Business Xpansion Journal: February 2025 - March 2025

MICHIGAN: Make It in Michigan

INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: Advanced Manufacturing’s Digital Evolution Speeds Up

From MES systems to AI-driven robotics, advanced manufacturing expands rapidly, projected to grow to $535 billion by 2030 By

David Hodes

INNOVATION AND STRATEGIES: Life Sciences Surge: New Frontiers Explored From space research to gene editing technology to unprecedented weight loss breakthroughs, innovation thrives

By David Hodes

INDUSTRY INSIGHT: Innovative Energy Solutions Seek Sustainability Amid Fossil Fuel Reliance Electric vehicles, fusion power, and wind-assist systems are offering promising paths to cleaner energy By David

Hodes

19 22

INDIANA: For the Bold

NORTH CAROLINA: The North Carolina Advantage

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The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) advanced manufacturing work is supported by a partnership with the International Trade Administration. Picture courtesy NEMA.

Advanced Manufacturing’s Digital Evolution Speeds Up

BY: DAVID HODES

From MES systems to AI-driven robotics, advanced manufacturing expands rapidly, projected to grow to $535 billion by 2030

As artificial intelligence (AI) machine learning (ML) and augmented reality (AR) continue to make inroads into advanced manufacturing, more development is projected and more funding research has cropped up.

There is much to implement in a fast-growing industry.

The global advanced manufacturing market was listed at $151 billion in 2023, projected to expand to $535 billion by 2030, according to the Future Data Stats, a market research company.

Over the last 10-20 years, companies have been making the digital transformation into more advanced manufacturing applications, despite barriers in cost to do the digital transition and retrain workforce, while focusing on the economic efficiencies of digitalization.

When advanced manufacturing was in its early stages, managers were told that quality leadership and empowering workers would provide one of the keys for the potential of advanced manufacturing. “Investments in advanced manufacturing technologies do not incrementally raise the bar in respect to infrastructural investments,”

a 1997 article in the Journal of Operations Management determined. “Instead they require a quantum leap. Managers cannot incrementally buy advanced manufacturing technologies, then follow up at a later date with investments in training, leadership, and empowerment. These investments must be made in a concurrent, not an evolutionary, manner.”

DIGITAL EFFICIENCIES

One of the digital efficiencies to manufacturing is the development of the manufacturing execution systems (MES).

An MES is described by IBM as softwarebased solution used in manufacturing to

monitor and control production processes on the shop floor. “In manufacturing operations management, an MES serves as a bridge between the planning and control systems of an enterprise, such as an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, and the actual manufacturing operations,” according to IBM.

An MES tracks and documents the transformation of raw materials into finished products in real time. It captures data from various sources, including machines, sensors and operators, to provide accurate and up-to-date information about the status of production activities.

As described by Aveva, a software developer based in the U.K., the software of MES applies quality-data sampling requirements according to the quality specification defined for producing a product and related process operations. It automatically generates sampling plans when a production operation or job starts, and dynamically maintains them in alignment with the production progress and job execution.

It can trigger additional quality-data samples for specified process conditions – or trigger them spontaneously in response to unplanned events.

The software enforces manual-entry sample-data requests, triggers data collection workflows, and automates direct data sampling from connected plant equipment and devices.

MES BUILDUP BEGINS

Rockwell Automation bought Plex Systems, an MES provider, for $2.1 billion in September, 2021.

Infor, an industry cloud company, acquired Lighthouse Systems, an MES software developer for smart manufacturing, in October, 2021, to help Infor address a critical customer requirement of 24x7 manufacturing operations, according to a press release announcing the acquisition.

Other examples of MES systems include Siemens SIMATIC IT, an MES portfolio linking ERP, product lifecycle management (PLM) and other enterprise systems to the shop floor. Northvolt, a large customizable lithium battery manufacturer based in Sweden, will use the manufacturing operations software of Swiss-based ABB, an electrical and automation

company, in their battery manufacturing industrial operations to integrate robotics, machine and factory automation.

ACADEMIA DEEP DIVING

With advanced manufacturing evolving faster each year, academia is adding more firepower to the possibilities that it presents.

One example of academy taking a deeper dive to real applications of advanced manufacturing is the Manufacturing Futures Institute at Carnegie Mellon University, partnering with the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute, a consortium created in 2017 through a Department of Defense grant won by Carnegie Mellon, and Catalyst Connection, with increasing focus on the use of AI, machine learning, data, virtualization, and spatial computing that is advancing digital twin applications. Scientists there believe these processes promise greater efficiencies in U.S. factories.

Another university project, Carnegie Mellon’s Machine Learning-Based Rapid Robot Training project, funded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), will bring together engineers and scientists working to develop and deploy ML techniques that can rapidly train robots to perform manufacturing tasks.

The NIST robot training project led to the university’s involvement in the National Artificial Intelligence Data Foundry for Robotics, a national center that collects and aggregates data from manufacturing robots, to work on developing a set of software tools to enhance the availability and application of data to deploy AI and ML for the manufacturing and robotics industries.

Carnegie Mellon researchers will also join a multi-institutional collaboration to launch Human Augmentation via Dexterity (HAND) to build dexterous robot hands with the ability to assist humans with manufacturing, caregiving, handling precious or dangerous materials, and more.

SOUNDING THE ALARM

There are other institutions of higher education involved in advanced manufacturing technology developments.

The impetus for this renewed activity and focus in part comes from a 2022 report

from the subcommittee on the Advanced Manufacturing Committee on Technology of the National Science Technology Council, sounding the alarm about the country’s readiness: “The United States remains a leader in advanced technologies,” the report stated. “However, production and employment in several high-technology manufacturing industries have fallen sharply in the 21st century. To address global competition, the United States has taken steps to revitalize the manufacturing sector, increase the resilience of U.S. supply chains and national security, invest in R&D, and train Americans for jobs of the future.”

The report also went one step further, making the connection between advanced manufacturing and life science, specifically medical devices. “By combining life science discoveries with advanced technologies such as those in smart manufacturing, the United States can make extensive leaps forward in the creation of high-quality bio-based products,” the report states. “To continue improving food safety, and food accessibility, and food supply chain resilience, advanced manufacturing processes must fully leverage new technologies and accelerate new fields such as cellular agriculture, alternative proteins, and personalized nutrition. Steps should be taken to create more opportunities to further pursue lab-to-market biotechnologies and develop manufacturing scale-up and scale-out of emerging products.”

ADVANCED BIO-MANUFACTURING

Philip LeDuc, the director of the Center for Mechanics and Engineering of Cellular Systems at Carnegie Mellon, works at the intersection of mechanical engineering and biology. “What if we could make things that are organ like?,” he told BXJ. “So we could take cells of yours that were from your lungs and we could grow them on a chip. We could test different types of chemotherapeutics on it, and find out that a certain kind of chemotherapeutic will work better than other chemotherapeutics,” he said. “We’re taking these from your own body so that we actually know what might work. That’s an idea to basically be able to avoid lots of human testing and animal testing to be able to get more accurate things.”

Where advanced manufacturing comes into play is manufacturing these bio-systems in personalized medicine, a developing field

The Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute demonstrates and facilitates early adoption of robotics solutions, leveraging artificial intelligence, autonomy, 3-D printing and other emerging technologies. Pic courtesy ARM

of research. “You can make an organ out of human tissue, but how can you get blood into that organ? How can we use advanced manufacturing to make this vascular structure?” LeDuc said. “So how could you actually 3d print vasculature structure to actual tissue? This is an area in biomanufacturing that people have been working in, including ourselves,” he says.

His team 3d prints ice, as tiny as a human hair, then puts collagen in, which is like tissue with cells around it. The ice melts out, leaving vascular networks inside. “So this is a direction that we and others are actually working in, which is this whole idea of manufacturing to create both organs on chips and artificial organs.”

He’s also is working on 400 million year old fossils from paleontologists. “They can get these massively detailed 3d scans of them. So we actually took this fossil, the 3d scan, and we turned around and 3d printed up the organism that had been extinct for 400 million years and actually created a functional moving system,” LeDuc said. “Now for the first time, paleontologists can actually see them and touch them. They’re not the exact same, but they’re functionally very similar to them. You can see the way they move.”

That work that is helping evolve robot development, he said. “So if you think about the robotic motion where we tend to try to

emulate humans, and then there are the dog robots that are really popular. We’re trying to emulate the motions of things that we can see that are currently alive on this earth. So what this (work with fossils) is doing is starting to look at different motions and different ways of moving and actuating systems that have been extinct off the earth for hundreds of millions of years. So it’s starting to give us this idea of different ways of developing different robotic movements. This learning actually helps us figure out how to develop new types of robotic systems in the long run.”

He said that there will be more access to AI technologies for advanced manufacturing because of the evolution of the technology over the last few years. “AI does not take a PhD at a super high level in machine learning to actually start to use it. I’m talking about AI at the lower level. The basics of neural networks and things are pretty well worked out,” LeDuc said. “I think you’re going to see that in manufacturing, where there’s going to be multiple levels of jobs, and there’s going to be the people who run it who are your new factory workers. They may or may not have a college degree, because their job is to run it and to monitor it and make sure everything goes okay. When something goes wrong, they’re not the ones that are brought in to fix it. They have a team of people whose job is to go around fixing it.” X

Indian River County CENTRAL TO WHERE YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS

TO BE

Indian River County – Vero Beach, Sebastian, Fellsmere - strikes a perfect balance between business and pleasure. Those who live, work or visit the area find that the local communities are safe and loaded with ecological, cultural, educational and technological amenities. Many corporate-level executives have located their companies to the area because of the executive’s positive vacation experience, or perhaps they own a winter home on Vero’s barrier island.

Located on Florida’s east coast, midway between West Palm Beach and Cape Canaveral, Indian River County is within three hours of over 17 million consumers, or 90% of Florida’s population. It has easy access to markets but is far from urban sprawl, traffic and congestion. Visitors from other parts of Florida are amazed, and pleasantly surprised, at the county’s lack of traffic. The area is rich in history and natural resources, with 26 miles of unspoiled beaches and scenic lakes, plus some of the best bass fishing available in Blue Cypress Lake. It is also the center of the world famous Indian River Citrus District.

Indian River County is a cost-competitive location for new or expanding businesses. It has hundreds of acres of low-cost land available for development, much of it located near I-95, a major north-south transportation route along the east coast. The county

offers competitive property tax rates, and Florida has no state income tax.

The Opportunity Zone initiative offers investors an even greater reason to consider Indian River County, FL. All properties west of I-95 in Indian River County are designated as an Opportunity Zone and zoned for industrial use, including two shovel-ready industrial parks. State and local incentives are also available to relocating and expanding companies, including property tax abatement, tax refunds, and job training grants.

An available and trainable workforce of approximately 638,000 within an hour’s drive time adds to the county’s appeal as a desirable location. Indian River State College (IRSC) has five campuses located throughout the region, offering 2-year and 4-year degrees as well as several industrial and technical certifications. IRSC is very successful in securing training grants for local employers. They can develop specially-designed training programs in a matter of weeks rather than months. Because location is central to success, Indian River County isn’t just where you want to be – it’s central to where your business ought to be. It has the perfect blend of everything the Sunshine State has to offer.

For more information on locating your company to Indian River County, Florida, contact Helene Caseltine, Economic Development Director with the Indian River Chamber of Commerce, at 772-5673491 or helenec@indianrivered.com. Or, visit their website at www.indianrivered.com .

• Located along Florida’s Central East Coast – within 3 hours of 19+ million consumers

• Easy access to highways, rail and ports – with a new interchange under construction at I-95

• Workforce of 630,000 within a 50-mile radius

• Tropical climate means no weather delays or downtime in production

• Cost competitive business environment – local incentives available

• Superb quality of life attracts innovative businesses and talented professionals

Life Sciences Surge: New Frontiers Explored

BY: DAVID HODES

From space research to gene editing technology to unprecedented weight loss breakthroughs, innovation thrives

There are many new entries in the field of life sciences, emerging as researchers dig deeper into natural plant-based products to treat pain and prolong wellness, while bringing new technology to bear in drug research and discovery.

