Business Xpansion Journal: January/February 2023

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MICHIGAN: CLEAR SKIES AHEAD: CLIMATE STABILITY AND POLICIES IN MICHIGAN MITIGATE RISK

INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: Advancing the Digital Transformation Lasers, analytics, industrial artificial intelligence are all combining to bring new applications for advanced manufacturing operations – and new challenges for the workforce

By David Hodes

INNOVATION AND STRATEGIES: Filling in the Gaps to a Sustainable Energy Future More sustainable energy is the plan for the current and future U.S. energy picture – but obstacles to doing it right remain

By David Hodes

INDUSTRY INSIGHT: Surging Life Sciences Outpacing Resources

The industry, now kicked into high gear as a result of the pandemic and spreading across the country, needs both human and data analytics resources to help continue a strategic pace of development

By David Hodes

NORTH CAROLINA: A STATE OF MOMENTUM

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Advancing the Digital Transformation

BY: DAVID HODES

There is tremendous hope and reasoned expectations for the future of advanced manufacturing, as it continues to take leaps and bounds into developing and implementing new data-driven technology.

One of the key new developments is the rollout and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI).

Aspen Technology, a global asset management software developer, surveyed 200 North American and European information technology and operations decision-makers from across the industrial sector in 2021. The survey found that most organizations didn’t need to be sold on the value of industrial AI; they already knew it.

The survey showed that more than 8 in 10 say industrial AI has played a significant or major role in their organization’s broader digital transformation strategy in the last three years. Among the survey’s respondents, 79 percent say they either have an industrial AI project live right now, or they are piloting one.

The AI Manufacturing Market AI in the manufacturing market is expected to be valued at $1.1 billion in 2020 and is likely to reach $16.7 billion by 2026, according to a report by Research and Marketing.

Lasers, analytics, industrial artificial intelligence are all combining to bring new applications for advanced manufacturing operations –and new challenges for the workforce

The major drivers for the market are the increasing number of large and complex datasets (aka, big data), evolving industrial IoT and automation, improving computing power, and increasing venture capital investments.

According to the Aspen survey, the predictive maintenance and machinery inspection application held the largest share of AI in the manufacturing market in 2019. Extensive use of computer vision cameras in machinery inspection, adoption of the industrial Internet of Things (IoT), and use of big data in the manufacturing industry are the factors driving the growth of AI in the manufacturing market for predictive maintenance and machinery inspection application.

The increasing demand for reducing the operational costs and machine downtime is also supplementing the growth of predictive maintenance and machinery inspection application in industries.

Where Advanced Tech is Going

To get a sense of where things in advanced technology are now, and where they could go, leaders of the industry were interviewed by

the North American Manufacturing Research Conference (NAMRC), during an international forum for applied research and industrial applications in manufacturing and design, celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Dale Lombardo, special processes technologies leader at GE Aviation Manufacturing, said that advanced manufacturing has taken a big shift in the last decade as it tries to incorporate all the tools for machine learning, deep learning and AI. “In the next decade,” he told the NAMRC, “we will continue trying to connect the owners and operators of products into our supply chain. There will be more floor automation, data gathering tools and analytics available. We’ll also see an amplification of personnel—augmenting the workforce with technologies that give people insight into outputs and processes they can’t readily see otherwise.”

Laser technology is coming into play more recently, as a better option for the usual method of welding when repairing parts. Because of the laser’s intense focus on what it needs to weld, it

doesn’t affect other substrate material. And when repairing a part, the laser weld actually makes the part stronger.

Frank Liou, the professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, is working on new ideas for advanced manufacturing with his students. “We actually found out that if we use the laser when you try to repair equipment, as a result, the mounting areas are stronger than the original material,” he told BXJ. “That means there is a very good possibility that, after repair, the part is stronger than the original material, which is very important. Because if you if we can repair parts that’s better than its original one, we hope that one day it’s going to change the culture of how people use and repair material.”

AI Used in Advanced Manufacturing

One example of using AI is for online control of the complete manufacturing process. For example, most existing analytical models for complex grinding processes are limited, and can only describe partial relationships between design (control) variables and process (output) variables, while all the parameters must be considered simultaneously for optimal operation of such processes.

In such cases, online process control faces a major challenge, according to a study published in the Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering.

Conventional feedback control or optimization techniques run into severe limitations in dealing with such problems. Because of these difficulties, when a new process must be designed or an existing process must be controlled, an engineer attempts to utilize all other available resources besides analytical models, such as expert knowledge, experimental data, handbooks, and vendor information.

Even if all that pertinent information is available, integrating all the information and designing an optimal condition is not an easy task, often requiring a long lead time and much trial-and-error experimentation.

Adapting to Digital Manufacturing

A study by McKinsey and Company found that there are manufacturers playing catch-up to the leading companies in implementing digital technologies. These are:

1. The cautious starters. These companies are investigating how to begin their digital-transformation journeys. They need help to identify the full value that Industry 4.0 featuring AI can bring to their business and to develop a network-wide strategy and deployment road map.

2. The frustrated experimenters. These companies have started experimenting through pilot programs with some successes. However, they find themselves deploying technologies

Students doing blown powder metal deposition for 100% dense metal parts

Frank Liou with student and 3d printer

Making fully dense, high precision metal parts right from a CAD model Metal deposition in action

Build a Future for Your Business in Middlesex County...

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without a clear understanding of how to achieve financial return on investment.

3. The ready-to-scalers. These companies are deploying solutions and technologies but remain unable to maximize the returns or scale at pace across their networks. They need to recalibrate by focusing on how to capture the full benefits of Industry 4.0 or how to accelerate rollout to respond to shifts in business and customer needs.

The Future: Growth of Additive Manufacturing

A report from General Electric (GE) defines additive manufacturing as a process that “uses data computer-aided-design (CAD) software or 3D object scanners to direct hardware to deposit material, layer upon layer, in precise geometric shapes.”

Additive manufacturing adds material to create an object. By contrast, when creating an object by traditional means, it is often necessary to remove material through milling, machining, carving, shaping or other means.

Dental crowns and hearing-aid buds are already being made by the millions with the additive process used in 3D printers, according to an article in The Economist. Because it deposits material only where it is needed, the 3D printer technology is also good at making lightweight and complex shapes for high-value products ranging from aircraft to racing cars.

GE has spent $1.5 billion on 3D technology to make parts for jet engines, among other things. “The full consequences of the technology’s spread are hard to predict,” the report concluded.

The impact of AI on HRC is particularly important to review given the continually increasing diversity and quantity of robotic applications in manufacturing. Traditionally, the objective of applying robotics in manufacturing has been to leverage the advantages robots have over humans such as repeatability, endurance, strength, ability to operate in hazardous environments, etc. Industry has long recognized that utilizing robots to perform these types of tasks

frees human operators to more efficiently focus on their inherent natural advantages, namely, those related to cognition, adaptability, ambiguity, and flexibility. However, with the advent of increasingly more powerful and capable AI/ML tools, this relative balance of skills, functionality, and types of capabilities is continuously shifting and becoming less clear as the sophistication and computational power and application domain of these technologies increase.

It wasn’t that long ago that robots were introduced into advanced manufacturing operations, most notably in automobile manufacturing, working in collaboration with their human controllers and called “cobots.”

The next step in advanced manufacturing development is to using AI together with robots. A study on the future of advanced manufacturing published in the July, 2020 issue of the Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering found that traditionally, the objective of applying robotics in manufacturing has been to leverage the advantages robots have over humans such as repeatability, endurance, strength, ability to operate in hazardous environments, etc. Industry has long recognized that utilizing robots to perform these types of tasks frees human operators to more efficiently focus on their inherent natural advantages, namely, those related to cognition, adaptability, ambiguity, and flexibility. However, according to the study, with the advent of increasingly more powerful and capable AI and machine language tools, this balance of skills, functionality, and types of capabilities is continuously shifting and becoming less clear as the sophistication and computational power and application domain of these technologies increase.

AI has been successfully implemented when there is a large pool of data to be trained on, the study found. When enough of these data points are collected, they can be used as a data-driven way to predict properties and results of experiments in a fraction of the time.

“You can see even in the college here that 1/3 of the engineering students have their own 3D printer,” Liou said. “So I can see it’s going to be everywhere. I can see a lot of different kinds of applications.” 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 772-567-3491 or helenec@indianrivered.com. Or, visit their website at www.indianrivered.com

Filling in the Gaps to a Sustainable Energy Future

BY: DAVID HODES

The road to energy solutions has become more and more the pathway to sustainable energy, as developments in climate change work and research about human health becomes a bigger part of today’s energy picture. ............................................................................................................

Converting to sustainable energy is a daunting task, as more and more fossil fuel developments continue to play into the picture of where tomorrow’s energy will come from and how it will be used.

For example, there is the growth in hydraulic fracking—an oil and natural gas production technique that involves the injection of millions of gallons of water, plus chemicals and sand, underground at very high pressure in order to create fractures in the underlying geology to allow natural gas to escape, according to American Rivers, a river conservation organization.

More sustainable energy is the plan for the current and future U.S. energy picture –but obstacles to doing it right remain

The sand is used to keep the fractures open and allow oil or gas to flow more efficiently. Hydraulic fracturing is commonly used in many types of geologic formations such as coal beds, shale plays, and previously-drilled wells to further stimulate production.

The Center for Biological Diversity reports that there are fracking operations in more than 30 U.S. states, particularly widespread in North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Texas. And it’s expanded into new areas in California, New Mexico and Nevada (though in April, 2021, California announced that the state would be ending fracking beginning in 2024).

