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TEXAS: Bigger and Better
PENNSYLVANIA: Where You Can Have it All
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: Tech Updates for Intermodal Distribution Driving Sustainability, Resilience
Intermodal distribution companies, recovered from the pandemic, put in place better methods for the continuity of business, often with the help of new ideas in technology
By David HodesINNOVATION AND STRATEGIES: Airports
Prepare for the Coming of the VTOL
The FAA submits blueprints for airport development to accommodate flying cars and other VTOLs, citing their expected economic impact
By David HodesINDUSTRY INSIGHT: Managing the Developing Variables of Logistics
Delivering most consumer products around the world is a matter of keeping a close eye on an ever-moving landscape of variables
By David HodesRHODE ISLAND: Be Where The Action Is
MAINE: Open For Business
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Alan Reyes-Guerra
areyes@bxjmag.com
205-862-5175
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
David Hodes
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Clint Cabiness
Intermodal distribution companies, recovered from the pandemic, put in place better methods for the continuity of business, often with the help of new ideas in technology
The growth of intermodal transportation is reliant on many different economic factors working in harmony with a dedicated coordination of all the components over land, sea and air.
For some regions, this coordination is crucial to their overall economic prosperity.
For example, intermodal transportation is especially important in areas like the Asia Pacific region, where the regional geography makes multiple transport methods a critical method to survival and prosperity. Intermodal transportation has become more important than ever for this region and other similar 30-plus archipelago regions around the world.
One of the biggest intermodal companies in the world, Maersk, reported in an article about the future of logistics, that in a region such as Asia Pacific, including those with a large land area like China, as well as many islands that are only
accessible by sea or air, logistics relies on intermodal transportation for both reach and efficiency.
Maersk has a strategic vision to become the global integrator, offering integrated logistics solutions that connect, protect and simplify their customers’ supply chains.
Three other top intermodal companies include:
- CMA CGM Group, headquartered in Marseille, France. As one of the largest container shipping companies, CMA CGM operates globally and plays a significant role in intermodal logistics. Beginning in
April, 2024, CMA CGM will operate North Red Sea Express(NRX), a joint upgraded service connecting Saudi Arabia Jeddah Islamic Port to North Red Seaports of Sokhna in Egypt, Aqaba in Jordan and Yanbu in Saudi Arabia, expanding logistic capabilities in the North Red Sea and reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s growing strategic position as a global logistics hub.
- China COSCO Shipping Corporation, headquartered in Shanghai. A major Chinese shipping company, COSCO is involved in both container shipping and logistics services. In January, COSCO bought Trasgo,
an Italian logistics company based in Novara, Italy, which currently operates 14 warehouse facilities across five major regions of Italy. Trasgo owns and controls more than 100 trailers, trucks, and 200 handling units. COSCO wants to actively build a full-process digital supply chain service product and a green intelligent warehousing and distribution system.
- UPS (United Parcel Service), headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. UPS offers a range of intermodal solutions, including rail and trucking, and is growing their Asia Pacific operations. UPS has made network and facility enhancements in Singapore, Japan, China, Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, and most recently Hong Kong, where UPS will open a state-of-the-art facility by 2028.
Eliminating or at least reducing carbonbased fuels is a huge new goal for intermodal distribution, and an increasingly important selling point for any vehicle handling freight, such as railroads, trucks and airlines.
It’s an awesome task. Full electrification of the U.S. commercial truck fleet would require nearly $1 trillion in infrastructure investment alone, according to a new report from Roland Berger and the Clean Freight Coalition (CFC), an alliance of truck transportation stakeholders working for a clean energy future for America’s trucking industry.
That study forecasts a realistic infrastructure buildout for the electrification of medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, exposing what the CFC calls a massive investment gap as state and federal policymakers mandate increased adoption rates of battery-electric commercial vehicles.
But the momentum has begun in earnest. To help combat issues with carbonbased fuels is the Advanced Locomotive Technology and Rail Infrastructure Optimization System (ALTRIOS), which, as described in a white paper from the U.S. Department of Energy, is a fully integrated, open-source software tool to evaluate strategies for deploying advanced locomotive technologies and associated infrastructure for cost-effective decarbonization.
ALTRIOS development is an ongoing collaboration between National Renewable
ALTRIOS simulates energy conversion and storage dynamics, locomotive and train dynamics, meet-pass planning (detailed train timetabling), and freight-demand-driven train scheduling optimization.
A recently announced collaboration between NREL and Parallel Systems, a Los Angeles-based autonomous electric rail car startup founded in 2020 by a group of former SpaceX engineers, is working on converting some of today’s rail network from the $940 billion U.S. trucking business to rail (Trucks move roughly 72.6 percent of the nation’s freight by weight, according to the American Trucking Associations.)
The company recently demonstrated how Parallel vehicles successfully platooned (a line of vehicles traveling together) on its Southern California test track. Individually powered Parallel railcars can form platoons of up to 50 cars, improving aerodynamic energy efficiency and using railroad network capacity more effectively.
According to a press release about the demonstration, the fully automated platooning process eliminates the requirement for railcars to couple to each other and connect air brake lines. Upon contact, each vehicle maintains bumper contact with the one in front by controlling tractive effort.
The small air gap between containers and the pushing action through railcar bumpers reduces average aerodynamic drag of the platoon, ultimately improving energy efficiency.
Individual railcars can also separate from one another, enabling them to bypass rail classification yards and independently proceed to varied destinations, or to keep railroad crossings clear. Brake systems are self-contained in each railcar and therefore do not require connecting air lines.
According to a company press release, the Department of Energy (DOE) awarded Parallel approximately $4.5 million as part of its Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) initiative. The purpose of the award is to test how well Parallel’s zero-emissions rail vehicles integrate with real-world railroad operations, and evaluate supply chain resilience and reduction in energy usage.
Intermodal distribution relies heavily on the highway system across the country. Any technology that could help monitor and warn drivers about potential delays or incidents involving failing highway structures is a valuable asset to have for more efficient delivery services.
A project by the Berkley Center for Smart Infrastructure is looking at using fiber optics sensing (FOS) to check for strain measurements at crucial points in reinforced concrete structures.
The hope is that this technology can evaluate structural performance and identify potential damage.
Berkley researchers equipped a new bridge viaduct structure with FOS for continuous monitoring of structural performance and damage detection. Their initial research focused on evaluating actual bridge performance compared to computational simulations.
Researchers expect that, in the long term, this FOS monitoring system could enable rapid post-earthquake damage assessments and continuous monitoring to enable proactive maintenance.
New technologies for better, more data-driven intermodal delivery processes continue to ramp up.
Check out the technology initiatives at Trac Intermodal, one of the largest marine chassis providers in the U.S.: the Helix platform, providing integrated, online tools and services to manage finance and business operations; the Zebox Initiative, a collaboration with an international accelerator and innovation hub for supply chain, logistics and startup sectors; the Roadstar AI Project, providing real-time access to emergency road service; and Cybersecurity Advances, which includes security awareness training.
Another company initiative comes from a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Transportation, called the Freight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW) program.
It is designed to collect purchase order information from importers, along with logistics supply, demand, and throughput data from participants, such as beneficial cargo owners, ocean carriers, ports, terminals, railways to improve delivery performance.
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics anonymizes, regionally segments, and aggregates the data. Participants can then receive or view FLOW data providing a broad, daily view of the current conditions of the overall logistics network, beyond what they may observe within their own operations.
The USDOT explained the details: “Participants can use this data
to better understand how regional logistics capacity can service current and future demand, as well as how demand fluctuations may impact their own utilization of assets and logistics throughput. Because demand data is shared in advance of when respective logistics services would be required, supply-side optimizations such as modifying supply capacity levels, service level mixes, and service expectations can be made by participants in a more proactive and responsive manner. This in turn can help the industry mitigate bottlenecks and service-level volatility.”
A recent McKinsey study showed that nearly all surveyed companies have raised the priority of resilience in their supply chains, and have plans to further increase resilience in the coming years.
The study recommends that companies create and test a “what-if” scenario to find out what would happen if the shift from rail to sea transport reduced the supply of vessels by 25 percent. Data sharing with suppliers should also be increased.
The study recommends that companies construct a “digital twin” of the most critical parts of a supply chain. A digital twin is a virtual replica of a business’s operation that allows companies to simulate how a product, process, or service will perform before it is implemented in the real world.
Bottom line goal for surviving and helping mitigate longer-term damage from supply chain disruptions is to maintain a strategic priority on customers, the McKinsey study concludes.. X
The Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore’s state-owned public marine terminals, managed by the Maryland Port Administration, and its private terminals handled a record 52.3 million tons of foreign cargo, worth $80 billion in 2023. The port’s new record illustrates the rebound from pandemic impacts and worldwide supply chain issues facing the international maritime shipping industry.
“The Port of Baltimore is the best port in the nation and one of the largest economic generators in Maryland,” said Maryland Governor Wes Moore. “Together, we aren’t just breaking records—we are creating jobs, growing our economy, and building new pathways to opportunity. We must continue our work to make Maryland more competitive by investing in our greatest assets, including our worldclass port.”
Maryland’s Port of Baltimore generates more than 20,000 direct jobs, with more than 273,000 jobs in Maryland linked to port activities. But it doesn’t end there. The Port of Baltimore is critical to the nation’s economy. It brings in more cars and light trucks, roll on/ roll off heavy farm and construction machinery, sugar, and gypsum than any other U.S. port. The overall value of the Port of Baltimore to the nation’s economy is $101.2 billion.
In 2023, the Port of Baltimore set new records for:
• 52.3 million tons of foreign cargo (previous record was 44.2 million tons in 2019)
• $80.8 billion in foreign cargo value (previous record was $74.3 billion in 2022)
• 1.3 million tons of roll on/roll off farm and construction machinery (previous record was 1.0 million tons in 2012)
• 1.1 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit containers (previous record was 1.0 million in 2019)
• 11.7 million tons of general cargo tons (previous record was 11.3 million tons in 2022)
In addition to the records, the Port of Baltimore handled 847,158 cars and light trucks in 2023, the 13th consecutive year it has led all other U.S. ports in that commodity.
“The Port of Baltimore is a key component in Maryland’s transportation network,” said Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “Our strong highway and rail infrastructure network, coupled with the port’s great labor force and strong regional supply chain, allows us to move goods efficiently and get them to consumers quickly.”