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Ongoing studies into the therapeutic use of cannabinoids have been discovered as help for PTSD and other mental health conditions.

Researchers in 2021 found that the bark of a flowering shrub, conolidine, can be beneficial for the management of chronic pain.

Some research is even out of this world.

In October, 2024, NASA announced that their Space Biology Program will be doing research across a wide spectrum of biological organization and model systems to look for underlying mechanisms by which organisms acclimate to

stressors encountered during space exploration (including microgravity, ionizing radiation, and elevated concentrations of carbon dioxide).

The NASA research involves more than just the health and welfare of astronauts, but could result in breakthroughs on diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders to help protect humanity down on the ground, according to a NASA press release on the topic.

LIFE SCIENCES BUSINESS BOOMING

Life science is a hot business development area, that got hotter in 2023 but appears to have cooled off recently.

Life sciences acquisition deals include Affinivax, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge,

acquired for $2 billion by biopharma company GSK in August, 2022; Affera, a cardiac mapping and navigation platform, acquired by healthcare tech company Medtronic, also in August, 2022, for $1 billion; Chord Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company developing drugs for rare neuroinflammatory diseases, was acquired by Merck, a pharmacy science and tech company, in 2022 (the amount of the deal was not disclosed); Reviral, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel antiviral therapeutics, was acquired by Pfizer in June, 2022, for $525 million; and Vividion Therapeutics, working on therapeutics for cancer and immune disorders, was acquired by Bayer in August, 2021 for $1.5 billion.

More recently, in 2024, Shockwave Medical, makers of one of the first commercially available intravascular platforms for coronary artery and peripheral artery disease, was acquired by Johnson and Johnson in May for a reported $13.9 billion; Morphic, a biopharmaceutical company developing oral therapies for serious chronic diseases, was acquired by Eli Lilly in August for $3.2 billion; and MorphoSys, a global biopharmaceutical company developing innovative medicines in oncology, was acquired by Novartis in May for $2.9 billion.

A report by Price Waterhouse Coopers, an accounting, auditing, and business consulting service, found that the volume of mergers and acquisitions activity in the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry in 2024 was healthy compared to historical levels, but companies have largely been active with smaller deals driving overall deal values down. “We expect transactions between $5 billion and $15 billion to see sustained activity while recognizing geopolitical factors that could bring headwinds,” the study concluded.

INNOVATIONS ON THE HORIZON

The Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) has promoted clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) based technologies as one of the more amazing life science discoveries of the last few years.

CRISPR is a gene-editing technology used to alter the genome to treat genetic diseases.

The first-ever approval of CRISPR-based medicine happened in 2023: Casgevy, a treatment and potential cure for sickle cell disease. The path from CRISPR discovery to approval of the drug took ten years, considered by some researchers to be remarkable. “The IGI has tracked the progress of CRISPR clinical trials since they first began, and this milestone has been anticipated for some time, but its speed is still noteworthy,” according to a researcher with the IGI.

There are still serious challenges with CRISPR. For example, Casgevy costs around $2 million per patient, and the treatment is still a challenge to manufacture and deliver. But it holds great promise in treating chronic bacterial infection and cardiac disease, among other afflictions according to the IGI.

THE WEIGHT LOSS PHENOMENON

One of the fastest developing topics in life sciences centers around weight loss drugs, more specifically two: Wegovy, designed specifically for weight loss, and Ozempic, originally designed for treating diabetes but subsequently found to help with weight loss as well.

Commercials about both drugs are bombarding television programs and online streams. Celebrities are talking about great and rapid weight loss using one of the drugs.

In June, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Wegovy (semaglutide) injection (2.4 mg once weekly), for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol).

It’s an under-the-skin injection that is the first approved drug for chronic weight management in adults with general obesity, or overweight since 2014. In approving the drug, the FDA stated that approximately 70% of American adults are obese or overweight, which is a health issue associated with some leading causes of death, including heart disease, stroke and diabetes. “Losing 5% to 10% of body weight through diet and exercise has been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in adult patients with obesity or overweight issues,” according to the FDA press release announcing the approval.

Wegovy works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like

peptide-1 (GLP-1) that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake.

Wegovy’s safety and efficacy were studied in four 68-week trials monitored by the FDA. Three were randomized, doubleblind, placebo-controlled trials (including 16 weeks of dose increases) and one was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized withdrawal trial in which patients receiving Wegovy either continued with the treatment or switched to a placebo.

More than 2,600 patients received Wegovy in these four studies, and more than 1,500 patients received placebo.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Mikhail Kosiborod, a cardiologist at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute, reported in a profile of his work that cardiometabolic disease is by far the biggest health threat today, fueled by the rise in the prevalence of obesity and diabetes. “But the exciting part is that we’re also in the middle of the biggest renaissance of new exciting treatments that can have a transformational impact on how long patients live and how well they feel. It will eventually prolong life and improve the quality of life for millions of patients.”

The drug has taken off among people around the world. The number of prescriptions filled for semaglutide (both Wegovy and Ozempic) has increased substantially, reaching 2.6 million prescriptions filled at retail pharmacies by December 2023, according to a research letter published by the Journal for American Medical Association.

One of the wonder weight loss drugs to get FDA approval is proving to be effective not just for weight loss but for cardiac health. Picture courtesy David Hodes.

Both treatments are expensive. Wegovy can cost $1,300 for one month supply; Ozempic around $900, but there have been pricing adjustments for some patients.

Increases in demand beginning in 2022 are causing shortages, as reported by the FDA.

Science magazine named Wegovy and other similar drugs their Breakthrough of the Year, not just because of weight loss. Clinical trials found that the drugs also cut symptoms of heart failure and the risk of heart attacks and strokes, which is the most compelling evidence yet that the drugs have major benefits beyond weight loss itself, according to the magazine. And it’s easier to use, the magazine reported. “Unlike its forerunners, semaglutide required an injection weekly rather than once or twice a day. And in a pivotal trial, people taking it lost an unprecedented 15% of their body weight over about 16 months.”

Semaglutide 2.4 mg once-weekly also significantly reduced heart failure-related symptoms and physical limitations, improved exercise function, and led to greater weight loss than did the placebo used in the clinical trial.

But there are still lingering doubts. “Whether semaglutide can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and worsening heart failure..has not been established,” researchers concluded.

According to a Gallup Poll, close to two-thirds of Americans who have taken weight loss injections (64%) say the drugs have been either “extremely effective” or “effective” at helping them lose weight.

There are also clinical trials underway for treating other uses for GLP-1 drugs, such as drug addiction. One clinical trial conducted in 2022 and reported in the British Journal of Pharmacology found that rodents and non‐human primates have a reduction in intake of alcohol and drugs of abuse, concluding that “the stage is set for further basic research and for large‐scale clinical trials to go ahead and bring to fruition the promising results from preliminary clinical studies and basic research.”

Science magazine also reported on clinical trials testing GLP-1 drugs to treat Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, based in part on evidence that they target brain inflammation.

As the excitement builds about these weight loss drugs, the FDA has identified a number of red flags.

They have received multiple reports of adverse events, some requiring hospitalization, that may be related to dosing errors associated with compounded injectable semaglutide products. These dosing errors resulted from patients measuring and self-administering incorrect doses of the drug, and in some cases, health care professionals miscalculating doses of the drug.

The FDA agency has received reports that patients may have been prescribed compounded semaglutide products in doses beyond what is in the FDA-approved drug label. This could mean using more product in a single dose, taking doses more frequently or increasing the amount more quickly.

Call it a learning curve, or simply patient/doctor misunderstandings, but the weight loss genie is out of the bottle. Now it’s time to better control access and use. X

Innovative Energy Solutions Seek Sustainability Amid Fossil Fuel Reliance

BY: DAVID HODES

Electric vehicles, fusion power, and wind-assist systems are offering promising paths to cleaner energy

Energy use and development in the world has thousands of moving parts, with new ideas emerging constantly about how to find more energy, use more energy, and create different forms of energy. ...............................................................................................................................

All of these developments have a singular focus of embracing the need for sustainable ways of making energy while keeping the environment clean.

To be sure, fossil fuels are still the predominant source of energy. According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas have been powering economies for over 150 years, and currently supply about 80 percent of the world’s energy.

The transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. According to the Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and

A Berge bulk carrier, shown with four wind wings, which allow it to reduce CO2 emissions by 19.5 tonnes per wind wing per day. Photo courtesy Bar Technologies.

Sinks 1990–2022, transportation accounted for the largest portion (28%) of total U.S. GHG emissions in 2022. Cars, trucks, commercial aircraft, and railroads, among other sources, all contribute to transportation end-use sector emissions.

CLEAN ENERGY BIT BY BIT

But bit by bit, more uses of clean energy are becoming available. The Experian Automotive Market Trends report from the fourth quarter of 2023 found that there were about 3.3 million electric cars on the road in the U.S., up from 2 million electric vehicles in 2022 and 1.3 million in 2021. None of them produce greenhouse gas emissions.

One example of new ideas in finding energy sources comes from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) where researchers are studying the 1,200-mile MidContinent Rift that runs from beneath Lake Superior through parts of Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas. There may be huge amounts of natural hydrogen for clean energy use in that area.

Researchers believe that hydrogen is potentially a key player to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, because it has no carbon emissions and is constantly being renewed underground when water interacts with volcanic rock.

The U.S. Geological Survey estimates between tens of millions and tens of billions of megatons of hydrogen are in Earth’s crust, and that there might be enough accessible natural hydrogen under the Earth’s surface to meet global energy needs for thousands of years.

But much of that would be inaccessible to humans because it is either too deep or too far offshore, or present in amounts too small to exploit, according to Seunghee Kim, the associate professor of civil engineering and one of the UNL project’s principal investigators.

Accessibility is what makes the Midcontinent Rift so important, because it is 3,000 to 5,000 feet underground. Other subsurface rifts in the world — located in France, Germany, Russia and the African continent — could also produce hydrogen, Kim said.

Hydrogen Applications

Toyota has been researching hydrogen since 1991. Toyota recently launched the

In September, 2024, a Berge bulk carrier became the first vessel to be fitted with four WindWings. Photo courtesy Berge.

The 1.1 billion year old Mid-Continent Rift that runs beneath Lake Superior (shown here) through parts of Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas may hold many mega tons of hydrogen. Picture courtesy Parks Service.

Mirai, a fuel cell electric vehicle, where hydrogen from the fuel tank and air entering from the intake grill combine in the fuel cell stack.

There, a chemical reaction involving the oxygen in the air and hydrogen creates electricity, powering Mirai. The car’s only byproduct is water.

Earlier, in 2022, Toyota showed the H2 Corolla, a race car that runs on liquid

hydrogen fuel. The car demonstrated the possibility of using hydrogen combustion engines and their applicability under aggressive conditions such as those in the Super Taikyu Fuji 24-hour Race.

THE FUSION FACTOR

There is a new energy project to create hundreds of watts of fusion power to be directly available on Virginia’s energy grid.

SRP-Power to Grow Phoenix

SRP has a long and rich history of supporting the economic development of the Phoenix metropolitan area and Arizona. From building Theodore Roosevelt Dam to exploring alternative fuels, SRP has helped improve life in the Valley for more than 100 years. Today, SRP is one of the largest public power entities in the nation. They are there to assist you as you consider locating or relocating your business to the Phoenix metropolitan area. They specifically focus on businesses whose power demand will be 1 megawatt or greater.

With more than 100 years of experience operating in the Phoenix metropolitan area, they have access to a vast array of resources to help ease your decision-making process.

SRP, itself, is two entities: the Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District, a political subdivision of the State of Arizona; and the Salt River Valley Water User’s Association, a private corporation.

