Below are some of the recently completed projects in Center. Some of these are large, some are small. Some show our committment to the "little things" for our business community. Other projects are for those companies new to Center.
Viatract Organic Fertilizer Manufacturer
Viatract purchased the former Bruce's Hardwood Flooring Plant in the summer of 2015 with the intention of beginning their organic fertilizer operation. The City and EDC helped them resolve a rezoning classification case. The City provided them an 8 year tax abatement agreement. The EDC extended them a $200,000 loan/grant combination. For the first five years, Viatract is to create and retain a certain number of employees and they are to repay the EDC the first $100,000 with forgiven interest. If Viatract can retain a certain number of jobs, then the remaining principal balance is forgiven each year.
Hilltop Market Place
Recognizing the need for additional retail space in Center, the EDC agreed to pay the developer $7,500 upon completion of the project and issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
Portacool Expansion/Texas Enterprise Zone
Center is the home of the Port-A-Cool international headquarters and manufacturing facility. Port-A-Cool wished to expand their production line and build a new corporate headquarters. They received a tax abatement, workforce assistance, and permit and fee rebates. The City also sponsored a Texas Enterprise Zone application.
Nacogdoches Medical
Nacogdoches Medical wished to construct a new Emergency Department in Center. The City granted them an 8 year property tax abatement, permit and fee rebates, and paid for sewer extension.
Tyson Foods Expansion
Tyson Foods completed a $25 million expansion of its Center poultry processing plant in December 2011. The project updated some equipment and added a second production line, creating over 200 new jobs in the community. The City had to guarantee sufficient water supply for the plant.
Tyson Texas Enterprise Zone/Workforce Development
As part of a capital maintenance and equipment enhancement program, the City sponsored a Texas Enterprise Zone application. To help Tyson Foods get additional points, the EDC entered into a workforce development agreement.
Tyson Sidewalk
Almost an afterthought, Tyson approached the City and asked that a sidewalk be installed linking where many of the employees live to the plant complex. This project was completed in May 2013.
"I wanted to express my gratitude for the sidewalk construction in front of the plant. I have heard countless positive comments about it from our team members. It has also improved the appearance of the plant and Shelbyville Street. Thank you for your service to the community." Ty Price - Tyson Complex Manager
Center Motors - Texas Capital Fund Project
The local Ford dealership wished to move to a location with greater highway visibility. The City sponsored a Texas Capital Fund grant to assist with the construction of Hutcherson Drive. The Economic Development Corporation also had to contribute additional money to the project.
Center Industrial Park
A local developer/realtor approached the City about the need for an industrial/commercial park to house new businesses coming to Center as a result of exploration of the Haynesville Shale. It what became its largest assistance project, the Center EDC agreed to pay for utility extensions to the property, 50% of the engineering and design costs for the park, and 1/3 of the up-front cost of the streets, water, sewer, and drainage. The developer was also eligible to receive a bonus payment of 5.5% of the increased appraised value to offset the remaining infrastructure cost. This project was closed out in February 2013.
Loop 500 Extension
The Texas Department of Transportation had been planning an extension of Loop 500 in Center. The Center EDC agreed to provide $1 million in local match to make the project happen. A ground breaking ceremony was held in November 2012 and the Loop extension opened in August 2015.
Tax Increment Financing Zone #1
When the Windham Civic Center was completed in May 2010, a new commercial center of the City was opened. To allow for additional land to be developed, a new street and utility services had to be constructed. The City partnered with the County and TIF District #1 was created. The EDC provided the funding mechanism for the TIF, which makes annual payments back to the EDC from property tax revenue generated from increased proeprty values.
Sales Tax Rebate and Lift Station
Bell Supply was searching for a new location in the Haynesville Shale. They seeked to be near the geographic middle and looked to Center. The City agreed to give them a Chapter 380 agreement, which amounted to a sales tax rebate in exhange for annexation. The EDC agreed to pay for a new lift station so that their location would have sewer service. This project was completed in May 2011.
Cline Family Medical Clinic
Many of Dr. Mark Cline's patients live in Center and Shelby County and it just made sense to expand into a second office in Center. The Center EDC agreed to pay for drainage improvements in return for job creation. This project was completed in December 2012.
MONCO Motors
MONCO Motors, located just off the Historic Downtown Center Square, needed to upgrade the building's facade. Overhead electrical lines prevented them from installing the required architectural elements. The Center EDC agreed to pay half the cost of relocating the lines underground. This project was completed in Fall 2012.
Intersections
Just to prove that sometimes little things can make a big difference, Hallmark - Center Fixture Operations and Port-A-Cool expressed that two intersections in the City were too narrow for their trucks to turn. The EDC agreed to pay 100% of the cost to widen those intersections. This project was completed in Fall 2012.
Grant Support
The Center EDC provided a letter of support for General Shelters of Texas to apply for a Texas Workforce Commission Skills Development Fund Grant. General Shelters has been awarded the grant and training began in Fall 2013.
More Intersections
East Texas ACE Hardware planned a major expansion in their product offerings and building. They approached the City and EDC to pay for concrete driveway improvements and utility extensions in return for annexation. This project was completed in May 2013.