“Simply put, there is no port in this country that operates as one team better than the Port of Baltimore,” said Maryland Port Administration - Port of Baltimore Executive Director Jonathan Daniels. “From our hardworking International Longshoremen’s Association workforce, dedicated truckers, private marine terminals,
terminal operators, freight forwarders, pilots, tugs, and more, Baltimore is building something great and we’re just getting started.”
2023 provided other significant achievements for the Port of Baltimore:
• ZIM Shipping Lines, one of the world’s largest container shipping companies, doubled its service in Maryland in 2023, increasing its frequency from bi-weekly to weekly calls. ZIM also increased the size of its ships coming into Maryland by nearly 50 percent.
• The Evergreen Ever Max, the largest container ship to ever enter the port, arrived with capacity to handle more than 15,000 20-foot equivalent containers. The arrival of ships of this size continues to demonstrate Baltimore’s capabilities of handling supersized vessels, including its ultra-large Neo-Panamax cranes and deep channel.
• More than 444,000 individuals cruised out of the Port of Baltimore, representing the third-highest passenger total in the port’s history, and the most since 2012.
• Norwegian Cruise Line, one of the top cruise lines in the world, began a new fall and winter cruising schedule in 2023 from the Port of Baltimore. Norwegian offered sailings to New England and Canada as well as the Bahamas and Caribbean. Norwegian will return later this year.
• The Mid-Chesapeake Bay Island Ecosystem Restoration construction began, which will use dredged sediment from Port of Baltimore shipping channels to restore eroding James and Barren Islands and protect Dorchester County’s shoreline. Mid-Bay will eventually replace Poplar Island as the state’s primary receiving site for Chesapeake Bay channel dredged sediment.
The port’s rising container business will be additionally supported by the CSX-owned Howard Street Tunnel expansion project, which will allow for double-stacked container rail cars and enable seamless double-stack capacity from Maine to Florida. The project involves clearance improvements in the 127-year-old tunnel and at 21 other locations between Baltimore and Philadelphia.
With the tunnel expansion project, Baltimore will be able to send double-stacked containers by rail into the Ohio Valley and on to Chicago. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2027. The Howard Street Tunnel project benefits from public-private investment from the federal government, Maryland, CSX, and others, and is expected to increase the port’s business by about 160,000 containers annually. The project will also generate about 6,550 construction jobs, and an additional 7,300 jobs from increased business.
Leading the way to an environmentally sustainable and economically robust future, the Port of Long Beach is partnering with industry and community to strengthen competitiveness, modernize facilities and enhance operational excellence. The Port is focused on improving service throughout the supply chain by collaborating, innovating and imagining.
Customers choose the Port of Long Beach for the most dependable, cost-effective and fastest delivery of goods in the world, along with the strong relationships it maintains with industry, community, environmental advocates and partner agencies.
As the West Coast’s premier container seaport, the Port of Long Beach handles trade valued at $200 billion annually and supports 2.6 million jobs across the United States, including 575,000 in Southern California and 1 in 5 jobs in Long Beach.
Spanning 3,200 acres with 31 miles of waterfront, 10 piers, 72 post-Panamax cranes and some of the deepest berths in the country, the Port’s world-class facilities can accommodate the largest shipping vessels in the world. Goods moving through the Port originate in or are destined for every U.S. congressional district.
The Port is pursuing a comprehensive capital improvement program to modernize its facilities and ensure that cargo is moved with reliability, speed and efficiency.
In the next 10 years, the Port is planning $2.2 billion in modernization projects to further prepare for the demands of global trade. Plans include investing $1.3 billion in on-dock rail projects, adding capacity, improving speed-to-market and allowing for the rapid movement of cargo throughout the harbor.
By operating Foreign Trade Zone 50, the Port of Long Beach lessens the impacts of tariffs and eliminates Customs clearance delays by having shipments delivered directly to qualifying businesses within Orange County and parts of San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties.
Customers choose the Port of Long Beach for the most dependable, cost-effective and fastest delivery of goods in the world, along with the strong relationships it maintains with industry, community, environmental advocates and partner agencies.
For more information on the business opportunities of Port of Long Beach, please contact the Business Development Division at 562-283-7750 or visit their website at www.polb.com
The Port of Long Beach is investing $1.5 billion in rail infrastructure – more tracks, longer trains and greener locomotives. More cargo moving faster to market more efficiently as we work to become the world’s first zero-emissions port.
Lilium eVTOL jet. The company plans to focus on manufacturing and selling the Lilium Jet to various individuals and companies for private, premium, and shuttle operations, and providing aftermarket support. Picture courtesy Lilium
The FAA submits blueprints for airport development to accommodate flying cars and other VTOLs, citing their expected economic impact
The world of flying is getting bigger, and bolder, responding to the demands of new innovations for flying from a customer base wanting more amenities at the airport. ...........................................................................................................
Air travel has picked up significantly post-pandemic. Domestic traffic for 2023 rose 30.4% compared to 2022, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), kicking off a slew of new construction.
Terminals 2 and 3 of the Los Angeles Airport (LAX) are undergoing a $2.3 billion modernization redo, one of eight construction projects at LAX.
Modernization efforts are also underway at George Bush Intercontinental/ Houston Airport (IAH) through the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program, the largest expansion program in the 53-year history of airport. The program has a budget of $1.43 billion, and the goal is to improve current and future roadway and curbside capacity constraints in the central terminal area, improve baggage handling system capacity and reliability challenges, and improve the overall guest experience for every international passenger by early 2025.
But it’s not just planes and jets driving air travel modernization development anymore.
It’s cars as planes. It’s helicopter-like drone vehicles as planes. It’s air taxis and delivery vehicles and remodeled ultralight vehicles piloted by everyday people who don’t have to have specialized pilot licenses and training (at least so far – the FAA published proposed rules in June, 2023), transporting crew and material to offshore oil rigs, transporting passengers from point-to-point as an air ambulance, and transporting passengers in concentrated urban environments.
Now there comes word that actually buying and flying a flying car is closer to becoming a reality.
One company making a bet on the flying car future is Alef Aeronautics in San Mateo, California founded in 2015, with their Model A vehicle/plane. Engineers tested the first full-sized prototype of their flying car in 2019, and it continues to undergo tests.
The Model A looks like a relatively modern car, fully electric, that can be driven on a regular urban or rural road and fits into a regular parking space.
The flying car made its debut in September, 2023, Detroit Auto Show.
While it’s still being tweaked and is working through regulatory issues (it became the first traditional electric car to receive a limited Special Airworthiness Certificate from the FAA) pre-orders for the $300,000 flying car are coming in fast—reportedly 2,850 and counting.
There are a handful of other vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle manufacturers making development moves. Two examples: Joby Aviation, based in Santa Cruz, California, which just acquired an on-airport facility at the Dayton International Airport in Dayton,
Ohio, to develop up to 500 VTOL electric air taxis; and Munich-based Lilium, working in a strategic partnership with Lufthansa to build and develop their VTOL jet, announced an agreement in March with the New York City Economic Development Corporation’s (NYCEDC) to accommodate VTOL operations with a heliport operator serving a wide range of aircraft and advanced air mobility (AAM) use cases at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport near Battery Park on Pier 6 along the East River. Some using drone technology, and most are still in development with expected rollout dates later this decade.
But the growing issue becomes: What are airports doing to gear up for the onslaught of these new flying machines?
Integrating flying cars or urban air mobility (UAM) into airports is a topic gaining attention now, with plans still in their early stages. Changes in air traffic management and new rules for airspace are just a couple of the issues being discussed.
The FAA is working on proposed rules for training and certifying UAM pilots, and has developed a blueprint with NASA and other stakeholders for air taxi operations in and around urban areas.
Under terms of that blueprint, UAM operations will begin at a low rate with air taxis flying like helicopters. They’ll use existing routes and infrastructure such as helipads and early vertiports. Pilots will communicate with air traffic controllers where required.
As the number of operations increases, air taxis are expected to fly in corridors between major airports and vertiports in city centers. The complexity of the corridors could increase over time from single one-way paths to routes serving multiple flows of aircraft flying in both directions. Over time, these corridors could link an increasing number of routes between vertiports, according to the FAA blueprint.
The FAA also released new design guidelines for vertiports set up at airports, and how airport developers and managers should work with them in regular FAA-regulated airports.
In a Q&A session published by the National Business Aviation Association, Shannetta Griffin, the FAA’s associate administrator for airports, said that, while only a few markets may see those early (VTOL) operations, “I can’t emphasize enough that it’s imperative that airports start planning for the increased electrical demands that advanced air mobility aircraft, and electric aircraft in general, will bring to the airport environment. The Office of Airports will continue to be a partner with our airports and other stakeholders through the dynamic change our industry is facing.”
A study of UAM for various states by UAM Geomatics showed that passenger revenue in Virginia could top $500 million from 2026-2030, and increase up to almost $3 billion from 2041-2045.
According to an economic impact study by the Virginia Innovation
Partnership Corporation (VIPC), the air mobility industry in Virginia has the potential to generate $16 billion in new business activity and create more than 17,000 full-time jobs in the aerospace and supporting industries during the next 23 years.
By 2045, over 7.7 million passengers annually, or more than 21,000 passengers per day, will travel in advanced air mobility aircraft within Virginia, according to the VIPC study.
The race to reconfigure helipads into vertiports, or just build more vertiports for eVTOLs near airports or in urban areas, is on.
Archer Aviation is looking to retrofit existing parking garages in Los Angeles and Miami for takeoff and landing sites for UAMs, with the goal of developing urban aerial ridesharing networks.
In Italy, Rome-based air mobility company UrbanV hopes to develop a network of vertiports in Rome, Venice, Nice and Bologna with the goal to expand operations in Europe.
UrbanV wants to be among the first in the world to launch an AAM commercial network, starting first from Rome where the company plans to open the first route—Fiumicino Airport to Rome City Centre.
And in September, the FAA issued the first conditional approval for a vertiport at Allen C. Perkinson Blackstone Army Airfield (KBKT), in Blackstone, Virginia. It will be the first licensed public-use vertiport in the country.
Kevin Thibault, the CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority(GOAA), and the former Florida Secretary of Transportation, is working on implementing a strategic plan for incorporating eVTOLs into the Orlando International Airport development plan.