The District provides electricity to 2 million people living in central Arizona. It operates or participates in 12 major power plants and numerous other generating stations, including coal, nuclear, natural gas, and renewable sources, such as hydroelectric, solar, wind and geothermal.

The Association delivers nearly 1 million acre-feet of water annually to a service area in central Arizona. The Association maintains and operates an extensive water delivery system which includes reservoirs, wells, canals and irrigation laterals.

Their Strategic Economic Services department looks forward to working with you to discuss economic development in the Phoenix metropolitan area. For more information, please visit www. powertogrowphx.com or call Karla Moran at 602-236-2396 or email karla.moran@srpnet.com .

It’ll be the first time commercially available fusion power will be available on any power grid.

As explained by the U.S. Department of Energy, fusion energy represents an energy source based on controlled fusion. Fusion occurs when two nuclei combine to form a new nucleus. Creating conditions for fusion involves generating and sustaining a plasma. Plasmas are gases that are so hot that electrons are freed from atomic nuclei. Researchers use electric and magnetic fields to control the resulting collection of ions and electrons because they have electrical charges. At sufficiently high temperatures, ions can overcome repulsive electrostatic forces and fuse together. This

process—fusion—releases energy.

Fusion offers a potential long-term energy source that uses abundant fuel supplies and does not produce greenhouse gases or long-lived radioactive waste, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

The Virginia fusion energy project, announced in December, 2024, is being developed by Commonwealth Fusion Systems based in Devens, Massachusetts. This will be their first fusion energy power plant, called ARC, to be built in Chesterfield County, Virginia, near Richmond, and is expected to be operational by the early 2030s.

The energy project development is the result of a new focus on clean and productive fusion power, a technology which began in the early 1900s when scientists were first postulating how the sun worked.

“Fusion is inherently the same process as the sun,” Ben Byboth, director of business development and strategy for Commonwealth, told BXJ. “The first devices on how to make fusion happen were actually built in the 1950s.”

The fusion devices being built today are called tokamaks. In the world, there have been over 150 of tokamak machines built. And those devices are capable of doing fusion right now. “But up to this point, they have been unable to produce more power that has gone in to run the experiments, which makes for great some experiments, but not great power plants,” Byboth said. “You always want to get more power out of a power plant.”

Commonwealth is taking a look at a new class of superconductors that makes a new type of magnet. “Basically our fusion devices, these tokamaks, are magnetic bottles that hold the conditions for fusion to take place inside of these magnetic fields,” Byboth said. “And so the idea that we could build a new, stronger magnet is the breakthrough that’s going to be necessary to move this tokamak architecture, which everybody understands really well, into the next space.”

That means moving their updated technology to a commercially relevant architecture at a size and cost that can make it economically effective in the future, Byboth said.

They are getting ready to build their first ARC power plant in Virginia that is expected to make 400 megawatts of clean power. “It’s not our first device,” he said. “We’re currently building a machine called SPARC, a tokamak that’ll demonstrate net fusion energy. It is the demonstration product that integrates our magnets and shows that we can make the fusion happen and get more power out than in,” Byboth said.

SPARC is currently under construction. As they build SPARC, they are also working in parallel on the groundwork for ARC. “SPARC development is getting the work started on the ARC site, picking that site, working to identify customers for that, the power from that, and getting everything we need in place so that once we feel comfortable that SPARC is on a good trajectory, we can move seamlessly into the ARC phase of the company,” Byboth said.

Once that first fusion power plant is built, “that’ll be a massive proof point to the world that we can now have a new arrow in our quiver for providing the energy that the regions need,” he said. “From

there, it’s a matter of scaling as rapidly as spossible. We can see a space where fusion can potentially be the most affordable form of clean power in the coming decades.”

Fusion technology has attracted a group of serious investors, led by Commonwealth’s nearly $2 billion investment in developing the technology.

In 2022, Tae Technologies, based in Foothill Ranch, California, had invested $1.2 billion by 2022, and recently demonstrated real-time control of plasma with its fusion research reactor, Norman.

Tae has secured funding for the construction of its next research reactor, Copernicus.

Shine Technologies, based in Janesville, Wisconsin, raised $70 million in 2023 which will enable the company to finish the commercialization and scale-up of the company’s applications of fusion technology used in the industrial, defense, and healthcare markets.

RE-INVENTING SAILS

Wind+Wing Technologies (WWT), based in Napa, California, has developed a wind-assist system for boats that would harness the wind combined with traditional diesel or other efficient new propulsion in a hybrid system called Wind Drive.

Wind wings are rigid composite structures that rotate to follow changing wind direction.

Researchers at WWT found that the addition of sail power creates a 40% decrease in fuel consumption and pollution generation, and can save at least $100,000 on annual fuel costs per vessel.

The California Air Resources Board (ARB) sponsored a demonstration of wind wing technology for San Francisco Bay ferries in 2014. The demonstration used a 42-foot trimaran equipped with a diesel engine. The study was conducted by operating the ship at a steady cruising speed with engine power replaced by wind wing power. The study demonstrated that the wind wing could replace 26-44% of the engine power (measured as percent reduction in fuel flow rate) depending on wind speed and direction relative to the vessel’s direction of travel. Maximum fuel savings were obtained with

wind coming at an 80-90 degree angle to the direction of travel.

GOING FORWARD

A 2024 analysis by the International Energy Agency sums up the current state of energy development today: “The tensions and trade-offs between the goals of energy and industrial policies mean that getting policy measures right is essential for

clean energy transitions. Trade measures – including both tariffs and non-tariff measures – already increase the cost of clean technologies. Trade policies need to be designed with a view to their role in the new clean energy economy and what they mean for industrial competitiveness today. There is no single recipe to follow for these policies.” X

Powering Montana’s Business Community

NorthWestern Energy is proud to have a rich heritage of providing utility services that contribute to the growth and economic prosperity in our communities. The mission of our Economic Development team is to help retain existing jobs, promote business expansion, and recruit new businesses in the communities we serve. We are your partner in growth, development and success. To find out how NorthWestern Energy can assist your business, visit our website or call us at (888) 467-2669.

Gov. Whitmer’s FY26 Budget Further Supports MEDC’s ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy

The governor’s FY26 executive budget recommendation includes small business support, workforce development and talent retention and attraction efforts critical to growing the state’s economy. On Feb. 5, Gov. Whitmer released her seventh executive budget recommendation, which aims to benefit all Michiganders by investing in pocketbook issues and growing the state’s economy.

The proposed budget aligns with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy, from supporting small businesses and creating jobs to attracting and retaining talent.

“I continue to be grateful to Governor Whitmer for her forward-looking approach to ensuring everyone can ‘Make It in Michigan’ by providing strategic and comprehensive investments in our People, Places, and Projects,” said MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. “Whether it’s local government, small business, entrepreneurship and innovation, defense

MICHIGAN

PURE OPPORTUNITY ®

As the #1 state for energy-sector job growth and climate preparedness, Michigan is the ideal location for businesses looking to maximize sustainability. Join the ranks of top companies that are taking advantage of clean energy initiatives as we lead the charge toward carbon neutrality by 2050. Seize your opportunity at MICHIGANBUSINESS.ORG

and aerospace, talent attraction and retention, or mobility by air, land, and water, Michigan succeeds when we confidently convey our strengths to those interested in calling Michigan home, both personally and professionally. My colleagues and I look forward to working with Governor Whitmer and the bipartisan state legislature to develop a budget focused on helping more Michiganders manage household costs, have more job and entrepreneurial opportunities, and enjoy greater lifelong learning opportunities to realize not only their economic dreams but also the aspirations for future Michiganders.”

Small Business and Workforce Support

To help provide Michigan’s small businesses with the resources they need to succeed, the FY26 budget recommendation includes $10 million for Small Business Entrepreneurial Support Hubs to enhance a statewide network of service providers that offer comprehensive resources and critical support to Michigan’s small businesses.

It also includes $10 million for the MEDC Talent Action Team to partner with employers to help meet their unique talent needs in industries like advanced mobility, semiconductor, aerospace defense and life science to attract, retain and connect talent with good-paying jobs.

The budget recommendation also includes $10 million for growing the state’s population through retaining and attracting talent with strategic pilots and public engagement efforts. Michigan is experiencing one of the biggest swings in demographic trends among its 25 to 44-year-old population. Support from the governor’s FY26 budget recommendation will help continue that momentum.

“Governor Whitmer is committed to growing our population and shared prosperity over the long-term as demonstrated by her 2026

executive budget recommendations,” said Hilary Doe, chief growth officer for the State of Michigan. “Our positive momentum is undeniable. Data released in the last month alone shows that Michigan has experienced the fifth-largest acceleration in growth among its younger adult population, narrowed the gap between those leaving and arriving in our state and garnered over 21,000 sign-ups from people across the country interested in living and working here. We will continue building on policy wins, program launches, and marketing successes to move Michigan forward. There’s more reason than ever to keep going and I’m confident that if we work together, we’ll be able to reach even bigger goals in the year to come. Let’s grow, Michigan!”

Governor Whitmer’s FY2026 budget underlines the importance of their ‘Make It in Michigan’ framework’s focus on People, Places and Projects through efforts such as the Pure Michigan campaign, Business Attraction and Community Revitalization, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, talent attraction and more. Continued support year over year for these initiatives in the governor’s budget highlights how their economic development strategy is critical to the vitality of the state.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and their initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, visit www.michigan.org X

For the Bold INDIANA:

Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb and Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg highlighted the 2024 economic successes in each focus area of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s (IEDC) strategic vision, concluding an eighth consecutive record-breaking year for economic development, community development and entrepreneurship in Indiana. In 2024, the IEDC secured more than $39.2 billion of committed capital investment – a new record, helped launch 482 new small businesses, and awarded another $500 million in quality of place funding to communities across the state through READI 2.0. .........................................................................................

In 2024, the IEDC secured 169 commitments from companies to locate or expand in Indiana, making plans to invest more than $39.2 billion (+37% from 2023) in their operations and create 17,062 new jobs with an average wage of $36.09/hour – or approximately

$75,067 annually (+7% the national average wage and +28% the state average wage). This marks the highest capital investment and annual record for average wages since the IEDC was established in 2005.

Of these commitments, more than 72% are from companies already operating in Indiana committing to continued growth, nearly one third are from small businesses with less than 500 employees, 21% are from companies growing in rural and mixedrural communities, and 20% are from foreign-owned businesses.

Notable strategic successes in 2024 include: Economic Development

• FUTURE-FOCUSED INDUSTRIES ABOUND: Indiana landed major economic development wins in high-growth, futurefocused sectors in 2024. Notably, the state solidified its future in supporting advancements in technology and AI, securing four new data centers and $14.8 billion in investment from Amazon, Google, Meta and Microsoft. Additionally, transformational announcements were made in semiconductors (SK hynix), life sciences (Eli Lilly & Company, Simtra BioPharma Solutions), agbiosciences (Sustainea) and electric vehicles (Toyota).

EXPANSION

OPPORTUNITIES

• CURATING A GLOBAL ECONOMY: The state had another year of growth for foreign direct investment, with 34 foreignowned businesses based across 16 countries committing to locating or growing in Indiana. Together, these firms plan to invest more than $3.4 billion and create more than 3,331 new jobs with average wage of $32.60/hour. This includes notable announcements from companies such as Toyota (Japan) and Sustainea (Brazil/Japan).

• MAKING INDIANA INVESTMENT-READY: Indiana continues to prioritize site development efforts, ensuring the state offers competitive sites to help companies invest and launch operations more quickly. Through the Strategic Sites Initiative, the IEDC is partnering with local communities to identify and prepare new sites; so far, the state has identified 9,548.5 acres for development across 490 new, nationally competitive sites.

