Idaho slow to open checkbook to attract industry – Other states cut into our competitiveness with their lavish incentives.

When Siemens Energy Inc. announced in 2010 that it intended to add 800 jobs and a new product at its Charlotte, N.C., plant, the company put itself in line for up to $22 million in state incentives.

With other states offering funds designed to lure business and jobs, some Idaho business leaders want to do more to entice companies looking to move or expand.But the Idaho economic developers are looking to take small steps down that road by proposing the state put $5 million to $10 million into a fund for rewarding companies that create high-paying jobs that grow Idaho’s economy.

Details of the proposal are still being worked out. But the mission of advocates like Clark Krause, executive director of the Boise Valley Economic Partnership, is clear: increase the state’s competitive edge for job recruitment by enhancing its incentive package.

The state doesn’t need to lead the nation in handing out extras for companies to expand or come here, Krause said.

BY BILL ROBERTS – [email protected]

Full Story: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/12/23/1927295/idaho-slow-to-open-checkbook-to.html