Are You Thinking of Buying or Starting a Business in California? |
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Maybe you should think again. Buck Knives is leaving El Cajon (San Diego). President and CEO C. J. Buck said California’s rising cost of business forced the hand of the family, which has run the company for 100 years.
Last year, Buck Knives celebrated its century mark. It was founded in Kansas in 1902, moved to San Diego after World War II and settled in El Cajon in 1968. Its knives are sold internationally and are favorites among outdoorsmen.
C. J. Buck credited local politicians and business leaders with working hard to retain the company, but said that after November’s statewide elections (California is a Democrat majority state) the family didn’t envision the business climate getting better in California.
East San Diego County Supervisor Diane Jacob said the problems faced by Buck Knives and other businesses in the area are, “breaking the backs of businesses in this state. I think this is just the beginning of the exodus of businesses in the state unless there are sweeping reforms in the way we treat businesses, “ Jacob said.
Buck Knives is moving to Idaho. In Idaho, the company’s energy costs could fall 60 percent, workers’ compensation costs 40 percent, and wages and benefits 20 percent, compared with San Diego. The 10 acres the company owns in San Diego went up for sale recently at an asking price of $9 million. The 12 acre site in Idaho cost about $800,000.
The company chose Idaho over states, such as Washington and Oregon, because it had the “best long-term, business-friendly legislative environment,” Buck said.
Buck summed up his thoughts on the move, saying: “I adore East County (San Diego), so it’s very said to have to make this decision that we have to relocate. On the other hand, Idaho is beautiful.”
