by Tammy Taylor
Staff Writer
The Jacksonville Economic Development Commission approved unanimously Thursday two grants for the expansion of Shaw’s Southern Belle Frozen Foods, Inc., which is located on the southbank of Trout River.
The project is a two-phase building expansion, including a 60,000 square-foot cold storage building and a 28,000 square-foot addition to the seafood processing plant and corporate headquarters.
The Northwest Jacksonville Economic Development Fund Business Infrastructure Grant — not to exceed $250,000 — will help subsidize expenses associated with the construction of a 88,000 square-foot building addition. Also, once construction is completed, the City will issue a JEDC Rev Grant not to exceed $520,000.
The resolution requires City Council approval.
Howard Shaw, president of Shaw’s Southern Belle Frozen Foods, said he is positive the resolution will carry through.
“We’ve dreamed about (expanding) a long time, and the City is helping us move forward,” said Shaw. “We believe in this project and the City recognizes this is a growing family business.”
The Jacksonville-based company currently employs 117 full-time employees and plans to add 77 more once the expansion is completed. According to the terms of the resolution, “in the event the developer fails to create 77 new full-time jobs within 36 months of completion of construction of the project improvements, the developer will repay the city on the basis of $10,000 per job below the 77-person new job creation target.”
Joanne Zimmerman, CFO of Shaw’s Southern Belle Frozen Foods, said expansion is the only option for the business’s survival.
“(Expansion) is becoming a necessity,” said Zimmerman. “Right now we need it just to stay with the competition. We’re up against other companies constantly. Through consistency and diligence we usually manage to come back with contracts.”
When questioned by JEDC board members, Shaw explained the importance of expansion, especially the addition of a cold storage warehouse, which would eliminate outsource costs.
“For the last four to five years, business has been tough. To stay competitive, price increases are out of the question,” said Shaw. “If you don’t go ahead, then you’ve got to back out.”
Southern Belle Frozen Foods, Inc., was founded in Jacksonville by John R. Shaw, Sr. and Alma “Mama” Shaw in 1934. It is a specialty seafood product processor and manufacturer still owned and operated by the family.
The company distributes its products to grocery companies and restaurants such as the Marriott Corporation, Shoney’s, Rich-Sea Pak Corporation, Steak & Ale and Red Lobster. Shaw’s Southern Belle Frozen Foods specializes in customized value seafood products, including crab cakes, deviled crabs, stuffed fish and scallop shells, gourmet seafood stuffings, specialty appetizers and seafood soups, glazes and sauces.