The plan “is kind of a guide map for the next 10 plus years,” he told BXJ. “One of the features is looking at what our mission and vision should be going forward. The vision is to be a leader in the global evolution of mobility. Advanced air mobility is clearly part of that.”
GOAA is collaborating with researchers from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida to do a systematic evaluation of the impact of AAMs on airport operations at Orlando International Airport. “We’re focusing on air traffic flow to evaluate not only close to the actual airport, which is a very congested class (called Bravo airspace), but also areas around it,” Dr. Victor Fraticelli Rivera, one of the assistant professors of aeronautical science at Embry-Riddle, told BXJ. “We’re evaluating the integration and urban air mobility, and vehicles potentially getting into congested airspace class Bravo, or just around the urban environment.”
Building awareness and use of AAM is a challenge, Thibault said. “There are probably about a dozen different entities that are developing a whole similar type of aircraft to help serve this marketplace,” he said. “All those OEMs are doing is selling equipment. It’s really the operator who we are going to work with. How do we market these available flights and provide information about how to arrive at the airport, and how to connect with the AAM service and so on? Those relationships between developer and operator are clearly happening as we speak.”
One example is a recently formed strategic alliance with Atlantic Aviation using Lilium as their AAM provider, he said, and concerns about how their operations would evolve while making sure that what they want to do is in line with what the airport’s proposing, he said.
For regional eVTOL, the best vertiport will be at nearby Lake Nona. For intra-city routes, the best initial route will be between the Orlando International Airport and downtown.
How will the VTOL industry develop in the U.S.? The operator or the manufacturer will build business cases to operate out of large cities like Orlando or Chicago, Thibault said. “Then they would identify the different routes that will support that business case. When you talk to the groups that are developing this, it’s always from point-to-point, or a known connection. Take the point of if you fly into LaGuardia, then how to get from LaGuardia into Manhattan via AAM? There is no consistent way to do that,” he said. X
Piedmont Triad International Airport is without question the Center of North Carolina Aerospace.
“We are committed to promoting groundbreaking innovation in aerospace and to generating abundant, high-quality jobs for our community,” says Kevin Baker, PTI’s executive director. “Years ago, the Airport Authority envisioned the airport as a key catalyst for regional economic growth. It’s gratifying to see that this foresight is now yielding tangible benefits.”
The most visible evidence of PTI’s commitment to economic development may be seen as you travel Interstate 73, which bisects the airport, centrally located between Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem. There, you’ll see a 174,000 square foot hangar, where Boom Supersonic will soon be building a supersonic passenger jet with an affordable ticket price and a zero-carbon footprint. Boom broke ground in early 2023 on the manufacturing plant, which will include a final assembly line, a test facility, and a customer delivery center. Overture, the first production aircraft, is expected to debut later this decade. The company expects to employ 2,400 people at the plant.
“Boom is just one example of this airport’s commitment to innovation,” Baker says. “The airport adopted an aggressive master plan a little over a decade ago to ensure that when the aerospace industry needs a site centrally located on the East Coast, proximate to multiple interstate highways and ready for development, we would have one available.”
Driving down I-73 you can see that Baker is not exaggerating. Thanks to the vision of present and past airport leadership, sites are being prepared alongside the Interstate for additional companies to locate at PTI. The airport has assembled a 1,000acre, aerospace “mega-site” to accommodate a new wave of growth. Several of those parcels have been graded, have Interstate and runway access, and are ready for development.
Boom, Marshall Aerospace and Honda Aircraft Company are
the most recent examples of companies that have found the airport an attractive place to locate and expand.
Altogether, about 50 companies are located on airport property, including global brands such as FedEx, Cessna/Textron and HAECO North America. Taken together, these 50 companies employ nearly 9,000 people at the airport. A supply-chain network of nearly 200 aerospace companies have located in the Piedmont Triad region near the airport providing even more aerospace jobs.
“It is very rewarding to see a long-term strategy materialize with these recent successes,” says Baker. “And we’re just getting started.”
The transition thirty years ago from a closed military base to a thriving airport mitigated the loss of thousands of jobs and heralded a new era of economic vitality for Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. The airport has flown under the radar to emerge as a 3,000acre economic development project with significant aeronautical and non-aeronautical opportunities. Located 30 miles southeast of Downtown Phoenix, in Mesa, Arizona, Gateway Airport has surpassed even the loftiest projections that were made when envisioning what has now become a growing hub of jobs and economic activity.
In 2024, Gateway Airport has a long list of celebrations to commemorate the progress that has been made.
This summer, Gulfstream Aerospace will open its brand new 225,000-square-foot West Coast Service Center. Since announcing its arrival in November 2021, the company has hired 250 employees and already occupies over 100,000 square feet of space for its Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) activities.
Also soon to open are Virgin Galactic’s two large facilities totaling more than 150,000 SF located between Cessna and Embraer’s Service Centers. One hangar will house the “mothership,” and the other contains four assembly bays to produce the Delta Class spaceship. The mothership will transport the spaceships manufactured at Gateway Airport to New Mexico for launch.
Two world-class airport business parks are also under construction. SkyBridge Arizona (SkyBridge), which includes 360 acres of land, is being developed by Mesa SkyBridge LLC. They will soon deliver two 250,000-square-foot industrial buildings. SkyBridge is investing over $75 million in horizontal infrastructure to activate 200 acres of aeronautical development opportunities. ,
Gateway East is a 270-acre non-aeronautical development opportunity located on the east side of the Airport adjacent to the SR 24 Freeway and the Loop 202 San Tan Freeway. The Boyer Company, LC (Boyer) from Salt Lake City, UT, is planning a mixed-use airport business park that includes office, industrial, and commercial retail space. Boyer recently announced their first tenant, XNRGY Climate Systems, which will occupy a 275,000 build-to-suit headquarters and manufacturing building.
At full build-out, SkyBridge and GatewayEast will represent thousands of new high-wage jobs in the region. This job growth is fueled by a unique concentration of higher education institutions within walking distance of the airport that are training engineers, technicians, and pilots to practice on the cutting edge of the aerospace industry. Further supporting this dynamic ecosystem are a stable political environment, less red tape and regulation, and a suite of incentives to encourage quality job growth.
The shuttered Williams Air Force Base now contributes $1.8 billion annually to Arizona’s economy, making it an internationally recognized economic powerhouse known for attracting leading global companies and serving nearly 2 million annual passengers. Gateway Airport stands out as the country’s most successful Air Force Base redevelopment project, and it is just getting started.
Delivering most consumer products around the world is a matter of keeping a close eye on an ever-moving landscape of variables
One of the trickier elements of distributing a product from point A to point B is the actual physical process of moving goods efficiently and effectively among a host of variables.
A group of scientists from the U.S., Brazil and the U.K., writing about using ChatGPT for bioA good logistics pro may have to know the latest geopolitics and expected outcome of unstable weather, while keep sustainability high in the equation, managing shipping lane effects from global warming, checking satellite availability to make sure there is constant communications on the route, stay flexible for changing customer deadlines, stay effective with inventory levels and warehouse storage, monitoring the functional health of a transportation system, and much more.
Right now, for example, manufacturers are facing longer delivery times because of ships being forced to travel around the African continent’s Cape of Good Hope as a result of geopolitical disorder in and around the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
According to JP Morgan Research, 30 percent of global container trade transits through the Suez Canal. Canal revenues have dipped $100 million per month since October, 2023, according to Reuters.
As a result of the ongoing disorder near the canal, Europe-based auto plants have announced temporary production shutdowns due to delays in obtaining car parts from Asia.
Auto component makers—particularly those with high revenue exposure to exports from China to Europe and the U.S.—have also been affected, according to the JP Morgan research.
Global warming is affecting the Panama Canal. It’s drying up, and getting shallower. Ships using the canal represent 3 percent of the world’s maritime trade. But restrictions have been put in place because of the drought.
Global warming is affecting the Arctic as well. The European Federation for Transport and Environment reports on studies that estimate overall shipping activity in the Arctic will increase by more than 50 percent between 2012 and 2050 because of thinning polar ice from global warming.
That’s good news for shippers—who are now able to make it through the Arctic in winter without an ice breaker—but bad for the delicate ecosystem there.
The real logistics race is between the online merchandise order
Amazon Global Logistics (AGL), which provides origin services, The Office of Logistics Management provides global logistics support for the people and programs of America’s diplomacy by providing support for U.S. government agencies in foreign affair operations. Illustration courtesy of U.S. Department of State
date—when a product was actually ordered—and the date of delivery of the merchandise.
Some retail e-commerce merchandisers offer great discounts on their wares through companies such as Boston-based Chinese e-commerce company Temu. But there’s a trade-off for those low prices—speed of delivery.
A Temu order can take weeks to get to the consumer, instead of days, which is how Amazon does their delivery.
While Amazon wins the logistics race for now, with WalMart close behind, Temu is getting more aggressive, buying warehouses in the U.S. and creating partnerships with local logistics firms, as reported in The Economist.
WalMart is offering free delivery from their fulfillment services for qualified customers. Meanwhile, Amazon is doubling down on its lead.
Amazon reports that it delivered to Prime members at the fastest speeds ever globally, with more than 7 billion units arriving the same or next day, including more than 4 billion in the U.S. and more than 2 billion in Europe.
The disrupted landscape of logistics has compelled pharmaceutical companies to rethink the design of their value chain. Maersk offers them the ability to view data reporting on the condition of their cargo at any time. Picture courtesy of Maersk
ocean freight shipping, customs clearance, expanded expanding their origin services in October to be closer to sellers’ factories. That will enable additional pick-up services for all ocean products at key manufacturing hubs.
AGL offers all-inclusive pricing that covers customs clearance, unloading of freight, warehousing, storage, and local transportation to fulfillment centers.
Sellers can also leverage Amazon’s advanced machine learning and supply chain optimization capabilities to automatically replenish inventory into the optimal Amazon fulfillment centers, supporting expected customer demand and allowing even faster-to-consumer speeds.
Another concept adding more complexity to the logistics process is reverse logistics.
As defined by the Association for Supply Chain Management, reverse logistics is the supply chain process of returning products from end users back through the supply chain to either the retailer or manufacturer.
