Princeton, NJ -- Evotec AG, a global drug discovery alliance and development partnership company headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, celebrated the opening of its U.S. headquarters and expanded facility in Princeton, New Jersey.

Werner Lanthaler, Chief Executive Officer of Evotec AG and Ryan Brady, the company’s Executive Vice President Business Development and Head of U.S. Operations were joined by Michele Brown, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey, Inc. and Debbie Hart, President and CEO of BioNJ to cut the ribbon for the new U.S. headquarters. Invited guests representing the biopharmaceutical and business community also were on hand to celebrate the headquarters opening and Princeton facility expansion.

State also on pace to create most new jobs since 2006

Frankfort, KY -- In fewer than five months, companies pledged nearly $5.8 billion in new-facility investments and expansion projects in Kentucky, eclipsing the state’s full-year record from 2015 of $5.1 billion, Gov. Matt Bevin announced during a news conference at the Capitol.

Those corporate investments also put Kentucky on pace this year to create the greatest number of new jobs in a decade. To date in 2017, more than 9,500 new jobs have been announced. And the numbers for both jobs and investment are increasing daily.

“We are delighted by the fact that here, not even yet to the end of May, we are already in excess of $5.8 billion in economic development investment,” said Gov. Bevin. “The net result is a sense of enthusiasm within the business community like never before about Kentucky. The world truly is watching the Commonwealth, and we’re just getting warmed up.”

Corpus Christi, TX -- The Port Corpus Christi announced the arrival of a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), the largest oil tanker ever to call on a Gulf of Mexico Port. The ship docked safely at the Oxy Ingleside Energy Center (OIEC) export terminal, the first crude oil export facility in the U.S. to receive such a large vessel.

The arrival of the VLCC reflects the port’s commitment to becoming a major exporter of Permian Basin crude and securing the infrastructure necessary to do so. Occidental Petroleum Corporation is using the visit for operational planning in preparation to regularly load VLCCs in the future from its oil export terminal.

Jackson, MS -- Northrop Grumman is adding a mix of new work to its Unmanned Systems facility in Jackson County, including sub-assembly work for the F-35 program. This $3.7 million investment will create 60 jobs in the coming years.

“This reinforces Northrop Grumman’s commitment to Jackson County, solidifies the company’s position as a leader in the aerospace and defense industries, and strengthens Mississippi’s standing in the Southeast Aerospace Alliance,” Gov. Phil Bryant said.

Moss Point is an important manufacturing center for Northrop Grumman, where Gulf Coast employees manufacture rotary and fixed-wing autonomous systems, such as Fire Scout and Triton, and now manned platforms, which support the United States and its global allies. The company celebrated its 10-year anniversary in Moss Point in 2016.

Blair, NE — Less than five years after Novozymes opened a state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing facility in Blair, Governor Pete Ricketts announced that the company has selected the site for its most recent expansion efforts in North America. The company’s new $36 million investment in the facility, which produces enzymes for renewable fuels, will increase the plant’s capacity to meet growing needs within the bioscience industry and global biofuels market. Novozymes’ expansion efforts support the company’s long-term commitment to the production of enzymes for the biofuels industry, a segment within the larger bioscience industry.

“Nebraska’s biofuels industry has been a focus for my administration on trade missions because of the international investment we’ve seen here in Nebraska,” said Governor Pete Ricketts. “Meeting face-to-face with Novozymes’ CEO, Peder Holk Nielsen, not only allowed us to thank him for doing business in our state, but also allowed us to make the case for additional investment in Nebraska. Novozymes’ recent investment in Blair is an example of the importance of trade missions and how this evolving industry is helping grow Nebraska.”

Mesa, AZ — DuPont Fabros Technology Inc. (NYSE:DFT), a leading owner, developer, operator, and manager of multi-tenant wholesale data centers, has announced it has purchased an undeveloped 56.5 acre site on Crismon Road just north of Elliot Road in Mesa’s Elliot Road Technology Corridor. The company plans to develop a data center campus with capacity for up to 1 million square feet in the future.
 
“DuPont Fabros Technology’s selection of Arizona for a data center site is another excellent example of how our state provides an unmatched platform supporting the world’s leading companies,” Arizona Governor Doug Ducey said. “Arizona’s pro-business environment and stable climate enable companies like DFT to provide their clients with data center services affordably and reliably.”

Wilmington, OH — The Wilmington Air Park has once again earned its Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 139 Certification, recognizing that the airport facilities, staffing, operations and infrastructure are on par with other large airports around the country.
 
Airport operating certificates serve to ensure safety in airport transportation. An airport, in order to secure this certification from the FAA, must implement and maintain certain operation and safety standards and provide for such things as on-site firefighting, and rescue equipment. 
 
