State Farm Offers to Donate Building to La. Parish

August 2, 2004

State Farm Insurance is eliminating more than 1,000 jobs in Monroe, La., but has offered to donate its largest building to the parish’s economic development group, according to the Associated Press.

State Farm announced in February that it would eliminate a regional center in the city as part of a consolidation move.

The company now says it will give a 315,000-square foot building, along with $200,000 for maintenance, to the Ouachita Economic Development Corp., which could use it to attract new businesses.

OEDC chairman Gerald Dean said the agency would discuss the offer. State Farm has asked for a decision by Sept. 1, though that is not a hard deadline, said company spokesman Gary Stephenson.

Gov. Kathleen Blanco, who tried unsuccessfully to keep State Farm from moving, said she was pleased by the offer.

“I’d prefer to have the jobs remain in Monroe, but this could help us in our effort to create new jobs,” Blanco said.

Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Louisiana

Was this article valuable?

Here are more articles you may enjoy.

Latest Comments

  • August 4, 2004 at 4:26 am
    Winston says:
    XSF, I do not know how you can construe the prior comment as being "very short-sighted. Unless I am mistaken he/she found skepticism in State Farm's offer. I also must agree. ... read more
  • August 2, 2004 at 5:02 am
    XSF says:
    I believe the donation is to the parish's economic developement group, not the state. People will buy anything if the price is right. To comment that they just want to give ... read more
  • August 2, 2004 at 3:35 am
    yeah right says:
    La. should not accept state farms contribution. They are only trying to get rid of the bulding because they wont have to pay taxes. No one will want to buy the building anyw... read more

Add a CommentSee All Comments (3)Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

More News
More News Features