• DEVELOPING A NEW INNOVATION DISTRICT: Momentum continues to build at the LEAP Research and Innovation District in Lebanon, where Eli Lilly & Company announced expansion plans in both May and October, committing to invest another $9.8 billion in its operations and create another 200 new jobs. This brings Lilly’s total LEAP investment to more than $13 billion. The company will also establish the Lilly Medicine Foundry – a new center for drug development and advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Meta is making plans to invest up to $4.8 billion on a 1,500-acre site at LEAP. The company’s first phase of what could be a six-phase development includes an initial $800 million investment and 50 new jobs.

Entrepreneurship & Innovation

• DRIVING US INNOVATION & MANUFACTURING: Indiana’s three new federal tech hub designations continued to develop and take shape in 2024. In July, Heartland BioWorks was one of 13 of the 31 designated hubs to win implementation funding, bringing $51 million to the state’s life sciences-focused hub, while the multi-state Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen executed a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Clean Energy for phase one, securing $22.2 million in initial federal funding with up to $1 billion available.

In addition to federal funding, the state continues to invest in the advancement of its robust manufacturing sector. In 2024, the IEDC, in partnership with Conexus Indiana, awarded $12 million in Manufacturing Readiness Grants to businesses across 57 counties. These grants will support 140 projects and a total projected capital expenditure of $113.6 million in smart technologies and processes.

• POWERING ENTREPRENEURS & SMALL BUSINESSES: The IEDC continues to grow its support of Indiana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, assisting a record number – approximately 13,000 – of entrepreneurs and small

businesses in 2024 (+29.7% from 2023) through various initiatives, investments and incentives. The IEDC launched a new $29 million Legend Fund to invest in mission-driven local lenders and increase lending to Hoosier small businesses; awarded $1.05 million in community grants through its new Community Collaboration Fund to accelerate entrepreneurial resources statewide; and celebrated the third edition of Entrepreneurship Indiana, an annual publication honoring the entrepreneurial journey and highlighting 100 stories of entrepreneurs and those that support them.

The IEDC works to support entrepreneurs and small businesses through the Indiana Small Business Development Center (Indiana SBDC) and the Indiana APEX Accelerator (Indiana APEX). In 2024, the Indiana SBDC provided nocost support to more than 6,150 entrepreneurs and small businesses, helping secure $64.98 million in capital infusion, helping launch 482 new businesses (new record) and supporting 24,415 small business jobs. Additionally, Indiana APEX served 235 new clients, with a majority (61%) qualifying as women-, minority-, or veteran-owned business enterprises, helping businesses secure more than $874 million in federal government contracts (+130% from 2023; new all-time record).

• ACCELERATING VENTURE DEVELOPMENT & STARTUP

ACTIVITY: Through its partnership with Elevate Ventures, Indiana’s direct equity program currently acts as the #1 most active venture capital in the Great Lakes Region and #17 in most active at the angel and seed stages in the world. The IEDC contracts with Elevate to support Indiana’s direct investment efforts to provide assistance to high-growth, high-potential startups and innovators, making capital more accessible and attracting additional private co-investment.

Throughout 2024, the state committed to investing more than $12.9 million in 81 companies through 92 investments and grants utilizing the state’s 21st Century Research and Technology Fund. Since the inception of the partnership, and across all programs, the state has invested more than $182 million in 605 companies through 1,119 transactions alongside more than $2.18 billion in capital from other sources (nearly 12-to-1 investment leverage ratio).

• Airports across Indiana continued to secure new domestic routes as American Airlines relaunched nonstop service between Evansville and Chicago, and Breeze Airways expanded to South Bend, launching two nonstop routes.

In order to continue this momentum and advance economic development opportunities for years to come, the IEDC remains committed to advancing innovation and entrepreneurship, ensuring a diverse economic environment, creating the jobs of tomorrow, and retaining and attracting top talent by investing in quality of place.

About IEDC

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) is charged with growing the State economy, driving economic development, and helping businesses launch, grow and locate in the state. Governed by a 14-member board chaired by Governor Eric J. Holcomb, the IEDC manages many initiatives, including performance-based tax credits, workforce training grants, innovation and entrepreneurship resources, public infrastructure assistance, and talent attraction and retention efforts. For more information about the IEDC, visit iedc.in.gov.

INDIANA: Adams County – Grow Your Business

Whether you want to relocate, expand, or simply get started, your business can flourish in Adams County. This community is special for numerous reasons, but what is at the top of the list? Our people. The kindness and work ethic found here are second to none. You’ll be proud to call them your employees, neighbors, and friends.

Adams County is made up of diverse businesses, but in particular, they have a strong tradition of manufacturing. Smith Brothers of Berne and Formula Boats are great examples of this long-lasting legacy.

They are also well-known in the leisure industry, including RVs,

boats, cars, and more. No matter what industry you specialize in, the blue collar values found in Adams County will serve your company well.

Adams County is excited about business growth, and looks to foster that growth through tax abatement assistance. The Adams County EDC (ACEDC)will help facilitate this process with each municipality.

The ACEDC has Revolving Loan Funds (RLF) available to new or existing Adams County businesses. This low-interest loan program provides gap financing for businesses that are unable to fully secure needed capital from other sources.

Adams County is a part of BizFTZ, the Foreign Trade Zone program that operates in the twelve county region of Northeast Indiana. Businesses in Adams County that import and export can easily take advantage of the benefits of operating in a foreign trade zone in the Alternate Site Framework (ASF) Program. The ASF Program saves time and money, encouraging economic development as well as U.S. exports.

With over 35,000 residents and growing, Adams County continues to thrive. Although it’s divided into 12 civil townships, four different communities make up the heart of Adams County. From bigger cities to small towns, traveling around the county is a trip worth taking.

For more information, please contact the Adams County EDC at 260-724-2588 or visit their website at www.adamscountyedc.com X

NORTHEAST INDIANA

260 724 2588

cbickel@adamscountyedc com 313 W Jefferson St , Decatur, IN 46733 c o l t o n b i c k e l Executive Director

Certified Food Processing Site

Certified Food Processing site has 39 21 acres located on the south edge of the City of Decatur, Indiana It is conveniently located just 0 5 mile off of US Highway 27 / 33, which is a 4 lane divided highway and 14 miles to I-469 Space is divisible The site is Certified Food Processing by Austin Consulting and is shovel ready The property is owned by the City of Decatur

The North Carolina Advantage NORTH CAROLINA:

From bustling urban centers to miles of rural landscape, North Carolina’s momentum is propelled by low business costs, ground-breaking university research, diverse culture, superior infrastructure, and a pace of life that attracts a talented workforce.

North Carolina has rightfully earned the title of America’s Top State for Business by CNBC in 2022 and 2023. Our corporate tax rate is phasing out, and our personal income tax is decreasing each year, giving your company’s bottom line room to grow.

North Carolina workers are talented and ready to work. Their highly skilled, educated and diverse workforce comes from the state’s top-tier universities, its abundant historically Black colleges and universities, and its 58-campus community college system.

A moderate climate. Excellent recreational opportunities. Culture-rich history and arts. Growingly inclusive communities. Quality healthcare. And a low cost of living. No wonder North Carolina attracts tens of thousands of newcomers each year. Their competitive, targeted, and performance-based incentive programs help offset the cost of relocating or expanding in North

Carolina by lessening the tax burden and lowering overall costs of doing business.

With a central location on the Eastern Seaboard and excellent transportation infrastructure, North Carolina provides an optimal point of access to markets and customers, keeping freight and delivery costs low.

North Carolina is at the forefront of transitioning to a clean energy economy. Through legislation and bold action, the state is diversifying its energy resource arsenal to include more sustainable and lower-cost sources.

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) improves the economic well-being and quality of life for all North Carolinians by recruiting new businesses to the state, supporting existing employers, assisting companies with international trade, counseling small business and startups, and promoting North Carolina as a tourism destination. Statewide leaders launched the EDPNC more than a decade ago, elevating North Carolina’s economy to unprecedented heights. Since then, EDPNC has advanced the state’s strategy for attracting businesses and visitors, driving exceptional economic growth statewide. Contact them at 919-447-7777 or visit their website at www.edpnc.com

NORTH CAROLINA: Keep an Eye on PTI, The Center of NC Aerospace

Piedmont Triad International Airport is without question the Center of North Carolina Aerospace.

“We are committed to promoting groundbreaking innovation in aerospace and to generating abundant, high-quality jobs for our community,” says Kevin Baker, PTI’s executive director. “Years ago, the Airport Authority envisioned the airport as a key catalyst for regional economic growth. It’s gratifying to see that this foresight is now yielding tangible benefits.”

The most visible evidence of PTI’s commitment to economic development may be seen as you travel Interstate 73, which bisects the airport, centrally located between Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem. There, you’ll see a 174,000 square foot hangar, where Boom Supersonic will soon be building a supersonic passenger jet with an affordable ticket price and a zero-carbon footprint. Boom broke ground in early 2023 on the manufacturing plant, which will include a final assembly line, a test facility, and a customer delivery center. Overture, the first production aircraft, is expected to debut later this decade. The company expects to employ 2,400 people at the plant. “Boom is just one example of this airport’s commitment to innovation,” Baker says. “The airport

adopted an aggressive master plan a little over a decade ago to ensure that when the aerospace industry needs a site centrally located on the East Coast, proximate to multiple interstate highways and ready for development, we would have one available.”

Driving down I-73 you can see that Baker is not exaggerating. Thanks to the vision of present and past airport leadership, sites are being prepared alongside the Interstate for additional companies to locate at PTI. The airport has assembled a 1,000-acre, aerospace “mega-site” to accommodate a new wave of growth. Several of those parcels have been graded, have Interstate and runway access, and are ready for development.

Boom, Marshall Aerospace and Honda Aircraft Company are the most recent examples of companies that have found the airport an attractive place to locate and expand.

Altogether, about 50 companies are located on airport property, including global brands such as FedEx, Cessna/Textron and HAECO North America. Taken together, these 50 companies employ nearly 9,000 people at the airport. A supply-chain network of nearly

200 aerospace companies have located in the Piedmont Triad region near the airport providing even more aerospace jobs.

“It is very rewarding to see a long-term strategy materialize with these recent successes,” says Baker. “And we’re just getting started.” X

NEWS INDUSTRY

LINAMAR INVESTS OVER $1 BILLION IN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY IN ONTARIO

Invest Ontario supports Linamar’s major expansion and retooling across the province, creating more than 2,300 new jobs

GUELPH, ONTARIO — Invest Ontario is supporting a more than $1 billion investment by Linamar Corporation, an Ontario-based global auto parts manufacturer, to develop and commercialize cutting-edge vehicle powertrain solutions, as well as other green automotive technologies. This milestone investment reinforces Ontario’s position as a North American automotive powerhouse.

Spanning six projects, this billion-dollar investment will create more than 2,300 jobs and entail extensive expansion and retooling of Linamar’s multiple facilities in Ontario to meet the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) demand for auto and EV parts in North America.

“We are very excited to announce this new investment program with both the Canadian Federal and Ontario Provincial Governments,” said Linda Hasenfratz, Executive Chair, Linamar Corporation. “Linamar has long shown its commitment to innovation by investing in product design, new capabilities and manufacturing capacity to lead advancements in mobility. Linamar is focused on developing products for every type of vehicle propulsion and for systems that are propulsion agnostic in the vehicle. This partnership helps us realize that potential. The participation of both levels of government in this program is a great indication of their commitment to the Canadian automotive manufacturing sector and helps ensure Canada and Ontario can successfully position itself as an industrial leader for the production of highly advanced automobiles within a rapidly changing global automotive market.”

Subject to reaching a definitive agreement, the Government of Ontario will provide a $100.3 million grant in support of Linamar’s investment, alongside a federal contribution of up to $169.4 million through the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF). This underlines the investment’s strategic importance in bolstering Ontario’s end-to-end auto and EV supply chain by driving innovation and building manufacturing capacity across multiple key components and technologies.

