ConAgra Jobs Hard-fought by City of Russellville
By: Jocelyn Tovar, KARK 4 NEWS
Updated: September 26, 2012
The ConAgra Corporation has been a staple in Russellville and cementing their position in the community is the news that it'll be expanding operations there.
"80 jobs might not sound like a lot," said Jeff Pipkin the President of the Russellville Chamber, "But believe me it's a lot in the economy we're faced with."
"During these tough times, every little bit helps and these jobs will benefit the community," Pipkin said, continuing that Russellville had to fight for the ConAgra expansion.
"Create an environment for business in this area where they can succeed and prosper," he said.
You see ConAgra was deciding between three states as far as where the expansion would go.
"We knew we were at a disadvantage with competition when it comes to property taxes," said Pipkin.
So along with a state bond of 100-million dollars, Russelville's city council approved an additional incentive.
A property tax break for the company.
"A 65-percent abatement for the next 15 years," said Pipkin.
But he points out taxpayers won't pick up the tab, so in his eyes, this is a win-win for the city of Russellville.
Whether the employees laid off in Batesville are able to get those jobs is not clear.
Pipkin said he does expect the jobs will be filled locally.
"80 jobs might not sound like a lot," said Jeff Pipkin the President of the Russellville Chamber, "But believe me it's a lot in the economy we're faced with."
"During these tough times, every little bit helps and these jobs will benefit the community," Pipkin said, continuing that Russellville had to fight for the ConAgra expansion.
"Create an environment for business in this area where they can succeed and prosper," he said.
You see ConAgra was deciding between three states as far as where the expansion would go.
"We knew we were at a disadvantage with competition when it comes to property taxes," said Pipkin.
So along with a state bond of 100-million dollars, Russelville's city council approved an additional incentive.
A property tax break for the company.
"A 65-percent abatement for the next 15 years," said Pipkin.
But he points out taxpayers won't pick up the tab, so in his eyes, this is a win-win for the city of Russellville.
Whether the employees laid off in Batesville are able to get those jobs is not clear.
Pipkin said he does expect the jobs will be filled locally.
