Jobs Plus marks another year of recruiting companies

Jobs Plus Inc. on Wednesday celebrated another successful year of company recruitment that kept the Kootenai County economy moving against headwinds created by the national slowdown.

The economic development organization attracted companies that added 238 jobs, said Jobs Plus President Steve Griffitts, including a Denmark-based maker of allergy products he hopes will encourage more biotechnology companies to consider the county.

Besides ALK-Bello Sources Materials, Jobs Plus also landed Titan Spring Co. and Amulet manufacturing from California, he said. Cabela’s opened its outdoor goods store in Post Falls; Northwest Manufacturing Inc. will make its PowerTow airplane-movers in Hayden; and Berg Integrated Industries will make shelter platforms for the military in Plummer.

“We feel it is important that national news does not affect the way we do business locally,” Griffitts said.

Since 1987, he said, Jobs Plus has attracted 80 companies to Kootenai County that have invested $487 million in new facilities, and paid $19 million in property and other taxes. Business receives 27 cents worth of services for every $1 in tax, compared with $1.17 for residential taxpayers, he said, adding “That’s how we build economic strength.”

Griffitts said quality of life, including factors like education and jobs, is the county’s No. 1 selling point; relatively affordable housing is also a big draw. More skilled workers, and work force training, are ongoing needs, he said.