May 18, 2013
Marianna, FL - Jackson County business leaders celebrated Tuesday's announcement of 300 new jobs coming to the area through a confirmed business deal officials had been calling, "project comfort". In a press conference, County and City of Marianna officials welcomed Home Source International to town.
Community leaders had been trying to close the deal with the business for months.They got a boost two weeks ago when Governor, Rick Scott approved quick action closing funds to help lure the company. The manufacturer weighed the pros and cons of cities in six states before settling on Marianna.
"There were a number of financial incentives that brought us here, but also the fact that the labor force here is a labor force that we feel very comfortable with. We will work with all the agencies to bring those employees in" said Mike Beard, CFO of Home Source International.
Kenny Griffin, the Business Services Coordinator for the Chipola Regional Workforce Board, told us, there were "a number of people in the area who have worked in manufacturing. This is a great opportunity to to get them back doing something they've been doing for a long time."
State Representative Marti Coley called Tuesday's announcement a victory for the region. "The focus of the Florida legislatures as well as the governor has been to create an environment in Florida where we can attract businesses and then to offer incentives, as well as financial assistance for these communities as they draw industries into the area. It's a win for everyone" Coley said.
County officials will use the quick closing money to renovate the Old Alliance building in Marianna's Industrial Park. That building will house Home Source International, but as of Tuesday, no word of when the building would be ready was mentioned.
