More than 110 jobs were created in 2010 in Albert Lea under the Jobs Opportunity Building Zones program, according to an audit released Friday by the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency.

That brings the total number of jobs created by Albert Lea businesses under the JOBZ program to 665 since the program’s inception in 2004.

The program offers local and state tax exemptions through 2015 to qualified companies that start up or expand in targeted areas of Greater Minnesota.

“Without JOBZ, there would be more than 600 fewer jobs in Albert Lea,” said Albert Lea Mayor and ALEDA President Vern Rasmussen.

The seven companies participating in the program include Agilis, Alamco, Albert Lea Select Foods, Bridon Cordage, Larson Manufacturing, Trails Truck Service Center and Zumbro River Brand.

Albert Lea Select Foods saw the largest increase in 2010, going from 396 jobs to 501 jobs by the end of the year, according to the information released from the audit. Also seeing increases were Trails Truck Service Center and Zumbro River Brand, with five and eight jobs respectively.

Agilis and Larson Manufacturing saw small decreases, with five and two jobs respectively, while Bridon Cordage stayed the same.

Alamco just entered the program in 2009 and has two years to meet job goals. The goals can’t be transferred from the existing operation.

According to an ALEDA news release, the Albert Lea companies participating in JOBZ have brought more than $47 million in capital investments to the community, with $2.385 million of that coming in 2010.

“The investment of over $47 million in our community not only helps stimulate the local economy, but it will provide long-term tax base growth,” said ALEDA Assistant Director Ryan Nolander.

Albert Lea Economic Development Agency Executive Director Dan Dorman said because the program is structured to sunset in 2015, it is unlikely there will be any new users of the program.

Currently there is not a comprehensive state program to take the place of the JOBZ program.

District 27A Rep. Rich Murray said legislators are looking at how to develop a statewide program to replace JOBZ; however, the problem is how to fund it in light of the budget crisis.

“This puts us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our neighboring states, making job creation more difficult,” Dorman said.

In the meantime, however, Murray said he was pleased to hear the numbers of success in Albert Lea.

“We’ve at least done it and done it the right way,” he said.