“Linamar’s investment marks another major milestone in the company’s ongoing success in Ontario,” said the Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario. “At a time when we face a new administration in the White House and the potential threat of tariffs on Canadian goods, this investment will create good-paying jobs, strengthen our homegrown electric vehicle supply chain and accelerate the production of Ontario-made EVs. It will help ensure that the components needed for the cars of the future are made right here in Ontario, by Ontario workers.”

Linamar’s expansion will help grow and diversify its portfolio of electrified business, including the production of eAxle systems—a vital component of modern hybrid and electric powertrains used in vehicles ranging from passenger cars to heavy-duty trucks. The investment also comprises projects to drive

innovation in hydrogen fuel cell, battery storage, and semiconductor packaging technologies.

“Today’s announcement highlights Canada’s skilled workforce and booming battery ecosystem. Linamar’s groundbreaking project will drive innovation in EV parts and semiconductor manufacturing. It’s a win for the economy, the environment and Canadian jobs, cementing our country’s position as a leader in the EV supply chain,” said the Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, Federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

Ontario has attracted over $46 billion in auto and EV‐related investments from global companies since 2020 with the help of Invest Ontario. Boasting an end-to-end auto supply chain, a skilled workforce, a wealth of critical minerals, and a thriving tech ecosystem, Ontario has everything needed to build the cars of the future.

“Our government remains laser focused on positioning Ontario as a world-class jurisdiction for domestic and international companies to grow their businesses, promote innovation and build more resilient supply chains,” said the Hon. Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Linamar’s billion-dollar investment will not only create thousands of new, good-paying jobs for Ontario workers, it will catalyze economic growth and reinforce our continued commitment to the province’s key sectors.”

Since its inception, Invest Ontario has secured investments that have filled gaps across the auto and EV value chain—from EV battery separators to battery enclosures, motor core components to advanced thermal management systems, EV tires to micro-LED technologies for vehicle displays.

“Linamar’s continued growth sends a compelling message: Ontario is the place of choice for auto parts companies to pioneer cutting-edge technologies and deliver them to the vast North American market,” said Jennifer Block, Interim CEO of Invest Ontario. “We remain confident in the long-term potential of EVs and are committed to partnering with industry leaders and innovators to lead the charge together towards sustainable mobility.”

For more information about Invest Ontario, please visit www.investontario.ca. expansion will create 90 new jobs in Richmond County.

PROGRESS CONTINUES ON AUSTAL’S SUBMARINE MODULE MANUFACTURING FACILITY PROJECT

MOBILE, ALA The City of Mobile’s Industrial Development Board has officially approved support of Austal USA’s new Module Manufacturing Facility 3 (MMF3), a more than $400 million investment that will create 1,162 new jobs and retain 2,671 jobs in the region.

“Austal’s investment in workforce development, infrastructure and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies ensures a bright future for Mobile’s industrial economy,” said Mobile Chamber President and CEO Bradley Byrne. “As Alabama’s maritime industry continues to grow, Austal’s presence strengthens the economic impact of Mobile’s shipbuilding sector, securing a key role in our nation’s defense strategy.”

The 369,600-square-foot MMF3 facility, which broke ground in October 2024, is a key component in Austal’s continued expansion and will support the U.S. Navy’s Columbia-class and Virginia-class submarine programs.

“Austal’s ongoing expansion in Mobile is a testament to the skill and dedication of our local workforce. This Module Manufacturing Facility will bring additional jobs to Mobile, boost the local economy, and enhance U.S. Naval defense capabilities. As Austal deepens its commitment to our community, the City of Mobile is proud to support its continued growth and success,” said Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson.

“The Submarine Module Manufacturing Facility Project expansion is another major Austal investment demonstrating its confidence in Mobile County’s workforce and economy. This expansion’s 1,000 new jobs, capital impact, and retained positions will provide our workforce with incredible opportunities while strengthening our local economy for generations to come,” said Mobile County Commission President Merceria Ludgood.

NEARLY $3 BILLION INVESTED IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND COMPANIES IN 2024

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD— Businesses in Maryland’s Montgomery County experienced a surge in investment funding in 2024. Mergers and acquisitions, venture capital and private funding deals totaled $2.9 billion, a 36% increase over 2023’s total of $2.2b. Spanning 106 deals across 96 companies, this surge in mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, and private investment reflects Montgomery County’s continued prominence as a regional economic leader.

Diverse Industries Driving Growth

Investment activity spanned multiple sectors, reinforcing Montgomery County’s reputation as a hub for innovation:

Financial Services: The largest deal of the year was Atlantic Union Bank’s $1.6 billion acquisition of Sandy Spring Bancorp, highlighting the strength of the financial industry in the county.

Technology: Companies specializing in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and energy innovation raised $769 million, demonstrating the county’s sustained growth as a hub for this industry sector.

Life Sciences: With $535 million in investment, Montgomery County’s position as a leading hub for biotech and healthcare innovation continues to grow. The county is the anchor for the BioHealth Capital Region, which ranks third among the nation’s top 10 biopharma clusters

Construction of MMF3 is expected to be completed in 2026.

By the Numbers:

• $406 million capital investment

• 1,162 new jobs created

• 2,671 retained jobs

Why It Matters:

This state-of-the-art facility will solidify Mobile’s role as a national leader in defense manufacturing, directly contributing to the U.S. Navy’s goal of delivering one Columbia-class and two Virginia-class submarines annually. The project represents one of the largest privatesector investments in Mobile’s history and will fuel economic growth by providing high-paying, skilled manufacturing jobs.

according to Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News. In 2024, the region even surpassed No. 2 San Francisco in NIH funding and patents.

Professional Services & Manufacturing: A mix of mid-sized and smaller deals totaled $64.2 million in investment.

While major investments dominated the headlines, more than 40 of the investments tracked in the county were small venture capital investments of $5 million or under, reflecting the county’s thriving ecosystem for businesses of all sizes.

“These investments underscore the competitive advantages businesses find in Montgomery County, Md.,” said Bill Tompkins, president and CEO of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation. “Entrepreneurs and investors are drawn to the county because of our deep talent pipeline, proximity to federal government agency headquarters and laboratories, global connectivity, and diverse economy.

“We are proud to support this momentum. When investors choose Montgomery County businesses, they create jobs and support the continued growth of the county.”

NEWS INDUSTRY

GOV. KEMP: PBS AEROSPACE ESTABLISHES NORTH AMERICAN HQ IN METRO ATLANTA

ATLANTA, GEORGIA — Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that PBS Aerospace, a designer and manufacturer of world-class small turbojet engines, will invest up to $20 million to establish its North American headquarters, manufacturing, and R&D operations in Roswell. The new operations will create at least 95 new jobs in metro Atlanta, growing the company’s presence in the state.

PBS Aerospace is an international manufacturer of turbojet engines and auxiliary power units that has been present in the U.S. market for more than a decade.

“PBS Group’s owner, William Didden, made the decision to establish Georgia as the location for our U.S. headquarters because of the successful foundation we have built in Atlanta through PBS Aerospace,” said Tomas Koutsky, Managing Director of PBS Aerospace. “Atlanta has proven to be an exceptional base for our operations, offering access to an excellent education system, skilled workforce, robust infrastructure, and a thriving business environment. The positive experiences and success in Atlanta have undoubtedly influenced our choice as they reflect Georgia’s ability to support our continued growth.”

“We look forward to building our new Roswell factory, which will produce the world’s most advanced small turbojet engines designed to meet the needs of the U.S. Department of Defense,” said Erin Durham, CEO of PBS Aerospace. “This move aligns seamlessly with our larger growth strategy, which focuses on partnering with Georgia’s extensive manufacturing, aerospace, and defense sectors.”

PBS Aerospace’s footprint will include an existing, renovated building at 1350 North Meadow and a new facility that will be constructed at the Tech Village North Site in Roswell. Hiring is underway for open roles, with projections to meet full operations in April 2025. Interested individuals can learn more and apply at//www.pbsaerospace.com/career.

Statewide Project Manager Haley Casola represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this competitive project in partnership with the City of Roswell, Select Fulton, Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia Quick Start, the Georgia Center of Innovation, and Georgia Power.

“PBS Aerospace first landed in the U.S. through Georgia, so it’s incredibly exciting that the company has chosen to expand on its presence here to

establish not only its North American headquarters but also its first manufacturing and R&D operations in the U.S.,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Today’s news is the result of investing in our relationships at home and internationally, taking the time to ensure companies have a great experience working with the state at their existing locations and taking the initiative to meet with company leadership in-person to learn more about their plans for the future. Congratulations to PBS Aerospace for expanding in the U.S. market, and to all of the partners involved in bringing the opportunity for a job to Georgians through this investment!”

About PBS Aerospace

PBS Aerospace Inc. is a subsidiary of PBS GROUP, an engineering holding company and has been an established brand for over 200 years. PBS Group delivers cutting-edge engineering solutions across a portfolio of companies that focus on the aerospace, energy, and transportation industries. PBS Aerospace Inc. has had a presence in the U.S. market for more than 10 years and focuses on providing highly reliable turbojet engines and auxiliary power units (APUs) for the U.S. Department of Defense and commercial customers.

ASTRAZENECA PLANS C$820 MILLION (US$570M) INVESTMENT IN CANADA TO ADVANCE GROWING GLOBAL HUB AND CLINICAL DELIVER

700 new scientific and high-skilled jobs to be created in Greater Toronto Area, investing to execute more than 210 AstraZeneca global clinical studies

GREATER TORONTO, ONTARIO AstraZeneca, a global pharmaceutical company focused on developing life changing medicines, announced a C$820 million (US$570m) investment in Canada, creating more than 700 high-skilled jobs, across all areas of the business. The investment will support the move to a larger, state-of-the-art office facility in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ontario.

New investment in Canada will contribute to AstraZeneca’s global ambition to achieve US$80 billion in Total Revenue and to bring 20 new medicines to patients around the world by 2030 of which eight new medicines have been delivered to date. The Company also expects seven first Phase III clinical trial data readouts in 2025.

AstraZeneca is one of the leading R&D investors in Canada, contributing more than C$230 million in research and development in 2023, much of which is focused on delivery of over 210 AstraZeneca global clinical studies of new medicines and indications. The Company’s investments in Canada since 2023 now exceed C$1.3 billion, creating a combined 1,200 new high-skilled jobs. In 2024, AstraZeneca completed a C$3 billion agreement to acquire Hamilton, Ontario-based Fusion Pharmaceuticals, which is developing next-generation radioconjugates with the promise to redefine radiotherapy for cancer patients. The Fusion announcement represents one of the largest research investments made in a Canadian biotechnology company.1 Together these investments

are contributing to the growth of Canada’s life sciences sector and the advancement of AstraZeneca’s global clinical studies pipeline.

Pascal Soriot, Chief Executive Officer, AstraZeneca said: “This investment is a reflection of our growing clinical pipeline, our strong belief in Canada’s potential as a global hub for life sciences innovation, and the value of publicprivate collaboration with the Ontario government. We believe the diverse talent pool together with the network of world-class universities, hospitals, and research centres will help us bring new medicines to Canadians and patients worldwide.”

Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario said: “Today’s announcement is fantastic news for Ontario and another testament to the incredible talent, innovation and opportunities our province has to offer. Our government, through Invest Ontario, is proud to support AstraZeneca with C$16.1 million to help bring these hundreds of new, highly-skilled jobs to Ontario, strengthening Ontario’s position as a global leader in life sciences and innovation.”

Gaby Bourbara, President, AstraZeneca Canada said: “AstraZeneca’s continued investment in Ontario is crucial to advancing innovative medicines that treat, prevent, and may one day cure complex diseases like prostate, lung, and breast cancer, as well as rare diseases. AstraZeneca’s investment of C$820 million (US$570m), alongside the Government of Ontario’s contribution through Invest Ontario, will strengthen the Province’s life sciences strategy, driving economic growth, and foster innovation that benefits patients in Canada and around the world.”

