Consultants Site Guide 2015

2015

Volume 11

www.consultantssiteguide.com www.facilitylocations.com

THE SITE SELECTOR’S HANDBOOK TO LEADING

FACILITY LOCATIONS

Special Supplement to Area Development Magazine

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Safe, reliable and reasonably priced energy powers people’s lives and bolsters the regional economy. With more than 10,000 suppliers, investment in utility modernization, direct and indirect job creation, and an average annual economic impact of $8.6 billion,* Ameren is proud to be one of the many businesses working hard to nurture stronger communities.

Because we believe an energy provider should provide more than energy: We should be a resource for life.

Get results at Ameren.com/EcDev.

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EDITOR’S NOTE ur 11th Annual Consultants Site Guide: The Site Selector’s Handbook to Leading Facility Locations includes the results of our 2014 Consultants Survey, as well as an article from Bill Luttrell, Senior Locations Strategist at Werner Global Logistics. He advises company site selectors and their consultants to be aware of the trade-offs between proximity to logistics hubs/corridors and other site selection costs and criteria.

O

In keeping with satisfying logistics needs, those responding to our 2014 Consultants Survey ranked highway accessibility as the number-one factor in the location decision. As expected, availability of skilled labor and labor costs ranked second and third. More than three quarters of the responding consultants also felt the economy had already achieved a continuous growth track. More than 90 percent of those responding said their clients would open new facilities within one to two years.

If you are among those consultants whose clients are in the process of expanding/locating new facilities, the economic development departments of the locations profiled in this publication can provide you with more information. Full contact information, including web and e-mail addresses for these organizations, is provided on the profile pages as well as the Table of Contents page.

Please use this publication as a guide in helping to satisfy your clients’ needs, and if we can be of help in any way, send your questions to my attention at gerri@areadevelopment.com.

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Geraldine Gambale editor@areadevelopment.com

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all correspondence to:

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editor 2015 • 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LOCATION PROFILES/ SPONSORS 3

Editor’s Note

ILLINOIS/MISSOURI

3

FEATURES 5

MISSISSIPPI

Freight Corridors & Logistics Hubs Shape the Location Decision

18

Advancements in data and technology will make selecting the optimum location with respect to logistics needs easier.

Incentives

Business Climate

20

Infrastructure & Utilities

Location Real Estate

Logistics Network Optimization

Supply Chain Visibility

8

Discover Mississippi’s Competitive Advantage locateinms@mississippi.org www.Mississippi.org

NEBRASKA

Labor Taxation

Ameren: Powerful Results www.Ameren.com/EcDev

Harness the Power of Nebraska rjnelse@nppd.com econdev@nppd.com www.nppd.com

OHIO

22

Supply Chain Strategy

Supply Chain Supply Chain Procurement

Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Enterprise Applications

The New Ohio: Home to World-Class Business contact@jobs-ohio.com www.jobs-ohio.com

SOUTH CAROLINA

26

The 11th Annual Consultants Survey

Santee Cooper Powers South Carolina Sam.bennett@santeecooper.com www.scprimesite.com https://www.santeecooper.com/committed-tosouth-carolina/economic-development/index.aspx

TEXAS

28

Lubbock: The “Hub City” of West Texas Carolyn.Rowley@lubbockeda.org www.lubbockeda.org

WISCONSIN

30

Pro-Business Climate in Wisconsin wade.goodsell@wedc.org InWisconsin.com ©2015 Custom Publishing Group of Halcyon Business Publications, Inc., Publisher of Area Development Magazine 400 Post Ave., Westbury, NY 11590 • 516-338-0900

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FREIGHT CORRIDORS & LOGISTICS HUBS SHAPE THE LOCATION DECISION ADVANCEMENTS in data and technology will make selecting the optimum location with respect to logistics needs easier.

xisting logistics hubs and freight corridors are currently attracting the close attention of many manufacturers and warehouse/distribution companies looking for new facilities, and for good reason. The driving force behind this trend is the rising importance of logistics and the supply chain.

E

Location’s Role in Supply Chain Optimization

By Bill Luttrell, Senior Locations Strategist, Werner Global Logistics, Werner Enterprises, Inc.

important criterion, having surpassed real estate as the historical second-largest cost item.

Logistics-focused site selections should begin with a detailed logistics analysis to determine the search area.

Pricing, timing, capacities, and quality of service drive the decision of what modes and routes shippers use.

Regardless of the mode used, lane rates (costs), capacity, and associated efficiencies (time and service levels) are a real-time reflection of a specific lane’s Labor competiveness. Closest Infrastructure lanes do not always & Utilities mean cheapest lanes,

One of the most important Taxation goals of conducting a manufacturing or distributionIncentives related site selection should Location be to enhance one’s supply chain, with the project-speBusiness Climate cific purpose of enhancing the Real Estate overall facility portfolio footprint of the company. The site selection process is closely linked to supply chain optimization via logistics.

While labor access and costs are still considered to be the number-one criteria in most surveys, for manufacturing and distribution location projects logistics is a very close second and, in many cases, actually the most

Logistics Network Optimization

Supply Chain Visibility

Supply Chain Strategy

Supply Chain Supply Chain Procurement

Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Enterprise Applications

2015 • 5

“

especially considering issues like congestion and backhauling.

A detailed logistics analysis includes doing a GIS-centroid analysis. The result is a geographic-centroid map that reflects a single location that theoretically minimizes costs and maximizes efficiencies. A lane analysis should also be performed to update transport costs and also to determine which mode(s) of transportation work best. A detailed lane analysis takes into account such items as rail loading locations, fuel surcharges, backhauling, special tolls or fees, peak times, and traffic congestion.

Having completed the centroid and lane analysis, a search area needs to be determined. With the logistics analysis completed and search area defined, then a screening of the other main criteria should commence, with the ultimate goal of finding the optimum location within the search area that further minimizes costs and maximizes efficiencies.

Port cities are natural logistics hubs & the gateway to global trade.

“

Hubs Logistics hubs are typically Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) that are strategically connected by various popular freight corridors. These hubs have several positive attributes that attract both manufacturing and warehouse distribution projects. Typically logistics hubs are either in, close to, or have advantageous freight corridor access to major consumer markets. Some are ports and some are cities that simply became home to land-based rail and interstate interchanges. Others are strategically located between markets. All of these logistics hubs have infrastructures that accommodate large, diverse volumes of freight traffic.

These hubs have also attracted significant amounts of transportation companies (carriers) and logistics firms, and have provided the skilled workforce these entities need.

Support activities have also grown including real estate firms, construction firms, financial institutions, insurance companies, and government. Success breeds success as

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logistics clusters attract more direct investment.

Locations of some top logistics hubs in the U.S. include California’s Inland Empire, Chicago, the Dallas/ Ft. Worth metroplex, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Memphis, New York City, and northern New Jersey. Other logistics hub locations include the northern Virginia area, eastern Pennsylvania, Columbus, St. Louis, Denver, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Oklahoma City, Nashville, Birmingham, Little Rock, Louisville, and Detroit.

Port cities have naturally become logistics hubs. While their domestic distribution capabilities are hampered by not being able to distribute in all directions, they are the gateways to international trade, which brings greater volumes to and through the port hubs. Currently 95 percent of the world’s consumer market is outside North America. Site selectors notice that port-centric commercial real estate has been the hottest sector of any type over the past five years in the United States — all due to logistics. The main port logistics hubs include Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle, Houston, New Orleans, Mobile, Tampa Bay, Miami, Jacksonville, Savannah, Charleston, Norfolk, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and the port of New York/New Jersey.

