(The Center Square) – Rowan County’s three-year tax break is more than a quarter of a million dollars and the One North Carolina Fund, based on performance, is poised to add another $150,000 in American Eagle Outfitters’ $41 million investment in North Carolina.
The distribution hub for the southeastern part of the United States is expected to yield 200 jobs.
“North Carolina offers the workforce, infrastructure and strategic location needed to continue powering our brands and connecting us to customers,” said Jay Schottenstein, executive chairman of the board and chief executive officer. “We’re proud to have a presence in Rowan County and are excited about what this facility means for the long-term growth of our supply chain and distribution network.”
The One North Carolina Fund does not offer money up front; rather, the grant is paid based on performance incentives being met. American Eagle had first-quarter revenue of $1.2 billion.
State leaders said the average salary of $57,351 is close to the Rowan County average of $57,155.
Average wage comparisons are questioned because salaries of a few corporate leaders can skew the average higher while it would not have the same impact on the median wage.
The Pittsburgh-headquartered apparel company boasts initiatives it calls IDEA – inclusion, diversity, equity and access – and chose a state where recent legislation has targeted elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion policies lawmakers say are discriminatory.
Last month, final veto override from the House of Representatives enacted Eliminating “DEI” in Public Education (Senate Bill 227) and Eliminating “DEI” in Public Higher Ed (Senate Bill 558). Potentially to be taken up as soon as next week by the Senate, the House has overridden Equality in State Agencies/Prohibition on DEI (House Bill 171).