There has been an average of 1,130 fracking operations started each month from January, 2019 to May 2020, as tracked by Statista, a market and consumer data company, with a reported 1,488 in July, 2019 alone.

Fracking Problems

But fracking often releases large amounts of methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas that traps heat at least 87 times more effectively than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period.

Huge shale deposits in the Monterey shale formation in California

and elsewhere have been discovered, and it is assumed that fracking will continue growth and development perhaps at an accelerated rate until 2024.

In this instance, there are issues with discovery results. For example, in 2011, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimated that the Monterey shale formation could hold up to 23.9 billion barrels of oil.

But just three years later, the EIA reversed course, and slashed its estimate of recoverable oil in the Monterey Shale to just 600 million barrels, a 96 percent decrease from its earlier estimate.

Buoyed with these methods of extracting gas and oil, fossil fuels continues to dominate the energy picture in the U.S., but to a lesser degree than in the past. The share of U.S. total energy consumption from fossil fuels has fallen from its peak of 94 percent in 1966 to 80 percent in 2019, according to the EIA.

But in 2019, renewable energy consumption in the United States surpassed coal consumption for the first time. And the decrease in coal consumption, along with a decrease in petroleum consumption, more than offset an increase in natural gas consumption.

Events that Effected Energy Pricing

Average wholesale electricity prices at major trading hubs in the United States rose throughout much of 2022 and were, at times, volatile as a result of extreme weather events, according to the EIA.

In Texas in July, a heatwave created record-breaking electricity demand. Wind generation, an important source of electricity in Texas, provided less electricity than usual for several days during the heatwave because wind in Texas slowed to extremely low speeds.

Other severe weather-related events that caused major wholesale electricity price spikes in 2022 included New England, where, in January, cold temperatures and a winter storm combined with natural gas pipeline constraints caused New England wholesale electricity prices to rise, averaging $160/MWh.

According to the EIA, in addition to higher natural gas prices and severe weather in 2022, railroad and coal mine labor shortages constrained coal supply and delivery to power plants throughout the summer, limiting utility operators’ ability to switch from relatively expensive natural gas to cheaper coal-fired generation.

Sustainability Steadily Making Inroads

Sustainable energy sources are beginning to make a bigger difference in the energy picture of the U.S., with the promise of growing influence into the future.

For example, a report by Deloitte on 2023 renewable energy outlook found that, by mid-2022, the U.S. offshore wind project development pipeline had grown to more than 40 GW of potential generating capacity across 12 states.

Currently, just 42 MW of capacity is operational, about 1 GW is under construction, and almost 19 GW is in the permitting phase across the U.S. A further 20 GW is in the siting and planning phases and will likely take many more years to develop.

But the next few years could be critical for addressing challenges to unlock that growth. U.S. offshore wind development is largely driven by state procurement policies. Nine states collectively aim to deploy about 45 GW of capacity by 2040, and others are considering joining them.

Together, they could help realize the goal of deploying 30 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030.

Top Renewable Energy Companies

But there are still issues to be worked out in attaining the renewable energy goals set at the Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change adopted by 196 parties on December, 2015, and entered into force in November, 2016.

The goal of the agreement is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.

Some of the Paris agreement goals can be seen reflected in the top renewable energy companies in the U.S., as ranked by Thomas Insights, an industrial data, platform and technology company.

For example, NextEra Energy, Inc., owner of Florida Power & Light Company, is one of the world’s largest generators of renewable energy from the wind and sun, and a leader in battery storage. The company promises “a real plan for real zero,”

which means it is committed to completely eliminating carbon emissions from its operations by 2045.

Another example is Green Mountain Energy, headquartered in Houston, and the longest-serving renewable energy retailer. It’s motto, “Choose wisely. It’s a small planet,” describes its mission since 1997.

To date, Green Mountain Energy has helped customers avoid more than 106 billion pounds of CO2, which is equivalent to planting more than 11 million trees.

Roadblocks with Renewables

Jonathan Buonocore is the assistant professor of the Boston University School of Health, and the lead author of a study by the Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The study found that the amount of climate and health benefits achieved from renewable energy depends on the country where it is installed.

The study offers a new method for transparently estimating country-level climate and health benefits from renewable energy and transportation improvements that companies, investors, and policymakers can use to make strategic decisions around.

Buonocore talked with BXJ about the idea of carbon lock-in. Carbon lock-in refers to the set of technologies, institutions and norms that are inconsistent or incompatible with a low-carbon future and limits progress toward that goal. It is a process by

which social, political and technical barriers to decarbonization interact to create an inertia that favors the development of fossil fuels.

“The simple fact of the matter is that nobody’s going to build a fossil fueled power plant and then tear it down in five years to meet the (Paris agreement) climate goals, because there’s so much physical momentum in terms having built a piece of physical infrastructure,” Buonocore said. “And there is also all the financial momentum. These things are built on decades-long timescales with the expectation of decades-long return on investment.”

He said that, in order to meet the goal of getting to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as outlined in the Paris agreement, fossil fuel construction development would have to be shut down. “To me, despite the strong growth in renewable energy, there’s still the construction of fossil fuel infrastructure. And that is, again, a decade’s long timeframe. So building these things just isn’t compatible with the kind of timeframes that we need to have under the Paris agreement.”

As the renewable energy/climate change discussion rages on, there is plenty of more technological development underway for better methods of generating and using energy. “I feel like almost weekly there’s something about some kind of incremental improvement with battery technology, or advanced geothermal power plants, or solar, or whatever else,” Buonocore said. “Some kind of new breakthrough that is going to make things even better. But I think there’s plenty of technology out there. The gap that I see is more of a deployment of the technologies we have.”

New Forms of Energy and Health

Buonocore was an author of another study about the health impacts of new forms of energy. “While we show that there have been gains to public health from the reduction in coal emissions, we also demonstrate that replacement of coal with gas and biomass is not impact-free,” the study found. “Despite reductions in the combustion emissions rate from replacing coal with gas, there are still substantial and growing public health impacts from gas combustion. Similarly, despite the U.S. classifying biomass as a renewable energy source, there are still substantial health impacts from biomass. While greenhouse gas neutrality of biologically derived fuels—wood-derived fuels, biodiesel, ethanol, renewable natural gas, and others—is often evaluated and considered as part of their implementation decision-making, this work indicates that health impacts of combustion should be as well.”

The study concluded that swapping one air pollution-emitting fuel source for another is not a pathway to a healthy energy system. “Our work demonstrates that health can be considered in energy decisions, health and energy policy are inextricably linked, and that inclusion of health in energy policy may be necessary for true primary prevention of a large portion of disease burden in the U.S.” X

Kent County, Maryland

Kent County is a scenic peninsula on Maryland’s Upper Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay, ideally situated less than a two-hour drive from Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Annapolis, Dover and Northern Virginia. It is home to two designated Main Streets, an Arts & Entertainment District, historic Washington College, and one of the largest marina communities in Maryland.

Kent County is Open for Business Kent - County is actively providing incentives and workforce development tools to help businesses grow. The County is developing broadband infrastructure and has implemented a 110-mile fiber optic broadband network for high-speed gigabit connectivity. Portions of the County are located within Commerce Zones, an Opportunity Zone, an Enterprise Zone, and a HUBZone. The Department of Economic & Tourism Development works with businesses to identify the tax credits they are entitled to for locating to, and growing within, those designated zones. In addition, the County offers access to programs including the Maryland Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (MD-PACE) Program, the Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MD MEP), and the ExportMD Program.

Business Overview - Kent County is home to a wide variety of businesses in industries including manufacturing, healthcare, education, maritime, aquaculture, agriculture, culinary and professional services. Several of the major employers are world-wide manufacturers. The region has access to a workforce close to 300,000 within a 30-minute drive and the unemployment rate continues to be below the national average. County businesses benefit from no county personal property tax and a variety of tax credits making it a profitable place to do business.

Chestertown Business Campus - The Chestertown Business Campus is one of the largest economic development projects in many years. The 80-acre site is home to Dixon Valve & Coupling’s new distribution facility, new corporate headquarters, a new manufacturing facility, and a new facility for the growing YMCA, currently under construction.

A Gigabit County - Kent County has completed the backbone implementation of a 110-mile fiber optic backbone throughout the county. The county has entered into a public-private partnership with Kent Fiber Optic Systems to provide public institutions with high-speed reliable internet access. KentFOS’ open access network allows Internet Services Providers the ability to offer 1G service to businesses and residences. The primary goal was to enhance the infrastructure needed to support new and existing businesses and organizations in Kent County, particularly with affordable, robust, and high capacity internet access. By taking this action, the county is expanding the competitive capability of local businesses and organizations and providing more opportunities.

Data Center Attraction - Kent County led the efforts to pass a state-wide Sales and Use and Personal Property Tax Exemption for Data Center to locate in Maryland. Low land cost, wide open spaces, access to fiber and access to 17 million people within 100 miles make Kent County an ideal place for data centers to locate. Visit www.kentcounty.com/business/ resources/datacenter-locations for more information.

If you could work from anywhere… you would live here.

Surging Life Sciences Outpacing Resources

BY DAVID HODES

The pandemic has thrust us into a moment in history where there is greater focus on life sciences than ever before. More companies are being founded, more academic collaborations are coming together, and more investor money is flowing in to help accelerate development this year.

The Life Sciences Market

Today in life sciences, there is not only a greater need for helping identify, vaccine and recover from the Covid virus, but also an increase in mental health needs across the country as people have had to live in quarantined situations for over two years and otherwise change their lifestyle to deal with the pandemic.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the percentage of adults who had received any mental health treatment in the past 12 months increased from 2019 to 2021, among both adults of all ages (from 19.2 percent to 21.6 percent) and those

The industry, now kicked into high gear as a result of the pandemic and spreading across the country, needs both human and data analytics resources to help continue a strategic pace of development

aged 18–44 (from 18.5 percent to 23.2 percent).