Some hubs already mentioned are also known as “inland ports.” As seaports continue to grow in size and capacity, they are faced with being squeezed for space.

Inbound cargo from overseas will increasingly be transferred directly from ocean vessels to truck, rail, or barge and then transported to a “hinterland” location for further processing and distribution. The inland logistics hub provides the means for ocean cargo to pass through port terminals more quickly and more cost effectively, literally “clearing the decks” for the arrival of the next vessel.

These inland ports can also be used as processing points for outbound freight being shipped to ports for export.

Some examples of inland ports include Dallas/Ft. Worth, Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis, Atlanta, Memphis, California’s Inland Empire, Stockton, Columbus, Charlotte, and Florida’s Inland Port.

Air cargo also has established hubs. While commercial air passenger hubs are well known, air cargo hubs are less known. The top-10 air cargo hubs are Los Angeles (LAX), New York’s JFK, O’Hare in Chicago, Miami, Newark, Memphis, Dallas/Ft.Worth (DFW), Atlanta, Louisville, and Indianapolis.

All logistics hubs give shippers multiple choices regarding the movement, storage, and transfer of their freight.

Multimodal opportunities and warehousing are located here and companies experience greater utilization rates and less backhauling headaches. In the United States there are 30 cities that produce more than 70 percent of U.S. GDP, and most of these are included here as logistics hubs.

Freight Corridors The economic reasons freight corridors are sought after in site selection searches involve capacity, reliability,

and efficiency. Greater capacity means Major Interstate Highway Corridors there is an economy of scale in support(selected segments with high truck volume) ing larger volumes of freight. Reliability is I-4 Tampa - Daytona Beach the result of a coordinated effort to proI-5 San Diego - Los Angeles - Sacramento - Portland - Seattle vide the needed corridor infrastructure to I-10 Los Angeles - Phoenix - El Paso move higher volumes of freight. Greater efficiency cuts costs.

I-20 Dallas - Birmingham – Atlanta There are risks common to most freight I-30 Dallas - Little Rock corridors. The most prevalent is congesI-35 Laredo - San Antonio - Dallas - Oklahoma City - Kansas City tion, as heavy usage of infrastructures I-40 Little Rock - Memphis - Nashville – Knoxville leads to capacity limitations. It is estimated I-44 Oklahoma City - Springfield - St. Louis congestion costs more than $20 billion I-65 Birmingham - Nashville - Louisville - Indianapolis – Gary annually. A current example is the ongoI-70 Kansas City - St. Louis - Indianapolis - Columbus – Wheeling ing congestion at U.S West Coast Ports I-75 Tampa - Atlanta - Knoxville - Cincinnati – Detroit resulting from labor disputes tremendously I-78 Harrisburg - Allentown – Newark affecting truck, rail, and intermodal service across the United States.

I-80 Cheyenne - Omaha - Des Moines - Chicago - Cleveland - New York City Infrastructure upkeep is another I-81 Knoxville - Winchester – Harrisburg big problem. While railroads fund their I-94 Milwaukee - Chicago – Detroit own infrastructure, funding for highway I-95 Richmond - Washington, D.C. - Baltimore - Philadelphia repairs and expansion is provided by New York City – Boston federal, state, and local governments.

Although the U.S. highway system is world-class and very extensive, it is typically more than distribution location investors. In recent times, railroads 30 years old and in desperate need of significant repair/ encouraged trackside investment. Even as rail transport upgrade. The federal fuel tax that has historically been is becoming more attractive, most Class I railroads prefer used to fund highway infrastructure does not produce to not increase their spur activity due to the disruptions enough needed revenue. Revenues are declining as on their mainline traffic. Before pursuing trackside sites, more vehicles are becoming more fuel-efficient. As the check with the railroad to be sure that the site is and will United States grows by an additional 30 million people continue to be actively rail-served. by 2050, keeping this vital transportation infrastructure in top condition to meet future sustainable growth and The Future safety needs will require much better long-term planning.

Several scenarios exist that could change the makeup Another concern is higher costs of real estate along or location of logistics hubs or freight corridors in the these freight corridors, which is increasing due to their future. These include: perceived commercial potential.

• Demographic shifts from the Northeast to the Southeast of the U.S. Trucking • Impact of the Panama Canal completion • Increased shipping to U.S. via Mexican/Canadian America’s highway system is the most important Pacific ports nationwide infrastructure the nation has. More than 70 • Greater intermodal penetration percent of the freight tonnage and two thirds of product • Significant increase or decrease in international trade value transported in the U.S. move by truck. U.S. truckand/or investment ing accounts for 5 percent of U.S. GDP. For more than • Growing online retailing 80 percent of the communities in the U.S., trucks are the • Low/high fuel cost only mode of delivering goods. Trucks are certainly flex• Advancement in big data technologies ible as they enable shippers to have quick response and • Additive manufacturing (3D printing) flexibility in routing and scheduling.

• Drone delivery systems Rail Corridors • Driverless vehicles Rail networks move the remainder of non-commodity products. Currently, if a product is moving more than 700 Bottom line: Selecting the optimum site location is now miles and is equal to or more than a container load, rail possible and will eventually become easier with advancetransport can be the best economical option if a location ments in data and technology. Those that truly optimize has rail access. their location footprint and overall supply chain and Rail also has some red flags for manufacturing and embrace forward planning will be the winners. +++

2015 • 7

The 11th Annual

CONSULTANTS SURVEY

A

s 47 percent of the

also ask the consultants to answer

numbers, 90 percent of the

respondents to our 29th

questions about their clients’ plans

companies using the consultants’

Annual Corporate Survey

and site selection priorities. Needless

services are mid-size to very large

say they utilize the services of

to say, the responses do not line up

(100 to 1,000+ workers) (chart C).

consultants when making plans for

entirely with those of our Corporate

Since 32 percent of those responding

new facilities and/or expansions, we

Survey respondents. The consultants’

to our Corporate Survey are with

responses, as well as a comparison to

companies with fewer than 100

those of our corporate readers, follow.

employees, we can see why the

Percentage of respondents who have worked on a location or expansion project in the following industries:

Manufacturing — Durable Goods Manufacturing — Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing — Other Distribution/Logistics/Warehousing Financial Services/Insurance/Real Estate Data Processing, Software & Other Computer-Related Services Call Center Operations Energy Industry Hospitality Industry Healthcare/Life Sciences Retail Construction & Trades Other

64% 49% 33% 58% 33% 30% 27% 33% 7% 23% 8% 1% 12%

chart A

Profile of the Responding Consultants Nearly two thirds of those responding to our 11th Annual Consultants Survey have worked on location or expansion projects in the durable goods manufacturing sector and half in the nondurable goods manufacturing sector. Nearly 60 percent have assisted distribution/ logistics/warehousing firms with their plans, and fully a third have worked with firms in financial services/

Percentage of respondents providing the following services to their clients:

Feasibility Studies Global Asset Positioning Location Studies/Comparative Analyses Incentives Negotiations/Management Location Decision Real Estate Transaction Other

insurance/real estate as well as the 45% 12% 83% 73% 68% 41% 10%

energy industry (chart A).

