Twin Falls, Idaho ( KMVT-TV / KSVT-TV ) There was a big celebration in Twin Falls on Thursday.

That's because the newest addition to the Southern Idaho economy officially became an Idahoan.

Clif Bar and Company held a groundbreaking ceremony for it very first completely owned and operated baking facility.

Based out of Emeryville, California, Clif Bar and Company is a leading maker of nutritious and organic foods and drinks.

Now, that company officially has roots right here in the Magic Valley.

“This is a huge and exciting day for us as Clif Bar breaks ground on their new bakery here in Twin Falls,” said Shawn Barigar, President and CEO of the Twin Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Representative from around the Southern Idaho community made it to the ceremony.

Even Idaho Governor Butch Otter made the trip to Twin Falls, and explained why the Magic Valley was the best place for Clif Bar to call home.

“You've moved into a family state and a family community. When you need the help, when you need the attention… you’re going to get it. Because this community is well known for that… the state is well known for that,” said Idaho State Governor C.L. Butch Otter.

Clif Bar Founder and Co-Owners Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford were also in attendance.

“We’re building a building that is going to be using a lot of natural light, it’s going to have a ‘cool’ roof… were going to be capturing the heat inside the manufacturing facility and use it. The employees are going to have access to the outdoors. It’s going to be a little different than the regular manufacturing facility. It’s sort of reflecting our values as a company,” said Clif Bar Co-Owner Kit Crawford

Over the past 18 months, the City of Twin Falls and Clif Bar have been working hand-in-hand to make this dream a reality.

Now that the ground has officially been broken, what does that mean for Twin Falls?

“Twin Falls as a community is already world-class and world-renowned. What Clif Bar does is it kind of really cements our place… not only in the area of economic development but really in the area of community building,” said Twin Falls City Manager Travis Rothweiller.

“The business leaders here have been off-the-charts… welcoming us, showing us around, telling us what they can do and working with us collaboratively. It’s been amazing and we haven’t experienced anything quite like this before,” said Crawford.

“We feel very confident and it’s been a pleasure to work with everybody from all levels of the city… from Urban Planning and even all the way up to the Lieutenant Governor and even the Governor,” Said Founder and Co-Owner Gary Erickson.

An exciting day for the City of Twin Falls, the Magic Valley Region and the entire State of Idaho.

Welcoming now Idaho-Based Clif Bar as the newest member of our community.

Construction on the new 275,000 square foot bakery will get underway on April 1st of this year.

With completion anticipated in the spring of 2016.

The company will be hiring an initial staff of around 200 employees.

For more information on job opportunities at Clif Bar click on the link we’ve provided below.

http://www.clifbar.com/twinfalls

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