By Drew Adams
Murray, KY – Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam says a deal has been reached with Amazon.com for the online retailer to begin collecting Tennessee sales tax in 2014, build two more distribution centers and generate 2,000 full-time jobs. Seattle-based Amazon says it will invest $350 million in Tennessee over the next three years. Haslam says the deal will add 1,500 jobs at distribution centers in the eastern part of the state and confirms 500 jobs at a previously announced center just east of Nashville. Groups representing brick-and-mortar retailers expressed disappointment Amazon won't be collecting sales tax sooner. Jason Brewer of the Retail Industry Leaders Association calls the arrangement a job killer for retailers in Tennessee.