Working in reverse logistics is James Hess, the global manager of reverse logistics for Google’s IT and AV resources. Hess directs the operations to repair, reuse, recycle and remarket over one million devices currently in active life cycles in Google’s global fleet. “I am constantly reminded how much harder it is to do reverse logistics than forward logistics,” he told BXJ
With forward logistics, items are organized with codes that identify the use of the item and what hazardous materials it may
have built into it. “We know everything about that item. That tends to flow fairly well through a decent customs system,” Hess said. “But on the reverse side, it’s a used item that may be in an unknown condition, that may have damaged batteries. Some element of that device may not be classified properly. So things tend to get stuck a lot more in the reverse world, especially once you move used items around.”
There’s are many countries that have anti-dumping laws, and flat-out bans on the movement of used electronics, he said. “These are just some economic protectionist things that you have to sort out of your distribution network.”
Reverse logistics is all about consumer confidence in the return process, which in turn keeps them committed to the company able to do that efficiently.
Results from a survey by Invesp, a business information company, showed the value of a well-functioning reverse logistics process to consumers:
• At least 30 percent of all products ordered online are returned, as compared to 8.89 percent in brick-and-mortar stores.
• 92 percent of consumers surveyed said that they would buy again if the product return process were easy. 79 percent of consumers wanted free return shipping.
• Around 49 percent of retailers offer free return shipping now. 67 percent of shoppers check the returns page before making a purchase.
• 62 percent of shoppers are more likely to shop online if they can return an item in-store.
Indian River County, FL – 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, and/or 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 90% of Florida’s population of 22.5 million residents. 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 northsouth transportation route along the east coast. The county offers competitive property tax rates, and Florida has no state income tax.
The FL Department of Transportation is constructing a new interchange at I-95 and Oslo Road in southern Indian River County. Many
properties in the area are either already designated for industrial use, such as the Indian River Eco-District, or are planned for light industrial. The interchange is slated for completion in Summer 2027.
The federal Opportunity Zone program 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, providing after-tax benefits to investors. Many of these sites are already zoned for industrial use, including two shovel-ready industrial parks plus hundreds of undeveloped acres in Fellsmere, located in the northwest part of the county. 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, and aggressive, in securing training grants for local employers. They can develop speciallydesigned 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 Vice President with the Indian River Chamber of Commerce, at 772567- 3491 or helenec@indianrivered.com. Or, visit their website at www.indianrivered.com.
• 58 percent of consumers want a hassle-free “no questions asked” return policy and 47% want an easy-to-print return label.
• 27 percent of consumers would purchase an item online that costs more than $1,000 if offered free return shipping, compared to 10 percent who would purchase it otherwise.
Agility has become the new logistics superpower, according to a report by Weber Logistics.
By prioritizing agility, brands are facing a once-in-a-generation chance to create a ready-for-anything logistics infrastructure that gives them a genuine advantage over competitors.
The report recommends that logistics leaders plan for the unpredictable, creating flexible but built-for-speed operating models, and align with logistics partners that view agility as a business strategy.
An emerging markets logistics index report from Agility, a global supply chain company, found that companies restructuring their global supply chains away from China has notched up a level.
For example, Apple announced a fundamental change of its supply chain policy in May, 2023, saying that it was shifting some of its component sourcing to the U.S. Apple had agreed a new multiyear, multibillion-dollar agreement with Broadcom to develop 5G radio frequency components and cutting-edge wireless connectivity components.
According to the report, Apple’s supply chain had been becoming more dependent on China over the past decade, as Chinese electronics manufacturers began producing more complex products. For Apple to move such sourcing to the U.S. is a fundamental change of its supply chain policy.
This comes at a time when Apple has switched some of its smartphone assembly operations to China’s strategic rival in the region, India.
In addition to relocating assembly operations, Apple will use more Indian suppliers (presently many intermediate components are sourced from China) helping to develop a production eco-system and reduce input costs.
According to the report, many competitors, such as Samsung, may also follow, keen not to lose competitive advantage in a fast growing market.
Advanced technologies are making inroads in a big way with logistics, according to a report from KPMG, a business data and investment company, including generative AI, data analytics, automation, machine learning, blockchain technology. “The ‘smart’ supply chain is well on its way to becoming the new normal,” the report concluded.
With these new technologies in place, organizations can respond quicker to day-to-day requests, proactively address problem solving, and reduce errors and inefficiencies, according to KPMG. It can also provide greater visibility, transparency and traceability. Managing these processes, organizations will be more resilient to future supply chain shocks, according to KPMG.
“With a future that promises autonomous, self-learning machines seamlessly managing the broader supply chain process, now is the time for organizations to overcome the inherent silos and enterprise systems that will restrict their progress,” the KPMG report added.
Trends that will define 2024 includes learning about emerging technologies from AI to distributed ledger technologies, low-code and no-code platforms and fleet electrification. “Organizations will need to intensely focus on mining relevant, clean and well-governed data if they want to make the most of their new technology investments,” according to the report. X
Southwest Louisiana (SWLA) is a five-parish area intersecting the Acadiana and Central Louisiana regions. It is composed of the following parishes: Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jefferson Davis.
Southwest Louisiana has the ideal export situation: a concentration of pipelines supplying cheap, abundant natural gas; existing infrastructure for energy production and transportation; deep-water shipping access and shallow-draft inland waterways; a skilled workforce trained to serve industrial needs; and a community that welcomes and embraces industrial growth.
SWLA is part of the Gulf Coast Industrial Corridor, where
Technical Community College, where they are constantly evolving to prepare local talent for the diverse industries of tomorrow.
The Port of Lake Charles is the premiere multimodal facility serving SWLA. The Port is a deep-water port located approximately 36 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico. Several other ports offer maritime transportation services across the region for both inland and Gulf-bound traffic. The Southwest Louisiana ports alliance serve the Sabine River, Calcasieu Ship Channel, Mermentau River, and Gulf Intercoastal Waterway and has the capacity and versatility to meet the needs of almost any industrial or agricultural client practically anywhere in the world.
The Lake Charles area is served by three Class I railroads, including the Rail Logix facility at Lacassine Industrial Park, a hub for rail-to-vehicle transloading.
petrochemical exploration, transportation, and production are commonplace. The region is also home to a thriving lumber and timber products industry, farming and agriculture, including aquaculture, fisheries and other maritime industries.
The Lake Charles Metro Area is a corridor of heavy industry, home to some of the country’s largest petrochemical refineries and LNG export facilities, plus downstream manufacturers of refined products, such as plastics and chemicals.
Oil exploration and production are historical mainstays of the SWLA economy. The upstream industry, including natural gas production, maintains a strong presence due to oilfield service companies and a skilled workforce.
SWLA is home to McNeese State University and SOWELA
Lake Charles Regional Airport offers the only commuter airline service in SWLA, while Chennault International Airport is an industrial airpark serving charter flights. Proximity to Houston, Dallas, and New Orleans make SWLA a hidden gem in the logistics industry. Chennault International Airport is situated with access to nearby rail, a deepwater port just five miles away, and interstate highways I-10 and I-210. The runway at Chennault is 10,702 feet long, the longest of any airport between Houston and Cape Canaveral. Chennault is a worldclass, business friendly complex. It is the home-base of choice for top companies in aerospace and other industries, with capacity and capability that makes it ideal for expansion and new development with nearly 900 acres of land available to be developed.
SWLA embraces agribusiness as a cultural and economic driver. A locally grown product such as rice is not only a major export commodity, but also a staple of the local cuisine. The same holds true for other crops like crawfish, sugar cane, and soybeans, in addition to cotton, timber, and livestock. The Wood Basket of Louisiana, a vast area of planted pine forests, has allowed sawmills and other forest-related industries to thrive in Beauregard and Allen parishes. With lush forests, farmlands, and fisheries, along with a warm climate and logistical access, Southwest Louisiana’s abundance is appreciated locally and around the world.
For more information on Southwest Louisiana, please contact the SWLA Economic Development Alliance at 337-433-3632 or visit www.allianceswla.org or www.chooseswlouisiana.com
From a civilian workforce of more than 15 million, to unrivaled investment in accessible infrastructure, to one of the nation’s largest deal-closing funds — Texas is proud to offer the most advantageous business climate for expanding and relocating companies. It’s why Toyota and Charles Schwab have moved their corporate headquarters from California to Texas; Apple has opened a new Austin campus with the ability to grow to 15,000; Tesla relocated their headquarters to Texas and SpaceX has continued to invest throughout the state in office, development and space launch facilities.
Texas offers businesses the freedom to be successful and for their employees to be successful. Texas has no personal or corporate state income tax and a reasonable regulatory climate. Chief Executive Magazine has ranked Texas “the #1 state for business” for 18 consecutive years. Amazon, Tesla, HP, and Oracle have all moved to or expanded their operations in Texas. When combined with steady employment and income growth, forecasters rank Texas first in the nation for five-year growth projections.
Texas has a diverse economy: Though Texas does have a strong oil and gas sector, the state’s economy is also strong in other sectors such as aerospace, automotive and IT technology, advanced manufacturing, and life sciences. Businesses here can build on the success of others. The growing, thriving marketplace has plenty of room for healthy competition and advantageous networking.
If Texas was a country, it would be one of the world’s Top 10 largest economy: Not only do diverse industries comprise our economy, but our state, if it were a country, is also 8th largest economy in the world — surpassing Brazil, Italy, Russia, and South Korea with a GDP of $2.4 trillion. “Made in Texas” is a powerful label that translates to quality all around the world.
Texas has access to top labor talent: Texas boasts a vast, talented — and younger —labor pool than other states competing with Texas for new business projects. The Texas workforce’s younger average age means Texas businesses have the talent pipeline to be successful now and in the future.
Texas has a highly competitive tax climate and incentives: The cost of doing business in Texas is below the national average. With a comparatively low cost of living and tax rate, Texas is an ideal state for startups. State incentive programs are built on dedicated corporate tax credits, job-creation incentives, rebates, and reductions
– particularly in the manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare industries.
Texas invests in infrastructure: Site Selection Magazine recently ranked Texas at the top of the list for “Best Corporate Infrastructure.” Its substantial size and central location make the state a major hub for national and international air, ground, and ocean shipping. Texas is the No. 1 exporting state in the United States and the No. 1 state for foreign direct investment, in part due to its location and infrastructure.
Texas offers a range of incentives for businesses:
• The Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) is one of the largest “dealclosing” fund of its kind, used for competitive capital investment and job creation.
• The Governor’s University Research Initiative offers grants to the best and brightest researchers arriving at Texas institutions.