The global personalized medicine market size was valued at $514.33 billion in 2021, according to Grandview Research, a market research and consulting company, and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate 6.95 percent from 2022 to 2030. The growth of the market is attributed to factors such as the growing demand for novel drug discovery to combat the growing incidence of cancers and other diseases across the globe.

More collaborations among researchers and market players will affect market growth as well. For instance, in February, 2022, Genomic Medicine Sweden (GMS) and the Centers for Personalized Medicine (ZPM) in Germany collaborated for strategic, structural, and content-specific efforts to implement precision medicine in healthcare.

The market players are also working towards collaborations and acquisitions along with huge capital investments to devise the best-personalized medicine strategy that could possibly cure a disease, according to Grandview’s market research.

Organizing for Growth

The growth of life sciences is complicated by the combination of extremely costly research and development coupled with little revenue during the research. Many medium-sized life science firms partner with larger firms or large academic institutions to either begin or subsequently complete product development.

One example is Certara, a company that using proprietary biosimulation software, technology, and services to accelerate medicine development. In July, 2022, Certara declared a collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) for the development of a novel biosimulation software for leveraged CAR T-cell therapy for subjects with multiple myeloma (a cancer of the plasma cells).

CAR T-cell therapy is a type of cancer immunotherapy treatment that uses immune cells that are genetically altered in a lab to enable them to locate and destroy cancer cells more effectively.

In January, 2022, Panaceutics Nutrition, a company developing customized nutritional products, and Viocare, a nutrition research organization, announced a collaborative agreement to produce personalized nutrition for healthcare providers and their subjects using a high-end technology interface that integrates Viocare’s nutrition assessment software with personalized nutrition supplementation for making an end-to-end service platform.

Top Life Sciences Clusters

The top life science clusters in the U.S. ranked by the Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) Life Sciences Research report are:

1. Boston - One key highlight for Boston is that it has the most concentrated life sciences talent pool in the United States, according to the report. The area also earned about 10 percent of all National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding in the United States, among other accomplishments. Some life sciences companies that call the Greater Boston area home include Biogen, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. Massachusetts is home to five of the top eight NIH-funded hospitals in the United States, which act as global leaders in biotechnology research. The top five NIH-funded universities (Harvard, University of Massachusetts, Boston University, MIT, and Tufts) anchor this cluster and offer advanced degrees in biosciences, fuel employment in the industry and add great depth to the development of innovative products.

2. San Francisco - A few biopharmaceutical companies headquartered in the San Francisco Bay area are Nektar Therapeutics, Exelixis, FibroGen and Principia Biopharma.

3. San Diego - This life sciences cluster saw record leasing activity in the first half of 2021, with a 102 percent increase when compared to the first half of 2020. San Diego is home to many life sciences companies including Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Heron Therapeutics and Mirati Therapeutics.

4. Washington D.C./Baltimore. NIH funding in greater D.C. and Baltimore has always been strong, and venture capital has sharply accelerated in recent years. The new 420,000 square foot

Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), located in the former home of the Newseum at 555 Pennsylvania Avenue in downtown D.C., will open this year.

Other life sciences clusters ranked by JLL include RaleighDurham (6th); New Jersey (7th); New York (8th); Seattle(9th); and Salt Lake City (10th).

The market for life sciences development stays strong, but has had its ups and downs over the last few years. For example, venture capital investment hit $13 billion in early 2021, and is hovering around $8 billion now, according to the JLL report.

Revenue growth in the U.S. biotech research and development sector also surged in early 2021, to about $400 million, but has since flattened, and was expected to be around $150 million in 2022.

Up and Coming Life Science Clusters

Last year’s JLL Life Sciences Emerging Markets Index, looking at up-and-coming cluster markets, pointed to the success of three Texas clusters in areas such as employment acceleration and STEM graduates: Dallas/Fort Worth/Arlington; Houston/The Woodlands/ Sugar Land, which, as noted, hosts the Texas Medical Center; and Austin/Round Rock/Georgetown. Complementing these biotech clusters are other emerging regions across Texas, such as San Antonio and College Station.

JLL took a look at regional GDP and predicts that other areas of the country which are ripe for life sciences development include Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia; Boise City, Washington; Atlanta region;

Nashville region; and the Orlando-Kissimmee region.

The JLL report also looked at higher education spending in life sciences as an indicator for greater growth in the industry, citing figures from the National Science Foundation for education expenditures in California ($6.7 million), New York ($4.7 million), Texas ($3.7 million) and Pennsylvania ($2.9 million).

Workforce Development

More academic work is being done to build the workforce needed for life sciences. For example, the Partnership for Undergraduate Life Science Education (PULSE) was launched in 2012 by program directors from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIH/NIGMS) and the National Science Foundation (NSF).

PULSE is comprised of a group of undergraduate life science educators, and is designed to help life sciences departments at all institutions of higher education align with national education reform initiatives so they can develop inclusive, student-centered, evidencebased teaching and learning for the development of scientists who reflect the diversity of American society.

Other life sciences workforce efforts include the Virginia Bio-Connect, created to learn about what is going on in Virginia’s life science ecosystem region-by-region and show where and how investors can help grow the life sciences sector.

There is also the Hire Hopkins program to help employers find talent through the Johns Hopkins academic system, which touts itself

as the #1 U.S. academic institution in total research and development spending.

Disruptive Forces at Work

One of the most disruptive forces in life sciences today is the development of psychedelics to treat mental health conditions, specifically depression and post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD). Various clinical trials over the last 3-4 years have proven the effectiveness of such psychedelics as LSD, MDMA and psilocybin to treat a broad range of both physical and mental health conditions.

Psychedelics for mental health and wellness is poised to become a breakthrough factor in a global market estimated to be $537.97 billion by 2030, according to Allied Market Research.

“I think psychedelics point to a larger issue that we’ve had in regards to mental health care for the last probably 40 years, which has been centered around symptom management,” Payton Nyquvest, co-founder and CEO of Vancouver-based Numinus, told BXJ.

Numinus develops and delivers innovative mental health care and access to safe, evidence-based psychedelic-assisted therapies.

“Antidepressants certainly have their place,” Nyquvest said. “But they’re not necessarily getting to the underlying root cause of why someone has mental health challenges in the first place. I think, in this paradigm shift we’re seeing in mental health care more broadly, which psychedelics are kind of at the forefront of, there is a shifting mindset to a more curative intent.”

Bottom Line

According to an article published by Deloitte, a professional services network, life sciences companies must acknowledge and prepare for potential headwinds against industry expansion.

One of those hurdles could be traced to the hesitation for technology adoption. Disruptors have found healthcare institutions not likely to be first adopters of new procedures and technologies, possibly due to institution-specific factors or the type of technology being introduced.

Another hurdle could be wrapped up in regulatory complexities of product development. The need to meet high standards of efficacy and safety in the regulatory approval process creates unique hurdles for life science product commercialization.

But screening and drug development is undergoing a revolution thanks to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). In-silico drug development (the process of discovering new targets via bioinformatic tools) is gaining traction, meaning that tech companies will be getting into this space.

In late 2019, the first-ever AI-discovered drug was moved into clinical development, with preclinical development shortened from four years to just 18 months. New tech companies proficient in ML and statistical analysis are entering the market, funded by venture capital, and able to acquire resources for product approval, according to the Deloitte article. X

MICHIGAN:

Clear Skies Ahead: Climate Stability and Policies in Michigan Mitigate Risk

In an era of severe supply chain disruption, climate change and natural disasters are at the forefront of risk mitigation for corporate location decisions. In fact, a 2022 report by the Site Selectors Guild names climate change, environment and sustainability as the top factors predicted to rise in importance of site selection by 2032.

Michigan, ranked the No. 1 Best State for Climate Change, is building on its steady climate and low natural disaster susceptibility by enacting policies and initiatives to improve climate change resilience, in turn extending its steady meteorological climate to a competitive business climate.

One Of The Lowest States For Natural Disaster Risk Companies located in Michigan have the advantage of being

IF YOU WANT TO CHANGE THE WORLD, INVEST IN A STATE THAT ALREADY HAS.

MICHIGAN

PURE OPPORTUNITY

When the world needed a solution to COVID-19, Michigan’s advanced-manufacturing capabilities, world-class STEM talent, and global supply chain assets made it possible for Pfizer to rapidly develop and distribute more than a billion potentially life-saving vaccines. Seize your opportunity at MICHIGANBUSINESS.ORG

in one of the most stable climates in the United States. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Michigan declared just 46 “billion-dollar events” in the past 42 years. Billion-dollar events are defined as natural disasters that cause more than $1 billion in direct losses.

The Great Lakes State’s number of billion-dollar events is one of the lowest in the Upper Midwest – compared to Iowa (68), Wisconsin (50) and Minnesota (48) – and among neighboring states Illinois (104), Ohio (83) and Indiana (82). States in other parts of the country report a high number of billion-dollar events as well, such as Texas (105), South Carolina (86), Georgia (104) and Tennessee (94).

According to data sourced from NOAA, Michigan’s unique split formation offers a low natural disaster risk, with the lower and upper peninsulas keeping cool temperatures and retaining its natural surroundings.

Committed To Being A Climate Winner With The Highest Clean Energy Workforce

Michigan is advancing its competitive edge beyond low natural disaster risk by proactively instituting initiatives that curb climate change. The Great Lakes State was recognized in 2021 as a top state in sustainable development practices and was the top state with the highest energy job growth.

