Nissan move shows Southern hospitality

FRANKLIN, Tenn., July 22 (UPI) -- Nissan North America opened its new U.S. headquarters in Franklin, Tenn., Tuesday as local leaders gauged the impact of the area's new employer.

Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen was among the leaders on hand for the opening of the $100 million, 10-story headquarters called the Nissan Americas building, the Nashville Tennessean reported.

The company's most immediate impact could quickly be measured by the addition of 1,500 jobs.

"We have yet to see what the impact is, not only from a commercial tax base but the involvement of the employees from a community standpoint, from a philanthropic standpoint," Franklin Mayor John Schroer said.

Nissan North America already had plans to disclose its first three donations to the community, starting with a donation to the Harpeth River Watershed Association and to two anonymous causes, the newspaper reported.

The company has also donated to two Habitat for Humanity homes in Williamson County, the newspaper reported.