Local Jobs
Bottling spring water is a clean operation with many benefits to the community in which it operates. The bottling facility will employ approximately 50 people at start up, with a potential of more than 200 employees as growth occurs. Ozarka employees earn an average wage of $10-$15 an hour and are eligible for a package of excellent benefits including health and dental insurance, profit sharing, and 401K retirement savings.
Overall Economic Benefits to Local Communities
Beyond contributing to the overall tax base in the county with additional payroll, payroll taxes and associated sales taxes from its bottling facilities, Ozarka seeks to be a good citizen in each of its spring site communities. The company routinely works with community leaders, from the school superintendent, to city hall, to the chamber of commerce to assist with local programs and community events.
In the town of Eustace in Henderson County, for instance, Ozarka has created two annual science scholarships for high-school seniors. The company regularly donates water to annual festivals like Pioneer Days and Harvest Fest as well as to organizations like the Eustace All Sports Association that help purchase uniforms and sports equipment for schoolchildren. In 1997, Ozarka donated two of its re-fitted route trucks to area volunteer fire departments. Ozarka's other contributions range anywhere from installing curbs in the town square to helping the city purchase an early warning system for the local EMS, Police and Fire Departments.
Each community is different and has a community culture unto itself. Ozarka hopes to nurture these spring site communities and bring a positive impact into the area.
Economic Benefits of Ozarka Statewide
 | In 1999, the company's payroll exceeded $34.4 million for 781 employees and contractors across Texas. (The total dollar figure accounts for salaried managers, bonuses and other incentives not included in the hourly wage.) |
| Ozarka's projected property tax contribution to Texas in 2001 will be more than $1.6 million for its spring sites and bottling facilities (not including Wood County.) |
| Ozarka paid $114,900 in unemployment or payroll tax in 1999. |
| Ozarka also pays sales and use tax on its operating expenses and purchases for the bottling facilities. |
| The "multiplier effect" of Ozarka and Nestlé Waters North America's business in Texas is well over $25 million in business annually with its network of more than 1600 suppliers, distributors and marketing partners
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