“As extreme weather events unfortunately become more

frequent, Michigan’s relatively stable climate and abundant freshwater are becoming more attractive to individuals and companies looking to put roots down in a beautiful environment,” said Quentin L. Messer, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. “Michigan is committed to more aggressively presenting its case for being a climate change winner. We are working with businesses to reduce carbon emissions, promote clean energy jobs and support the infrastructure to prevent and prepare for natural adversities. These actions, including implementation of Governor Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan, will ultimately prepare Michigan residents and companies to thrive in our four-seasons climate while elevating the lives of Michiganders and Americans nationwide.”

The MI Healthy Climate Plan is a roadmap to achieve carbonneutrality by 2050, with a short-term goal of reducing emissions 52 percent by 2030. The state created an Office of Climate and Energy and a Council on Climate Solutions to oversee, advise and implement the MI Healthy Climate Plan. The plan has already played a significant role in attracting investment in the state, including a $1.6 billion investment by home-grown Michigan company Our Next Energy for its first-ever battery manufacturing campus in Van Buren Township.

Climate scientist Jonathan Overpeck says the plan is the “aggressive climate action needed to stave off climate change

Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling.

disaster in Michigan.” Overpeck adds that the University of Michigan, where he serves as Dean of the School for Environment and Sustainability, “is committed to carbon neutrality and will utilize shallow geothermal heating and cooling in addition to renewable energy, battery storage, electrified mobility, building energy efficiency upgrades and other rapidly improving technologies to do the job.”

Other university, corporate and utility partners across Michigan are implementing sustainable initiatives as well. Consumers Energy, the state’s largest energy provider, calls for zero-methane emissions from its natural gas delivery system by 2030 and to go coal-free by 2025. Detroit’s DTE Energy has also committed to achieve net zero greenhouse gas by 2050. The DTE Gas Net Zero Plan will reduce carbon emissions by 6 million metric tons per year ― the equivalent of taking 1.3 million cars off the road.

These new initiatives equal new opportunities. Based on a new report from Clean Jobs Midwest, Michigan’s clean energy workforce is nearly 120,000 strong, up 5.6% compared to 2020. The total employment in the field is projected to increase by 7.5% between 2020 and 2030.

Investing In Infrastructure For Further Risk Mitigation

Michigan understands that the one of the most critical ways to mitigate risk is investing in the state’s infrastructure. Dr. Parag

Khanna, Founder and Managing Partner of FutureMap and Climate Alpha, argues in MEDC’s podcast, The Michigan Opportunity, that Michigan will be the place to be in 2050 due to its forward-thinking on infrastructure and climate resiliency.

Michigan “isn’t just an American industrial hub, it’s also the midpoint of this Chicago-Toronto corridor in what will be a ‘North American union,’” said Khanna. “We’re going to integrate ever more in functional ways: infrastructure, trade, mobility of people, sharing of resources, water and electricity. That’s the way to think about Michigan: an incredibly stable geography environmentally at the heart of this North American super continent.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is advancing Michigan’s infrastructure by signing the largest investment – $4.7 billion – in the state’s history. The plan will provide $645 million to improve transportation, $2 billion to improve water, $450 million to improve state parks and $250 million to improve high-speed internet infrastructure in every region of the state.

With the impacts of climate change looming, Michigan’s steady climate and sustainability initiatives are setting the state apart from the rest – earning accolades along the way.

Sustainability drives success. Learn more about how Michigan’s business environment is stronger than ever at https://www. michiganbusiness.org/pure-opportunity/. X

Downtown Grand Rapids

A STATE OF MOMENTUM NORTH CAROLINA:

From bustling urban centers to miles of open spaces, North Carolina’s state of momentum is propelled by low business costs, groundbreaking university research, diverse culture, superior infrastructure, and a pace of life that attracts talented people and encourages them to refuel.

North Carolina workers are talented and ready for work. Their highly skilled, educated and diverse workforce trains at the state’s top-tier universities, the second most Historically Black Colleges and

Universities (HBCUs) in the country, and across a 58-campus college system.

North Carolina is continually ranked as one of the best business climates in the United States and has been ranked the Best State for Business by Forbes for three consecutive years. North Carolina also earned the title of America’s Top State for Business by CNBC in 2022.

No matter where you are in North Carolina, it’s easy to make connections. Their central location on the eastern seaboard and excellent transportation infrastructure provides an optimal point of access to markets while keeping freight and delivery costs low.

Tens of thousands of newcomers relocate to North Carolina every year. With a low cost of living, moderate climate, culture-rich history

and arts, ethnically diverse population, quality health care, and excellent recreational opportunities, their quality of life is at the top.

Targeted, performance-based incentive programs help ease the tax burden and lower the overall costs of doing business in North Carolina. Discretionary cash-back programs, block grants, sales and property tax exemptions, and foreign trade zones are just some of the growth-minded incentives available.

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) helps businesses large and small succeed in North Carolina. They recruit new businesses, support the growth of existing businesses, help manufacturers sell into international markets, provide startup assistance to entrepreneurs, and market the state as a premier travel destination. Discover all that North Carolina has to offer. For more information, please contact the EDPNC at 919-4477777 or visit their website at www.edpnc.com . X

North Carolina Airport Embraces Aerospace Innovation

Aerospace innovators have discovered that there is a place for them in central North Carolina at the Piedmont Triad International Airport, where airport and government leaders have laid out a welcome mat for fresh thinking and new ideas.

“We want our airport to become known as the place where big ideas in aerospace come to be proven and to be launched,” says Kevin Baker, PTI’s executive director. “We want to lead, not follow.”

The latest entry into the airport’s stable of innovators is Boom Supersonic, the ambitious project that promises to put supersonic passenger jets back into service by 2029, with an affordable ticket price and a zero-carbon footprint.

Boom broke ground in January on its first manufacturing plant, which will be located on 62 acres on the PTI campus. The manufacturing facility will include a final assembly line and various support buildings. The first production aircraft, called Overture, is expected to make its debut in 2026 with the production of the final product to begin at PTI in 2029.

“Building on our legacy of ‘First in Flight,’ North Carolina is ready to partner with Boom Supersonic in leading the way to a fast and clean aviation future,” Gov. Roy Cooper said at the January groundbreaking.

The company expects to employ 2,400 people by 2032 in the 174,000-square-foot facility. The company already has orders for 130 aircraft from companies such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines. Boom is also working on government and defense applications for the supersonic airliner.

Boom is not the first time the airport has nurtured innovation. Honda pioneered a radical new design at PTI for an ultralight business aircraft with engines mounted over the wings rather than underneath. That jet, the HondaJet, is now a reality and one of the bestselling of its type.

The Honda Aircraft Company was born and ultimately decided to locate its world headquarters at the airport, complete with administrative offices, a manufacturing plant, and maintenance and repair facilities. Honda also manufactures engines for the HondaJet a short distance away in Burlington, NC.

With a central East Coast location, proximity to a network of Interstate highways, and nearly 1,000 acres ready for industrial development, the airport has proven attractive to all aspects of the aerospace industry – manufacturing, cargo, and maintenance and repair and overhaul (MRO).

FedEx has a Mid-Atlantic hub located at the airport, HAECO Americas, one of the world’s largest MRO organizations, has its North American Headquarters at the airport and Cessna/Textron operates its busy mid-Atlantic maintenance facility at the airport.

“There are currently more than 10 proposed new projects considering the airport,” Baker said. “Not all will come to fruition, but the fact that so many companies are showing interest in locating manufacturing operations here demonstrates the fact that the industry sees PTI, the region, and the state as a prime place to call home.”

Altogether, about 50 companies are located on airport property and taken altogether employ nearly 9,000 people. A supply-chain network of nearly 200 aerospace companies have located in the Piedmont Triad region near the airport providing even more aerospace jobs.

Thanks to the vision of past airport leadership, there is room for more companies to locate at PTI. The airport has assembled a 1,000-acre, aerospace “mega site” to accommodate a new wave of growth. Much of that land has been graded, has Interstate and runway access, and is ready for new development.

“Vision and foresight are part of this airport’s DNA,” Baker said. “We’re standing on the shoulders of those who came before us and laid the groundwork for this to happen.” X

PERSON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

EVERYTHING IS BETTER IN PERSON

Midpoint of the Eastern US, equidistant to Ports of Virginia and NC; 3 international airports in under 3 hours, transportation systems providing access to 60% of the US within 2 days.

Diverse manufacturing making up nearly 15% of employment.

VE RYT HIN G IS BE T TER IN PERSON

Imperial Approves $720 million for Largest Renewable Diesel Facility in Canada

• Facility expected to produce more than 1 billion litres per year, or 20,000 barrels per day, of renewable diesel

• Renewable diesel has potential to reduce annual greenhouse emissions by about 3 million tonnes compared to conventional fuels

• Project to supply British Columbia in support of province’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions CALGARY, Alberta, – Imperial (TSE: IMO, NYSE American: IMO) said it will further help Canada achieve its net zero goals by investing about $720 million (USD $560 million) to move forward with construction of the largest renewable diesel facility in the country. The project at Imperial’s Strathcona refinery near Edmonton is expected to produce more than one billion litres of renewable diesel annually primarily from locally sourced feedstocks and could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Canadian transportation sector by about 3 million metric tons per year, as determined in accordance with Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulation. Regulatory approval for the project is expected in the near term.

“Imperial supports Canada’s vision for a lower-emission future, and we are making strategic investments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our own operations and to help customers in vital sectors of the economy reduce their emissions,” said Brad Corson, Imperial chairman, president and chief executive officer.

