Charlotte NC is going “bananas” over Chiquita Brands International’s recent decision to relocate its global headquarters to Charlotte NC! The news that Chiquita, the most recognized name in bananas, chose to relocate to Charlotte NC, had city leaders and NC leaders rejoicing over the promise of creating and sustaining over 400 new jobs over the next 11 years, which will be a huge boost to Charlotte’s local economy. Chiquita, we are thrilled that you are coming to Charlotte NC!
Chiquita Brands International employs roughly 21,000 people worldwide (mostly in Central America), and had revenues of $2.3 billion in 2010. Chiquita was impressed with the $22.7 million in incentives offered by the State of North Carolina, Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte. Chiquita has reported that it will invest about $14 million in its Charlotte facilities, which will include its headquarters offices as well as an accompanying research and development facility. Chiquita is moving from its current headquarters in Cincinnati, OH.
Chiquita Relocation to Uptown Charlotte NC
Chiquita is reportedly negotiating a 10-12 year lease for its headquarters offices at the NASCAR Plaza, a 19 story facility with over 390,000 square feet in Uptown Charlotte at the intersection of South Caldwell and East Stonewall Streets. Commercial real estate experts believe the Chiquita relocation will provide a huge boost to commercial leasing in center city, an area which has suffered during the slow recovery. With higher-level floor space available, the NASCAR plaza was another positive force in attracting Chiquita to uptown Charlotte. Chiquita also put a lot of weight on the proximity to Charlotte Douglas International Airport and its ever-expanding number of flights.
Chiquita Relocation to Create Jobs in Charlotte NC
The Chiquita relocation to Charlotte is expected to bring over 400 jobs to the area! Chiquita Brands CEO Fernando Aguirre said those jobs will include human resources professionals, IT and finance specialists, and accountants. He added that about 300 of those jobs will be Chiquita executives relocating to Charlotte NC from Cincinnati, and about 100 employees will relocate to Charlotte from Salinas CA, the headquarters of Fresh Express, which was acquired by Chiquita in 2005. Aguirre indicated that a large percentage of his employees will be offered relocation packages, but that he expects to hire about 200 employees in Charlotte, with an average salary of $106,000. The company hopes that the Chiquita relocation to Charlotte NC will be complete by the end of 2012.
Relocate to Charlotte NC!
If you are interested in finding out why Chiquita chose to relocate to Charlotte, NC, I’d love to show you around our “Queen City.” Charlotte has so much to offer: an increasingly diversified economy (banking, energy, health care, film industry, etc.), a thriving Uptown Charlotte with live theater, the Charlotte Symphony, fabulous museums, an eclectic mix of fine dining and entertainment locales, 3 professional sports teams (Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Bobcats, Charlotte Checkers), a wonderful temperate climate with four seasons, and an awesome location close to the NC mountains and beaches. The cost of living in Charlotte, NC is comparatively affordable, and housing prices are far steadier than many areas of the country. The average sales price for homes for sale in Charlotte NC is $202,000 for the last 12 months (the 12-month average, which includes market highs and lows).
Charlotte NC Relocation Specialist
Relocation can be a stressful event for many families! That’s why it’s important to partner with a knowledgeable and experienced Charlotte Realtor to help you: discover what the different areas of Charlotte have to offer; understand our local Charlotte real estate market, down to the neighborhood level; examine the options you have for schools, whether public or private; and guide you seamlessly throughout the entire relocation process, from initial home search to closing and beyond. My goal is to listen carefully to your needs and goals, and then to help you find the best location, home, and/or schools for your family. I’ve helped a lot of families relocate to Charlotte, NC, from all across the United States AND Canada. I’d love to help you, too! Contact me and we’ll discuss your plans and goals and got started on this excited journey for your relocation to Charlotte, NC!
Search for Charlotte NC homes for sale
About Melissa Brown
Follow Me!