City Wins Accolade for Enterprise Zone

After helping place 5,600 workers at 325 businesses, the city has been honored for having the nation’s top state-designated enterprise zone, city officials said Monday.

The city received the 1998 Community Empowerment Award from the National Assn. of State Development Agencies and the American Assn. of Enterprise Zones.

Commercial and industrial areas throughout the city qualify for enterprise zone tax breaks that were established in 1993, Economic Development Director Patti Nunn said.

After receiving requests from businesses, the city works with other agencies, including the state Employment Development Department, to match unemployed workers with employers. The city then issues tax vouchers for the employers.

Businesses that hire employees through the city program can earn as much as $24,000 over five years in state income tax credits.