Gov. Beshear: Clark Beverage Group and Clark Distributing Company To Establish New Headquarters and Distribution Facility in Bowling Green with $129 Million Investment,[...]

New state-of-the-art facility will help company meet current and expected future growth

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 3, 2024) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted exciting momentum within the state's food and beverage industry as Clark Beverage Group and Clark Distributing Company (Clark Group), an industry-leader in the distribution of both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, will invest nearly $130 million to expand and establish a new corporate headquarters and distribution facility in Bowling Green, creating 20 new well-paying, Kentucky jobs.

"I want to thank the leaders at Clark Beverage Group and Clark Distributing Company for this significant investment in Warren County, building on Kentucky's strength as a national leader in distribution and logistics," said Gov. Beshear. "Companies continue to recognize that our state is the perfect location to do business, and that means even more great job opportunities for our residents. It is especially great to see existing companies grow their presence in our state, and I look forward to the Clark Group's continued growth in the commonwealth."

The project will see the company locate in a new, 300,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art corporate office and distribution facility to better serve its existing customers and growing demand. The $129 million investment will create 20 new jobs, pushing the company's total Kentucky employment to over 260.

"We are thrilled to expand our operations with a new, state-of-the-art headquarters and distribution facility in Warren County," said members of the Clark family. "This investment represents our commitment to both innovation and the communities we serve. Warren County's strategic location, talented workforce and welcoming business environment made it the perfect choice for our continued growth. We look forward to building on our 120-year history and delivering the highest quality products and service to our customers across the region."

C.C. Clark (Clark Beverage Group Inc.) was established in 1903 when Carsie Cannon Clark started a small soda water operation in Martin, Tennessee. Clark Distributing Company Inc. began in 1969 when Dal Clark, along with other family members, bought the Miller/Falstaff distributor in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The Clark Group has grown into a leading force in the beverage industry covering parts of Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, Indiana and Tennessee. The Clark Group of Companies offer a diverse portfolio of local, national and international brands that includes Coca Cola, Dr. Pepper, Monster Energy, Ski, Molson Coors, Constellation, Mark Anthony, Boston Beer, Diageo, Heineken, Yuengling and West Sixth to over 18,000 customers. Headquartered in Warren County, Kentucky, the Clark Group employs more than 1,300 individuals, maintaining a strong commitment to family values, exceptional customer service and long-term growth. This dedication has enabled the Clark Group to become a trusted partner in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage distribution.

Warren County Judge/Executive Doug Gorman looks forward to continuing the strong partnership between the company and community: "This is an exciting time for Warren County as we welcome the Clark Group's new headquarters and sales and distribution facility. Clark Beverage has been a valuable member of our community for generations, and their significant investment reflects their continued confidence in our region's ability to support their growth and success. We are proud to partner with a company that shares our values of innovation, sustainability, and job creation, and we look forward to the positive impact this will have on our local economy."

Ron Bunch, president and CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the positive impact the investment will have on the local economy: "The Clark Group's decision to establish their corporate headquarters and sales and distribution facility in Warren County is a testament to the business-friendly environment we've cultivated here. This project not only strengthens our local economy but also highlights the region's ability to attract leading businesses and significant investments. We are thrilled to support the Clark Group's continued growth and success, and we are committed to ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive in our community."

The Clark Group's investment and job creation build on the best four-year period for economic growth in state history.

Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,000 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $32.5 billion in announced investments, creating more than 55,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth's history.

The robust job creation has been accompanied by rising wages across the commonwealth. The average incentivized hourly wage in 2022 and 2023 topped $26 in consecutive years for the first time.

Gov. Beshear has announced some of the largest economic development projects in state history, which have solidified Kentucky as the electric vehicle battery production capital of the United States: Ford Motor Co. and SK On's transformative $5.8 billion, 5,000-job BlueOval SK Battery Park in Hardin County; AESC's $2 billion, 2,000-job gigafactory project in Warren County; Toyota's $1.3 billion investment in Scott County; and INFAC North America's $53 million investment in Taylor County, among others.

The Governor's administration also secured the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund, as well as the most jobs filled in state history. Last year, Kentucky set the record for the longest period with the lowest unemployment rates in state history.

Kentucky also secured rating increases from major credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings and Moody's Investors Service.

In March, Site Selection magazine ranked Kentucky third nationally and first in the South Central region for economic development projects per capita in its 2023 Governor's Cup rankings. In April, Site Selection placed Kentucky second in the South Central region and in the top 10 nationally in its 2024 Prosperity Cup ranking, which recognizes state-level economic development agencies for their success in landing capital investment projects.

Gov. Beshear announced a "Supply Kentucky" initiative with the goal of boosting job growth, reducing costs and providing more security in the supply chains of our Kentucky companies.

To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) last week preliminarily approved a 15-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $300,000 in tax incentives based on the company's investment of $129 million and annual targets of:

• Creation and maintenance of 20 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 15 years; and
• Paying an average hourly wage of $33 including benefits across those jobs.

By meeting its annual targets over the agreement term, the company can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. The company may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments.

In addition, the company can receive resources from Kentucky's workforce service providers. Those include no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job-training incentives.

For more information on Clark Beverage Group and Clark Distributing Company, visit ccclark.com.

A detailed community profile for Warren County can be viewed here.

Information on Kentucky's economic development efforts and programs is available at CED.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.

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