May 4, 2012 - City Manager approves business incentive for Salewa

Contacts:
Chris Sword, Salewa, 303-444-0446
Eric Henderson, Salewa Media Relations, 307-200-6001
Liz Hanson, Economic Vitality Coordinator, 303-441-3287
Sarah Huntley. Media Relations, 303-441-3155
www.bouldercolorado.gov

City Manager approves business incentive for Salewa

City Manager Jane S. Brautigam has approved a flexible rebate application for Boulder-based Salewa for up to $10,000 in rebates.  The rebates were authorized for sales and use taxes, and permit-related fees.

“Salewa North America’s new downtown Boulder location and showroom will draw visitors to downtown and keep a fast-growing outdoor industry company in Boulder,” Brautigam said. “Boulder is pleased that the flexible rebate program helped Salewa with its investment in this new location.”

The flexible rebate program is one of the city’s business incentives, covering a wide range of fees, equipment and construction use taxes.  Under this program, the city manager may consider a specific incentive package for tax and fee rebates to meet a company’s specific needs.  The company is then eligible for the rebate after it has made its investment and paid the taxes or fees to the city.

Salewa is the North American headquarters of the Italian outdoor equipment company whose primary brands include Salewa, Dynafit, and Pomoca. Established in 2006, Salewa North America moved its headquarters to Boulder in early 2007. The company currently has 10 employees in Boulder and plans to continue its fast-paced growth. Salewa’s new location at 1711 15^th St. includes a showroom, allowing the company to host an increased number of visitors in addition to regular meetings with European company representatives.

Chris Sword, president of Salewa North America, is excited about the business, and its ability to grow and prosper in Boulder.

“For an active, fast-growing, high-end innovative gear company like ours, Boulder is one of the few places that can meet the demands of our business.  To name a few things, we require top talent, a supportive business environment, geography to play with and test our gear, and good access to international transportation – and Boulder provides that for us,” Sword said.

The flexible rebate program uses social, community, and environmental sustainability guidelines. Companies choose the guidelines that best fit their circumstances, but must meet minimum requirements in order to receive the rebate.  Salewa has met the requirements and, of note, Salewa’s new facility features a downtown location, and shower and changing facilities. The company also participates in the Eco Pass program, which allows employees to easily utilize alternative transportation. In addition, Salewa is increasing its effort to purchase local and environmentally friendly products as part of a corporate initiative and will request an energy assessment from the city’s LEAD staff.

Salewa’s flexible rebate application is one of six submitted to the city in late 2011. All 2011 applications have been approved.  The city’s approved 2012 budget includes $350,000 in funding for 2012 flexible tax and fee rebates for primary employers. 

For more information about the city’s economic vitality program, go to www.bouldercolorado.gov, click on "Business," or call Liz Hanson at 303-441-3287.

Last Updated on Friday, 15 June 2012 07:47