Storey approves tax incentives to 3 companies

The Storey County Commission gave its approval to a tax incentive package for three companies that are opening facilities in the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center this year.

Under the incentive package, GSI Commerce, Toys "R" Us and Schluter Systems would pay 2 percent sales tax for its capital investments such as computers and conveyor belts for two years, a four-year, 50 percent abatement for the modified business tax and a 10-year, 50 percent abatement for the personal property tax.

The proposal must go to the Nevada Commission on Economic Development for final approval on April 19.

"The bottom line is if we don't do it somebody else out there is," said County Manager Pat Whitten.

Whitten said the county would largely break even on the tax incentives in less than a year once the companies start producing jobs and revenue.

GSI Commerce, which was acquired by eBay last month for $2.4 billion, as well as Toys "R" Us both plan to open distribution centers at the TRIC this year.

Schluter Systems is opening a distribution center for its tile installation systems and is expected to employ about 20 people. It also will train 30 to 50 contractors, engineers, architects and journeymen monthly to use the company's tile installation products.

Miles Construction is currently constructing the company's 90,000-square-foot facility, which was designed to meet the energy efficient standard for a "LEED-Gold" certification.

GSI Commerce is expecting to hire 100 people by the end of the year and could employ up to 300 people during the holiday season. Toys "R" Us is expected to create 51 permanent jobs with its payroll increasing to more than 300 during the holiday season.

Rob Hooper, the executive director of the Northern Nevada Development Authority, said the companies were considering other states before settling on Northern Nevada.

"I can tell you that it took awhile for this decision to be made and there were a lot of other good opportunities for these companies to go to," Hooper said. "But we happen to be geographically blessed and statute blessed with our tax situation and being right here next to a large labor

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