“This certification is important to maintain for both our current and future aviation tenants,” said Dan Evers, Executive Director of the Clinton County Port Authority. “It confirms a high level of readiness for airlines that would be considering operations at the Wilmington Air Park.”

Vivek Sarin’s broad private-sector experience to boost state’s workforce development efforts and business climate

Frankfort, KY — Less than five months into 2017, Kentucky is about to break its all-time, full-year capital-investment record of $5.1 billion in corporate projects. New jobs this year could surpass the nearly 16,200 announced in 2016, the most in a decade. To ensure Kentucky’s businesses can source the employees they need, leaders across state government are revolutionizing the commonwealth’s workforce development systems.

To focus on workforce-development initiatives, Sec. Terry R. Gill and the Kentucky Economic Development Partnership Board today named manufacturing executive Vivek Sarin as executive officer with the Cabinet for Economic Development.

Latest expansion to bring at least $10 million investment and create more than 90 new jobs
 
Columbia, SC — Booz Allen Hamilton, a management consulting and technology firm based in the United States, is expanding its Berkeley County operations with the opening of a new Digital Hub. This latest expansion is projected to bring at least $10 million of new capital investment and lead to the creation of more than 90 new jobs. Booz Allen Hamilton currently employs more than 550 associates in the Greater Charleston area.
 
Headquartered in McLean, Va., Booz Allen Hamilton provides management and technology consulting and engineering services to leading Fortune 500 corporations, governments and non-profits worldwide. The company partners with public and private sector clients to solve challenges through a combination of consulting, analytics, mission operations, technology, systems delivery and more.

Zoetis expanding in Kalamazoo, Portage

Lansing, MI —- A global animal health company is expanding in the Kalamazoo area with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced.
 
That expansion, along with four other business expansion projects that have also received MSF approval, will generate a total private investment of more than $71.5 million and create 203 jobs in Michigan.
 
“The successful expansion of these companies is a testament to Michigan’s growing economy and our state’s talented and abundant workforce,” said Steve Arwood, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the state’s chief marketing and business attraction arm that administers programs and performs due diligence on behalf of the MSF.

Arkansas-Based SCA Pharmaceuticals to Establish a Manufacturing Facility in Connecticut

Hartford, CT -- Governor Dannel P. Malloy aannounced that SCA Pharmaceuticals, an Arkansas-based company, has decided to establish a presence in Connecticut through the creation of a new 90,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Windsor, where the company has plans to create approximately 361 new jobs over the next four years.

SCA manufactures injectable pharmaceuticals in ready-to-administer dosages for use at hospitals and healthcare facilities.  The company helps healthcare facilities increase efficiencies and reduce costs while improving patient care.

“The commitment from SCA Pharmaceuticals to choose Connecticut for its expansion reinforces how our strategic location and world-class workforce makes our state a great place for businesses that are looking to bring their operations to the east coast,” Governor Malloy said.  “This is an important sector of our economy, and we are thrilled that this company is adding hundreds of good, high-quality jobs in our state.”

Bridge will open nearly two weeks ahead of Memorial Day weekend deadline, five weeks ahead of original June 15 projection

Atlanta, GA -- Governor Nathan Deal, along with Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Commissioner Russell McMurry and State Transportation Board Chairman Robert L. Brown Jr., announced the reopening of I-85, six weeks after a March 30 fire and bridge collapse closed the corridor. The northbound and southbound lanes of the I-85 bridge over Piedmont Road in Metro Atlanta are projected to open to traffic by morning rush hour on May 15. The new opening date is nearly two weeks earlier than GDOT’s most recent commitment of Memorial Day weekend, and five weeks ahead of the original projected opening date of June 15.

“While this situation has been a tremendous challenge, the response from the people of Georgia has been nothing less than remarkable,” said Deal. “It is extraordinary that in just six weeks, this critical piece of infrastructure is nearly ready to reopen for motorist use following the fire and bridge collapse. I am grateful to President Trump and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao for providing the financial assistance necessary to complete the bridge on an expedited timeframe. I'd also like to thank Commissioner Russell McMurry for his leadership throughout this project, as well as the leadership of MARTA, the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority and the State Road and Tollway Authority for leading the charge in providing alternative commute options. Most importantly, I thank the motoring public for their patience and the Atlanta business community for its flexibility. In Georgia, we get things done, and we have risen to the occasion for I-85 to be completed as efficiently and effectively as possible.”

Columbus, NE -- Cargill celebrated the opening of its new cooked meats facility in Columbus, Neb., marking the completion of a project that began in late 2015. The $111-million project expanded the facility 52,000 square feet – from 108,000 square feet to 160,000 – and converted a fresh ground beef plant to a cooked meats operation, making it a new addition to the company’s portfolio. Employment at the plant will increase from 240 to around 460 due to the conversion.

