Valley Nordstrom facility passes major hurdle in Sacramento

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A new Nordstrom e-commerce facility proposed for the Valley passed a big hurdle Thursday in Sacramento.

The governor's California Competes Tax Credit Committee approved an $11 million tax credit to create 367 jobs at a new Nordstrom distribution center in either Fresno or Visalia.

Fresno city leaders believe the North Pointe business park will soon grow with the addition of a Nordstrom shipping warehouse. Fresno and Visalia have both offered the retailer $12 million in sales tax sharing.

Competing mayors Ashley Swearengin and Steve Nelsen both spoke before the committee in Sacramento where Nordstrom was approved for an $11 million state tax credit.

"A lot relied on that vote," Swearengin said. "In fact, had this vote not moved forward there would be no way we'd still be in the running for a California location for a Nordstrom e-commerce fulfillment center."

Nordstrom is expected to soon announce which Valley city will land the facility and the 800 plus jobs which would come with it, but Fresno County economic development corporation CEO Lee Ann Eager believes Fresno has much more to offer.

"A center like that, distribution e-commerce is going to be huge for us," Eager said. "Not just because of Nordstrom, which we all love, but because it's also going to affect going forward. There could be a domino effect if we get that one there could be many more."

Eager says the interest from Nordstrom led four other companies to inquire about setting up a facility in Fresno.