Target Corp. recently held the grand opening of its new 1.5 million square foot regional distribution center in DeKalb, Ill. In November 2004, Illinois Gov. Blagojevich announced that the state would provide more than $9.3 million in Opportunity Returns support for the new distribution center, which will create 500 new jobs over the next two years and several hundred additional jobs during the first five years of the facility’s operation. Hiring for the facility began in early 2006.

Each distribution center serves anywhere from 40 to 70 stores in its region. Regional distribution centers receive shipments from suppliers, ship products directly to Target stores, and provide storage space for merchandise.

“The new DeKalb distribution facility will help us to better meet our guests’ needs for merchandise,” said Mitch Stover, senior vice president, distribution services, Target Corp. “We thank the City of DeKalb and the State of Illinois for all the support they have provided us since we began construction back in 2004. We look forward to becoming a long-lasting partner to the City of DeKalb, not only by helping with new jobs, but also by supporting the community through our philanthropic programs.”

The state’s support is coming from a variety of DCEO’s business development programs, including a Large Business Development Program (LBDP) grant, Business Development Public Infrastructure Program (BDPIP) funding to the city of DeKalb for infrastructure improvement assistance, Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credits, which are based on job creation projections over a ten-year period, Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) job training funds that will help enhance the skills of its workforce, and additional financial benefits, such as sales tax exemptions and tax credits for job creation resulting from the company being certified as a High Impact Business.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is also providing the city of DeKalb with more than $1.3 million in Economic Development Program (EDP) funds for construction of Macom Drive and roadway improvements off Peace Road and Fairview Drive in DeKalb. In addition, IDOT is providing $127,500 from the Truck Route Program to accommodate increased truck traffic on Macom Drive. The IDOT funding brings the total business investment package to more than $9.3 million.

Target currently has 30 distribution centers in 21 states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

Minneapolis-based Target Stores operates 1,444 stores in 47 states nationwide.

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