on page 171). And two others -- Sanford and Wilson -- appear in the top 10.
        Universal Leaf North America, a tobacco processor, is investing $100 million in a new facility in Eastern North Carolina that will employ 1,000 people. And Visotec Automotive Products, a Japanese parts supplier, is creating 200 jobs and investing $50 million in a Morganton facility, to name just two newly announced projects in the state.
        "While we achieved a certain measure of success in economic development, we know this is no time to rest on our laurels," says Gov. Easley. "That's why in 2001 I worked with our legislature to secure $15 million for our One North Carolina fund -- economic development incentives that can help us spread economic growth into every community in our state. And I've appointed a new Economic Development Board comprised of the finest leaders from across our state to plot a new roadmap to prosperity and growth in 2002."

Gov. Bob Taft

The Buckeye State, a consistently strong performer in the Governor's Cup competition, had another banner year in 2001 with investments in virtually all industries that have a presence in the state. A commitment to fostering business expansion activity in all industries was central to Ohio's success. "We must build on our strong manufacturing base while creating the high-growth, high-tech jobs of the 21st century," noted Gov. Bob Taft in late December 2001 after reviewing preliminary figures highlighting business assistance by the state to companies and Ohio communities during the year.
        Job Creation Tax Credit agreements worth more than $1.2 billion in investment helped create more than 10,200 jobs and helped retain more than 15,800 jobs. More than 800 firms committed to expansion projects, according to the state's records, 117 of which represent investments of more than $10 million.
        Among the new plant announcements during the year was Silver Line Building Products Co.'s $17 million facility in Claridon Township that will employ 550 people within the first three years of operation. Chase Manhattan Mortgage Corp. expanded its Easton Office Park facility in Columbus to 500,000 sq. ft. (46,450 sq. m.); 2,300 people work at the location. Hormel Foods Corp. opened a 140,000-sq.-ft. (13,000-sq.-m) distribution center in Dayton that will employ 125 people in Montgomery County. And Safe Auto Insurance Co. is generating 150 new jobs at a new call center in Center Township in Monroe County. "The customer call center will generate jobs and revenue for members of the community and help stimulate economic growth in Ohio's Appalachian region," observed Gov. Taft in July, referring to the latter project.