• The Texas Skills Development Fund helps businesses customize training programs through local colleges and technical institutes to subsidize costs associated with upskilling and reskilling.
• These are just a few of the many generous incentives the state offers to reward local companies. Texas offers a wide variety of nonprofit and government-backed programs that provide funding to large and small businesses.
For years, Silicon Valley in California has attracted businesses with its pleasant climate, educational opportunities, and booming tech industry. However, numerous Texas cities have emerged as ideal solutions to California’s high taxes, costly real estate, and restrictive regulatory environment.
• Hewlett Packard moved its headquarters from San Jose to Houston
• Oracle relocated its headquarters from Redwood City to Austin
• Amazon chose Houston as one of its coveted “tech hubs”
• Elon Musk moved from California to be closer to his Austin Tesla southwest Gigafactory and relocated Tesla headquarters to Texas
Small businesses in Texas regularly see significant growth yearover-year. Entrepreneurs who have moved here frequently comment on the positive differences they see, not only with their bottom line, but also in their quality of life. In Texas, they enjoy low taxes, quality education, beautiful spring and fall weather, and a vibrant culture. When employers are “off-the-clock,” they enjoy a range of cultural offerings, from state parks, lakes, rivers, rodeos and working ranches, to live music, wineries, museums, and art galleries.
The Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC) is an independently funded and operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization responsible for marketing and promoting Texas as a premier business location. Along with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism (EDT), these two highly focused organizations make up the cornerstone of Governor Greg Abbott’s economic development agenda to build a stronger Texas. Contact us today for friendly and insightful assistance from a member of our team. Call 512-981-6736 or visit www.businessintexas.com or www.gobigintexas.com .
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Palestine (pronounced pal-es-teen) is a naturally beautiful city in the Piney Woods of Northeast Texas, mid-way between Dallas and Houston. Its location, at the intersection of five major highways leading to those metroplexes and the Austin area, provides excellent accessibility. Lake Palestine, which is located nearby, is among the largest in Texas and offers both recreation and an infinite supply of water.
Founded in 1846, Palestine is the seat of Anderson County. Its spectacular courthouse oversees the three areas of the city’s core: Courthouse Square, the Downtown District, and Old Town. This 44-block area is currently the focus of a long-range restoration program –spearheaded by the Palestine Economic Development Corporation.
Small businesses are the lifeblood of the downtown region, offering a variety of dining, specialty products, and cultural fare. Virtually all of the buildings are historic and contribute to the unique charm and distinctive architectural style of Palestine. Surrounding the downtown are businesses of every type – industrial, distribution, retail, medical, hospitality and dining. Palestine is a delightful place to explore, to invest in, and to call home!
Regardless of where an entity is on its business life cycle, one word describes the experience in Palestine: resilience! The PEDC (Palestine Economic Development Corporation) and the entire economic community work tirelessly to ensure the business process is robust and adaptable. The PEDC is committed to strengthening its economic foundation by attracting and supporting businesses in Palestine. For those considering a move to Palestine, reach out to the PEDC today for comprehensive information on site selection or relocation assistance. We are dedicated to simplifying the process and providing the necessary support to kickstart your venture.
Palestine also invests in its own growth. The PEDC is ready to assist local businesses looking to expand their existing operations, leading to the creation of new opportunities and jobs in Palestine. Connect with the PEDC today to initiate the application process for assistance that will financially support your business vision. Together, let's build a resilient and thriving business environment in Palestine.
We recently interviewed Christophe Trahan, the Economic Development Director, regarding the business opportunities in Palestine: Briefly give us an overview of companies now in Palestine.
“Palestine’s core industries are food processing, logistics, light assembly/manufacturing, and healthcare. Our largest employer is Wayne/Sanderson Farms (processing plant, hatchery, & feed mill) and our newest business in the city is LS Tractor USA (assembly & distribution facility of tractor & farm equipment for southern & western US markets”.
Are you targeting certain industries for the future?
“Palestine is experiencing multiple opportunities to continue growing and expanding in our healthcare & medical-based industries as the UT School of Medicine gets off the ground in Tyler. Our city & EDC are also making some strategic capital investments in rail and aviation infrastructure to pave the way for more advanced manufacturing to come into the city & county”.
What are the advantages for businesses in Palestine?
“Our greatest advantage is a lower cost of entry (capital costs, labor costs) compared to the more metropolitan markets within the Texas triangle with the same level of business activity and investor interest. We’re a community with a small-town feel that still boasts lots of amenities for community members. Lastly, we have an extremely business-friendly local government—both City of Palestine & Anderson County”.
Describe the makeup of your workforce.
“Palestine draws from a labor force of 90,000 within a 30–45-minute commuting range. Available labor in Palestine/Anderson County boasts skillsets required for food processing, safety, inventory control & other logistical functions, and certifications in medical fields (LPNs, MAs, MLTs)”. What type of education and training opportunities exist for your workforce?
“Both of our local ISDs (Palestine ISD & Westwood ISD) have extensive CTE programs and continuing education is available through both our UT Tyler Palestine Campus and Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) Palestine Campus. Workforce Training currently available at TVCC Palestine Campus includes certifications for linemen, nursing, and cosmetology among others. Palestine EDC is also currently working with TVCC to facilitate customized corporate training programs tailor made to specific local industry needs”.
What type of recreational activities are there in or around the area?
“Outdoor activities like hiking & biking along several local nature trails that all evoke the East Texas/Piney Woods aesthetic, nightlife activities in our historic downtown and Old Town districts, year-round passenger rail excursions on the historic Texas State Railroad, Lake Palestine is also just a short drive away where many people enjoy watersports and fishing. There are also many opportunities for hunting at 4 nearby Wildlife Management Areas with Texas Parks and Wildlife”. Briefly discuss the modes of transportation to move goods to and from the area.
“The city of Palestine accesses 5 major highways and sits within a 3-hour radius of Dallas, Houston, Austin, & Shreveport. Currently rail transloading is available within half an hour in the neighboring community of Rusk, but Palestine EDC is currently working to bring rail transloading into the city itself. The city’s municipal airport (KPSN) also boasts a 5,000 ft runway that is rated for jet traffic”.
What else should we know about Palestine economic development that you want us to know?
“The Palestine EDC is excited to help any prospective businesses who is looking at Palestine, Texas for a future site location”.
For more information on all the business opportunities in Palestine, please contact the Palestine Economic Development team at 903-7294100 or email edcdirector@palestine-tx.org or visit their website at www. palestinetexas.net
Tomball, Texas, located less than 30 miles northwest of Houston, has emerged as a premier business destination be blending economic
opportunity with small-town charm. Advanced infrastructure, a business-friendly mindset, quality education, and hospitable quality of life drive Tomball’s sustained growth. With roots as a railroad hub in the early 1900’s, Tomball has become a modern destination for business and commerce.
Tomball is home to more than 1,500 businesses and nearly 1,400 employees. Companies from all over the globe have located in Tomball. From headquarters to manufacturing, Tomball’s businessfriendly approach, dynamic economy, and cost advantages attract companies large and small.
Tomball, located in the 3rd most populous county in the U.S., is in an advantageous geographic location to reach job seekers.
With roughly 7 million people in the Houston-metro area, Tomball companies can effectively locate skilled employees without having to extend beyond the region. Tomball utilizes its location to create a diverse workforce representative of the region, which is one of the most culturally diverse in the country.
The Tomball Economic Development Corporation has a strategic commitment to develop and maintain a talented, robust workforce within Tomball. Working with stakeholders like the Tomball Independent School District and Lone Star College-Tomball, the TEDC provides opportunities to attract premium talent to Tomball businesses.
One of the TEDC’s primary focus is on promoting business retention and expansion for Tomball companies. The TEDC offers financial assistance to qualifying companies in the form of cash grants for projects that create or retain jobs, in addition to assisting with funding for eligible infrastructure costs. The goal is to support Tomball companies with their development plans, as the key to economic vitality is building upon existing success. Investing in existing companies strengthens ongoing business connections leading to sustained growth.
For more information on the advantages to investing in Tomball, please contact the Tomball Economic Development Corporation at 281-401-4086 or visit their website at www.tomballtxedc.org
Located 40 miles north of Houston along I-45, Conroe is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. It was recently identified as the No. 1 “boomtown” in Texas and No. 3 in the nation by financial technology company SmartAsset. Conroe has seen its population swell by 26% to nearly 100,000 over the past five years, a remarkable surge, even for Texas.
“Conroe is in the path of growth from Houston,” says Mayor Jody Czajkoski. “This community will be the northern anchor of what will be the Houston-Conroe Metroplex. Conroe is the only city left that has land to grow.”
With abundant and affordable housing and safe streets, Conroe is a family-friendly city with a burgeoning music and restaurant scene. And with 157 miles of shoreline, majestic Lake Conroe juts into Sam Houston National Forest, a natural buffer to the north.
Talent is readily available with an expanding workforce of nearly
2 million potential employees within a 40-mile radius. Conroe’s dynamic and diversifying economy is attracting robust investments in advanced manufacturing, energy services, logistics, retail and — increasingly — top-flight industries such as healthcare and biotechnology.
For manufacturers, Conroe boasts easy Interstate access and proximity to bustling Port Houston. For executives, Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport offers its own customs facility, a rare asset that smooths out the wrinkles of international business travel.
Targeted investments in infrastructure that helped to produce an enviable public school system also yielded two premium industrial parks, one of which has an on-site community college. Totaling nearly 2,000 acres, Conroe Park North and the newer Deison Technology Park are crucial pillars of the city’s economic development strategy.
“We’ve got all the infrastructure in place,” says Conroe Economic Development Council Executive Director Danielle Scheiner. “We’ve got our industrial parks and the airport. We have a strong manufacturing base that partners well with the corporate base in The Woodlands, our neighbor to the south. You can have your corporate headquarters in The Woodlands,” says Scheiner, “your manufacturing plant here in Conroe and park your corporate aircraft at our airport.”
Ver-Mac, a leader in the traffic safety industry, discovered its ideal home in Conroe. The Quebec City, Canada-based company moved its United States operations from Houston to Conroe in December 2021, purchasing a 71,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in beautiful Conroe Park North.
“When we went to see the shop in Conroe, we knew it was a fit right away. We said, ‘This place is awesome.’ The choice was made before we even left the parking lot,” offered Adam Chelo, director of Ver-Mac’s Conroe operations.
