In Idaho, Rural is a Great Investment
June 9, 2017This post is part of SelectUSA’s EDO Spotlight series, highlighting the work of EDOs around the country recruiting foreign direct investment, how that work supports jobs and economic growth across the United States, and how SelectUSA partners with EDOs to support economic development.
By Megan Ronk, Director, Idaho Commerce
In Idaho, we know as well as anyone what great opportunities rural America provides to businesses from across the world. From a highly skilled workforce, government support, and unmatched natural resources, more and more businesses are realizing the advantages of investing in rural states like Idaho.
During the last several years, Idaho has become home to many significant relocation and expansion projects. Chobani’s decision to build the world’s largest yogurt facility in Twin Falls raised eyebrows around the world. But the company’s decision to invest in our state, plus numerous other examples, highlights Idaho’s diverse economy, and the many ways rural America can support a variety of different businesses and industries.
- Kochava, a leading software analytics company, chose to expand in Sandpoint, creating more than 200 new jobs and more than $100 million in new wages.
- The Dow Chemical Company constructed a $20 million facility in Burley, generating more than $12 million in new wages.
- Orgill, the world’s largest independent hardlines distributor, will be expanding into a distribution center in Post Falls, creating more than 130 jobs and $68 million in new wages.
- McCain Foods USA, whose parent company is based in Canada, recently announced a substantial expansion to its potato processing plant in Burley, an expansion to the tune of $200 million and 180 new jobs. McCain is the largest manufacturer of frozen potato products in the world, and a supplier to thousands of restaurants and supermarkets across the globe
These are not only huge economic wins for Idaho, but also a perfect example of why investing in Rural America is a great business decision.
McCain’s decision to put down roots in Idaho and grow in the state has been the result of a joint effort on the part of the company’s leadership and a collaboration between local and state officials, associations, and the company.
International investments like McCain demonstrate the draw and economic opportunity of rural communities in the United States. By maintaining a business-friendly economic climate, low tax rates, reasonable regulations, access to a first-class workforce, low-cost power, and many other advantages, we expect to see continued growth and expansion in our rural communities.
If you’re a global business investor looking for your company’s next expansion location, we recommend taking a look at rural America.
Attending the SelectUSA Summit?
We are excited to participate in the upcoming SelectUSA Investment Summit, June 18-20. If you’ll be there, too, we invite you to see Idaho Lieutenant Governor Brad Little at the “Make it in Rural America” session during the SelectUSA Investment Academy. Afterwards, stop by Booth 311 in the Exhibition Hall to meet Team Idaho. We look forward to showing you what The Gem State has to offer.
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