More than 80 percent of the responding consultants say they have helped their clients with location studies/comparative analyses, and nearly three quarters

chart B

handle incentives negotiation In terms of their employment numbers, client companies utilizing their services are generally:

Small (20-99 EMPLOYEES) Mid-size (100-499 EMPLOYEES) Large (500-999 EMPLOYEES) Very large (1,000 OR MORE EMPLOYEES)

9% 36% 23% 31%

chart C

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and management for their clients.

Interestingly, 68 percent claim to assistant in their clients’ location decisions (chart B).

In terms of their employment

Departments of clients’ organizations significantly involved in the site selection process/project:

Executive management Tax and finance Real estate Information technology Supply chain or logistics Operations or business unit management

95% 53% 54% 11% 44%

Human resources

48%

68%

chart D Most of the clients who ask consultants to perform a location search have:

Not actively initiated the site selection process Already gathered preliminary data Already narrowed down the geographic area in which they wish to locate Already chosen several “finalist” communities Expect you to narrow or make the location decision for them

33% 63% 63% 30% 30%

chart E Effect of the economic recovery on clients’ facility plans:

Plan to open new facilities/expand

82%

Plan to increase hiring Plan to increase capital spending Have no new facility/expansion plans Do not plan to increase hiring Do not plan to increase capital spending

60% 71% 1% 3% 1%

chart F

responses to our Corporate and

clients who ask them to perform a

say their clients will open just one

Consultants surveys would differ.

location search have already gathered

domestic facility, and a quarter of the

preliminary data and narrowed down

respondents claim these organizations

consultants (95 percent) say

the geographic area in which they wish

will open two (chart I).

executive management at their client

to locate (chart E).

Nearly all the responding

organizations is involved in the location

Since consultants are utilized by

decision process. Two thirds also

their clients once they’ve already

interact with operations or business

initiated the location process,

unit management at client firms, and

it follows that nearly all of the

half say tax/finance and real estate

responding consultants say the

departments are involved (chart D).

economic recovery has had a positive

More than 60 percent also say that

effect on their clients’ facility plans: 82 percent claim their clients plan to open new facilities; 71 percent

Believe the economic recovery has achieved a continuous growth track:

Yes No

say they plan to increase capital 78% 21%

spending; and 60 percent say their clients will also increase hiring (chart F). In fact, more than three quarters

If not, expect this to occur:

By Q3 2015

By Q4 2015 By 2016

24% 24% 24%

Not until 2017

28%

chart G

of those responding to our Annual Consultants Survey believe the economy has achieved a continuous growth track — twice the percentage of Corporate Survey respondents

Most of the client companies that expect to open new facilities plan to do so within:

1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years or more

who hold that belief — and of those 30% 64% 5% 1%

consultants who feel it has not, nearly half expect this to occur by year’s end (chart G).

Number of new domestic facilities average client plans to open:

chart I

projects differs somewhat from

Clients’ domestic location projects are slated for the following regions (as a percentage of total new domestic projects):

New England (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT) Middle Atlantic (DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA) South Atlantic (NC, SC, VA, WV) Mid-South (AR, KY, MO, TN)

2% 10% 15% 11%

South (AL, FL, GA, LA, MS) Midwest (IL, IN, MI, OH, WI) Plains (IA, KS, MN, NE, ND, SD) Mountain (CO, ID, MT, UT, WY) Southwest (AZ, NM, OK, TX) West (CA, NV, OR, WA) Offshore (AK, HI, PR, VI)

16% 12% 5% 5% 14% 7% 2%

chart J Types of new domestic facilities clients are opening (as a percentage of total new domestic projects):

Manufacturing Warehouse/Distribution Headquarters Data Center Back Office/Call Center Shared Services R&D Other

27% 22% 12% 8% 9% 9% 7% 5%

chart K

chart H

One Two Three Four Five or more

The location of clients’ domestic

64% 27% 5% 1% 3%

Consultants’ Clients’ Facilities Plans It also follows that most (94 percent) of the consultants say their client companies expect to open new facilities within one to two years (chart H). Of those, nearly two thirds

Number of new foreign facilities average client plans to open:

One Two Three Four Five or more

60% 30% 5% 2% 2%

chart L

2015 • 9

The 11th Annual

CONSULTANTS SURVEY

that reported by the respondents to

Mississippi) and the South Atlantic

are also working on many more

our Annual Corporate Survey. The

(North Carolina, South Carolina,

projects for Eastern and Western

largest share of projects (16 percent)

Virginia, West Virginia) (15 percent).

Europe — 13 percent for each region

that the responding consultants are

Only 12 percent of their clients’

— and fewer for Asia — just 14

working on is slated for the South

projects are to be located in the

percent as compared with 25 percent

(Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana,

Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan,

of those planned by the Corporate

Ohio, Wisconsin), whereas our

Survey respondents (chart M).

When it comes to new Asian

Clients’ foreign location projects are slated for the following regions (as a percentage of total new foreign projects):

Corporate Survey respondents have slated 20 percent — the largest share

facilities, the consultants’ clients plan

Canada Mexico Caribbean Central America South America Western Europe Eastern Europe Middle East Africa Australia Asia

— of their projects for that region

a third for China, 19 percent for India,

(chart J). Roughly a quarter of the

and 17 percent for Malaysia, with the

consultants’ client organizations’

rest going to Vietnam, Singapore, or

projects are destined to house

other Asian nations (chart N). The

11% 27% 3% 8% 7% 13% 13% 2% 1% 2% 14%

Clients’ new facilities slated for Asia, will be located in the following nations (as a percentage of total planned Asian projects):

33% 19% 10% 12% 17% 10%

chart N

42% 18% 4% 4% 11% 10% 8% 3%

chart O

10 • WWW.

distribution centers (chart K).

Sixty percent of those responding Survey say that, on average, their clients will open just one new foreign facility, while 30 percent claim they will open two (chart L). By comparison, nearly 40 percent of our Corporate Survey respondents claim they will open three or more foreign facilities.

Types of new foreign facilities clients are opening (as a percentage of total new foreign projects):

Manufacturing Warehouse/Distribution Headquarters Data Center Back Office/Call Center Shared Services R&D Other

than 20 percent will be warehouse/

to the 11th Annual Consultants

chart M

China India Vietnam Singapore Malaysia Other Asian Nation

manufacturing operations, and more

And while our Corporate Survey respondents say a quarter of their new foreign facilities are slated for Canada and 9 percent for Mexico, those responding to our Consultants Survey say only 11 percent of their clients’ projects will go to Canada and 27 percent to Mexico. The consultants

Most clients that expect to expand facilities plan to do so within:

1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years or more chart P

Most clients that expect to relocate facilities plan to do so within:

1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years or more

27% 63% 10% 0%

chart Q Of those clients planning to relocate facilities, the primary reasons for moving:

High taxes Excessive government regulations Healthcare costs Proximity to suppliers/markets served Poor infrastructure Labor availability Labor costs Quality of life concerns chart R

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42% 51% 5% 2%

52% 44% 4% 74% 9% 61% 48% 9%

corporate respondents more heavily

to serve as distribution/warehouse

instability (i.e., congressional budget

favored China and India.

centers (chart O).

woes) as the reasons preventing

Again pointing to the fact that

their client companies from spending

that more than 40 percent of the new

consultants are called upon once

more of their earnings on investment

foreign facilities will be manufacturing

the location decision process has

in U.S. facilities (chart T).

plants and nearly a fifth are slated

commenced, 93 percent of the

The responding consultants say

Have seen an increase in the number of companies establishing foreign facilities as opposed to domestic ones over the last year:

Yes No

28% 72%

chart S Issues preventing client companies from spending more of their earnings on investment in U.S. facilities:

High corporate taxes/tax uncertainty Excessive government regulation Highly litigious environment Healthcare costs/regulations under the Affordable Care Act Economic instability (I.E., CONGRESS’ INABILITY TO RESOLVE BUDGETARY ISSUES, ETC.)