Chelo praised the capable workforce in the Conroe area and the ability to operate in an ecosystem that promotes collaboration.
“The location is prime for us. We found that the workforce we’re getting in Conroe are qualified individuals,” said Chelo. “There’s also the benefit of access to suppliers. Instead of having to wait hours for somebody to drop off parts, a lot of the time we know a company who is right around the corner.”
When hydraulic fracking giant Liberty Energy began looking for its next expansion location, CEO Christ Wright knew the property had to tick several important boxes.
The company needed a prime work site with room for growth, a supportive business environment and skilled local workforce, plus easy access to highways and Interstates.
Only one place had it all – Odessa, Texas.
Wright, along with representatives from the Odessa Development Corporation (ODC), Odessa Chamber of Commerce and City of
Odessa, broke ground on the company’s new regional headquarters in March.
"Liberty is excited about this new $50 million facility," Wright told the crowd gathered there. "We are in the business of bettering human lives, and there is no better place to make that happen than in Odessa, Texas, the heart of the Permian Basin.”
Located in Odessa’s Leeco Industrial Park, the project will include a state-of-the-art 42-bay maintenance workshop, six-bay truck wash facility, 50,000 square foot warehouse, and a two-story office building that will include a training center for employees.
The new facility will allow Liberty to consolidate multiple facilities under one roof and allow for future expansion.
“This will let us more efficiently deliver services,” Wright said. Liberty, which offers oil well completion and wireline services across the United States and Canada, recently added a power innovation division. Wright predicted the company may even sell electricity from the Odessa campus.
In addition to Liberty’s $50 million investment, the ODC awarded the company a five-year agreement with a $2.5 million grant.
Liberty and ODC have a five-year contract, with Liberty receiving a fifth of that $2.5 million at the end of each year that it meets its investment, job creation and salary requirements. Not only does the project retain 1,000 current Liberty employees, but it allows for the creation of 500 more positions, a number of which will be administrative and managerial.
The project is a win-win for everyone involved.
"We are focused on investment in this community and its people, and these public-private partnerships are how we grow. It’s all about the jobs," ODC Board President Kris Crow said.
Plentiful local and state economic development incentives make relocating and operating a business in Odessa a wise investment.
Tom Manskey, director of economic development at the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, added that the entire process – from Liberty approaching the development department to breaking ground –happened in less than a year.
"We want to work with businesses,” Manskey said. “We want to help companies in any way that we can, whether that is helping locate building sites to funding infrastructure, to other tax incentives, Odessa is open for business!”
Construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2025.
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Like most communities, Marble Falls has commercial and industrial land that is available for development. The town of nearly 8,000 also has reasonably good transportation infrastructure and proximity to large urban centers like Austin (60 minutes away) and San Antonio (75 minutes away). The area can start claiming some advantages as a scenic lake town in the Texas Hill Country, popular for retirees and tourists alike, with recent growth creating new opportunities in the healthcare, light
manufacturing, and professional office sectors. Being a regional shopping hub for more than 120,000 people has helped Marble Falls weather the current economic storm very well—in fact, monthly sales tax allocations have remained very stable after shattering records post-pandemic.
What sets Marble Falls apart, however, now more than ever, is the community’s small-town values coupled with its welcoming attitude toward newcomers. Those who are buying land in the Business and Technology Park are coming from nearly everywhere. The community supports law enforcement and first responders, holding multiple events every year to honor their service. The Marble Falls Independent School District is the area’s largest employer, so teachers, administrators, and other support staff provide a strong foundation at all levels of the workforce.
Roughly 100 businesses open or expand annually in Marble Falls, with about 70% of those being locally-owned and operated. The Downtown area in particular has been a major contributor to that growth. Professional offices and small headquarter facilities are well-situated here with proximity to quaint shops, great restaurants, and amazing park space. People are realizing that, if they can work from anywhere, they want to work from Marble Falls.
New subdivisions like Gregg Ranch with 707 lots-currently in phase II-and Thunder Rock with 1,870 lots will support recent developments that include Baylor Scott & White’s $100 million
regional medical center, a 110,000-square-foot H-E-B grocery store, and a $20 million operations center for Pedernales Electric Cooperative. There are also several medical office facilities and a new family entertainment center that recently opened, and the development pipeline includes some exciting retail opportunities such as the 114--acre Legacy Crossing, 40-acre Flatrock Crossing, and the 10-acre Panther Hollow Village. Also in the development pipeline are several multi-family properties with 1,000+ combined units and a public/private Downtown hotel and conference center project slated to break ground summer 2024.
While the emergence of Marble Falls as the retail and entertainment hub of the Highland Lakes area is a relatively recent development, the community’s draw for generations has been its connection to the outdoors. Beautiful Lake Marble Falls is ideal for skiing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, and the Downtown parks along the waterfront are continually enhanced by a $25 million improvement plan that began in 2019. Amenities such as a boardwalk, a babbling brook, trail extensions, and more will break ground later this year.
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Marble Falls is already a special place, and community leaders are focused on making incremental improvements to a few areas while maintaining momentum in others. When it comes to new businesses, size and fit are critical considerations. Small- to medium-sized companies will likely have an easier time with real estate and employment than very large firms—and
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the community likes it that way. If the prospects of a charming small town with steady, manageable growth and a surprising set of amenities sounds appealing, give Marble Falls a shot. Whether your interests lead to a greenfield development in the Business and Technology Park or the restoration of an historic downtown structure into a live/work/shop space, opportunities abound in Marble Falls. For more information about investing in Marble Falls, contact Christian Fletcher, Executive Director of the EDC, at 830/798-7079 or cfletcher@ marblefallseconomy.com.
The city of Hamilton, Texas is conveniently located at the intersection of US Highway 281 and Texas State Highway 36. Seated along the Edwards Plateau, where the hill country embraces the grassy plains.
Hamilton is centrally located, only 100 miles north of Austin, south of Dallas/Fort Worth and east of Abilene. Close proximity to these metro areas ensures a consistent flow of recreational, industrial, agricultural, and commercial traffic, as travelers venture from one part of the state to another. Enticed to stop for unique shopping and dining opportunities, Hamilton has changed from a stop-along-the-way to a hill country destination.
In addition to direct highway access, the Hamilton Municipal Airport is the largest in the region, supporting private jets, providing self-service fuel and a courtesy car available 24-hours a day. Most weekends, you can find gliders leaving the airport, so pilots, students and guests can take in the beautiful hill country scenery from an alternative perspective.
Hamilton is the county seat, allowing the historically preserved and updated Hamilton County Courthouse to provide governmental services daily to a population of 8,000. The courthouse is the center of our downtown, supplying the perfect location to numerous community events and festivals.
The Texas Historical Commission designated the 18-county area of Central Texas as the Texas Brazos Trail Region. Hamilton is featured on the trail because of its rich architectural history. Many of the buildings downtown feature their original limestone facades and a rare bowstring iron bridge leads pedestrians to a local nature trail for walking and running. The beautiful and spacious Pecan Creek Park spreads across numerous acres, providing baseball, softball, playgrounds, and disc golf. City Lake provides water-based recreation for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing and much more.
Hamilton is known as the “Dove Capital of Texas”, which is a strong statement. Extensive wildlife such as turkeys, doves, whitetail deer and more, are just a few additional reasons why individuals visit Hamilton. Those that prefer photography keep busy all year round with breathtaking fields of bluebonnets, endless sunflowers, world record longhorns, and exquisite sunsets.
The Circle T Resort provides a comfortable western inn for overnight stays, stall and RV reservations, award-winning steakhouse, and monthly opportunities to participate in youth and adult rodeos, including the World Series of Team Roping.
Just outside the city limits, is a 200-acre complex that is home to the Game Warden Training Center for Texas Parks and Wildlife. The facility provides the only training available to become a Game Warden or Park Police Officer. Every year, a new class of cadets graduate and join an elite group of trained conservation officers stationed throughout the state.
The Texas Historical Commission designated Hamilton as an official Texas Main Street community in 2020. To ensure clear communication, streamlined processes and project efficiency, the Economic Development Corporation and Main Street Program are housed in the same building. Both entities focus on community engagement, economic growth and development, historical preservation, and building a talented local workforce. X
Beyond our booming economy, you’ll find landscapes filled with adventure, food flavored with goodness, and new Texans falling in love with life.
Unlock your potential here.
Pennsylvania boasts the most economically diverse state in the country. Their $915 billion GDP makes them the sixth largest economy in the U.S. and a leading global economic hub. From corporate headquarters (they're home to 24 Fortune 500 companies), to stateof-the-art R&D facilities, to startups and more than one million small businesses, their business environment empowers companies to be revolutionaries in their industry and redefine success. And our business-friendly tax climate is gradually reducing the corporate net
income tax rate to 4.99 percent by 2031, making it among the lowest in the nation.investment and annual record for average wages since the IEDC was established in 2005.
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Ten key industries have strategically emerged as the stronghold in PA thanks to business leaders and academics, as well as a historical emphasis on maintaining our strength in these industries. They include Advanced Manufacturing; Food Processing & Manufacturing; Energy Production & Transition; Corporate Headquarters; Life Sciences & Medical Technology; Distribution & Logistics; Plastics & Chemicals: Robotics & A.I.; Aerospace & Defense; and Semiconductors.
Our resources make industries thrive:
51 miles of shoreline and a Great Lakes port
Skilled, motivated workforce
Agriculture and aquaculture
Vibrant quality of life
Your ability to adapt to changes and meet opportunity headon is dependent on the quality of your team. In Pennsylvania, you can be confident you’ll find the right fit. Their 6.4+ millionstrong workforce brings experience, skill, curiosity, and a legendary can-do spirit to the table. Their nearly 300 higher-ed and post-secondary institutions produce talent sought out by companies around the world. Whether you’re looking for team members capable of supporting manufacturing operations, spearheading R&D and innovation, handling logistics and supply chain needs, or running your corporate headquarters, Pennsylvanians can get the job done.
Domestic and international businesses alike cite their worldclass higher education and research institutions, including the Wharton School of Business and Penn Law, Penn State University, Carnegie Mellon University, Lehigh University, and Villanova University, as a key driver of developing talent and inspiring big ideas at their companies.
