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May 10, 2005 New Jobs a "Shot in the Arm" for Southeast Alabama, Governor Riley Says 
Governor Riley welcomes a major new
employer to southeast Alabama, Sysco Food Services-Gulf Coast, Inc. The
food marketing and distribution company will initially employ 227
workers at its Geneva facility and expects to expand its workforce to
800 over the next three years. Alabama successfully competed against
other states for this economic development project. GENEVA - Governor Bob Riley joined local officials to welcome Sysco Corporation to Geneva, where the food service giant will open a distribution center that will initially employ 227 workers and could reach a workforce level of 800 workers within three years.
"This is a great shot in the arm for southeast Alabama’s economy," Governor Riley said. "We welcome Sysco and the hundreds of new jobs it is bringing to Alabama. Jobs generate more than paychecks for workers and revenue for government. Jobs generate something far greater, and that is a better life for people, for families and for communities."
Houston-based Sysco Corp. is North America’s largest food service marketer and distributor. It is opening a new distribution company at the Geneva site formerly occupied by Fleming Foods, which closed its doors in 2003.
The new company, named Sysco Food Services-Gulf Coast, Inc., is scheduled to begin operations later this year following the addition of 30,000 square feet of office space to the existing facility. It will serve restaurants, hospitals, schools, hotels and other food service operations in southern Alabama and northwest Florida.
Jack D. Carlson, Vice President of Real Estate and Construction for Sysco, said several factors were involved in selecting the facility’s location. "This site was chosen because of the availability of an existing high quality building in a location that could easily serve a growing Gulf Coast marketplace. Additional factors influencing the decision were an available outstanding workforce, and the willingness of the city, county and state officials to assist in securing economic development incentives and other assistance," Carlson said.
Senator Harri Anne Smith, who represents Geneva County in the Alabama Senate, said the addition of Sysco Corp. helps offset some losses to the area’s textile industry.
"I want to thank Governor Riley for his commitment to helping Geneva County and for helping to locate new job opportunities here," Senator Smith said. "The Alabama Development Office has worked closely with Sysco and with our local government here to improve our economy." For more information, contact the Governor’s Press Office at 334-242-7150. | |
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