LUCK COMPANIES GROWING QUARRY OPERATIONS ACROSS SOUTH CAROLINA COMBINED INVESTMENT

• In Saluda County, the company will invest $40 million over the next 10 years and create 10 new jobs to develop the 330-acre quarry site.

OF $450 MILLION

WILL CREATE 70 NEW JOBS

SOUTH CAROLINA — Luck Companies, a provider of crushed stone aggregates and environmental performance products, announced it is growing its quarry operations across South Carolina. The company will develop new sites in Chester, Edgefield, Saluda and Spartanburg and expand its existing sites in Fairfield and Kershaw counties. The combined investment of $450 million will create 70 new jobs. Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Virginia, Luck Companies provides materials and services through its three business units: Luck Stone, Luck Ecosystems and Luck Real Estate Ventures. The company serves as a partner for customers in the construction, civil engineering and environmental industries.

Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Virginia, Luck Companies provides materials and services through its three business units: Luck Stone, Luck Ecosystems and Luck Real Estate Ventures. The company serves as a partner for customers in the construction, civil engineering and environmental industries.

Luck Companies will invest $93 million to develop a new site in Chester County, creating 25 new jobs. Along with the quarry component, the site will include acreage dedicated to agricultural education and a multi-use, economic development portion. Over the next 20 years, Luck Companies will invest $70 million to develop its 434-acre quarry site in Edgefield County, creating 10 new jobs.

• The Edgefield and Saluda sites will support increased development along the Interstate 20 corridor.

• The Spartanburg County site, located in Enoree, represents a $132 million investment over the next 20 years and approximately 25 new jobs. In addition to the quarry, this site will also feature opportunities for commercial development.

• Luck Companies’ Fairfield County site, located along Highway 34 near Ridgeway, provides construction aggregate materials for the growing Interstate 77 corridor and includes space for future economic development. The company will invest approximately $90 million in this site, over the next 20 years, to meet growing demand.

• Acquired in 2018, the Kershaw County site, located west of Highway 601 in Kershaw, makes products that support the building of roads and site development as well as larger stones that support coast protection. The company will invest an additional $25 million to build a permanent plant at this location.

• The plants in Fairfield and Kershaw counties currently have over 30 existing employees.

• Individuals interested in joining the Luck Companies team should visit the company’s careers page.

ALABAMA

ARIZONA

Cullman Economic Development Agency

Dale Greer

P.O. Box 1009

Cullman, AL 35056

256-739-1891

daleg@cullmaneda.org www.cullmaneda.org

Gadsden-Etowah Industrial Development Authority

David Hooks

Executive Director 1 Commerce Square Gadsden, AL 35901 256-543-9423

davidhooks@gadsdenida.org www.gadsdenida.org

Elmore County Economic Development

Cary Cox P.O. Box 117 Wetumka , AL 36092 334-514-5843 cary.cox@elmoreeda.com www.elmoreeda.com

Northwest Alabama EDA

Tom Wisemiller 4020 U.S. Highway 43 Guin, AL 35563 205-468-3213 twisemiller@northwestalabameda.org www.northwestalabamaeda.org

Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority

Justice Smyth

Executive Director P.O. Box 2667

Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 205-349-1414 info@tcoeda.com www.tcoeda.com

Arizona Regional Economic Develoment

Mignonne Hollis, Executive Director

750 E. Bartow Drive Suite 16 Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 520-458-6948

hollism@aredf.org www.aredf.org

City of Flagstaff Economic Development

John Saltonstall, AZED Pro Business Retention & Expansion Manager

Economic Vitality Division

City of Flagstaff

211 W. Aspen Avenue Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Office 928-213-2966

Cell 928-606-9430

jsaltonstall@flagstaffaz.gov www.flagstaffaz.gov

Pinal Alliance for Economic Growth

Patti King, Executive Mgr. 17235 N. 75th Avenue Suite D-145 Glendale, AZ 85308

520-836-8686 pking@pinalalliance.org www.pinalalliance.org

ARKANSAS

Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development

James Lee Sillman

Executive Director 625 Adams Aveune Camden, AR 71701

870-836-2210

870-836-8899 (f) caidcark@yahoo.com www.teamcamden.com

Clarksville Economic Development

Steve Houserman 205 Walnut Street, Clarksville, AR 72830

479-754-6486

shouserman@clarksvillear.gov www.clarksvillear.gov

East Arkansas Crossroads Coalition

Alicia Woolman

1790 N. Falls Boulevard, Suite 2 Wynne, AR 72396

870-238-5300 crossroads@crossroadscoalition.org www.crossroadscoalition.org

Salt River Project (SRP)

Karla Moran P.O. Box 52025 Phoenix, AZ 85072-2025

602-236-2396

Karla.moran@srpnet.com www.powertogrowphx.com

City of Surprise

Mike Hoover

16000 N Civic Center Plaza Surprise, AZ 85374

623-222-3328

Mike.hoover@surpriseaz.gov www.surpriseaz.gov

Mississippi County Economic Development

Clif Chitwood 4701 Memorial Drive

Blytheville, AR 72315

870-532-6084

clif@cottontosteel.com www.cottontosteel.com

City of Siloam Springs

Kristifier Paxton

Community Development Director P.O. Box 80 Siloam Springs , AR 72761

479-238-0930

kpaxton@siloamsprings.com whysiloam.com

CALIFORNIA

City of Eastvale

Gina Gibson-Williams

Economic Development Manager 12363 Limonite Ave. Suite 910 Eastvale, CA 91752

951-703-4425

ggibson.willams@eastvaleca.gov www.eastvaleca.gov

City of Moreno Valley Economic Development

Mike Lee

Economic Development Director 14177 Frederick Street Moreno Valley, CA 92553 951-413-3460

mike@moval.org www.morenovalleybusiness.com

City of Ontario

Economic Development

Jennifer McLain Hiramoto Economic Development Director 303 East B Street Ontario, CA 91764

909-395-2295

JHiramoto@ontarioca.gov www.ontariothinksbusiness.com

Greater Irvine Chamber

Laura Perdew 36 Executive Park Suite 100 Irvine, CA 92614

949-502-4122

lperdew@irvinechamber.com www.irvinechamber.com

COLORADO

City of Canon City

Rick Harrmann

128 Main Street Canon City, CO 81212

719-276-5279

rlharrmann@canoncity.org www.canoncity.org

City of Fountain Economic Development Commission

Kimberly A. Bailey

Economic Development/ Urban Renewal Director

116 S. Main Street Fountain, CO 80817

719-322-2056 kbailey@fountaincolorado.org www.fountaincolorado.org

City of Titusville

Nicholas Gow 555 South Washington Avenue

Titusville, FL 32796-3584

321-567-3774

economicdevelopment@titusville.com www.YEStitusvilleFL.com

Grand Junction Economic Partnership

Curtis Englehart, Executive Director 122 N. 6th Street Grand Junction, CO 81501 970--245-4332 curtis@gjep.org www.gjep.org

CONNECTICUT

Town of Berlin

Chris Edge, Director 240 Kensington Road Berlin, CT 06037

860-828-7005

cedge@town.berlin.ct.us www.town.berlin.ct.us

DELAWARE

Kent Economic Partnership

Linda Parkowski, Executive Director 555 Bay Road Dover, DE 19901

302-678-3057 info@ccede.com www.choosecentraldelaware.com

Wilmington Economic Development

Sean J. Park 800 N. French St., 3rd Floor Wilmington, DE 19801

302-576-2128

sjpark@wilmingtonde.gov www.wilmingtonde.gov

FLORIDA

Enterprise Florida, Inc. 800 North Magnolia Avenue, Suite 1100 Orlando, FL 32803

407-956-5600 www.enterpriseflorida.com

Greater St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation

J.P. DuBuque

President and CEO

100 2nd Ave N Ste 130 St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-388-2906

jpdubuque@stpeteedc.com StPeteEDC.com/BurgBiz

Haines City Economic Development Council, Inc.

Cyndi Jantomaso, MEDP

President/CEO

Post Office Box 3845

Haines City, FL 33845-3845

863-422-2525

cyndi@hainescityedc.com www.hainescityedc.com

Hernando County Office of Economic Development

Valerie M. Pianta, MEDP, Economic Development Director 15800 Flight Path Drive

Brooksville, FL 34604

352--540-6400

vpianta@hernandocounty.us www.hernandobusiness.com

Holmes County Development Commission

Joe Rone

Executive Director 106 E Byrd Avenue Bonifay, FL 32425

850-547-6154

jrone@holmesedc.com www.holmesedc.com

Indian River Chamber of Commerce

Helene Caseltine

Economic Development Director 1216 21st Street Vero Beach, FL 32960

772-567-3491

helenec@indianrivered.com www.indianrivered.com

Lake County, Economic Development

Kathleen Dial, Director 315 W. Main Street Tavares, FL 32778

352-742-3925

Kathleen.dial@lakecountyfl.gov www.lakecountyfl.gov

Pinellas County Economic Development

Dr. Cynthia Johnson, EDFP, Director 13805 58th Street North, Suite 1-200 Clearwater, FL 33760 727-464-7332

cyjohnson@pinellas.gov www.pced.org

Orlando Economic Partnership

Destin Wells

Senior Vice President, Economic Development

200 S. Orange Avenue, Ste. 200 Orlando, FL 32801

407-902-2420

Destin.Wells@orlando.org InvestOrlando.org

Osceola County

David Rodriguez, Economic Development Manager 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 4400 Kissimmee, FL 34741

407-742-0620

407-742-4202 (f) david.rodriguez@osceola.org www.chooseosceola.com www.osceola.org

Pasco Economic Development Council

Bill Cronin, President & CEO 16506 Pointe Village Drive, Suite 101 Lutz, FL 33558

813-926-0827

813-926-0829 (f) bcronin@pascoedc.com pascoedc.com

Santa Rosa County EDO

Shannon Ogletree, , Executive Director 6491 Caroline Street, Suite 4 Milton, FL 32570-4592 850-623-0174

Shannon@sant arosa.fl.gov www.santarosaedo.com

City of St. Cloud

Antranette Forbes, Economic Development Direcrector 1300 9th Street St. Cloud, FL 34769 (407)957-7234 antranette.forbes@stcloud.org www.stcloud.org

Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality

Keith Bowers, Director 315 S. Calhoun Street, Suite 110 Tallahassee, FL 32301 850-219-1080 kbowers@oevforbusiness.org www.oevforbusiness.org

GEORGIA

City of College Park

3667 Main Street College Park, GA 30337 404-305-2052 404-305-2057 (f) www.collegeparkga.com/

City of East Point

Maceo Rogers CEcD

2757 East Point Street

East Point, GA 30344

404-270-7057

jmrogers@eastpointcity.org www.eastpointcity.org

Forward Forsyth

Alex Warner

P.O. Box 1799

Cumming GA 30028

770-887-6461

770-842-1170

awarner@forwardforsyth.org www.forwardforsyth.org

Liberty County Development Authority

Brynn Grant, CEO

425 W. Oglethorpe Highway Hinesville, GA 31313

912-977-4147

brynn.grant@comegrow.global www.comegrow.global

Putnam Development Authority

Matt Poyner

Econmical Devleopment Director 117 Putnam Drive, Eaton, GA 31024

706-816-8099

mpoyner@putnamforward.dev www.putnamforward.dev .......................................................................

Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority

Andrea Schruijer, Executive Director P.O. Box 5185 Valdosta, GA 31603-1963 229-259-9972

aschruijer@buildlowndes.com www.buildlowndes.com

ILLINOIS

Champaign County Economic Development Corporation

Carly McCrory-McKay

Executive Director

1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100 Champaign, IL 61820

217-359-6261

carly@champaigncountyedc.org www.champaigncountyedc.org

City of Highland Economic Development

Mallord Hubbard

1115 Broadway, P.O. Box 218 Highland, IL 62249-0218

618-654-9891

618-654-4768 (f) mhubbard@highlandil.gov www.highlandil.gov

City of Litchfield Ecnomic Development

Austin Edmondson

120 E. Ryder Street Litchfield, IL 62056

217-324-8151

cityadm@cityoflitchfieldil.com www.litchfieldil-development.com

Village of Arlington Heights Business & Economic Development

Michael Mertes, Business Development Manager

33 S. Arlington Heights Arlington Heights, IL 60005

847-368-5220

mmertes@vah.com www.vah.com/business

INDIANA

Adams County EDC

Colton Bickel

313 W. Jefferson Street, Suite 237 Decatur, IN 46733

260-724-2588

cbickel@adamscountyedc.com www.adamscountyedc.com

Carroll County EDC

City of Marshall

Nora Swalls

Economic Development Director

201 S. Michigan Ave Marshall, IL 62441 217-826-2034

nswalls@marshall-il.com www.marshall-il.com

City of Vandalia

Latisha Paslay 431 W. Gallatin St. Vandalia, IL 62471

618-283-1152

618-335-9510 (Mobile) vandaliaed@vandaliaillinois.com www.vandaliaillinois.com

Intersect Illinois

Christy George,CEO 230 W. Monroe St. Chicago, IL 60606

312-667-6013

christy.george@intersectillinois.org www.intersectillinois.org

Go Topeka

Molly Howey, CEcD

President 719 S Kansas Ave. Suite 100

Topeka, KS 66603 785.231.4707

Molly.Howey@topekapartnership.com www.gotopeka.com

Russell County Eco Devo & CVB

Mike Parsons, Director 331 E. Witchita, Russell, KS 67665

785-483-4000 rced2@russellks.net www.russellcountyks.org

Jake Adams, Exec Director P.O. Box 83 Delphi, IN 46923

765-564-2060

jadams@carrollcountyedc.com www.carrollcountyedc.com

Miami County Economic Development Auth.

Jim Tidd 1525 W. Hoosier Boulevard Peru, IN 46970 765-689-0159

jtidd@miamicountyeda.com www.miamicountyeda.com

KANSAS

Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation

Joann Knight, Executive Director 101 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd. Dodge City, KS 67801 620-227-9501 620-227-2957 (f) jknight@dodgedev.org www.dodgedev.org

Salina Economic Development Organization

D. Mitch Robinson, CEcD 120 West Ash Street Salina, KS 67401 785-404-3131 mrobinson@salinaedo.org www.salinaedo.org

Shawnee Economic Development

Ann Smith-Tate, President CEO 15100 W. 67th Street Suite 202 Shawnee, KS 66217-9344 913-631-6545

asmithtate@shawneekschamber.com www.shawnee-edc.com

Wyandotte Economic Development Council

Greg Kindle

President

727 Minnesota Avenue Kansas City, KS 66101 913-371-3198

gkindle@wyedc.org www.wyedc.org

KENTUCKY

City of Pikeville

Jill Fraley Dotson, Executive Economic Development Director 773 Hambley Boulevard Pikeville, KY 41501

606-437-5128

info@whypikeville.com www.whypikeville.com

Be NKY

Kimberly Rossetti

VP of Economic Development

300 Buttermilk Pike, Suite 332 Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017

888-874-3365

krossetti@Be-NKY.com www.Be-NKY.com

South Western Kentucky EDC

Carter Hendricks, Executive Director 2800 Fort Campbell Blvd. Hopkinsville, KY 42240

270-885-1499

chendricks@southwesternky.com www.southwesternky.com

LOUISIANA

Louisiana Economic Development

Anya G. Hudnall

1201 N. Third Street, Suite 7-210 Baton Rouge, LA 70802

225-342-5396

Anya.hudnal@la.gov www.la.gov

SWLA Economic Development ALLIANCE

Scott Walker 4310 Ryan Street Lake Charles LA 70605

337-433-3632

swalker@allianceswla.org www.allianceswla.org

St. Mary Parish of Economic Development

Evan Boudreaux, Director

500 Main Street, 5th Floor Courthouse Franklin, LA 70538

337-828-4100

ecodev@stmaryparishla.gov www.stmaryparishdevelopmant.com

MAINE

Bangor Community & Economic Development

Anne Krieg 262 Harlow Street Bangor, ME 04401

207-992-4280

anne.krieg@bangormaine.gov www.bangormaine.gov

Town of Richmond Community, Economic, & Business Development

Darryl Sterling Director 26 Gardiner Street Richmond, ME 04357-0159

207-737-4305 x 331 207-737-4306 (f) director@richmondmaine.com www.richmondmaine.com

MARYLAND

Calvert County Economic Development

Julie Oberg, Director 205 Main Street Prince Frederick, MD 20678 410-535-4583

julie.oberg@calvertcountymd.gov www.choosecalvert.com

Carroll County Economic Development

Paige Sunderland Director

225 N. Center Street, Ste. 101 Westminster, MD 21157 410-386-2070

psunderland@carrollbiz.org www.carrollbiz.org

Cecil County Economic Development

Sandra Edwards Director

200 Chesapeake Blvd., Ste 2700 Elkton, MD 21921 410-996-8465 sedwards@cecilcountymd.gov www.cecilbusiness.org

Dorchester County Economic Development

Susan Banks, Director 104 Tech Park Drive Cambridge, MD 21613 410-228-0155

sbanks@choosedorchester.org www.choosedorchester.org

Kent County Department of Economic & Tourism Development

Jamie L. Williams, CEcD, Director 400 High Street, 3rd Floor Chestertown MD 21620 410-810-2168 jlwilliams@kentgov.org www.kentcounty.com/business

Montgomery County Economic Development

Laurie Babb 1801 Rockville Pike, Ste. 320 Rockville, MD 20852 240-641-6704

laurie@thinkmoco.com www.thinkmoco.com

Talbot County Economic Development

Cassandra M. Vanhooser, Director 11 S. Harrison Street Easton, MD 21601 410-770-8000 Cvanhooser@talbgov.org www.talbgov.org

MICHIGAN

Michigan Economic Development Corporation

300 N. Washington Sq. Lansing, Michigan 48913 888-522-0103 www.michiganbusiness.org

Economic Development Alliance (EDA) of St. Clair County

Dan Casey, CEO 100 McMorran Boulevard 4th Floor, Suite B Port Huron, Michigan 48060 810-982.9511 www.edascc.com stclairhotjobs.com

The Right Place, Inc

Andria Romkema

125 Ottawa Avenue, Suite 450 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-771-0563 romkemaa@rightplace.org www.Rightplace.org

MINNESOTA

City of Lakeville Community & Economic Development

Tina Goodroad, Director 20195 Holyoke Avenue Lakeville, MN 55044 952-985-4421 tgoodroad@lakevillemn.gov www.lakevillemn.gov

MISSISSIPPI

Greenwood Leflore Carroll EDF

Thomas Gregory P.O. Box 26 Greenwood, MS 38930 662-453-5321 Thomas@greenwoodedf.com www.greenwoodedf.com

Hinds County EDA P.O. Box 248 Jackson, MS 39205-0248 601-353-6056 www.selecthinds.com

MISSOURI

Sikeston Regional Chamber & Economic Development Corp.

Marcie Lawson

128 N. New Madrid Street Sikeston, MO 63801 573-471-2498 marcie.lawson@sikeston.net www.sikeston.net

NEBRASKA

Phelps County Development Corp.

Phelps County Development Corp.

Ron Tillery Executive Director

502 East Avenue, Suite 201 Holdrege, NE 68949

308-995-4148 pcdc@phelpscountyne.com www.phelpscountyne.com

NEW JERSEY

Choose New Jersey

Bill Noonan, Chief Business Development Officer 11-43 Raymond Plaza W, Suite 1420 Newark, NJ 07102 609-297-2200 wnoonan@choosenj.com www.choosenj.com

Gloucester County Department of Economic Development

Tom Bianco, Director 1480 Tanyard Rd., Sewell, NJ 08080 856-384-6930

tbianco@co.gloucester.nj.us www.gloucestercountynj.gov

New Jersey EDA

Pat J. Rose

36 West State Street Trenton, NJ 08625 609-858-6705 prose@njeda.com www.njeda.com

NEW MEXICO

Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance

Danielle Casey, CEcD President 201 Third Street NW, #1900 Albuquerque, NM 87102 505-705-3785

dcasey@abq.org www.abq.org

EDC of Lea County

Jennifer Grassham, CEO

200 E. Broadway Street Hobbs, NM 88240 573-397-2039 jennifer@edclc.org www.edclc.org

Roswell-Chaves County EDC

Michael Espiritu 220 North Main Roswell, NM 88201 575-622-1975 mespiritu@chavescounty.net www.chavescounty.net

NEW YORK

Allegany County Industrial Development Agency

Craig Clark, Executive Director CrossRoads Center 6087 State Route 19N, Suite 100 Belmont, NY 14813

585-268-7472 800-893-9484 clarkcr@alfredstate.edu www.acida.org

Mohawk Valley Edge

Nick Bruno 584 Phoenix Drive Rome, NY 13441-4105 315-338-0393 nbruno@mvedge.org www.mvedge.org

Saratoga EDC

Tori J.E. Riley, VP 517 Broadway #203 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-587-0945 toririley@saratogaedc.com www.saratogaedc.com

NORTH CAROLINA

NORTH DAKOTA

Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC

Nathan Schneider, CEcD-Vice President 1640 Burnt Boat Dr., Bismark, ND 58503 701-223-5660 nschneider@bmcedc.com www.bismarckmandanedc.com

Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation

Keith Lund, Pres/CEO 120 N 4th St., Grand Forks, ND 58203 701-746-2722

keithl@grandforks.org www.grandforks.org

OKLAHOMA

Ardmore Development Authority

Andrea Anderson 410 West Main Ardmore, OK 73402 580-223-6162 aanderson@ardmore.org www.ardmoredevelopment.com

Bartlesville Development Authority

Jared Patton, Vice President 201 SW Keeler, Bartlesville, OK 74003 918-337-8086 918-337-0216 (f) jpatton@bdaok.org www.bdaok.org

Broken Arrow Economic Development Corp.

Amber Miller 210 North Main, Suite C Broken Arrow, OK 74012 918-893-2103 amber.miller@bachamber.com www.brokenarrowedc.com

Piedmont Triad Airport Authority

Stephanie Freeman 1000A Ted Johnson Parkway Greensboro, NC 27409 336-665-5602 freemans@gsoair.org www.landatpti.com

Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition

Lawrence McKinney, CEcD, CCE, IOM President and CEO 425 West Main Street Norman, Oklahoma 73069

P: 405-573-1900 C: 405-881-0456

Lawrence@SelectClevelandCounty.com www.SelectClevelandCounty.com

PENNSYLVANIA

Erie County Redevelopment Authority

Tina M. Mengine 1314 Griswold Plaza Erie, PA 16501 814-480-0337 x 101 Tmengine@ecrda.net www.ecrda.net

Horsham Township Economic Development

Larry Burns 1025 Horsham Road Horsham, PA 19044 215-643-3131 x 234 lburns@horsham.org www.horsham.org

Penn’s Northeastt

John L. Augustine III 1151 Oak Street Pittston, PA 18640 570-883-0504 jaugustine@pennsnortheast.com www.pennsnortheast.com

RHODE ISLAND

Quonset Development Corporation

Steven J. King, Managing Director 95 Cripe Street North Kingstown, RI 2852 401-295-0044 sking@quonset.com www.quonset.com

SOUTH CAROLINA

Charleston Regional Development Alliance

Megan Fink 4401 Belle Oaks Drive, Suite 420 North Charleston, SC 29405 843-760-3351 mfink@crda.org www.crda.org

