Local businesses to get state tax credits

Five San Bernardino companies have been awarded major tax credits from the state of California for creating jobs.

All five business were recognized by the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development for having created a combined 1,148 jobs during 2014 according to a county statement.

The award, which was announced Wednesday, is given final approval by the California Competes Tax Credit committee. California Competes is an income tax credit that is available to any business that wants to move to California or to any business that is already here and wants to expand.

The five businesses, among 56 businesses selected statewide, are:

• Bottled water manufacturer, Niagara Bottling  LLC in Rialto, which received a $2.7 million tax credit for adding 409 employees

• QVC, Inc., the global television retail business, which received a $1.4 million tax credit with a for adding 521 employees. QVC is considering moving to San Bernardino or Riverside County

• Tablet and phone case manufacturer  AFC Trident, Inc. in Ontario, which received a $650,000 tax credit for adding 83 employees

• CSI Tubular Products, Inc., a Fontana-based steel company, which received a $540,000 tax credit for adding 105 employees

• Sawmill and agricultural product manufacturer Fruit Growers Supply Company in Ontario which received a $200,000 tax credit for hiring 30 new employees

“San Bernardino County is committed to doing all we can to support job creation for its new and expanding businesses,” said Larry Vaupel, Economic Development Agency Administrator for San Bernardino County, in a statement.

“California Competes is one of the programs we promote and incorporate into our local economic development efforts. Our local companies recognized by the Governor’s office are indicative of the strong business climate we have regionally and the ongoing strength of our small-to-mid size business community.”