"We have grown Stonegate by hiring real people who share our vision and core values, and are focused on the customer," said Jim Cutillo, Founder and CEO of Stonegate Mortgage. "We believe Pinellas County offers us access to a workforce that will allow us to grow our culture and the ideal business climate to grow our operations."
Governor Rick Scott said, "It is great news that Stonegate Mortgage Corporation will create 139 jobs for families in Pinellas County. We are continuing to work to lower taxes and fees so that Florida families and businesses can succeed. Thanks to the hard work of job creators who have led Florida's economic turnaround over the last two years, companies all over the nation are finding great opportunities in the Sunshine State. It's working in Florida."
Stonegate is expected to create 139 new Florida jobs with annual pay scales of at least 115% (about $47,500+) of the State of Florida's average annual wage. The projected salaries could result in an economic impact of $10.5 million, and the company plans a capital investment in Pinellas of over $920,000.
"I'm very happy to welcome Stonegate Mortgage's expansion and these 139 new jobs to Pinellas," said Commissioner Kenneth Welch, 2013 Chair of the Pinellas Board of County Commissioners. "We have a well-established financial services industry and hard-working citizens ready to apply for these new jobs and eager to support Stonegate's regional growth plans."
"Stonegate Mortgage's selection of Pinellas is exciting news. We're honored and ready to assist with their expansion plans in Tampa Bay," said Mike Meidel, Director of Pinellas County Economic Development.
Pinellas County and the State of Florida approved the offer of a Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund for Stonegate Mortgage of $5,000 for each new Florida job created and verified, per the specifications of the agreement. The maximum value of the refund, should Stonegate hire all of the proposed positions, is $695,000. The State of Florida will be responsible for 80% ($556,000) of the refund, and Pinellas County has approved funding for the remaining 20% ($139,000) of the incentive. The refund will only be realized by the company should the jobs be created at the promised wage levels and after all tax obligations and liabilities have been paid.
"The impact of the financial and professional services sector in Florida cannot be overstated," said Secretary of Commerce and president & CEO of Enterprise Florida, Gray Swoope. "It's great for our state overall, but especially for professionals in the finance, insurance, and professional fields, which already represent 12 percent of the state's employment."
###
About Pinellas County Economic Development: Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED) works with existing businesses to encourage expansion and seeks to attract new companies with high-wage careers to our community. Through investment tools, business classes, professional consulting services, trade missions to open new markets, and strategic partnerships, PCED fosters a pro-business environment and promotes the Ideal Business Climate of Pinellas County, Florida.
Contact: Stacey Swank
Pinellas County Economic Development
(727) 464-7425
sswank@pinellascounty.org
About Stonegate Mortgage Corporation: Founded in 2005, Stonegate Mortgage Corporation (NYSE: SGM) is a leading, publicly traded, mortgage company that originates, finances and services agency and non-agency residential mortgages through its network of retail offices and approved third party originators. Stonegate Mortgage also provides financing through its fully integrated warehouse lending platform, NattyMac. Stonegate Mortgage's operational excellence, financial strength, dedication to customer service and commitment to technology have positioned the firm as a leading provider in the emerging housing finance market. For more information on Stonegate Mortgage Corporation, please visit www.stonegatemtg.com
Contact: Whit Clay
Sloane & Company (on behalf of Stonegate Mortgage Corporation)
W: 212-446-1864
wclay@sloanepr.com