But it's not just the big-name schools fueling their workforce pipelines. Their 15 community colleges offer a wide range of 2-year and certificate programs that meet the needs of local industry and community. And Pennsylvania's 14 four-year public universities are a critical resource for both residents and employers. These institutions play an important role in helping local businesses stay nimble and up to date with the latest technology and provide training for their current and future workers.
Their infrastructure enables companies to move at the speed of business – no matter where that business may take them. The commonwealth is located within a day's drive of nearly 40 percent of the United States population and 60 percent of the Canadian population and purchasing power, including four of the 10 largest markets in the United States. And reaching these customers and markets is easy and convenient because of Pennsylvania's comprehensive transportation network, including:
• 120,000 miles of state and local highways, including a 500+ mile state turnpike;
• 65 railroads covering 5,600 miles and hauling over 170 million tons of freight each year;
• Three major ports providing access to the Atlantic Ocean (Philadelphia), Gulf of Mexico (Pittsburgh), and the Great Lakes (Erie) for convenient international importing and exporting;
• Comprehensive intermodal infrastructure that offers unimpeded goods movement to any destination, whether via port, rail, or truck; and
• Six international airports that move more than 600,000 tons of material annually.
Beyond logistics, Pennsylvania's abundant and diverse energy infrastructure makes them a top producer of natural gas and electricity as they continue to invest in renewable
energy sources. They also are placing unprecedented emphasis on building out broadband connectivity to ensure that every Pennsylvania resident and business is connected to the world –no matter where in the state they may be located.
For more information on the opportunities in Pennsylvania, please contact the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development at 866-466-3972 or visit their website at www.dced.pa.gov .
A Wealth of Water: Why Erie’s a Natural Choice .........................................................................................
Look at a map of Pennsylvania. That swath of blue in the top left corner isn’t just Lake Erie, the state’s only Great Lakes border. It’s also the lifeblood of Erie County.
Erie County’s entire northern edge borders Lake Erie, with the population center — the City of Erie and its immediate suburbs — arising from a natural harbor created by the Presque Isle peninsula.
In all, Erie County has more than 50 miles of shoreline, and a wealth of industries have taken advantage of this natural resource. Manufacturing enterprises, recognizing the benefits of abundant water (36 million gallons per day of excess water and sewer capacity!) have built legacy industries on Erie’s shores. Agriculture remains deeply rooted, with bountiful fields gently rolling into the blue horizon of the lake beyond. And a vibrant business services industry has flourished – benefitting, no doubt, from our innovative outlook and the rich, thriving quality of life that is unique to Erie County.
Erie first made a name for itself as a hub of shipbuilding during the War of 1812 — when craftsmen churned out ships to
supply the fledgling American forces. Shipping remains a key part of Erie’s economic strength even today: We’re home to one of only two 1,000-foot dry docks as well as the largest industrial crane on the Great Lakes.
As the region grew with its young nation, it also discovered its potential in other manufacturing sectors. By the mid-20th century, Erie’s manufacturing heyday saw blue-collar workers filling factories of corporations like GE and Hammermill Paper.
Manufacturing remains a proud tradition in Erie County. With a 2.0 manufacturing location quotient, we maintain a greater percent of labor in manufacturing than in the nation or the state. But the industries that once put us on the map have evolved, nimbly adjusting to the needs of the present and the expectations for the future.
Look no further than the plastics industry. In the mid-19th century, it was in our corner of northwestern Pennsylvania that the first commercial oil well was drilled. We have long moved on from the derricks that once dotted our landscape, but we haven’t strayed far: In a natural evolution, Erie County is now known for its plastics industry — for its plentiful production, its skilled workers, and its innovations and engineering.
Penn State Behrend, one of five universities in Erie County, is training plastics and polymer engineers and researching new technologies to make plastics more sustainable. And a local company, International Recycling Group, is building the country’s largest plastics recycling plant to process all types and grades of plastics scrap, promising to revolutionize plastic sustainability. The company’s enterprise is supported by private and public investments, including a $300 million loan from the Erie County Redevelopment Authority, and will be headquartered — where else? — on Erie’s lakefront.
The unique qualities of the soil that hugs Lake Erie has proven to be remarkably fertile for growing grapes — so much so that the Lake Erie Wine Region is the largest grape-growing
region east of the Rockies.
That doesn’t just mean that we have fine taste in wine (though we do). It also means that we’re home to the largest manufacturing plant for grape-juice giant Welch’s. Our local farmers supply the juice that goes to homes around the world, and our local workers bottle it.
Many other crops flourish in Erie County’s fertile farmlands as well — fruits, cabbage, soybeans, and more. One notable niche industry is potatoes. Every summer, field after field in rural Erie County is filled with low-growing greens topped with delicate white blossoms, signaling another strong potato season.
Like the grapes, many of those potatoes make their way into homes across America — this time through snack foods. Shearer’s Foods recently expanded its operations in Erie County, bolstered by state funding and supported by the Erie County Redevelopment Authority.
But because this is Erie County, we’re not content to limit ourselves to traditional crops. We’re innovating with agriculture, too.
In Erie’s inner city, a long-vacant field is becoming home to a new aquaculture venture, again supported by the Erie County Redevelopment Authority. Grow Erie, as the enterprise is called, will feature all-season high-tech greenhouses where fish and plants will be integrated in a symbiotic ecosystem. It’s a natural fit for Erie, where there’s plenty of fresh water to feed the system.
Erie has long been home to entrepreneurs. Consider Erie Insurance — founded as a dream by two men in 1925, and now a Fortune 500 company with thousands of agents and more than 6 million policies in force.
Not only has Erie Insurance grown into a dominant business in Erie, it has proved a good citizen — employing thousands at its downtown headquarters and investing hundreds of millions of dollars into growing its own footprint and in supporting other fledgling enterprises in the community. (There’s that familiar Erie ingenuity again.)
Thanks in part to Erie Insurance’s support, new industries like cybersecurity, data science, insurtech, and fintech are emerging in Erie County. They join more established whitecollar specialties like intelligence studies to form a high-tech, high-value growth industry for Erie, enhanced by educational initiatives through Erie’s Gannon University and Mercyhurst University.
Health-care innovation, too, has become a hallmark of Erie County’s economy. We’re home to Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, the nation’s largest medical college, which trains future doctors, pharmacists, and dentists. And like Erie Insurance, our major medical centers are doubling down on their Erie presence, spending a collective $125 million in capital
investments in the past few years. Beyond treating patients, however, we’re creating partnerships between health-care and higher-education to launch biomedical research efforts.
These businesses — from manufacturing to agriculture to the business services — all know the secret to success: Erie County, and the gem of Lake Erie in our backyard.
It’s our shimmering lake, that scenic, horizon-hugging backdrop, that creates the quality of life that attracts businesses and employees alike.
It’s our abundant water source that gives so many businesses the infrastructure they need to operate.
And it’s our unique location — a Great Lakes port at the nexus of two major interstates, opening doors to 80 percent of consumers in the continental U.S. — that gives businesses a logistics advantage to help them succeed.
To us, it’s home. But to you, it’s the perfect site for your operations, a sure bet to successfully grow your company, and a willing partner in the innovations needed to thrive for generations to come.
As part of the Greater Philadelphia metropolitan area, Horsham Township is in the heart of the 5th largest economy in the world, with 40% of the U.S. population within a single days’ drive, and 60% of the U.S. and Canadian populations accessible via a two-hour flight.
Horsham Township is accessible to nine major airports within a two-hour drive, and to three corporate service airports within 15 miles. Philadelphia International Airport is just 35 miles away and about a 42-minute car ride from Horsham. The township is easily accessible to Center City Philadelphia and to the Port of Philadelphia.
This amazingly business-friendly township is home to five major business parks offering 6.4 million square feet of commercial office and flex space. Additional capacity is anticipated with planned redevelopment of the 862-acre former NAS-JRB Willow Grove military base. Highlights of their business environment include: Among the lowest real estate
taxes in the region; no business privilege tax; no mercantile tax; and rental rates per square foot highly competitive with regional rates.
Horsham and greater Montgomery County are home to healthcare leaders, telecommunication and information companies, financial centers and tech companies. The township offers an excellent highway infrastructure with easy access to the Pennsylvania Turnpike and several major arterial corridors as well as three regional rail lines and local public transportation.
Employers and their workforce appreciate the number of nearby amenities, services and attractions. Scores of local and regional restaurants offer wonderful diversity for the discerning palate. The township is close to a wealth of craft breweries, wineries and local distilleries for sipping and sampling. Additional attractions include: numerous regional retail shopping venues; Museums, casinos and a wealth of must-see historical landmarks; natural appeal with 860 parks, trails and open space; short drive to New Jersey and Delaware’s beaches and boardwalks as well as the ski slopes and lakes of Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains.
The School District of Hatboro-Horsham affords a rich history of academic excellence. All schools have received Blue Ribbon honors from both the state and federal Departments of Education. The district has ranked in the top 15% of Pennsylvania schools and in the top 10% of all schools in the nation. In terms of higher education, 44 colleges and/or research universities provide higher education within about an hour’s drive.
As a crossroads for wide-open opportunities that attract new business, economic development and commerce, Horsham is ideally situated for companies seeking easy accessibility, connectivity and the perfect environment for growth.
Horsham Township truly is A COMMUNITY CONNECTED to their residents, to their business community, and to a very talented workforce. Horsham is a great place to live, work, and play. They welcome and encourage your consideration when weighing favorable locations for your business or business units and when considering your available investment options.
For more information, please contact the Horsham Township Office of Community & Economic Development at 215-643-3131 or visit their website at www.horsham.org . X
Rhode Island’s ideal location in the Northeast boasts all the benefits of major commercial centers, including easy access to top companies, all manner of transportation, and world-class universities.
Rhode Island offers the opportunity to reach the markets you want to reach. The Northeast is home to one in three Fortune 100 companies and one in five U.S. jobs. You can reach Boston in under 45 minutes, and New York City in under three hours. Nearby airports and shipping terminals offer easy access to Europe and other international markets.
Take advantage of a strong technology infrastructure. The region’s robust, innovative tech infrastructure features the best broadband service in America. Companies draw top talent at all levels from across Rhode Island as well as Connecticut and Massachusetts.
The Real Jobs RI initiative ensures that employers have the talented employees they need to compete and grow, while it provides targeted education and skills training for workers. By putting
employers at the center of job training, everyone wins. Employers will have a pipeline of trained workers. Employees will have a job once their training is complete. Real Jobs RI puts people to work through employer-centered job-training efforts.