Shortage of skilled labor

57% 53% 14% 33% 53% 41%

chart T

Clients have relocated a facility back to the U.S. from a foreign location (reshored):

Yes No

44% 56%

If so, reasons for doing so:

Rising foreign labor costs

53%

Rising foreign energy costs Problems finding qualified and/ or English-speaking labor Product quality issues Legal or regulatory problems Lack of robust utility infrastructure Difficulties transporting supplies/products Cost of transporting supplies/products Social/cultural barriers Other

20% 17% 37% 10% 10% 40% 50% 10% 23%

And although 96 percent of the

respondents say their clients expect

corporate respondents say they have

to expand facilities within the next

no plans to relocate a foreign facility

year or two, and 90 percent say their

back to the U.S., nearly half of the

clients expect to relocate facilities

responding consultants say their

within that time frame as well

clients have reshored a facility. Half

(charts P and Q). Three quarters

cite rising foreign labor costs and

of the responding consultants claim

the cost of transporting supplies/

their clients’ relocations plans are

products as the reasons for their

a result of the need to be in closer

clients’ reshoring moves, and more

proximity to suppliers and/or markets

than a third also say there have been

served; about 60 percent say their

product quality issues with their

clients need to relocate to satisfy

clients’ foreign operations (chart U).

labor force needs; and nearly half say clients’ relocations are a result of the

Consultants’ Clients’

need to cut labor costs (chart R).

Location Priorities

Although nearly all of the

Similar to our request to the

respondents to our Corporate Survey

Corporate Survey takers, we asked

say they have no plans to relocate

the consultants to rate the site

a domestic facility to offshore, a

selection and quality-of-life factors

quarter of those responding to our

on which their clients base their

Consultants Survey say they have

location and expansion decisions as

seen an increase in the number

“very important,” “important,” “minor

of companies establishing foreign

consideration,” or “of no importance”

facilities as opposed to domestic

(chart V). We then added the “very

ones in the last year (chart S).

important” and “important” ratings

More than half of the consultants

together to rank the factors (chart W).

cite high corporate taxes, excessive government regulation, and economic

Unlike our corporate respondents, the respondents to our 11th Annual

chart U

2015 • 11

CONSULTANTS SURVEY 2014* Site Selection Factors

Very Important %

Important %

Minor Consideration %

Of No Importance %

90.4 18.1 34.7 65.8 49.3 38.4

6.9 47.2 48.6 31.5 32.9 35.6

1.4 30.6 15.3 2.7 16.4 17.8

1.4 4.2 1.4 0.0 1.4 8.2

Labor Availability of skilled labor Availability of unskilled labor Training programs Labor costs Low union profile Right-to-work state

76.1 15.5 37.5 11.4

22.5 53.5 48.6 35.7

1.4 23.9 13.9 34.3

0.0 7.0 0.0 18.6

18.3

43.7

33.8

4.2

important” or “important” by more than 90 percent of the responding consultants. Both groups do agree on the #1 factor — highway accessibility, which has a 98.6 percent combined importance rating in the Consultants

Finance Availability of long-term

12.5

26.4

54.2

6.9

Corporate tax rate Tax exemptions State and local incentives

29.2 44.4 63.9

56.9 45.8 31.9

13.9 9.7 4.2

0.0 0.0 0.0

financing

Other

Survey. It follows that proximity to major markets ranks as #8 with a combined 91.5 percent importance rating. And another transportationrelated factor, railroad service, had the

Available buildings Available land Occupancy or construction costs Expedited or “fast-track” permitting Raw materials availability Energy availability and costs Environmental regulations Proximity to major markets Proximity to suppliers Inbound/outbound shipping costs Proximity to college/technical training Water availability Quality-of-life factors

Climate Housing availability Housing costs Healthcare facilities Ratings of public schools Cultural opportunities Recreational opportunities Colleges and universities in area Low crime rate

57.8 60.6 32.4

31.0 35.2 57.8

9.9 4.2 9.9

1.4 0.0 0.0

largest percentage increase (19 points).

43.7

53.5

2.8

0.0

importance rating of 69 percent.

16.9 42.3 28.2 52.1 38.0 38.0

45.1 49.3 50.7 39.4 47.9 39.4

26.8 8.5 19.7 8.5 11.3 16.9

11.3 0.0 1.4 0.0 2.8 5.6

18.1

48.6

29.2

4.2

22.2

45.8

26.4

5.6

Very Important

Important

Minor Consideration

Of No Importance

4.2 8.3 8.3 16.7 23.6 5.6 4.2 19.4 16.7

50.0 48.6 45.8 45.8 48.6 38.9 43.1 59.7 58.3

43.1 37.5 40.3 34.7 20.8 48.6 43.1 20.8 23.6

2.8 5.6 5.6 2.8 6.9 6.9 9.7 0.0 1.4

*All figures are percentages and are rounded to the nearest tenth of a percent. chart V

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stress on the importance of the top10 factors — all are considered “very

Transportation/Telecommunications Highway accessibility Railroad service Accessibility to major airport Waterway or oceanport accessibility Availability of advanced ICT services

Consultants Survey put much more

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It jumped five spots in the consultants’ rankings to #20 with a combined As expected, the consultants give much more importance to availability of skilled labor and labor costs, which are tied for the #2 spot with a combined importance rating of 97.3 percent. It should be noted that availability of skilled labor holds the top spot, however, in the separate “very important” category — more than 90 percent of the consultants rated it as such.

Asked separately if the availability of skilled labor is having an effect on their clients’ facility plans, 83 percent say, “yes,” with the majority (87 percent) saying workers are primarily lacking advanced skills

(chart X). Interestingly, the factor showing the second-biggest percentage increase (12.2 points) is availability of unskilled labor, with a 65.3 percent combined importance rating, although still ranked by the consultants among the bottom half of the site selection factors.

On a workforce related note, the respondents to our Annual Consultants Survey do not believe (71 percent) the quality of the workforce will be negatively affected in states that are legalizing marijuana, and roughly the same percentage say such laws will have no effect on clients’ location decisions (chart Z). This is in contrast to what our Corporate Survey respondents noted: more than 60 percent say it will affect the quality of the workforce, and nearly half the corporate respondents say legalization of marijuana will affect their decisions to locate in states that have such laws on the books.

The responding consultants realize that speed to market is of great importance. Expedited or “fast-track” permitting jumped six spots and 9.5 percent points in their rankings to #4, considered “very important” or “important” by 97.2 percent of those responding to the 11th Annual Consultants Survey.

Available land follows at #5 with a 95.8 percent combined importance rating. It was noted earlier that the consultants are working on projects that will house a large number of employees so suitable parcels of land for large facilities may be reflected in the high rating of available land.

Tied for #5 with the same importance rating of 95.8 percent is the state and local incentives factor.

This is logical considering the fact that three quarters of the responding consultants say they handle incentives negotiation and management for their clients. And a related factor, tax exemptions, ties for the #9 spot.

