By Ronni Meier
Café Valley Inc., a baked goods supplier based in Phoenix, Ariz., will be undertaking a multi-million dollar construction project that will lead to hundreds of job opportunities in Marion.
They will begin construction during the first quarter of the year 2014, and the project will mean hundreds of jobs-100 within the first year and a projected 400-plus jobs within the first four years of doing business in Marion.
"Our business has grown to the point of needing a physical presence to better serve the Midwestern and Eastern United States," said Ron Ogan, president and CEO of Café Valley Inc. to The Grant County Economic Growth Council. "We looked in three states and we are pleased to have found the right location in Marion."The company will be building on approximately twenty acres of land in former Thompson Consumer Electronics site on the corner of South Adams Street and 38th Street.
"Not only are we excited about the jobs this project will bring, but about the redevelopment of Marion facilities such as the Thompson facility," said Mayor Wayne Seybold to The Economic Growth Council. "We'll be taking a redevelopment project that's been in the works for nine years and transforming it into something amazing for the community. Instead of looking at the old Thompson site and saying, 'Remember when,' the community will see it and think, 'Wow. We're moving forward. This is a sweet deal for Marion."
So far, the community has expressed positive feedback.
"We have seen a lot of positive feedback and support from the community," said Courtney Smear, Marketing and Communications Director of The Grant County Economic Growth Council. "This project will mean many new jobs as well as redevelopment of an area that currently reminds us of failed ventures of the past. We are excited along with our community about the potential and future of this project."
Café Valley Inc. first contacted The Growth Council in July 2012. The company leaders met the Marion community in August. The company considered around 50 sites across three states, and Marion emerged as the top sight in late November 2012.
"It has been a pleasure to work with the City of Marion, the Grant County Economic Growth Council, and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation on this project," said Rob Young, Business Development Manager for CME Corporation, the company designing the building. "While there is still work to be done-such as attraction of New Markets Tax Credits for the project-I am confident everything at the local and state level will come together as discussed to date, and the result will be a tremendous redevelopment project in the heart of Marion, Indiana."
Café Valley Inc. was formed in 1985, and was purchased by the ownership group in 2004. Currently Café Valley Inc. has revenue of 51 million and 300 employees. Marion hopes to achieve that same success as conversations and preparations continue, and plans for the project move forward this year.
To find out more about this project, visit their website at cafevalley.com.
