Ore. Tries to Lure Natural Foods Companies
PORTLAND, Ore. - Amy's Kitchen, a thriving frozen-food company in California, is being aggressively courted by Gov. Ted Kulongoski, who has been trying to persuade organic and natural food businesses from the state to move north to Oregon.
The governor has lobbied the company with projections that it could save nearly $4 million on workers compensation costs, energy and taxes. Kulongoski even paid a personal visit to the company's headquarters in Santa Rosa.
"He just came in and said 'Hi, I'm Ted,'" said Andy Berliner, who co-founded the $100 million-a-year company.
Oregon needs eco-friendly food processors to help keep its 17 million acres of agricultural land profitable and productive, said Marty Brantley, Oregon's director of economic and community development.
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