INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 24, 2009) -- The Indianapolis region has been chosen as one of three finalists for the new world headquarters of a multi-billion dollar international toy manufacturer and distributor, the Indy Partnership announced today.
"While we can't publicly identify the company, due to a clause in our confidentiality agreement, we can tell you that we're thrilled to have ended up on the company's 'nice' list," said Indy Partnership President and CEO Ron Gifford.
The company realized last year that it had outgrown its existing location in the northern hemisphere. "Twas the night before Christmas, which is traditionally our busiest time," said Will "Buddy" Keebler, director of Elfonomic Development and company spokesman for the project. " It became clear that our current facilities were like a bag of misfit toys."
To find a new home, Keebler said the company made a list, checked it twice, and relied heavily on the Indy Partnership's award-winning website to find out which places would be nice.
The Indianapolis region presented several assets that could meet the company's unique manufacturing and logistics needs. "We operate an extensive global logistics operation," noted Rudy Cervidae, team leader for the company's extensive global logistics operation. "If you ask me, with jewels like the world's second-largest FedEx hub, major distribution centers like Amazon.com, and a great airport, Indianapolis is likely to nose out the competition."
Rudy's face also lit up when he talked about being so close to Purdue's Veterinary School. "Although I can't disclose why, some of our team were prancin' and dancin' when they heard about that," he glowed.
The toy maker was also impressed that central Indiana is home to the most productive manufacturing workforce in the Midwest. "While our workforce might look small, they are extremely talented and efficient, " Keebler observed. "You certainly have an abundant supply of talent to join our workshop associates."
Indianapolis has some unique characteristics that favor it. "When you spend as much time in shopping malls as our boss does, you can't underestimate the value of being down the street from the headquarters of the Simon Property Group," Keebler said. "Plus, the whole 'World's Largest Christmas Tree' thing on the Circle -- talk about brand alignment!"
Easy access to southern Indiana's plentiful coal supplies also caught the company's eye. "Sadly, coal delivery has been a growing part of our business," Keebler lamented.
The State of Indiana has put together a very attractive incentive package in an attempt to lure the company here, according to Indiana Secretary of Commerce Mitch Roob. "While I can't talk about what's on the company's wish list, let's just say we put out some serious cookies and milk on this one," Roob noted. Governor Daniels also met privately with the company's founder and chairman, but Roob would not disclose what the Governor asked for. Roob also denied that the Governor sat on the old man's lap, noting that the Governor hasn't done that since he was 9 years old.
The company expects to make a final decision after the holiday season. The other two finalists for the site are Santa Claus, Indiana and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Although Santa Claus is considered a sentimental favorite, most observers are skeptical about the Pennsylvania site. According to local site consultant Larry Grinch, "It would take a miracle for this baby to end up in Bethlehem."
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