Some deals are sweeter than others. Just ask the officials with GO Topeka, the economic development organization for that Kansas city.
The 2011 announcement by GO Topeka that Mars Chocolate North America would build a new plant in Topeka earned honorable mention as an Economic Development Deal of the Year by Business Facilities, a site-location magazine. This competition was judged by a panel of economic development experts who reviewed submissions for 23 big-ticket projects from across the United States.
The judge’s cited six projects, including the Mars announcement, for honorable mention awards. The 350,000-square-foot facility, which broke ground in August, is expected to be up and running in 2013, and will be the first new Mars Chocolate factory built in the united States in more than 35 years. It will produce some of the candy giant’s iconic brands such as M&M’s and Snickers.
“This is the most significant economic development announcement for Topeka and Shawnee County in many years,” said Doug Kinsinger, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce and GO Topeka. “The positive economic impact for the community will last for decades.”