Combined Ratings

CONSULTANTS SURVEY 2014* Site Selection Factors

2014

2013

1. Highway accessibility 2. Availability of skilled labor 2T. Labor costs 4. Expedited or “fast-track” permitting 5. Available land 5T. State and local incentives 7. Energy availability and costs 8. Proximity to major markets 9. Occupancy or construction costs 9T. Tax exemptions 11. Available buildings 12. Corporate tax rate 12T. Accessibility to major airport 14. Proximity to suppliers 15. Training programs 16. Low union profile 17. Environmental regulations 18. Inbound/outbound shipping costs 19. Right-to-work state 20. Railroad service 21. Water availability 22. Proximity to college/technical training 23. Availability of unskilled labor 24. Availability of advanced ICT services 24T. Raw materials availability 26. Waterway or oceanport accessibility 27. Availability of long-term financing

98.6 97.3 97.3 97.2 95.8 95.8 91.6 91.5 90.2 90.2 88.8 86.1 86.1 85.9 83.3 82.2 78.9 77.4 74.0 69.0 68.0 66.7 65.3 62.0 62.0 47.1 38.9

97.4 (2) ** 98.3 (1) 92.9 (5T) 87.7 (10) 93.0 (4) 93.8 (3) 88.6 (8T) 92.9 (5T) 84.2 (16) 91.9 (7) 83.1 (18) 86.8 (11) 88.6 (8T) 86.7 (12) 79.0 (20) 85.9 (14) 84.1 (17) 81.8 (19) 86.0 (13) 50.0 (25) N/A 78.1 (21) 53.1 (24) 85.0 (15) 69.9 (22) 39.3 (26) 59.4 (23)

Quality-of-life factors

2014

2013

79.1 75.0 72.2 62.5 56.9 54.2 54.1 47.3 44.5

82.5 (1) 78.0 (2) 77.0 (3) 70.2 (5) 68.4 (6) 61.4 (7) 74.3 (4) 49.5 (9) 51.7 (8)

Ranking

Ranking 1. Colleges and universities in area 2. Low crime rate 3. Ratings of public schools 4. Healthcare facilities 5. Housing availability 6. Climate 7. Housing costs 8. Recreational opportunities 9. Cultural opportunities

*All figures are percentages and are the total of the “very important” and “important” ratings of the Area Development Corporate Survey and are rounded to the nearest tenth of a percent. ** 2013 ranking chart W

2015 • 13

The 11th Annual

CONSULTANTS SURVEY

Nearly two fifths of the responding consultants say incentives are more Availability of skilled labor is having an effect on clients’ facility plans:

Yes No

83% 17%

important to their clients now than in the past (chart FF). Furthermore, the majority of those responding to our Annual Consultants Survey (86

If yes, workers are lacking:

Basic skills

(E.G., READING COMPREHENSION, MATHEMATICAL COMPETENCY, ETC.)

Advanced skills

(E.G., ADVANCED WELDING, MACHINE TOOL PROGRAMMING, BIOPROCESSING, ETC.)

STEM skills (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING,

MATHEMATICS)

42% 87% 57%

chart X

percent) believe their clients consider cash grants the most important

Yes No

28% 72%

chart Y Quality of the workforce would be negatively affected in states that are legalizing marijuana use:

Yes No

29% 71%

Legalized marijuana laws would affect clients’ decisions to locate a new facility in states that have enacted such laws:

Yes No

28% 72%

decisions, followed by incentives

(75 percent) (chart GG).

The responding consultants are also concerned with energy availability and costs, which was ranked #7 among the site selection factors, considered “very important” or “important” by 91.6 percent, although 62 percent of them say new unconventional sources of energy,

the same percentage feel sustainable 35% 47% 15% 3%

chart AA Water availability is affecting clients’ location decisions:

development is more important to (chart DD). Nearly 90 percent say their clients are making energy-saving modifications to their facilities; close to 70 percent say their clients are

61%

seeking LEED certification for new

No

39%

or existing facilities; and nearly two

14 • WWW.

chart CC Sustainable development is more important to clients now than in the past:

Yes No chart DD If so, measures undertaken to reduce their companies’ “carbon footprint”:

LEED certification for new or existing facilities Energy-saving modifications to existing facilities Installed on-site renewable generation Change of supply or distribution routes/ methods Recycling or re-use of waste products, etc.

69% 87% 31% 35% 64%

chart EE Relative importance of incentives to clients when making location decisions:

Have always been of great importance Are more important now than in the past Are less important now than in the past

54% 38% 8%

chart FF Types of incentives clients consider most important when making a location decision:

Cash grants Tax incentives (TAX CREDITS, EXEMPTIONS, ETC.) Other financial incentives (BONDS, LOANS, ETC.) Worker training incentives Other incentives (LAND, UTILITY-RATE SUBSIDIES, INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT, ETC.)

chart GG

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63% 37%

their clients now than in the past

Yes chart BB

38% 62%

e.g., fracking, will have no effect (chart CC). Nonetheless, roughly

Importance of water availability to clients’ operations:

Very important Somewhat important A minor consideration Of no importance

subsidies, and infrastructure support

on their clients’ location decisions

chart Z

Yes No

incentive when making location such as free land, utility rate

Healthcare coverage mandated under the Affordable Care Act is affecting clients’ location decisions:

New unconventional sources of energy (e.g., fracking) having an effect on client companies’ future location decisions:

86% 68% 32% 64% 75%

thirds claim their clients are recycling

and more than 60 percent say it

Survey say they have used magazines

or re-using waste products (chart EE).

is affecting their clients’ location

like Area Development as sources

Occupancy and construction

decisions (charts AA and BB).

of site selection information over

costs, which was ranked #2 by the

Meanwhile, only 49 percent of

the past two years. More than three

Corporate Survey respondents, is

those responding to our Corporate

quarters also say they use websites

ranked #9 by the respondents to our

Survey say water availability is very or

like AreaDevelopment.com as well as

Annual Consultants Survey — 90.2

somewhat important.

economic data aggregators. Three fifths

percent consider this factor as “very important” or “important.”

The quality-of-life factors are ranked separately, and the

We also asked the consultants

consultants’ ranking of these factors

of the respondents actually maintain their own site selection databases.

It’s to be expected that nearly

about water availability’s importance

has not changed significantly over the

all the responding consultants

to their clients’ operations; 82 percent

prior year’s survey. Similar to last year,

(93 percent) search the Internet

say it is very or somewhat important,

the consultants rank colleges and

for site and facility planning

universities in area as the #1 quality-

information. Nearly all are seeking

of-life factor, followed by low crime

data on specific locations as well as

Clients have had to repay incentives monies because investment and/or job creation obligations were not met:

Yes No

rate in the #2 spot.

31% 69%

Although all the quality-of-life factors are rated as “very important” or “important” by fewer than 80

chart HH Communities you have worked with offering specific incentives for “green” initiatives:

Yes

44%

No

56%

chart II

percent of the respondents to our Consultants Survey, the factors showing the biggest drop in the combined importance ratings are housing costs (down 20.2 percentage points)

Clients have encountered “green performance” requirements as a stipulation for receiving incentives:

and housing availability (down 11.5

Yes

31%

percentage points). This reflects the

No

69%

abundant supply of affordable homes

chart JJ Importance of the existence of an available building in clients’ site searches:

Very important Somewhat important A minor consideration Of no importance chart KK

51% 31% 14% 4%

Importance of the existence of a shovel-ready/ pre-certified site in clients’ site searches:

Very important Somewhat important A minor consideration Of no importance

44% 43% 10% 3%

chart LL Importance of businesses performing similar activities to clients in the area of search:

Very important Somewhat important A minor consideration Of no importance

33% 57% 7% 3%

(or depressed prices) still available in

chart MM

many parts of the country.