Lexington County Economic Development

Garrett Dragano, Director 212 South Lake Drive Lexington, SC 29072 803-785-6818

gdragano@lexingtoncounty.sc.gov www.LexingtonCountyUSA.SC.gov

South Carolina I-77 Alliance

Christopher Finn

3200 Commerce Drive, Suite D Richburg, SC 29729

803-789-3467

chris.finn@i77alliance.com www.i77alliance.com

SouthernCarolina Regional Alliance

Kay Maxwell 1750 Jackson Street, Suite 100 Barnwell, SC 29812

803-541-0023

kmaxwell@southerncarolina.org www.southerncarolina.org

TENNESSEE

Blount Partnership

Bryan Daniels CEcD, CCE, IOM President and CEO

201 S. Washington Street St. Maryville, TN 37804

865-983-2247

865-984-1386

bdaniels@blountpartnership.com www.blountchamber.com

Bristol Tennessee Essential Services

April Eads

Business Development Manager 2470 Volunteer Parkway Bristol, TN 37620

423-793-5532

423-793-5545 (f) aeads@btes.net www.btes.net/index.php/economic-development City of Lebanon

Sarah Haston

Economic Development Director

200 North Castle Heights Ave. Lebanon, TN 37087

615-443-2839 EXT. 2120

Sarah.Haston@lebanontn.org www.lebanontn.org

NETWORKS – Sullivan Partnership

Clay Walker PO Box 747, Blountville, TN 37617

423-279-7681

cwalker@networkstn.com www.networkstn.com

TEXAS

City of Fort Worth

Robert Sturns, Director 1150 S. Freeway Fort Worth, TX 76104 817-392-2663

Robert.Sturns@fortworthtexas.gov

Big Spring Economic Development Corporation

Mark Willis 215 W. 3rd Street

Big Spring, TX 79720

432-264-6032

markwillis@bigspringtx.com www.bigspringtx.com

Bowie Economic Development Corporation

Janis Crawley

101 E. Pecan, Bowie, TX 76230

940-872-4193

940-531-8201(c)

BEDC@BowieTexasEDC.com www.BowieTexasEDC.com

Cameron Industrial Foundation

Ginger Watkins, Executive Director

102 E. First Street, Suite A Cameron, TX 76520 254-697-4970 254-482-1119 (c) gwatkins@cameronindustrialfoundation.com www.cameronindustrialfoundation. com

City Development Corp of El Campo

Carolyn Gibson, Executive Director 707 Fahrenthold, P.O. Box 706

El Campo, TX 77437

979-543-6727 979-320-7727 cell cgibson@elcampoeco.org www.elcampoeco.org

Conroe Economic Development Council

Danielle Scheiner, Executive Director 300 W Davis St, Ste 510 Conroe, TX 77301 USA 936-522-3529 scheiner@conroeedc.org www.conroeedc.org

DeSoto Economic Development

Matt Carlson, CEO 211 E. Pleasant Run Road DeSoto, TX 75115

Ph: 972-230-9611

mcarlson@desototexas.gov www.dedc.org

Gainesville Economic Development Corp.

William Myers, Executive Director 311 S. Weaver Street Gainesville, TX 76240 940-665-5241 info@gainesvilletxedc.com www.gainesvilletxedc.com

Hamilton Economic Development Corp.

Kayla Schraub 108 North Bell Street Hamilton, TX 76531 254-386-5954 edc@hamiltontexas.com www.hamiltontexas.com

Harlingen Economic Development Corp.

Orlando Campos, CEO 2424 Boxwood St, Ste 125 Harlingen, TX 78550 956-216-5085 ocampos@harlingenedc.com www.harlingenedc.com

Jacksboro Economic Development Corporation

Brenda Tarpley, Executive Director

302 S. Main Street

Jacksboro, TX 76458 940-567-3151

btarpley@jacksboroedc.com www.jacksboroedc.com

Laredo Economic Development

Gene Lindgren, President & CEO

302 S. Main Street

Laredo, TX 78044

956-722-0563

glindgren@laredoedc.org www.laredoedc.org

LCRA

Karen Dickson Economic Development Manager 3700 Lake Austin Blvd. Austin, TX 78703 512-578-3291 karen.dickson@lcra.org www.lcra.org/economic-development/ pages/default.aspx

Marble Falls EDC

Christian Fletcher 801 Fourth Street

Marble Falls, TX 78654 830-798-7079

cfletcher@marblefallseconomy.com www.marblefallseconomy.com

McKinney Economic Development Corporation

Michael Kowski, President/CEO 7300 SH 121 SB, Ste 200 McKinney, TX 75070

972-547-7687

mkowski@mckinneyedc.com www.uniquemckinney.com

Mineola Economic Development Corp

Mercy Rushing, Executive Director

300 Greenville Highway Mineola, TX 75773

903-569-6183

903-245-8505

mrushing@mineola.com www.mineola.com

Mount Pleasant EDC

Nathan Tafoya, Executive Director

1604 N. Jefferson Ave.

Mount Pleasant, TX 75455

903-572-6602 nathan@mpedc.org www.mpedc.org

New Braunfels EDC

Michele Boggs

Marketing/Research Director

390 S. Seguin Avenue New Braunfels, TX 78130 830-608-2811

michele@innewbraunfels.com www.newbraunfelsedc.com

TexAmericas Center

Eric Voyles, Executive Vice President Chief Economic Development Officer 107 Chapel Lane

New Boston, TX USA 75570

903-223-9841 (0) 903-306-8923 Cell Eric.Voyles@TexAmericasCenter.com www.TexAmericasCenter.com

Whitesboro Economic Development Corp.

Lynda Anderson, Director P.O. Box 340 or 111 W. Main Whitesboro, TX 76273 930-564-3311 landerson@whitesborotexas.com www.whitesborotexas.com

UTAH

Odessa Economic Development Corporation

Tom Manskey 700 N. Grant Ave. Odessa, TX 79761 432-333-7880

tom@odessaecodev.com www.odessatx.com

Palestine Economic Development Corp.

Christophe Trahan, Director 100 Willow Creek Parkway, Suite A Palestine, TX 75801 903-731-8412

edcdirector@palestine-tx.org www.palestinetexas.net

Pflugerville Community Development

Jerry Jones, Executive Director 3801 Helios Way Suite 130 Pflugerville, TX 78660 512-990-3725 director@pfdevelopment.com www.pfdevelopment.com

Plainview Economic Development Corporation

Kristi Aday, Executive Director 1906 West 5th Plainview, TX 79072 806-293-8536 kaday@plainviewtx.org www.plainviewedc.org

Eagle Mountain Economic Development

Evan Berrett, Economic Development Director 1650 E. Stagecoach Run

Eagle Mountain, UT 84005

801-789-6645 eberrett@emcity.org www.eaglemountaincity.com

VIRGINA

Alexandria Economic Development Partnership

Kelly Martin 601 Prince Street Alexandria, VA 22314

703-739-3820

703-739-1384 (f) martin@alexandriaecon.org www.alexandriaecon.org

Arlington Economic Development

Ryan Touhill, AED Director 1100 N Glebe Rd Suite 1500 Arlington, VA 22201

703-228-0808

703-228-0805 (f) rtouhill@arlingtonva.us www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com

Bedford County Office of Economic Development

Pam Bailey, Director of Economic Development Bedford County 122 East Main Street, Suite 202 Bedford, Virginia 24523 540-587-5670

pbailey@bedfordcountyva.gov www.bedfordeconomicdevelopment.com

County of Gloucester

Sherry A. Spring Director of Economic Development 6489 Main Street Gloucester, VA 23061 804-693-1414 sspring@gloucesterva.info www.gloucesterva.info

WASHINGTON

City of Lakewood Economic Development

Becky Newton, Manager 6000 Main Street SW Lakewood, WA 98499 877-421-9126 bnewton@cityoflakewood.us www.buildyourbetterhere.com

WEST VIRGINIA

Mingo County Redevelopment Authority

Leasha Johnson, Executive Director 1657 East Fourth Avenue Williamson, WV 25661 304-235-0042 304-235--0043 (f) ljohnson@developmingo.com www.developmingo.com

WISCONSIN

Madison Region Economic Partnership

Kathy Collins, VP Economic Development 8517 Excelsior Drive, Suite 107 Madison, WI 53717 608-571-0407 kcollins@madisonregion.org www.madisonregion.org

New North, Inc

Barb LaMue, President & CEO 2740 W. Mason Street Green Bay, WI 54303 920-676-1960 barb.lamue@thenewnorth.com www.thenewnorth.com

Portage County Business Council, Inc. PCB

Michael Witte, Executive Director 5501 Vern Holmes Drive Stevens Point, WI 54482 715-344-1940 715-344-1940 (f) michaelw@portagecountybiz.com www.portagecountybiz.com

WYOMING

Advance Casper, Wyoming

Justin Farley, CEO

139 W. 2nd St., #1D Casper, WY 82601 307-577-7011 justin@advancecasper.com www.advancecasper.com

Cheyenne LEADS

Betsey Hale, Chief Executive Officer One Depot Square 121 W. 15th St. Suite 304 Cheyenne, WY 82001

307-638-6000 betseyh@cheyenneleads.org cheyenneleads.org

The Laramie Chamber Business Alliance

Josh Boudreau, VP Economic Development 528 South Adams Street Laramie, WY 82070 307-745-7339

jboudreau@laramie.org www.laramie.org

CANADA

ALBERTA

Calgary Economic Development

500 Centre Street S, 32nd Floor

Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2G 1A6

403-221-7831

info@calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com www.calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com

Town of Vegreville

Jamieson Brown

4829-50 Street P.O. Box 640

Vegreville, Alberta T9C 1R7 587-790-0919 jbrown@vegreville.com www.choosevegreville.com

MANITOBA

City of Brandon

Gerald Cathcart

NEW BRUNSWICK

Ignite Fredericton

Paula Lehr

40 Crowther Lane, Ste. 100 Fredericton, NB E3C 0J1

506-282-0624

paula.lehr@ignitefredericton.com www.ignitefredericton.com

Imagine Chaleur

Shirley de Silva

702 Principale Street, Ste. 2 Petit-Rocher, NB E8j 1V1 506-542-2688

shirley.desilva@csrchaleurrsc.ca www.csrchaleurrsc.ca

Expansion Dieppe

Louis Godbout

333 Acadia Avenue

Dieppe, NB E1A 1G9

506-877-7850 louis.godbout@dieppe.ca www.expansiondieppe.ca

ONTARIO

Elgin County

Director Main Floor, 410 9th Street Brandon, Manitoba, Canada R7A 6A2 204-729-2131

g.cathcart@brandon.ca www.economicdevelomentbrandon.com

Carolyn Krahn, Manager Economic Development And Tourism 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada N5R 5V1 519-631-1460 ext. 133 ckrahn@elgin.ca www.progressivebynature.com

City of Guelph

Christine Chapman 1 Carden Street

Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1H 3A1 519--822-1260 ext. 2823

Christine.chapman@guelph.ca www.guelph.ca/business

City of Kawartha Lakes Economic Development

Lindsey Schoenmakers 180 Kent Street West

Lindsay, Ontario, Canada K9V 2Y6 705-324-9411

lschoenmakers@kawarthalakes.ca www.kawarthalakes.ca

Middlesex County

Cara A. Finn, BBA, M. Ad.Ed. Director of Economic Development 399 Ridout St. North London, ON N6A 2P1 519-434-7321 cfinn@middlesex.ca www.investinmiddlesex.ca

Invest Mississauga, Economic Development

Christina Kakaflikas, Ec. D. Economic Development Division Mississauga City Hall

300 City Centre Drive, 3rd Floor Mississauga, ON L5B 3C1 Canada 905-615-3200 x 5014

christina.kakaflikas@mississauga.ca www.investmississauga.ca

Town of Aurora Economic Development

Lisa Hausz

100 John West Way, Box 1000 Aurora, Ontario, Canada L4G 6J1 905-727-1375

lhausz@aurora.ca www.aurora.ca

Vaughan Economic and Cultural Development

Raphael Costa Vaughan City Hall, Level 200 2141 Major Mackenzie Drive Vaughan, Ontario, Canada L6A 1T1 905-832-8526 ext. 8891 raphael.costa@vaughan.ca www.vaughan.ca/Business