“The investment at our Strathcona refinery will deliver immediate benefits to the local economy creating jobs and contributing to a

lower-emission energy future for our employees, neighbours and communities.”

The renewable diesel project was first announced in August 2021, with the Province of British Columbia supporting this project through a Part 3 Agreement under the BC low carbon fuel standard. A significant portion of the renewable diesel from Strathcona will be supplied to British Columbia in support of the province’s plan to lower carbon emissions. Imperial also intends to use renewable diesel in operations as part of the company’s emission reduction plans.

Imperial’s renewable diesel facility will use low-carbon hydrogen produced with carbon capture and storage technology to help Canada meet low emission fuel standards. Imperial has entered into an agreement with Air Products for low-carbon hydrogen supply and is developing agreements with other third parties for biofeedstock supply. The low-carbon hydrogen and biofeedstock will be combined with a proprietary catalyst to produce premium lower-emission diesel fuel and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions relative to conventional fuels.

Site preparation and initial construction are underway. Renewable diesel production is expected to start in 2025. The project is expected to create about 600 direct construction jobs, along with hundreds more through investments by business partners.

After more than a century, Imperial continues to be an industry leader in applying technology and innovation to responsibly develop Canada’s energy resources. As Canada’s largest petroleum refiner, a major producer of crude oil, a key petrochemical producer and a leading fuels marketer from coast to coast, our company remains committed to high standards across all areas of our business.

Governor Lee, Commissioner McWhorter

Announce SK Food Group, Inc. to Establish Manufacturing Operations in Bradley County, Bottling Company International (BCI) to invest in New Facility in Warren County, Tennessee

• Leading custom food manufacturer to invest $205 million in fourth production facility

• Project to create 840 new jobs in Cleveland by 2030

CLEVELAND, Tenn. - Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter and SK Food Group, Inc. officials announced the company will invest $205.2 million to construct its fourth production facility with Cleveland, Tennessee, as its newest location.

As a result of the project, SK Food Group will create 840 new jobs in Bradley County by 2030.

SK Food Group’s new 525,000-square-foot manufacturing facility will support the company’s growing consumer demand by utilizing state-of-the-art automated technology to assist with sandwich assembly and food handling.

Located on Lot 1 in the Spring Branch Industrial Park in Cleveland, construction will begin before the end of the year and is anticipated to reach completion in 2025.

Founded as a mobile catering business in 1942, SK Food Group is an Arizona-based premium custom foods manufacturer. Today, the company specializes in supplying sandwiches, wraps, snacks, flatbreads, burgers and other protein snacks for branding by corporate customers worldwide.

Since 2018, TNECD has supported more than 50 economic development projects in the Southeast Tennessee region, resulting in approximately 7,600 job commitments and nearly $3.3 billion in capital investment.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter and Bottling Company International (BCI) officials also announced the company will invest $9.5 million to establish a new bottling, storage and distribution facility in Morrison, Tennessee.

As a result of the project, BCI will create 57 new jobs in Warren County.

BCI has acquired the former McCormick Warehouse in Morrison, where it will bottle and distribute Nashville-based Pennington Distilling’s brand-name whiskey, vodka and rum.

Founded in March 2022, Bottling Company International specializes in the bottling and distribution of vodka, whiskey and other spirits. BCI will serve the company’s growing customer base from its sole location in Warren County.

Wyoming Lands World’s Largest Vertical Farming Research Facility

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Mark Gordon has announced a historic economic development investment, as the State Loan and Investment Board (SLIB) approved a grant to support development of the world’s largest and most advanced vertical farming research center in Laramie. The project will support the retention and creation of nearly 200 high-paying jobs in the community.

The company, Plenty Unlimited Inc., is dedicated to advancing the emerging technology field of indoor agriculture. The new research center in Laramie expects to utilize an internship-to-employment pipeline to hire local workers, as well as hire recent University of Wyoming graduates. The investment by the Wyoming Business Council supports the new direction of the Council, by adding value to Wyoming’s core industries and activating new economic sectors.

“Wyoming is proud to invest in the continued success of a business that was first innovated here in Wyoming by one of our own and demonstrated at the 2015 World Expo,” said Governor Mark Gordon. “The level at which Plenty will be operating in this new facility will truly advance Wyoming’s preeminence as a global center of indoor agricultural research. This center gives us a tremendous opportunity to promote a state-of-the-art R&D cluster and further diversify our state’s economy.”

The $20 million Business Ready Community Business Committed grant from the Wyoming Business Council to the City of Laramie will be applied to construction and infrastructure costs for

the 60,000-square-foot facility, which will be built on 16 acres at the Cirrus Sky Technology Park in Laramie. Additional funding, land and support for the project is being provided by the City of Laramie and the Laramie Chamber Business Alliance (LCBA).

Plenty has its origins in Laramie. Chief Science Officer Dr. Nate Storey co-founded Bright Agrotech as a University of Wyoming graduate student in 2010 and established an innovation center in Laramie.This eventually led Storey and a group of entrepreneurs to found the startup Plenty Unlimited in 2014, which later bought Bright Agrotech. Today, Plenty has more than 400 employees nationwide and the company’s R&D work over the past two years drove more than 100 new patent filings for innovations as diverse as new crop growing systems, a way to detect plant stress and new tomato plant varieties.

“As a Wyoming native, I have devoted my career to advancing plant science in my home state and am proud to be a part of helping the State play a leading role in advancing a new field,” said Storey. “This state-of-the-art facility will not only accelerate our R&D pipeline but will also create an incredible opportunity to attract and employ a talented workforce to further innovation and diversification for Wyoming.”

With the SLIB’s approval, the project will be shifting into the design phase, with plans to begin construction later this year and open the facility in early 2025. Plenty’s team and research work will transfer to the new facility from its current Laramie location once it is completed.

Whitehorse Freight LLC Cuts Ribbon on New $5.4 Million Expansion Project in Kenton County, KY Creating 400-Plus Jobs

Project increases distribution and logistics presence in Northern Kentucky FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted continued momentum of the state’s logistics and distribution sector as Whitehorse Freight LLC cut the ribbon on a new $5.4 million facility in Crestview Hills, creating over 400 quality jobs in the surrounding region.

“Kentucky’s unique location and access to resources makes the commonwealth one of the most important distribution and logistics hubs in the country,” said Gov. Beshear. “Continuing to grow and invest in that industry with quality companies such as Whitehorse Freight is critical to our long-term economic success. I want to congratulate Whitehorse on today’s ribbon-cutting and wish the company continued success here in the commonwealth.”

Whitehorse Freight located in a new facility in Kenton County in response to rapid growth and increased customer demand. The $5.4 million investment includes the purchase of an existing 51,000-square-foot building to increase the company’s operations and overall office space.

“The sky is the limit when it comes to earning potential at Whitehorse Freight,” said Michael Bilokonsky, president and CEO of Whitehorse Freight. “I am extremely proud of our team and what we are building. Today’s event is an exciting next step for us, and I look forward to continuing to grow here in Northern Kentucky.”

Whitehorse Freight is a logistics technology service company for the shipping and carrier trucking industry that specializes in moving full

Rowe Casa Organics Expands Operations at TexAmericas Center

Growing all-natural solutions company to invest $1.5M, hire dozens of workers

Texarkana, USA — TexAmericas Center (TAC), which owns and operates one of the largest mixed-use industrial parks in the United States, has announced Rowe Casa Organics will once again expand operations on its property in to a 24,000 square foot complex of buildings.

Rowe Casa Organics is an all-natural supplements company producing clean, non-toxic, high quality, and effective products. Its line of more than 250 products ranges from baby, pets, household, outdoor, wellness and personal care items. Founded in 2017, Rowe Casa has grown to be in more than 400 retail stores across the United States, fulfilling over 180,000 orders per year.

Rowe Casa will initially invest $1.5 million toward its expansion, retain 55 workers in the Texarkana region, and add 20 more. The investment represents a homegrown success story for the company: TexAmericas Center first welcomed the company to its properties in 2019 when it leased a 4,700-square-foot building that was renovated in just 60 days. Demand, including international sales, for Rowe Casa products makes this recent expansion necessary.

“This is an exciting time for Rowe Casa and we are thrilled that our growth has lead us to this next chapter,” said Mike Guzzardo, CEO of Rowe Casa Organics. “This is more than just a business for us, this is a life-long mission to improve the health and well-being of our customers. We want to be able to reach as many people as we can.”

Rowe Casa purchased the existing five-building complex at TexAmericas Center in December 2022. Initial investment will be used to renovate the

truckloads. The company’s extensive carrier network and creative freight services help increase flexibility and mitigate logistics obstacles. Services include dry freight, flatbed, refrigerated freight, specialty freight, straight truck and warehouse and fulfillment. The company is currently hiring motivated and energetic individuals who want to be a part of a growing team.

Whitehorse Freight’s investment adds to Kentucky’s growing distribution and logistics presence. Since the start of the Beshear administration, companies within the sector announced more than 7,500 full-time, Kentucky-resident jobs across 117 facility expansion and new-location projects with $2.2 billion in private-sector investment in the commonwealth.

Tri-ED CEO Lee Crume said 78% of the 2,356 new jobs announced by Tri-ED in 2022 were in the supply chain management and distribution/ logistics industries.

“Whitehorse is certainly a major contributor to the expansion of these industries in Northern Kentucky,” said Crume. “We congratulate the company on the amazing growth they are experiencing.”

Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann thanked Whitehorse Freight for choosing to invest in Kenton County.

“It’s gratifying to have a local company further invest in the community,” said Judge Knochelmann. “We’re constantly pushing to make Kenton County the best place to live, work and raise a family, and it’s good to see our corporate citizens recognize that.”