Importance of weather-related factors in clients’ location decisions:

Consultants’ Information Sources Fully three quarters of the respondents to our Annual Consultants

Very important Somewhat important A minor consideration Of no importance

21% 55% 23% 2%

chart NN

2015 • 15

The 11th Annual

CONSULTANTS SURVEY CONSULTANTS’ SOURCES OF INFORMATION Sources of site selection information used during the past 24 months:

Site magazines (AREA DEVELOPMENT, ETC.) Site location websites (WWW.AREADEVELOPMENTCOM, ETC.)

B2B industry-related magazines (FOOD, PLASTICS, ETC.)

General business magazines (INDUSTRYWEEK, ETC.)

Financial publications

78% 33% 49% 45%

(THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, ETC.)

Economic data aggregators (INCL. ONLINE RESOURCES)

75%

78%

Consulting firm maintains its own site selection database:

Yes No

61% 39%

Have searched the Internet for site and facility planning information:

Yes No

93% 7%

Use of social media (e.g., Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) for site and facility planning:

Yes No

27% 73%

Information searched for online:

Data on specific locations 97% Contact information for economic development agencies 93% Contact information for other consultants and/or real estate professionals who can assist in the site search 43% Listings of available sites and buildings (E.G., FASTFACILITY) 73% Industry-related news on websites (E.G., AREADEVELOPMENT.COM) 71% Number of locations/economic development organizations that usually make a client’s “short list”:

1-5

80%

5–10

16%

More than 10

Number of locations client usually visits before finalizing the location decision:

1 or 2

30%

Up to 5

59%

More than 5

11%

Length of time after a client engagement that a location decision is reached:

3–6 months 6 months to 1 year 1–2 years

32% 52% 15%

More than 2 years

0%

contact information for economic

making a final location decision. More

development agencies online. Three

than 80 percent also say that once

quarters are also looking for listings of

their services have been engaged,

available sites and buildings.

turnaround time on a location decision

Eighty percent of the responding

is fairly quick — from three months

consultants say between one and five

to a year. It seems our corporate

locations make their clients’ “short list,”

respondents follow the same time

with nearly 90 percent saying their

frame, whether they engage the

clients visit the same number before

services of consultants or not. •••

16 • WWW.

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4%

FacilityLocationsFullAd2013

12/15/14

11:08 AM

Page 1

FacilityLocations.com

Find the Right Location for Your Next Business Site, Facility or Headquarters FacilityLocations is a GIS map-driven, online economic development directory used to research potential locations during the business re-location or expansion process.

Discover Search and identify potential site and facility locations within big, easy-to-navigate, GIS-driven maps

Research Drill-down into location profile pages: • Google Streetview and Bing Bird’s Eye Imagery • Heat Maps and Data Layers • Downloadable Point-and-Click Radius Demographics Reports • Available Property Listings and Key RE Assets

Connect A directory with 6000+ listings including: • Local and Regional Economic Development Contacts • Port Authority Contacts • Utility Contacts • Foreign Trade Zone Contacts • Foreign Inward Investment Contacts If you are an economic development agency and want to have an enhanced listing with a location profile on FacilityLocations.com, please contact Dennis Shea at 800.735.2732 x 208 or dshea@areadevelopment.com

Discover Mississippi’s COMPETITIVE Advantage An increasing number of industry leaders are finding the competitive advantage needed for success in Mississippi.

The state’s supportive business climate combines with collaborative partnerships to help ensure companies’ growth in today’s dynamic economy. Mississippi’s new and existing companies also benefit from the state’s productive workforce, seamless one-stop permitting process, aggressive operating and energy costs, and robust transportation network.

Mississippi recognizes that a readily available, superior workforce is a top priority when companies seek a new location or want to pursue growth opportunities in existing locations. To maintain a world-class workforce, Mississippi partners with its 15 community colleges to deliver customized workforce training programs that arm employees with the knowledge needed to meet companies’ specialized needs. These joint efforts result in a workforce that is prepared to exceed companies’ expectations and ensure they enjoy many successful years of operations in Mississippi.

Mississippi’s four research universities further strengthen the state’s competitive advantage by offering access to the latest research and development advances across a broad range of sectors, including the aerospace, automotive, advanced materials, energy, and healthcare industries. R&D opportunities are available through the Center for Manufacturing Excellence at the University of Mississippi, the

Becky Thompson, Interim Director, Global Division

18 • WWW.

MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

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Mississippi Polymer Institute at the University of Southern Mississippi, the Institute for Applied Computational Studies at Jackson State University, and the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems and the Raspet Flight Research Lab at Mississippi State University. In fact, the National Science Foundation has ranked Mississippi State University as one of the nation’s top research universities.

Site selectors and corporate partners now have a powerful and easy-to-use tool to find the right location for their next expansion or site location in Mississippi at the state’s new website, www.mississippi.org. The comprehensive website features essential economic and industry data for the state’s target industries and workforce development resources. Other interactive features include an infrastructure and industrydensity mapping component and an enhanced GIS database for available sites and buildings. Additionally, the website features dozens of success stories from Mississippians that highlight the state’s advantages and workforce training benefits. The online tool effectively positions the state as a prime location for new business investment.

MISSISSIPPI INVITES YOU TO COME DISCOVER YOUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE. Visit www.mississippi.org or call the Locate Mississippi team at 1-800-360-3323.

P.O. Box 849 Jackson, MS 39205 1-800-360-3323 Fax: 601-359-4339

locateinms@mississippi.org www.Mississippi.org

Pry into the advantages of locating your business in Mississippi.

Cut out a place for your business in Mississippi with our new sites and building database.

Carve out the exact information you need on our new website.

Take a turn through MDA’s newsroom.

Get to the point quickly with comprehensive target industry pages.

Punch through interactive maps for detailed infrastructure information.

Mississippi’s incentives come with a twist — they’re customized.

Use our workforce training search tool.

You’ll be hooked.

LOCATING? EXPANDING? WE’VE GOT THE TOOL FOR THAT. Functional? Handy? Specialized? Yes, all that and more. Having the right tool for the job makes a difference.

Mississippi’s new website is the perfect multi-tool for location and expansion. We’ve streamlined, honed and

© Mississippi Development Authority 2015

packaged information your business needs into a convenient, easy-to-use resource. Designed with you in

AREA0412.indd 1

mind, this website will make your job easier. See how easy — visit the new mississippi.org.

MISSISSIPPIWORKS

04/05/15 4:02 PM

Harness the POWER of Nebraska Each year, Nebraska is a regular on the list of most “business-friendly” states.

There are many reasons for this; however, the experts typically focus on three of Nebraska’s natural advantages when it comes to business expansion or relocation: (1) low energy costs, (2) central geographic location, and (3) a high-quality, dedicated, low-cost workforce. This trio of businessfriendly attributes sums up the power of Nebraska.

Energy. Nebraska Public Power District is the state’s largest electric utility. It supplies wholesale and retail customers with electricity generated by power plants using a diverse mix of fuels. These include coal, nuclear, natural gas, and oil, and a growing portfolio of renewable energy sources like hydropower and wind. Historically, NPPD’s industrial electric rates are approximately 25 percent lower than the national average. Because of its power generation diversity, NPPD has a relatively small carbon footprint for a large electric utility. In 2014, NPPD met customers’ electric energy needs with a power generation mix that was 42 percent carbon-free.

