Holding up our end of the bargain

In October, 2009, the State of Arkansas entered into a Create Rebate program with Cooper Tire promising a rebate based on a percentage of payroll if they brought new positions to the state exceeding $2,000,000 in annual payroll. Since that time, Cooper has hired over 700 new quality positions and are still hiring (millwights and electricians can get hired on at a salary of ~$80,000). The Arkansas Economic Development Commission brought down a check made out to Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. in excess of $272,000 for its participation in the Create Rebate Incentive Program for the state of Arkansas. Pictured are Cooper Tire plant Manager Scott Cole, Senator Steve Harrelson, and Representative Prissy Hickerson.