Tahlequah —
Members of the Tahlequah Industrial Authority approved an agreement Wednesday night that will allow Backwoods Food Manufacturing to build a new facility in the city’s industrial park.
TIA Trustee David Moore told others on the board the agreement calls for a 25-year lease, with the first five years requiring a $9,600 annual payment. By year 25, Backwoods should be paying $16,800 per year.
Trustees also agreed to waive the ground-lease payments for five years as an incentive for Backwoods – currently doing business north of Tahlequah’s city limits – to move to the industrial park, if it does so within 18 months.
Tahlequah city councilors will also consider waiving about $3,000 in building permit fees, and officials with Tahlequah Public Works Authority are working with the owners to reduce fees associated with utility installation.
Moore said BFM is owned and operated by Mike and Danielle Coursey, who hope they can begin construction in January with an estimated completion on their new facility of 12 to 14 months.
Chairman Mark Gish was given approval to finalize a contract containing specific terms outlined during Wednesday evening’s meeting.
The new BFM site is set for construction at the southeast corner of Main Parkway and Airport Road on a parcel of land about three acres in size. The facility is expected to be 29,100 square feet, with an estimated cost of construction at $1.8 million, plus an additional $650,000 in new equipment.
Backwoods now employs 11 and will expand to 20 employees upon completion of the new facility, Moore said.
“I am looking forward to this project, and I believe this expansion will satisfy the needs of our customers for many years to come,” said Mike Coursey.
Indian Capital Technology Center, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, and the Cherokee Nation assisted the city, TIA, and TPWA during discussion of the project.
According to TIA members, Backwoods Food started in 1998 with its own product line, and gradually grew into one of Oklahoma’s leading co-packers, specializing in manufacturing almost 400 different formulas of barbecue sauce, salsa, pickles, spice blends, and other food products for more than 50 companies. Products are sold in grocery stores across the U.S. and in several other countries, like Germany and Norway.
Sales for 2012 are expected to approach $1 million, with projected annual sales of $5 million within five years.
“This local company has proved itself to be successful in the food-packaging business and is a leader among like companies in the state,” said Gish.
“They will be a valued partner in our park.”
Local News
Industrial park getting new tenant
- Local News
-
-
Grave circumstances
Cemeteries are often thought of with solemnity. If monuments are properly preserved, they can be a boon to genealogists and historians, and provide a place for generations of family to gather and remember lost loved ones.
-
Bike trails will increase cycling interest
One of the most unique uses for a stationary bicycle is to power a generator connected to a blender, making a juice drink in a tiny store in a jungle, as demonstrated on a Travel Channel show.
-
Second Begay jury trial to begin
Despite new DNA evidence introduced in the case, a district judge has decided to go ahead with a man’s second planned jury trial on child sex abuse charges.
-
Lawns will need extra TLC this season
Summer is almost here, and before the mercury hovers at the century mark, local residents are working to get the lawns in shape.
-
Wheelin’ our way
Freewheel representatives were in Tahlequah Wednesday, scouting their upcoming route.
-
Rock gets 17 years for burning baby
A Cherokee County mother charged with using an iron to burn her 14-month-old baby last year will spend 17 years in prison as part of a plea agreement on child-abuse charges.
-
Anti-smoking bill draws mixed reactions
Anti-tobacco legislation recently signed into law by Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin has some local residents expressing concern over what they view is another liberty lost, while others are pleased with measures they believe will protect public health.
-
Two snared after taking marijuana
Two people were arrested this week after authorities found them to be in possession of marijuana.
-
Two hurt in attack at apartment
Two people were hospitalized and a third was arrested Wednesday morning after an attack at Pleasant View Apartments.
-
Feds mull lowering blood-alcohol cutoff to .05
Federal safety investigators are encouraging all states to lower the existing blood-alcohol content cutoff of .08 to .05, and local authorities have varying opinions on the request.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Conn. Commuter Trains Collide; 60 Go to Hospital
Coffee Run Leads to Hatchet Hitchhiker Arrest
Fmr. IRS Head Insists No Politics in Targeting
CDC: Fecal Bacteria Common in Swimming Pools
$1 Million in Jewels Stolen at Cannes Film Fest
NM Mom Chases Down Child Abductor
Raw: Crash Sends Car Into Fla. Pool
Raw: Obama Sits Down With Elementary Kids
Raw: Bear Falls From Tampa Tree
Ousted IRS Chief: Errors Not Caused by Politics
Terror Suspect Due in Court in Idaho Friday
Raw: Driver Ejected From Truck, Over Bridge
Could Tobacco Be the Next Biofuel?
Wash. State Releases Draft Rules for Legal Pot
Dying Man's Blinks Lead to Murder Conviction
Officials: Texas Tornado Likely Had 200 Mph Wind
Brothers Arrested in NOLA Parade Shooting
Raw: School Bus Crash Injures Five Children
Quick Response Saved Baby on Phila. Train Tracks
One Million Evacuated As Cyclone Hits Bangladesh
