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Gov. Gregoire celebrates job creation, food donation in Quincy

For Immediate Release: June 21, 2010

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today helped celebrate the expansion of Microsoft�s data center in Quincy. Construction is expected to create approximately 200 jobs.

�I doubt the people who settled here in Quincy, looking to start a new life on the farm, would ever imagine we�d be here today celebrating a new state-of-the art data center in town,� Gregoire said. �Today we can celebrate the continuing growth and development of Washington, and the world-class companies that call Washington home.�

This past legislative session, Gregoire was instrumental in getting legislation passed that provides tax incentives to companies wishing to locate data centers in Washington state�s rural counties. Senate Bill 6789 provides a sales and use tax exemption for eligible server equipment and power infrastructure for eligible computer data centers.

Gregoire also visited the Quincy Food Bank, where local food producers and growers announced a donation of 30 tons of potatoes, beans and corn to help small food banks in Eastern Washington. Donations were made in response to Gregoire�s �Feeding Washington� initiative, a first-of-its kind food drive that unites the state�s agriculture community to increase donations to local food banks.

�I applaud the work of our local growers and producers for this extremely generous donation,� Gregoire said. �They truly represent the Washington Way, and demonstrate how our generosity will help those who continue to suffer during these economic times.�

Additionally, Gregoire toured the �Cold Train,� located at the Port of Quincy. The new refrigerated container service is a faster transportation link for Washington agricultural products, and opens new markets in the Midwest. The project received state support through the Community Economic Revitalization Board, which gave the project a $1 million grant.