Timbers Resorts plans to move headquarters from Colorado to Winter Park, create 80 jobs

Orlando Sentinel (FL)

Aug. 07--Resort company Timbers Resorts is planning to relocate its corporate headquarters from Colorado to Winter Park, a move expected to create 80 new jobs, according to Orange County documents pledging to reward the company with tax incentives.

Orange County has to kick in $56,000 -- a 10-percent share of a $560,000 financial incentive -- required by the rules of the state's Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund program. The city of Winter Park also must commit $56,000.

The incentive arrangement is on the Orange County commission's agenda Tuesday.

Winter Park is set to take up the issue next week.

The 80 new jobs would have an average salary of at least $92,848, which is more than 200 percent of the average salary in the county. The new jobs include management, sales, information technology and administration.

"We are evaluating Winter Park along with several other communities for possible expansion, but no formal decision has been made on any location," Timbers Resorts CEO Greg Spencer said in a statement. "With that being said, Winter Park and Orange County are both wonderful communities that are well represented, and we have been pleased to be in conversations about a possible expansion with their respective leaders."

Timbers Resorts has boutique hotels, residence clubs and resort communities worldwide, including Hawaii, the Rockies and the Tuscany region of central Italy, according to its website.

According to county documents, Timbers Resorts' corporate move from Aspen, Colorado "would provide the company the ability to service their 16 resorts around the world, as well as new business lines being developed in the hospitality industry."

The total capital investment for the project would be about $700,000.

County officials said financial incentives will help to ensure the project comes to Orange County.

shudak@orlandosentinel.com or 407-650-6361.

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