In recent years, large energy-using customers have expressed interest in not only low-cost energy, but also in high-quality power and significant redundancy (reliability) in their electric supply. NPPD has responded by investing hundreds of millions of dollars to ensure a robust and reliable electric system. Furthermore, to promote industrial expansion and to help businesses and industries outside Nebraska decide to relocate to the state, NPPD and its public power partners have developed a large customer economic development incentive electric rate that offers energy at a discounted price for a fixed period of time.

Rick Nelsen, CEcD Economic Development Manager 20 • WWW.

NPPD 1414 15th Street PO Box 499 Columbus, NE 68602-0499

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Geography. Nebraska is center stage to regional and national markets, with Interstate 80 the most traveled of the nation’s east-west transcontinental interstate highway system. Through Nebraska’s roadways, goods delivered by truck reach more than 25 percent of the U.S. population in just one day. The nation’s two largest rail companies — BNSF Railway Company and Union Pacific Railroad — provide service to many Nebraska communities, and no major city in the U.S. is more than five days by rail from Nebraska.

Workforce. The Cornhusker State’s workforce consists of productive, dependable, educated, and well-trained individuals who take pride in and care about the quality of their work. This contributes to high productivity and success rates, and low absenteeism and turnover rates. Also, costs for unemployment and worker’s compensation insurance in Nebraska are lower than the national average.

NPPD’s experienced Economic Development team has assisted numerous companies in finding productive and profitable locations to do business in Nebraska. Services range from supplying requested information to guiding firms through the entire site selection process. For more information visit econdev.nppd.com.

402-563-5534 or 800-282-6773 Fax: 402-563-5090

rjnelse@nppd.com econdev@nppd.com www.nppd.com

When it comes to successfully expanding or relocating your business,

Nebraska’s low energy costs, central geographic location, and high-quality, low-cost workforce provide strategic DGYDQWDJHV IRU \RXU EXVLQHVV 7R À QG RXW KRZ WR KDUQHVV Nebraska’s power, contact the economic development professionals at Nebraska Public Power District.

econdev.nppd.com 800.282.6773, ext. 5534 econdev@nppd.com

AREA0422.indd 1

08/05/15 9:22 PM

The New Ohio: Home to World-Class Business Ohio has transformed into The New Ohio, the state businesses from around the world call home. Not only does Ohio have a businessfriendly climate, new and expanding businesses experience world-class workforce and educational Fuyao Chairman Cao, Governor John Kasich, and JobsOhio President and CIO John Minor gathered to announce Fuyao’s commitment of another 750 new jobs resources, and easy access and an additional $130 million in capital investment at the Moraine Site. to markets, partners, and customers. The state’s diverse industries have evolved to meet the excitement and JobsOhio, the private, nonprofit economic development challenges of the digital world. From corporation designed to attract jobs and capital investment to the state, successfully assisted 276 companies that comenergy and manufacturing to big data mitted to create 21,377 new jobs for Ohioans and helped attract $6.1 billion in capital investment. That’s 20 percent and biohealth, productivity continues more jobs and 70 percent more capital investment in 2014 to soar in Ohio. over the previous year.

Ohio is the number-one supplier to both Boeing and Airbus; home to IBM’s Global Data Analytics Center and Honda America Manufacturing; and has recent investments from GE Aviation, Marathon, zulily, Alliance Data, JPMorgan Chase, and more.

“JobsOhio has distinguished itself as an economic development organization,” said Ohio Governor John R. Kasich. “Its commitment to fostering a jobs-friendly climate has been critical to helping Ohioans make their state the place where new businesses look first and existing businesses grow.”

In just over four years, Ohio has turned an $8 billion state budget deficit into a healthy $1.5 billion surplus without raising taxes. Small business taxes were slashed by 75 percent on up to the first $250,000 of income. This fiscal stability, a common sense regulatory environment, and a creative approach to economic development are additional reasons businesses choose Ohio.

JobsOhio is led by a world-class Board of Directors comprised of proven leaders from America’s most successful organizations. A team of managing directors who have worked in Ohio’s industries bring expertise and guidance to businesses. Together, with regional and local partners, JobsOhio has developed a structure to achieve a “One Firm, One State” collaborative approach.

22 • WWW.

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AREA043

OHIO IS REVOLUTIONIZING THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY. CHECK OUT JOBS-OHIO.COM/ADMANUFACTURING TO DISCOVER HOW.

OHIO IS EASY TO FIND.

JUST LOOK FOR THE MOST ADVANCED MANUFACTURING IN THE WORLD. Ohio has an enduring legacy in manufacturing and is at the epicenter of the additive manufacturing revolution. We have galvanized the efforts of industry, universities, thought leaders and government, an alignment that is producing breakthrough after manufacturing breakthrough. From prototype to production, Ohio is leading the way.

The race is on. Be the ďŹ rst to get your clients to the future.

THE FUTURE IS HAPPENING IN OHIO. GET THERE FIRST.

AREA0434.indd 1

13/05/15 6:16 PM

“

Together, with regional and local partners, JobsOhio has developed a structure to achieve a “One Firm, One State” collaborative approach.

JobsOhio Managing Director Kristi Tanner at the opening of Honda’s heritage and training center in Marysville.

“

The JobsOhio model has lead to big project wins: General Electric announced a new global operations center in Cincinnati, expected to add 1,400 highly skilled workers; and Fuyao Glass America Inc. selected Moraine twice for North American sites.

China’s largest automotive glass company will bring a total of 1,550 jobs and invest $360 million.

More businesses are learning what these companies already know —

OHIO OFFERS PROSPERITY AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE OHIO STORY, Visit Jobs-Ohio.com for information on the benefits of expanding or locating your business in Ohio.

JobsOhio

41 S. High Street, Suite 1500

Columbus, Ohio 43215

contact@jobs-ohio.com www.jobs-ohio.com

614-300-1151

24 • WWW.

SiteGuide.com

AREA043

OHIO IS REVOLUTIONIZING THE ENERGY INDUSTRY.

NEED TREES?

CHECK OUT JOBS-OHIO.COM/SHALEENERGY TO DISCOVER HOW.

GO TO THE FOREST

NEED SAND?

GO TO THE DESERT

GO TO OHIO. NEED ENERGY?

Affordable, abundant energy, right under your feet–that’s what you get when your business is in Ohio. The shale energy revolution has created a new economic era that’s powering profits for energy-intensive businesses. Discover how.

THE FUTURE IS HAPPENING IN OHIO. GET THERE FIRST.

AREA0435.indd 1

13/05/15 6:21 PM

Santee Cooper POWERS South Carolina As South Carolina’s largest producer of electricity, Santee Cooper has set a standard for affordability, reliability, and environmental stewardship.

We offer the lowest industrial costs in the state, and we are 33 percent below the national average for industrial electric costs. We offer the kind of incentive packages that have helped attract advanced manufacturers like Wyman-Gordon and Sigmatex in recent months.

Santee Cooper has earned the American Public Power Association’s prestigious Diamond RP3 award for outstanding reliability, and in 2014 our transmission system customers were without power on average just a few minutes all year.

