GREENSBORO, N.C. — City leaders in both Greensboro and High Point have approved incentives to try to keep the Fresh Market in Guilford County.
However, the fate of the Fresh Market could be decided Thursday night at the Guilford County Commissioners meeting.
"The Fresh Market was born here and we want them to stay here," said Mayor Nancy Vaughan of Greensboro.
Mayor Vaughan led the city council to a unanimous vote in favor of the incentives.
The city of High Point's council voted 5-1 in favor of incentives.
"We understand the importance of working together to not just attract great companies to Greensboro or High point or Guilford County but also to retain those that are here and help them to grow, and nurture the homegrown companies that we have," said Mayor Jay Wagner of High Point.
On Thursday, before the meeting in a special joint session, both cities' councils passed resolutions approving $301,000 worth of incentives over 5 years for the company. The Fresh Market company is based in Greensboro where it was founded 37 years ago and has expanded to 159 stores in 22 states. The company is planning a $2 million corporate expansion. That's why all parties are in support of the incentive packages to help keep the Fresh Markets Headquarters in Greensboro but also maintain a presence in High Point and retain its 248 jobs. The company is also planning to create 53 more jobs. The jobs will pay an average wage of $86,000.
Now that High Point and Greensboro have approved a combined $602,000, the Guilford County Board of Commissioners will now consider its $106,000 incentive.
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