The Knoxville News Sentinel reports [1] that Vermont-based Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. is looking to purchase a "334,000-square-foot building in the Forks of the River Industrial Park for $10.5 million" for a packaging and distribution center. The new facility will employ approx. 360 workers.

According to the article, Knoxville was chosen for its central location and access to interstates, available property, and available work force.

The company has applied for a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes), which the Knox County Industrial Development Board will review beginning Tuesday.

According to a reader familiar with the deal, this is a big win for the chamber which worked hard to land it. Green Mt. touts itself as an environmentally responsible company and a good corporate citizen [2]. Knoxville's environmental and sustainability efforts were said to be a factor in their decision.

The reader also notes that Green Mountain's CEO, 2001 Forbes Entrepreneur of the Year Bob Stiller, has an interesting business background. This profile [3] talks about the product of his first venture, which some readers are likely familiar with.