Good new from around Florida, Aug 30

Johnson & Johnson, the giant pharmaceutical company, has picked Tampa for its multi-functional regional shared services center.

Tampa Bay Times reports that, as part of the deal, the company will create 500 jobs averaging at least $75,000 over the next three years and make a capital investment of $23.5 million into the Tampa region. In exchange, Johnson & Johnson becomes eligible for state and local incentives of up to $6.37 million the company would receive — once it delivers on the promised jobs and wages. The center is expected to be fully operational by mid-2016.

On Thursday, Governor Rick Scott said, “Today I’m proud to announce that Johnson & Johnson will be creating 500 new jobs in Tampa. It’s exciting that Johnson & Johnson chose Florida for its North America shared services headquarters over other states. I look forward to their continued success in Tampa and across the state.”

“We currently have a strong presence in Florida and this new site will continue to build on the successes that our businesses have already achieved across the state,” said Erin Champlin, Vice President, Johnson & Johnson Global Services. “We look forward to increasing our presence in the state and within the Tampa community.”

As a right-to-work state with zero personal income tax and low corporate tax rates, Florida offers businesses a pro-growth business climate with fewer roadblocks and governmental regulations. And with more than 170 universities, colleges and technical institutes located throughout the state, Florida provides its companies a highly-skilled workforce and abundant opportunities for training. Florida’s tax advantages, combined with a well-developed infrastructure, competitive business environment, access to international trade and skilled workforce, allow the state to consistently rank as one of the best in the nation for business.

Secretary of Commerce and Enterprise Florida president & CEO Bill Johnson said, “Florida’s opportunity economy continues to grow thanks to global leading companies like Johnson & Johnson and its investments in Florida. Florida’s business climate and workforce make a very compelling case for companies looking to locate their regional or hemispheric headquarters. We thank Johnson & Johnson for their continued commitment to the state.”

The project was made possible through strong partnerships between Enterprise Florida, Inc., the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa, and the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation.

“Hillsborough County’s high concentration of exceptionally skilled life sciences, information technology, and finance professionals provides an ideal workforce mix for Johnson & Johnson’s North American shared services headquarters,” said the Hon. Sandy Murman, Chair of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. “We are excited to welcome Johnson & Johnson, and thank them for bringing excellent jobs and investing in our community.”

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