Area Development
Pilgrim's Pride, a poultry food processor, will hire 250 employees and invest $1.5 million in its Live Oak, Florida facility. The company is adding a second shift to accommodate demand for its "Fresh from Florida" chicken, which represents a partnership with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

"Every day we work with local businesses and communities to advance economic development, so we're pleased with the opportunities that Pilgrim's Pride will bring to Suwannee County in terms of job growth and retention," said Enterprise Florida President and CEO John Adams Jr. "Pilgrim's Pride is a major economic engine in this region, therefore, building on its capabilities through 'Fresh from Florida' will strengthen the state's economy as well."

The state of Florida will offer $500,000 of job-creation incentives to Pilgrim's Pride. The company must maintain at least 1,175 jobs in Live Oak for five years beginning at the end of 2011.

"Fresh from Florida" products are grown or produced in the state.