Air cargo carrier Southern Air is moving its global headquarters to Florence, Kentucky. The $3.5 million investment will create 150 jobs.
Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson says companies aren't picking the state solely based on tax incentives.
"What you're finding across America is that financial incentives are getting pretty comparable," says Abramson. "So what makes the difference? The difference, the CEO's are telling me, is the assurance that not only the day they show up here but five-ten years from now they want to be assured they'll have a skilled, educated and productive work force."
Southern Air's CEO calls relocating here a "logical choice" because of the people and the proximity to DHL, one of its chief partners.
The announcement comes just days after Southern Air announced its emergence from bankruptcy on April 15. The company filed Chapter 11 in September, 2012.
Upon emergence, the company issued this statement:
Daniel J. McHugh, Southern Air CEO, said, “We have emerged from this restructuring process with substantially less debt, significantly improved operations and resources, and financial flexibility as a well-capitalized global air cargo carrier. Today, we are well-positioned both financially and operationally to continue to build Southern Air for the long-term benefit of our customers, suppliers, business partners, crewmembers and employees. From our new headquarters at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, our largest air operating hub, we are even better able to grow profitably, delivering the highest quality services to our customers and meeting and exceeding their air cargo needs.”