“The newest and best equipment and technologies to produce cooked ground beef, sausage, hot dogs and other products have been incorporated into our Columbus facility, underscoring our commitment to invest in, and grow, our protein business by better meeting our customer’s needs and expectations,” said Brian Sikes, corporate vice president for Wichita-based Cargill told a reporter from Meat + Poultry. “We take a great deal of pride in knowing this facility, located in America’s heartland, will help us achieve our goal to nourish people in a safe, responsible and sustainable way.”

New Castle, IN -- Micronutrients, an agribusiness that produces animal feed additives, announced plans to expand its operations in Indiana, establishing a new facility in Henry County and creating up to 50 new jobs by 2020.

"Indiana has a strong tradition in agriculture, and the industry continues to grow today as companies like Micronutrients are utilizing new techniques and technology to provide innovative solutions to farmers and consumers across the globe," said Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, who also serves as Indiana Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. "Agriculture and agribusiness are vital contributors to the state's economy, providing $31 billion annually toward the state's GDP. We are excited to see companies like Micronutrients choosing to grow here in Indiana, and I am confident that our hardworking Hoosier workforce will help propel their future success."

Nappanee, IN — Sullivan Group, a full-service promotional products company, announced plans to expand its operations in Nappanee, creating up to 30 new jobs by 2020. 

“Indiana’s small businesses like Sullivan Group play a key role in growing the state’s economy,” said Elaine Bedel, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “With nearly 500,000 small businesses operating across the state, every new Hoosier job they add creates a strong and positive impact in communities throughout the state. As we celebrate National Small Business Week, we’re thrilled to celebrate Sullivan Group’s big plans for Indiana.”

An estimated 180 new jobs will be created directly by McCain Foods
 
Burley, ID — McCain Foods USA, a division of Canadian-based McCain Foods Limited, the world’s largest producer of French fries, announced their plans to expand production capacity in Burley, Idaho for frozen French fries, adding significant capacity to their current production. McCain plans to invest over $200 million to expand its state-of-the-art, high capacity production facility, and expects to create over 180 new jobs directly.
 
This investment is in response to increased demand for McCain branded products in North America and around the world. “In 2016, we reviewed all of our North America sites and narrowed the potential for expansion to a handful that could best help us meet the growing demand for McCain products” said Jeff DeLapp, Regional President, North America “In the end, we chose Burley due to its proximity to quality potatoes, availability of skilled workforce, and strong community and state level support.”

Company bringing $15 million investment and creating 182 jobs
 
Columbia, SC — Moore's Food Resources, a provider of all-natural foods, is locating new operations in Greenville County. The company is projected to bring $15 million of new capital investment and create 182 new jobs.
 
Established in 1997, Moore's Food Resources has decades of experience in the flavor ingredient and food service industries. Certified as a Female Business Enterprise by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council, the company features nutritious, farm-to-table foods and dessert baked goods under the Sheila Moore's Gourmet Recipes™ brand name.
 
Moore's Food Resources is locating its new 131,200-square-foot baking facility at the intersection of Matrix Parkway and Old Grove Road in Piedmont, S.C. Hiring for the new positions is projected to begin in the third quarter of 2017, and interested applicants should send their resumes to Sheila@mooresfoodresources.com.  

$25 billion plan prioritizes education, child welfare and law enforcement
 
State of Georgia — Governor Nathan Deal held budget signing ceremonies across the state for next year’s $25 billion state budget. The legislation, HB 44, will support Georgia citizens by funding initiatives in education, human services, public safety, state infrastructure and other key areas. This budget is based on a 3.5 percent increase in general fund revenues over FY 2017, reflecting Georgia’s sustained economic growth.
 
“The FY 2018 budget maintains Georgia’s position as a national leader in conservative fiscal management and further strengthens our top priorities: quality education for all children, public safety in our communities, an economy that continues to generate jobs and an infrastructure system that supports a growing population,” said Deal. “With this budget, we are working to make Georgia a better place to live, work and play by investing in public safety personnel, teachers and others responsible for ensuring the safety of Georgia’s children. 

Blair, NE — The State of Nebraska and the Greater Omaha Chamber Economic Development Partnership are cheering another successful attraction effort, a multi-million-dollar endorsement of the region’s economic amenities. International biotech company Evolva has announced plans to grow its global operation in collaboration with Cargill’s campus in Blair, Neb.
 
The Switzerland-based company develops high-value specialty ingredients, including stevia, nootkatone and resveratrol. It is the latest to join a cluster of major producers, including Novozymes, Evonik, Corbion and NatureWorks, with a presence on the Cargill campus.
 
“Once again, collaboration was the key – Gateway Development Corporation working closely with our economic development partners and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Cargill and the City of Blair to promote the benefits of our region and the Cargill campus.