California logistics provider relocating to Somerset, create 20 full-time jobs

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – Conner Logistics Inc. (CLI), a third-party logistics provider, has announced plans to move its corporate headquarters from California to Pulaski County with a starting investment of $1.3 million that will create 20 full-time jobs.

“Distribution and logistics continues to be a strong point for Kentucky’s growing economy, and I am glad to welcome Conner Logistics Inc. to that flourishing industry in the commonwealth,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “CLI is a company with leadership focused on long-term growth, and I anticipate much more to come as they establish their new headquarters in Pulaski County.”

The location of the new corporate headquarters in Somerset has not been determined yet. CLI will still operate in Arizona, California and Nevada, but the new Kentucky location will open opportunities to serve the Eastern U.S. and further partnerships with national logistics providers.

“Conner Logistics is very excited to announce the relocation of our corporate headquarters to Somerset, Kentucky,” said Sean Conner, CEO of CLI. “It is our hope that through a partnership with the Commonwealth of Kentucky and our collaboration with the local leaders in Somerset, Conner Logistics Inc. can serve the economy and citizens of Kentucky through employment opportunities, community involvement and operational excellence.”

CLI provides a variety of services including fulfillment and warehousing, line haul and transportation as well as same-day courier services. The company founded in 2002 currently runs six facilities in California along with locations in Arizona and Nevada.

This new addition will continue to boost the state’s distribution and logistics sector that includes over 580 facilities that provide 78,000 jobs across the Commonwealth. Last year, distribution and logistics companies announced 33 new location and expansion projects in the state. These should create over 1,600 full-time jobs with more than $313 million in announced investments.

“It is exciting to see strong, growing companies choose Pulaski County as their corporate headquarters,” Pulaski County Judge/Executive Steve Kelley said. “We boast a good record of growth among our local industries, and I look forward to working alongside the Conners to help them continue to prosper here in Pulaski County.”

“We are humbled the Conner Logistics family chose Somerset not only for the company’s headquarters, but also as their personal home,” Somerset Mayor Alan Keck said. “It’s evident they did so because of the exceptional change we’re seeing here, change that wouldn’t have been possible without the collaborative effort of our team in the last two and a half years to make Somerset a place people truly want to live and work. The Conners have built an incredible, thriving business, and I look forward to partnering with them as we continue our work to build a thriving community.”

“It has been a joy getting to know the Conner Logistics family, and we welcome them from California with open arms to Somerset and Pulaski County to establish their new corporate headquarters,” President and CEO of the Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority Chris Girdler said. “The Commonwealth of Kentucky presents a wealth of opportunity for those looking to relocate, and here in the capital of Lake Cumberland we are seeing unprecedented growth and success. It is an exciting time and the Conners have already been very engaged in our community and the great values of which they operate their company are evident.”

Under the Kentucky Business Investment program, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority in April preliminarily approved a 15-year incentive agreement with the company. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $400,000 in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $1.3 million and annual targets of:

• Creation and maintenance of 20 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 15 years; and
• Paying an average hourly wage of $44.50 including benefits across those jobs, which include executive and managerial positions.

By meeting its annual targets over the agreement term, the company can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. The company may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments.

In addition, CLI can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies can receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives.

For more information on CLI, visit ConnerLogistics.com.