iHerb.com Creating 600 Jobs In N. Ky.

(Hebron, Ky.) - An online retailer is setting up shop in Boone County, creating 600 jobs.

iHerb.com will set up an e-commerce headquarters at the IDI Industrial Park West in Hebron, the Northern Kentucky Tri-ED announced Friday.

The California-based company has been selling natural food supplements, toiletries, groceries and more since 1996. Their website is www.iHerb.com.

“The iHerb organization looks forward to forming a solid relationship with the Northern Kentucky community,” said Cliff Cowing, iHerb’s director of strategic planning and analytics. “We know the Northern Kentucky workforce is strong and the geography favorable – two primary factors for choosing our location at Park West.”

Numerous area leaders are praising the good news for the northern Kentucky economy.

“The announced new location by iHerb of its Boone County-Hebron location is tremendous news for Northern Kentucky,” said Northern Kentucky Tri-ED Chair and Boone County Judge-Executive Gary Moore. “The ability of our community to compete and win the confidences of this international company speaks volumes of our reputation and attributes. We welcome iHerb to Northern Kentucky with open arms and plan to work closely with this company as they grow their business.”

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear welcomed the announcement.

“We are pleased that after a national search this high-tech, online company selected Northern Kentucky and will create significant new jobs for our citizens,” said Beshear. “This area of the Commonwealth represents a new market entry for the company, and we are pleased to welcome iHerb and the positive growth it brings to Northern Kentucky.”

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority is offering up to $3 million in tax incentives to iHerb through the Kentucky Business Investment program. KEDFA also approved iHerb for tax benefits up to $500,000 through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act, which allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing equipment.

There is no word from Northern Kentucky Tri-ED yet on when hiring and operations may begin.