Whitehorse Freight’s investment and planned job creation furthers recent economic momentum in the commonwealth, as the state builds back stronger from the effects of the pandemic.

buildings so the company can be fully operational by September 2023.

“Rowe Casa Organics is an emerging market leader in the natural supplement products industry, and we are thrilled to be working with them as their operations and business expands,” said Scott Norton, Executive Director and CEO of TexAmericas Center. “This partnership illustrates our efforts to welcome fledgling companies on to our property and then help them grow. TexAmericas Center is committed to making sure we do our part to enhance small business successes in the greater Texarkana region.”

Along with expanding production operations and adding more line employees, Rowe Casa will also expand logistics operations in the initial phase of this investment. Inventory and shipping logistics will now be housed within the five-building facility and a loading-dock will be added to increase the speed of shipping.

As Rowe Casa grew it contracted with TAC3PL to take advantage of TexAmericas Center’s third-party logistics services. Now, TAC3PL assists the company to provide more space and flex human resources as needed.

Leadership at Rowe Casa say they wanted to expand within TexAmericas Center because of the great partnership they have developed with the organization, citing that TexAmericas Center invested over $250,000 in improvements to the first leased building in 2019 when the company was less than two years old.

“TexAmericas Center has been an amazing partner and so helpful in ensuring our success. It is unique to work with an organization like this and it feels like we are on the same team,” Guzzardo said.

In 2022, 11 new businesses relocated to TexAmericas Center, and tenants on the footprint added 218 new jobs for the region. With occupancy rates over 90 percent for its move-in ready buildings, TexAmericas Center has turned its attention to build-to-suit offerings.

Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance Celebrates More Than $1.5 Billion in Economic Development Opportunities Coming to Region

Springfield, Ill. – The Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance (SSGA) is celebrating a record year in terms of advancing economic development and partnership opportunities across the region. SSGA was formed five years ago with the goal of promoting and pursuing economic development efforts in Springfield and Sangamon County.

CEO Ryan McCrady said SSGA has played an instrumental role in pushing forward several significant community projects including the Land of Lincoln Energy Center (LLEC), which has been issued its final construction permit and Double Black Diamond Solar, which will be the largest solar development in Illinois and recently broke ground. In addition, SSGA supported efforts for the SCHEELS Sports Park at Legacy Pointe and the University of Illinois Springfield Innovation Center. SSGA also partnered with the City of Springfield to fund the phase 2 environmental study of the Pillsbury Mills Site, an 18-acre development site in Springfield’s north end which has allowed the demolition of the site to begin. These five projects alone are estimated to create an economic impact of more than $1.5 billion to the region over the next five years.

Amazon Web Services Plans to Invest $35 Billion in the Commonwealth by 2040 to Expand Data Center Campuses

RICHMOND, VA –  Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that Amazon Web Services (AWS), an Amazon.com, Inc. company (NASDAQ: AMZN), plans to invest $35 billion by 2040 to establish multiple data center campuses across Virginia. Numerous localities in the Commonwealth are under consideration and will be decided at a later date. These new campuses will combine expandable capacity to position AWS for long-term growth in the Commonwealth. Amazon is among the largest private-sector employers in the Commonwealth of Virginia, establishing its first AWS data centers and operations facilities in 2006 and later announcing its second headquarters (HQ2) in Arlington in 2018. This announcement of planned investment will create at least 1,000 total new jobs across Virginia.

“AWS has a significant presence in Virginia, and we are excited that AWS has chosen to continue their growth and expand their footprint across the Commonwealth,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Virginia will continue to encourage the development of this new generation of data center campuses across multiple regions of the Commonwealth. These areas offer robust utility infrastructure, lower costs, great livability, and highly educated workforces and will benefit from the associated economic development and increased tax base, assisting the schools and providing services to the community.”

“With the highest concentration of tech talent in the U.S., Virginia boasts one of the largest data center workforces in the nation—an advantage that sets us apart and directly benefits an industry leader like AWS,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “We thank AWS for its commitment to the Commonwealth of Virginia and look forward to a continued partnership in the years to come.”

“Virginia is a world leader in innovation and cloud computing, thanks to its investment in a robust, highly-skilled workforce and emphasis on long-term public and private partnerships,” said Roger Wehner, Director of Economic Development, AWS. “Since 2006, AWS has invested more than $35 billion in Virginia, boosting the Commonwealth’s total Gross Domestic

McCrady add his goal for the whole community is to feel the positive impact of Springfield’s economic growth. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment locally in Springfield is at 3.9% compared to a statewide average of 4.4%. As of December 2022, Springfield has a total of 2900 more people employed than last year and wages have increased 20% since the pandemic began.

The Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance (SSGA) is committed to pursuing economic prosperity and growth for Sangamon County and the City of Springfield, Illinois. Founded in 2018, the public-private sector partnership is dedicated to advancing economic development efforts in Springfield and Sangamon County. Led by a volunteered, diverse, industry-driven board of directors, SSGA is helping create and market a financially sound community; able to attract new businesses and skilled talent, while retaining the innovative companies and local workforce who already make Sangamon County their home. For more information about SSGA, visit www.ThriveInSPI.org.

Product by nearly $7 billion and supporting thousands of jobs annually. Building on these successful beginnings, we plan to invest an additional $35 billion in the Commonwealth of Virginia by 2040 and create 1,000 jobs.”

“I am pleased the MEI Commission could collaborate with our state and private-sector partners to ensure AWS selected the Commonwealth for this important project,” said Major Employment and Investment Project Approval Commission Chair Delegate Barry Knight. “The addition of multiple data center campuses will underscore Virginia’s position as the world’s largest data center market segment, and we thank AWS for its long-term commitment to the Commonwealth.”

“As the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud, AWS is a tremendous economic driver in Virginia that will expand its roots across multiple regions of the Commonwealth, creating new jobs and an impactful ripple effect in communities,” said Senator Janet Howell, Co-Chair of Senate Finance and Appropriations. “We are proud the company recognizes Virginia as the optimal location for a project of this caliber and that the MEI Commission was able to play a role.”

“Securing Amazon Web Services’ data center campuses expansion is a significant win for Virginia and our booming technology sector,” said Senator George Barker, Co-Chair of Senate Finance and Appropriations. “I congratulate the partners that will continue to work together on this historic project and look forward to AWS expanding operations in the Commonwealth.” The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the General Assembly’s Major Employment and Investment (MEI) Project Approval Commission to secure the project to expand data center investment to new locations across Virginia. Pending approval by the Virginia General Assembly, the Commonwealth is developing a new Mega Data Center Incentive Program, which the company will be eligible to receive. The new program includes up to a 15-year extension of Data Center Sales and Use tax exemptions on qualifying equipment and enabling software. In addition, and also subject to approval by the General Assembly, AWS will be eligible to receive an MEI custom performance grant of up to $140 million for site and infrastructure improvements, workforce development, and other project-related costs.

The Upper Magnolia Green development in Chesterfield County, VA received a boost in the form of a $25 million state grant, which will accelerate the project’s progress.

Virginia - The grant comes from the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program, which identifies and assesses sites that are ready for enhanced development.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced that the VBRSP, administered by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, would provide a total of $90 million in development funding for 21 site projects across the

Lilly Plans to Invest Additional $450 million at Manufacturing Site in Research Triangle Park in North Carolina

North Carolina. - Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) announced plans to invest an additional $450 million and create at least 100 new jobs to expand its manufacturing capacity at the company’s Research Triangle Park facility. The expansion includes additional parenteral filling, device assembly and packaging capacity to support an increased demand for Lilly’s incretin products that treat diabetes.

“As we move into 2023, Lilly is focused on finding innovative

commonwealth. Upper Magnolia received the largest grant of all 21 sites.

The $25 million will go toward infrastructure design, additional lot space and utility improvements at the county-owned property near Moseley.

“This announcement provides Chesterfield with a tremendous opportunity to have the Upper Magnolia property ready for a major development opportunity at the earliest possible time,” said Kevin Carroll, Chesterfield Board of Supervisors chair, in a statement. “Upper Magnolia will be highly attractive to potential projects because we have access to a large highly skilled workforce in the region.”

solutions to meet the growing demand for our medicines,” said Edgardo Hernandez, executive vice president and president, Lilly Manufacturing Operations. “Expanding our operations at Research Triangle Park will accelerate the rate at which we can produce medicines that patients rely on to address serious health challenges like diabetes. We’re on track to achieve the goal we shared in November 2022 of doubling incretin capacity by the end of this year, but this investment is key to ensuring even more patients will have access to medicines they need in the future.”

Since 2020, Lilly has committed roughly $4 billion to new manufacturing facilities in North Carolina, including $1.7 billion for the development and expansion of its site at Research Triangle Park. The company anticipates initial production at Research Triangle Park to begin this year, with preparations for inspections by the FDA ongoing.

Since 2014, Lilly has introduced 18 new medicines to make life better for people living with diseases like diabetes and cancer and aims to introduce several potential new medicines in 2023. This expansion will play a pivotal role in delivering supply of existing Lilly medications, while preparing to bring the next generation of medicines to patients worldwide.

“When companies already in North Carolina choose to expand here, it reaffirms our status as the best state to do business,” Governor Roy Cooper said. “Our strong communities and our dedicated, well-trained workforce will help Lilly continue to succeed.”

When fully operational in 2027, this phase of the project is expected to create at least 100 new jobs, primarily manufacturing personnel who will use advanced technology to produce incretin treatments and medical devices.