We also understand the importance of maximizing our natural resources and are proud of our record in renewable generation, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship. We’ve been the state’s pacesetters when it comes to Green Power and renewable energy. Our recycling initiatives have earned industry accolades, and most recently we’ve attracted national attention for our innovative program to recycle coal ash. Our comprehensive Reduce The Use campaign offers various rebates, incentives, and low-interest financing to encourage customers to make energy-efficient improvements to their homes and businesses.

Our diverse generating portfolio combines coal, natural gas, hydro, renewable, and nuclear resources. We’re partners with SCE&G in the expansion of V.C. Summer Nuclear Station. Nuclear power is virtually emissions-free and is an important asset as we work to meet imminent emissions regulations. Nuclear is also reliable and offers low long-term operating costs.

We have partners who have buildings and sites, too, and we’re building more: We’ve loaned money to over two dozen projects since 2012 and have a grant program that can put finishing touches on a site to suit your needs.

We offer an incentive rate that can save eligible industries up to 30 percent on electric costs in their first year, with savings tapering gradually over the next several years.

Eligibility and scope of incentives is based on electric requirements and other factors.

We have partnerships across South Carolina, and we’ve used them to help light the way for new businesses that have brought billions of dollars of investment and in payroll, and tens of thousands of jobs to South Carolina.

Let us put our power to work for you.

Incentives for You Santee Cooper also powers economic development.

We have buildings, and we have sites ready for your building.

Sam Bennett, Manager of Economic Development

26 • WWW.

Santee Cooper One Riverwood Drive Moncks Corner, SC 29461 843-761-4052

SiteGuide.com

Sam.bennett@santeecooper.com www.scprimesite.com https://www.santeecooper.com/committed-to-southcarolina/economic-development/index.aspx

POWERING SOUTH CAROLINA

Working with the state’s electric cooperatives and the South Carolina Power Team, Santee Cooper is an important resource for industries relocating and expanding here.

Since 1988, we have helped bring more than $10 billion in industrial investment and more than 62,000 new jobs to our state. That’s a powerful partnership.

www.santeecooper.com/AD

AREA0404.indd 1

21/04/15 7:23 PM

Lubbock: The “HUB CITY” of West Texas In its 17th year of operation, LEDA has embarked on a variety of new developments, which has resulted in exponential job growth in Lubbock. With a world-class university system, a high-quality operating environment, competitive cost environment, and an integrated approach to addressing economic development and workforce issues, Lubbock is the place to do business.

Lubbock’s highly skilled and educated workforce, proximity and connection to major national and international markets, and affordable utility and living costs make it the ideal place to grow your business. Known as the “Hub City” of West Texas, our diverse economy is based on manufacturing, agriculture, wholesale and retail trade services, as well as government, education, and healthcare.

Located on the South Plains of West Texas, Lubbock has long been known as the “Hub City.” The nickname is related to Lubbock’s accessible location on the crossroads of Interstate 27 and four major U.S. highways. Lubbock is in the central time zone and is equal distance to both coasts, allowing for ease of U.S. distribution. Within the city, you will find a well-planned transportation network with an average commute time of 16 minutes.

a pipeline of personnel to fill your workforce needs. Home to Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and a fast-growing community college, Lubbock County boasts more than 50,000 college students.

Lubbock is the only city in the nation with a comprehensive university, a health sciences center, an agriculture college, and a law school in one location, making Texas Tech University the second-largest contiguous university campus in the United States.

The cost of living in the Lubbock area is far below the national average. According to the Council for Community and Economic Research, Lubbock’s overall cost of living index is 89.6 percent. Lubbock ranked 41st out of 308 urban areas in the nation and 11th out of 34 urban areas in the state of Texas for lowest cost of living.

If your business has an interest in access to technology and innovation, Lubbock is the place for you to grow and prosper. For more information about Lubbock and how the LEDA team can be of assistance, visit www.LubbockEDA.org or call 800.687.5330.

As the 11th-largest city in Texas, Lubbock boasts a regional population base of more than 636,000 people. Lubbock’s size affords businesses access to dedicated community leaders and personalized service, while providing you with

Carolyn Rowley, Project Manager

28 • WWW.

Lubbock Economic Development Alliance

SiteGuide.com

1500 Broadway, 6th Floor Lubbock, TX 79401 806-749-4500 Fax: 806-749-4501

Carolyn.Rowley@ lubbockeda.org www.lubbockeda.org

AREA0436.indd 1

13/05/15 6:23 PM

Pro-Business CLIMATE in Wisconsin Wisconsin’s business climate is just right for companies looking to expand operations in the state. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) offers resources, support, and incentives that reinforce business growth and help companies take advantage of opportunities. The state’s favorable tax and regulatory policies are also having a positive impact on business success here.

Wisconsin Leads by Example When United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI), a leading North American distributor of natural, organic, and specialty foods, needed to expand its distribution facility, the company decided to build two new distribution centers in Wisconsin. They selected a 425,000-square-foot facility in Sturtevant and a 300,000-square-foot distribution center in Prescott.

Both locations are ideal due to their proximity to UNFI’s Chicago and Twin Cities markets. In addition, the sites are development-ready with highway access and draw from a strong workforce base. Each project also received support from the local community and state officials. Throughout the decision-making process, UNFI collaborated with WEDC and other state and local officials to ensure that their needs would be met and that the process went smoothly.

“In meetings with local leaders, I felt a commitment in their words that was real,” said UNFI Senior Vice President Sean Griffin. “And community officials backed that up by helping us access additional resources like the tax credits and energy incentives, which made everything fall into place.”

WEDC offered a $3.5 million tax credit. Additionally, the village of Sturtevant provided $6 million in tax incremental financing and Racine County allocated a $500,000 grant.

The Racine County Workforce Development Board also offered a $50,000 training grant and WE Energies provided up to $400,000 in green energy incentives.

The Prescott distribution center is located in the Eagle River Business Park, a Certified In Wisconsin development-ready site, and will receive up to $3.5 million in state tax credits over a four-year period from WEDC. The city of Prescott is also providing a $6 million package that comprises the land for the project, site preparations, and infrastructure improvements.

Site consultant Mike Mullis of J.M. Mullis Inc, who has represented numerous large Wisconsin corporations during expansion projects, also said the processes for both facilities went smoothly, citing the ability of state and local economic development officials to listen and work together to respond to the needs of UNFI. He said the state’s business climate assets include a qualified dependable workforce, a streamlined permit process, and strong fiscal responsibility. Mullis added, “The state of Wisconsin, through WEDC and the local economic development network, is ready to do business.”

To finance UNFI’s new distribution center in Sturtevant, Wade Goodsell, Business Attraction Account Manager

30 • WWW.

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)

SiteGuide.com

P.O. Box 1687 Madison, WI 53701 608-210-6813 Fax: 414-224-9463

wade.goodsell@wedc.org InWisconsin.com

REDUCING TIME, MONEY AND

SURPRISES.

CERTIFIED SITES GIVE YOU PEACE OF MIND.

IN WISCONSIN WE’RE READY WHEN YOU ARE. ®

TIF ER IE

D

C

When we created consistent standards for industrial site certification, we took action to get your business up and running faster.

And because we have sites already reviewed and approved, you can fast-track construction on new development projects the moment you’re ready. Don’t let red tape slow you down. Break ground with confidence and achieve greater speed to market.

For a complete list of certified sites In Wisconsin, call 855-INWIBIZ (toll free), or visit Certified.InWisconsin.com.

®

In Wisconsin® is a registered trademark of Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

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