Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: September 17, 2024 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 5-a <br /> SUBJECT: Public Hearing Regarding a Proposed Economic Development Recruitment <br /> Incentive and Performance Agreement Between Orange County and Morinaga <br /> America Foods, Inc. <br /> DEPARTMENT: County Manager, County <br /> Attorney, Economic <br /> Development <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> 1. Proposed Performance Agreement Travis Myren, County Manager, (919) <br /> 2. PowerPoint Brief Summary 245-2308 <br /> 3. Public Hearing Notice John Roberts, County Attorney, (919) <br /> 4. Orange County News Release 245-2318 <br /> Steve Brantley, Economic Development <br /> Director, (919) 245-2326 <br /> PURPOSE: To receive information and hold a public hearing on the County's issuance of a <br /> proposed seven-year performance-based incentive agreement, with claw-back provisions, to <br /> induce the manufacturing expansion of Morinaga America Foods, Inc. in Orange County, NC. <br /> BACKGROUND: Local and state governments in North Carolina have the goal to promote <br /> economic development by encouraging the location of new businesses and the expansion of <br /> existing businesses. This activity serves to diversify the local tax base, increase employment <br /> opportunities, and introduce desired job skills and related benefits to a community, and for the <br /> benefit of its residents. The Local Government Act, North Carolina General Statute (NCGS) 158- <br /> 7.1, outlines the requirements of public hearings, and NCGS 158-7.1(a) specifically addresses <br /> the requirement that economic development appropriations "must be determined by the governing <br /> body of the city or county to increase the population, taxable property, agriculture industries, <br /> employment, industrial output, or business prospects of the city or county". This public hearing <br /> has been scheduled in compliance. <br /> Company Background: <br /> Morinaga America Foods' current operation is based in a 101,495 square foot manufacturing <br /> facility located along Wilson Road in the County's western Buckhorn Economic Development <br /> District. This operation makes "HI-CHEW" candy, employs approximately 204 full-time <br /> associates, and has a current County property tax valuation of$31.6 million. The facility is located <br /> within the County's designated "Buckhorn Economic Development District" and Mebane's city <br /> limits. <br />