North Carolina’s workforce has extensive experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, and Lilly has established partnerships with local entities to ensure more people in the community have an opportunity to receive the education necessary to produce life-changing medicines. Through partnerships between Lilly, Wake Tech, Durham Tech and other local colleges and organizations, residents with high school diplomas or community college credits have an opportunity to refine their skills and earn the credentials needed to begin careers in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

As Lilly prepares for future growth expected from potential new medicines to treat diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and autoimmune conditions, the company anticipates further expansion of its global manufacturing footprint to ensure sufficient supply of medicine.

ALABAMA

ARIZONA

Cullman Economic Development Agency

Dale Greer

P.O. Box 1009, Cullman, AL 35056 256-739-1891

daleg@cullmaneda.org

www.cullmaneda.org

Etowah Economic Alliance

Shane Ellison

800 Forrest Avenue Suite 220E Gadsden, AL 35901 256-456-9938

www.littlecanoecreek.com

Gadsden Industrial Development Authority

David Hooks, Executive Director

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

davidhooks@gadsdenida.org

www.gadsdenida.org

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

ARKANSAS Chaffee Crossing

Ivy Owen, Executive Director 7020 Taylor Avenue Fort Smith, AR 72916 479-452-4554

479-452-4566 (f) property@chaffeecrossing.com www.chaffeecrossing.com

CALIFORNIA

City of Eastvale

Gina Gibson-Williams

Economic Development Manager

12363 Limonite Ave. Suite 910 Eastvale, CA 91752 951-703-4425

ggibson-williams@eastvaleca.gov

www.eastvaleca.gov

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

Elmore County Economic Development

Cary Cox

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

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology

Abbie Ruesy

601 Genome Way Huntsville , AL 35806 256-327-9591 aruesy@hudsonalpha.org www.hudsonalpha.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

Patti King, Executive Mgr. 17235 N. 75th Avenue Suite D-145 Glendale, AZ 85308 520-836-8686 pking@pinalalliance.org www.pinalalliance.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

Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development

James Lee Sillman

Executive Director

625 Adams Aveune Camden, AR 71701 870-836-2210 870-836-8899 (f) director@teamcamden.com www.teamcamden.com

East Arkansas Crossroads Coalition

Mark O’Mell

1790 N. Falls Boulevard, Suite 2 Wynne, AR 72396 870-238-5300

momell@crossroadscoalition.org www.crossroadscoalition.org

City of Moreno Valley Economic Development

Mike Lee

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

edteam@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

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

Don Clark

Community Development Director P.O. Box 80 Siloam Springs , AR 72761 479-238-0930

dclark@siloamsprings.com

whysiloam.com

Greater Irvine Chamber Pepper Russell 36 Executive Park Suite 100 Irvine, CA 92614 949-502-4129

prussell@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

FLORIDA

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

Grand Junction Economic Partnership

Robin Brown, Executive Director 122 N. 6th Street

Grand Junction, CO 81501 970--245-4332

robin@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

Jeff Flynn

800 N. French St., 3rd Floor

Wilmington, DE 19801

302-576-2128

jflynn@wilmingtonde.gov

www.wilmingtonde.gov

City of Sanford

Bob Turk

Economic Development Director

300 North Park Ave. Sanford, FL 32771 407-688-5015

bob.turk@sanfordfl.gov www.sanfordfl.gov

City of Titusville

Lisa Nicholas

555 South Washington Avenue

Titusville, FL 32796-3584

321-567-3774

lisa.nicholas@titusville.com

www.YEStitusvilleFL.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, President Post Office Box 3845

Haines City, FL 33845-3845

863-422-2525

863-206-0007

cyndi@hainescityedc.com

www.hainescityedc.com

Holmes County Development Commission

Joe Rone, Executive Director 106 E Byrd Avenue Bonifay, FL 32425 850-547-6154

jrone@westflorida.coop hcdc1978@gmail.com www.holmescountyedc.com

Pinellas County Economic Development

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

cyjohnson@pinellascounty.org

www.pced.org

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 Growth Mary Ellen Stern, Executive Director 315 W. Main Street Tavares, FL 32778 352-343-9647

maryellen.stern@lakecountyfl.gov www.lakecountyfl.gov

Santa Rosa County EDO

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

850-623-0174

Shannon@santarosa.fl.gov

www.santarosaedo.com

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

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

City of College Park

Artie Jones III

Director of Economic Development 3667 Main Street College Park, GA 30337

404-305-2052

404-305-2057 (f)

artiejones@collegeparkga.com

www.collegeparkga.com/

Hernando County Office of Economic Development

Valerie M. Pianta

Economic Development Director

15800 Flight Path Drive

Brooksville, FL 34604 352--540-6400

vpianta@hernandocounty.us

www.hernandobusiness.com

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

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

Slade Gulledge

P.O. Box 1799

Cumming GA 30028

770-887-6461

770-842-1170

sgulledge@forwardforsyth.org

www.forwardforsyth.org

City of Litchfield Ecnomic Development

Shelly Herman 120 E. Ryder Street Litchfield, IL 62056 217-324-8146

Sherman@cityoflitchfieldil.com

www.litchfieldil-development.com

Liberty County Development Authority

Ronald Tolley, CEO

425 W. Oglethorpe Highway

Hinesville, GA 31313

912-977-4147

Ron.tolley@comegrow.global www.comegrow.global

Putnam Development Authority

Terry Schwindler

Econmical Devleopment Director

117 Putnam Drive, Eaton, GA 31024 706-816-8099

tschwindler@putnamdevelopmentauthority.com www.putnamdevelopmentauthority.com

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

Village of Arlington Heights Business & Economic Development

Charles Witherington-Perkins Director of Planning & Community Development

33 S. Arlington Heights Arlington Heights, IL 60005 847-368-5220

cperkins@vah.com www.vah.com

INDIANA

Huntington County Economic Development

Mark Wickersham, Executive Director 8 West Market Street Huntington, IN 46750 260-356-5688 mark@hcued.com www.hcued.com

Russell County Eco Devo & CVB

Mike Parsons, Director 331 E. Witchita, Russell, KS 67665 785-483-4000 785-324-0126

rced2@russellks.org www.russellcountyks.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

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 Vandalia

Latisha Paslay 431 W. Gallatin St. Vandalia, IL 62471 618-283-1152

618-335-9510 (Mobile)

vandaliaed@vandaliaillinois.com

www.vandaliaillinois.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

Intersect Illinois

Brent Case Senior Vice President Business Development

230 W. Monroe St. Chicago, IL 60606 312-667-6013

brent.case@intersectillinois.org intersectillinois.org

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

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

Alliance STL | St. Louis Regional Economic Development

Steven S. Johnson. CEO One Metropolitan Square Suite 1300 St. Louis, MO 63102 314-444-1105

sjohnson@alliancestl.com alliancestl.com

Go Topeka

Molly Howey, CEcD President 719 S Kansas Ave. Suite 100 Topeka, KS 66603 785.231.4707

mhowey@gotopeka.com www.gotopeka.com

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

Northern Kentucky Tri-ED

Kimberly Rossetti

VP of Economic Development

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

888-874-3365

ksr@NorthernKentuckyUSA.com

www.NorthernKentuckyUSA.com

MAINE 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

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

Calvert County Economic Development

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

julie.oberg@calvertcountymd.gov www.ecalvert.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

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

Maryland Department of Commerce

Tom Riford

100 Community Place Crownsville, MD 21032 877-634-6361 www.maryland.gov

Montgomery County Economic Development

Kristin O’Keefe 1801 Rockville Pike, Ste. 320 Rockville, MD 20852 240-641-6703

kristin@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

MINNESOTA

City of Lakeville Community & Economic Development

David Olson Director

20195 Holyoke Avenue

Lakeville, MN 55044 952-985-4421

dolson@lakevillemn.gov

www.lakevillemn.gov

MISSOURI

Alliance STL | an initiative of Greater St. Louis, Inc.

Steven S. Johnson

Chief Business Attraction Officer

One Metropolitan Square Suite 1300 St. Louis, MO 63102 314-444-1105

Steve@GreaterSTLinc.com

www.GreaterSTLinc.com

Sikeston Regional Chamber & Economic Development Corp.

Mike Marshall

SWLA Economic Development ALLIANCE

George Swift 4310 Ryan Street

Lake Charles LA 70605

337-433-3632

gswift@allianceswla.org

www.allianceswla.org

Cecil County Economic Development

Sandra Edwards, Director 200 Chesapeake Blvd., Ste 2700 Elkton, MD 21921 410-996-8471 sedwards@ccgov.org www.ccgov.org

MICHIGAN Economic Development Alliance

(EDA) of St. Clair County

Dan Casey, CEO 100 McMorran Boulevard 4th Floor, Suite B Port Huron, Michigan 48060 Ph: 810.982.9511 www.edascc.com

stclairhotjobs.com

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

Dorchester County Economic Development

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

sbanks@choosedorchester.org

www.choosedorchester.org

The Right Place, Inc

Andria Romkema

125 Ottawa Avenue, Suite 450 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-771-0563

romkemaa@rightplace.org

www.Rightplace.org

128 N. New Madrid Street Sikeston, MO 63801 573-471-2498

mike.marshall@sikeston.net

www.sikeston.net

NEVADA

Las Vegas Global Ecnomic Alliance

Perry Ursem

Vice President, Business Retention + Expansion

6720 via Austi Parkway Suite #330

Las Vegas, NV 89119

702-791-0000

www.Ivgea.org

The Agency-Broome County IDA/LDC

North Carolina Global Transpark

Northeastern Nevada Regional Development Authority

Sheldon Mudd, Executive Director

1500 College Pkwy

McMullen Hall #103 Elko, NV 89801

775-738-2100

775-738-7978(f) smudd@nnrda.com www.nnrda.com

NEW JERSEY

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

EDC of Lea County

Jennifer Grassham, CEO

200 E. Broadway Street Hobbs, NM 88240

573-397-2039

jennifer@edclc.org

www.edclc.org

NEW YORK

Allegany County Industrial Development Agency

Craig Clark, Executive Director CrossRoads Center

6087 State Route 19N, Suite 100 Belmont, NY 14813

585-268-7445

585-268-7473 (f) clarkcr@alleganyco.com www.acida.org

Stacey Duncan, Executive Director of Community & Economic Development

Five South College Drive Suite 201 Binghamton, NY 13905

607-584-9000

607-584-9009 (f) smd@theagency-ny.com

www.theagency-ny.com

Preston Hunter, Executive Director

2780 Jetport Road

Kinston, NC 28504

252-775-6183

252-522-1765 (f) phunter@ncdot.gov

www.ncgtp.com

Fulton County Center for Regional Growth

Ronald M. Peters 34 West Fulton Street Gloversville, NY 12078 518-725-7700 ext. 2 ronp@fccrg.org www.fccrg.org

Mohawk Valley Edge

Nick Bruno

584 Phoenix Drive Rome, NY 13441-4105

315-338-0393

nbruno@mvedge.org

www.mvedge.org

NORTH CAROLINA

Beaufort County Economic Development

Brad Hufford, Director

705 Page Road Washington, NC 27889

252-946-3970

252-946-0849 (f)

brad.hufford@beaufortedc.com

www.beaufortedc.com

Piedmont Triad Airport Authority

Stephanie Freeman

1000A Ted Johnson Parkway

Greensboro, NC 27409

336-665-5602

freemans@gsoair.org

www.landatpti.com

Ponca City Development Authority

David Myers, Executive Director 102 S. Fifth Street Suite 3 Ponca City, OK 74601

580-765-7070

580-765-7070 (f) dmyers@goponca.com www.goponca.com

RHODE

ISLAND

City of Cranston

Lawrence DiBoni, Director of Economic Development 869 Park Avenue

Cranston, RI 02910

401-780-3166

401-780-3179 (f) ldiboni@cranstonri.org

Stanly County Economic Development Commission

Candice Boyd Lowder, Director

1000 North First Street, Suite 11 Albemarle, NC 28001

704-986-3682

704-986-3685 (f) clowder@stanlyedc.com

www.stanlyedc.com

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.bismarckmandan.com

OKLAHOMA

Harnett County Economic Development

Debbie Taylor, Marketing & Business Recruitment Manager

200 Alexander Dr. or PO Box 1270

Lillington, NC 27546

910-814-6891

919-814-8298 (f)

dhtaylor@harnett.org

www.harnettedc.org

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

www.cranstonri.com

City of Warwick

Department of Tourism, Culture, and Development

Elizabeth J. Dunton, Acting Director 3275 Pos t Road Warwick, RI 2886

401-921-7711

401-732-7662

elizabeth.j.dunton@warwickri.com movetowarwickri.com

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

Claire Gibbons 4401 Belle Oaks Drive, Suite 420 North Charleston, SC 29405 843-760-3351

cgibbons@crda.org

www.crda.org

Lexington County Economic Development

Sarah J. Johnson Department Director

212 South Lake Drive Lexington, SC 29072

803-785-6818

sjjohnson@lex-co.com

www.LexingtonCountyUSA.com

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

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

NETWORKS – Sullivan

Partnership

Clay Walker PO Box 747, Blountville, TN 37617 423-279-7681

cwalker@networkstn.com

www.networkstn.com

TEXAS

Big Spring Economic Development Corporation

Mark Willis

215 W. 3rd Street Big Spring, TX 79720 432-264-6032

markwillis@bigspringtx.com

www.bigspringtx.com

Cedar Hill Economic Development Corporation

Andy J. Buffington, CEcD, IOM 285 Uptown Boulevard, Bldg. 100 Cedar Hill, TX 75104 972-291-5132

chedc@cedarhilltx.com

www.cedarhilledc.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

DeSoto Economic Development

Matt Carlson, CEO 211 E. Pleasant Run Road

DeSoto, TX 75115

Ph: 972-230-9611

mcarlson@desototexas.gov

www.dedc.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

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

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

City of Fort Worth

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

Robert.Sturns@fortworthtexas.gov

McKinney Economic Development Corporation

Peter Tokar III President/CEO

5900 S. Lake Forest Drive

McKinney, TX 75070

972-435-6953

ptokar@mckinneyedc.com

www.uniquemckinney.com

City of Leander

Cameron Goodman Economic Development Director 201 N Brushy Leander, TX 78641 512-528-2852

cgoodman@leandertx.gov

www.leanderbusiness.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

Conroe Economic Development Council

Danielle Scheiner, Executive Director 300 W Davis St, Ste 510 Conroe, TX 77301 USA 936-538-7118

scheiner@conroeedc.org

www.conroeedc.org

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

Odessa Economic Development Corporation

Tom Manskey

700 N. Grant Ave.

Odessa, TX 79761

432-333-7880

tom@odessaecodev.com

www.odessatx.com

Jacksboro Economic Development Corporation

Lynda Pack Executive Director

P.O. Box 610

Jacksboro, TX 76458

940-567-3151

lyndapack@jacksboroedc.com

www.jacksboroedc.com

Plainview Economic Development Corporation

Kristi Aday, Executive Director 1906 West 5th Plainview, TX 79072 806-293-8536

kaday@plainviewtx.org

www.plainviewedc.org

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

WASHINGTON

Laredo Economic Development

Gene Lindgren President & CEO

P.O. Box 2682 Laredo, TX 78044 956-722-0563

glindgren@laredoedc.org

www.laredoedc.org

TexAmericas Center

Eric Voyles, Executive Vice President Chief Economic Development Officer 107 Chapel Lane New Boston, TX 75570 903-306-8923

Eric.Voyles@texamericascenter.com www.texamericascenter.com

City of Lakewood Economic Development

Becky Newton, Manager 6000 Main Street SW Lakewood, WA 98499 877-421-9126

bnewton@cityoflakewood.us

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

Marble Falls EDC

Christian Fletcher

801 Fourth Street Marble Falls, TX 78654

830-798-7079

cfletcher@marblefallseconomy.com

www.marblefallseconomy.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

Pflugerville Community Development

Amy Madison 3801 Helios Way Suite 130

Pflugerville, TX 78660 512-990-3725

amym@pfdevelopment.com www.pfevelopment.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

Eagle Mountain Economic Development

Evan Berrett, City Administrator 1650 E. Stagecoach Run Eagle Mountain, UT 84005 801-789-6621

eberrett@emcity.org

www.eaglemountaincity.com

VIRGINA

Arlington Economic Development

Telly Tucker, AED Director

1100 N Glebe Rd Suite 1500 Arlington, VA 22201 703-228-0808

703-228-0805 (f)

ttucker@arlingtonva.us

www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com

www.buildyourbetterhere.com

City of Maple Valley

Tim Morgan Economic Development Manager P.O. Box 320 Maple Valley, WA 98038 425-413-8800

tim.morgan@maplevalleywa.gov

www.maplevalleywa.gov

Try-City Development Council

Karl Dye, President & CEO 7130 W. Grandridge Blvd #A Kennewich, WA 99336 509-735-1000

kdye@tridec.org

www.tridec.org

WISCONSIN

City of Franklin Economic Development

Calli Berg, Director 9229 W. Loomis Road Franklin, WI 53132 414-427-7566

cberg@franklinwi.gov

www.franklinwi.gov

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

Todd Kuckkahn, Executive Director 5501 Vern Holmes Drive Stevens Point, WI 54482

715-344-1940

715-344-1940 (f)

tkuckkah@portagecountybiz.com

www.portagecountyconnects.com

WYOMING

Advance Casper

Morryah McCurdy 111 S. Durbin, Suite 200 Casper, WY 82601 307-577-7011

morryah@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

MANITOBA

City of Brandon

Dan Fontaine

Business Development Specialist

Main Floor, 410 9th Street

Brandon, Manitoba, Canada R7A 6A2

204-729-2133

d.fontaine@brandon.ca

www.economicdevelomentbrandon.com

ONTARIO

Town of Ajax

Samuel Twumasi , Manager, Economic Development & Tourism

65 Harwood Avenue South Ajax, Ontario, Canada L1S 2H9 905-619-2529 ext. 3281

samuel.twumasi@ajax.ca

www.ajax.ca

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

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

NEW BRUNSWICK

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

County of Elgin

Kate Burns-Gallagher Manager Economic Development And Tourism

450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada N5R 5V1 519-631-1460 ext. 137

kburns@elgin.ca

www.progressivebynature.com

City of Mississauga Economic Development

Chistina Kakaflikas, Ec. D. Director of Economic Development Office

Mississauga City Hall

300 City Centre Drive, 3rd Floor Mississauga, ON L5B 3C1 Canada 800-456-2181 905-896-5931

christina.kakfikas@mississauga.ca www.TheFuturelsUnlimited.ca

Ignite Fredericton

Paula Lehr

40 Crowther Lane, Ste. 100 Fredericton, NB E3C 0J1 506-282-0624

paula.lehr@ignitefredericton.com

www.ignitefredericton.com

More than half of the nation’s population lives within a 650-mile radius of the airport’s mid-Atlantic location

ADJACENT INTERSTATE HIGHWAY NETWORK

Five interstates are within easy reach of the airport

WORLD CLASS WORK FORCE TRAINING FACILITIES

1,000 ACRES READY TO BUILD Ready for development and linked to the main campus by a new taxiway bridge