Rhode Island’s strength in Life Sciences is attracting attention –and businesses. The state is fostering an environment that facilitates collaboration between basic research, clinical research, and industry development.
From futuristic innovations to practical applications (cybersecurity, data analytics), the state’s technology businesses make the most of local strengths in engineering, design, and computer science.
Rhode Island is home to a wide range of maritime industries, including boat building and servicing; the largest independent steamship in North America; defense-related ship and submarine building; development of advanced materials and component boat/ ship systems; ocean sciences and engineering; marine tourism; and the preservation of coastal communities and environments.
Rhode Island is bursting with natural beauty, cultural variety, and recreational opportunities. The state offers a very competitive living
compared to Northeast neighbors. For more information on the opportunities in Rhode Island, please visit Rhode Island Commerce at www.commerceri.com or call 401-278-9100.
Rhode Island’s Quonset Business Park, one of the leading business parks in the Northeast, has hit an important milestone.
Just 14 months after celebrating 13,000 jobs, Quonset recently announced that it is now home to 14,379 jobs at 239 companies. Hitting this milestone reflects the Park’s commitment to creating and sustaining an environment that encourages economic growth across Rhode Island and the region.
Key to Quonset’s growth is the Business Park’s “site readiness” program that offers pre-permitted, pre-engineered sites to new businesses, positioning them to break ground within 90 days of signing a lease. Additionally, continued investment in the worldclass infrastructure at Quonset has paid dividends, attracting new businesses to the state and creating new jobs.
These investments have supported long overdue upgrades and expansion at the Port of Davisville, positioning Quonset to continue as one of North America’s leading auto importers while expanding support for offshore wind. The $234 million Port Master Plan is modernizing the Port’s infrastructure by reconstructing Pier 1, expanding Pier 2 and adding the new Terminal 5 Pier. These
upgrades will create five new berthing areas, allowing additional cargo, auto carrier ships and offshore wind vessels to call on Davisville and serve Quonset’s growing companies.
Meanwhile, Revolution Wind’s undersea cable will make landfall at Quonset, where an underground power cable will direct the energy to both new and existing substations at the Business Park. The wind farm will provide 704-megawatts of clean energy to Rhode Island and Connecticut by 2025 – enough to power 350,000 homes. The project is also creating local jobs and contributing to Rhode Island’s climate goals.
New construction at Quonset’s Flex Industrial Campus offers opportunities for small and new businesses by providing industrial, warehouse and office space with flexible lease terms. In 2023, Quonset added Buildings #6 and 7 to the Flex Campus, totaling 70,000 square feet of new office and industrial space. Buildings #8 and 9 will be opening later this year. All completed buildings are fully leased. At the Gateway Offices, Building #6 will be completed this year, adding 30,000 square feet of new office space.
Quonset Business Park’s latest job numbers are a preview of bigger things to come. A recent report by Bryant University projects that by 2030, Quonset will host 17,000 jobs and generate $7.2 billion in economic output, including $2.1 billion in household income for Rhode Island families. To achieve this goal, the Quonset team will continue to provide world-class infrastructure and amenities to the businesses and employees that call the Business Park home. X
Whether you and your business are revolutionizing an industry, looking for a better quality of life, or seeking a strategic location within a day’s drive of 90 million people, you will find what you need in Maine. Their tight-knit business community thrives off Maine’s pioneering R & D ecosystem, strong trade organizations, and suite of business incentives.
As part of their Ten-Year Economic Development Strategy, Maine is making historic investments in innovation, renewable energy, infrastructure, and broadband. Moving to Maine will position your business to reap the benefits of these investments.
Maine offers a variety of incentives to businesses that relocate to Maine, including tax breaks for investments in buildings, equipment, and job creation. These investments are complemented by a robust financing system and customizable workforce development programs.
Maine occupies a strategic location in the Northeastern U.S. Maine also offers easy access to overseas markets through its three deep water ports, including the deepest natural harbor on the East Coast. The International Marine Terminal links Portland directly with Scandinavia by sea, making Maine the hub for U.S. – Northern European shipping. Maine has 1,000+ miles of active railroad; 350+ miles of Interstate highway; and 2 International Airports serving 25+ destinations.
Maine’s natural resources are one of the state’s greatest assets, from their abundant forests and productive oceans to their clean, cool water and solar and wind resources. Maine is investing in the infrastructure of the future, especially renewable energy production, to ensure they will maintain the lowest average price of electricity in New England.
Maine recognizes that the future of the global economy is online, and to keep up, Maine is making a $150 million investment to expand access to affordable, high-speed broadband across the state. Maine’s broadband access will enable you to work where you want to live, providing another reason to Choose Maine for Business.
For more information, please contact the Department of Economic & Community Development at 207-624-9800 or visit www.maine.gov/decd .
Bangor, Maine, is a charming city that offers a unique quality of life to its residents. Nestled in the heart of Penobscot County, Bangor is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful natural surroundings. The city's quality of life is shaped by a combination of factors, including its strong sense of community, access to outdoor recreational activities, and a thriving arts and entertainment scene.
One of the standout qualities of life in Bangor is its sense of community. Residents often describe it as a close-knit, welcoming city where people genuinely care about their neighbors. Our residential neighborhoods offer street trees, sidewalks, and parks. The city has many community events, as local as a block party or an art walk, and as large as the Waterfront Concert Series and the Bangor State Fair. The city's residents are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a helping hand, which creates a warm and inclusive atmosphere for newcomers.
Nature enthusiasts will find a lot to love about Bangor. The city is surrounded by pristine natural beauty, including the Penobscot River and lush forests. Residents have easy access to a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking in the nearby Bangor City Forest and visiting the serene Kenduskeag Stream Park to kayaking on the river. During the fall, the picturesque foliage in the area is a sight to behold, attracting visitors and locals alike. Residents embrace the winter season by participating in activities like snowmobiling, skiing, and ice fishing.
For those who appreciate the arts and culture, Bangor offers a surprisingly rich array of options. The city is home to several art galleries, theaters, and cultural institutions, such as the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and the University of Maine Museum of Art. The historic Bangor Opera House hosts a variety of performances, from Broadway shows to local productions by the Penobscot Theater Company. These cultural
offerings contribute to a vibrant arts scene that enriches the lives of residents and provides diverse entertainment options.
Education and healthcare are also important factors in the quality of life in Bangor. The city has a University of Maine campus, offering a range of academic and cultural opportunities. Additionally, residents have access to top-notch healthcare facilities, such as Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, which provides excellent medical services to the community.
Furthermore, the cost of living in Bangor is relatively affordable compared to many other cities in the United States, making it an attractive place for families and individuals looking to establish roots.
In terms of employment opportunities, Bangor offers a diverse job market, with opportunities in healthcare, education, industrial, and government sectors. The city has a stable economy, and its strategic location as a transportation hub contributes to its economic vitality. Bangor International Airport offers convenient travel options to destinations and hubs and boasts over 600,000 passengers a year!
The quality of life in Bangor, Maine, is characterized by a strong sense of community, access to the natural beauty of the region, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and comparatively affordable living costs. These factors make Bangor an attractive place to live for those who appreciate a blend of small-town charm, outdoor adventures, urban cultural amenities, and varied employment opportunities. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an art lover, or someone looking for a welcoming community, Bangor has something to offer for everyone.
To learn more, visit the Chamber of Commerce website at https:// www.bangorregion.com/our-region/ or call/email the city of Bangor’s Development Director, Anne Krieg AICP at 207-992-4280 anne.krieg@ bangormaine.gov X
WILSON COUNTY, NC — SCHOTT Pharma USA, Inc., a global specialty glass and material technology company, will invest $371 million for a new facility in Wilson, North Carolina, to manufacture tubing, pre-finish products, and ceramics for its home tech and pharma business units. The project will create 401 jobs in Wilson County.
SCHOTT Pharma is a subsidiary of SCHOTT Group, an international technology company with over 140 years of experience in specialty glass, glass-ceramics and high-tech materials. The company’s products are used in home appliances, pharmaceuticals, electronics, optics, life sciences, automotive and aviation. SCHOTT has been on the forefront of science and innovation, providing glass for the European Southern Observatory’s Extremely Large Telescope, the National Ignition Facility’s nuclear fusion laser system and Quotient’s transfusion diagnostic tools. The company also has a commitment to sustainability, with the goal of becoming the world’s first specialty glass manufacturer to reach climate neutrality by 2023. SCHOTT Group is headquartered in Mainz, Germany, and employs more than 17,000 people in over 30 countries around the globe.
“Our existing network of German companies, workforce development and apprenticeship programs and many German communities across the state are what attracts a steady flow of German interest in North Carolina,” said Christopher Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. “We are proud that North
$149.8 million project will also add positions in Wake County RALEIGH, NC — Siemens Energy, Inc., one of the world’s leading energy technology companies and a long-standing North Carolina employer will expand its operations in the state, creating a total of 559 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced. The project brings an investment of $149.8 million and will establish in Mecklenburg County the company’s first manufacturing site in the United States to build Large Power Transformers (LPTs), a critical component of the nation’s power grid. The expansion also adds positions to the company’s engineering operations in Wake County.
“Siemens Energy is bringing even more great energy manufacturing jobs to the Charlotte community, and this latest expansion demonstrates once again their confidence in our state and its outstanding workforce,” said Governor Cooper. “Bringing production of these high voltage transformers onshore not only creates American jobs but makes our electric grid more resilient and ready for the transition to clean energy.”
Siemens Energy has been operating in the United States for more than 100 years and currently has 21 manufacturing and service facilities and upwards of 10,000 employees in the country, with more than 1,250 of those currently based in Charlotte. Siemens Energy covers almost the entire energy value chain from power generation and transmission to storage, including conventional and renewable energy technology, such as wind, gas and steam turbines, hybrid power plants operated with hydrogen, and power generators and transformers. Siemens Energy’s
Carolina can provide the resources companies like SCHOTT need, fortifying our already strong economic ties with Germany.”
Over the past 10 years, 109 new projects and expansions from German companies have been announced in North Carolina, creating more than 7,000 new jobs, and generating over $2 billion in capital investment. More than 43,000 North Carolinians work for over 400 German companies in the state, such as Siemens Energy, GlaxoSmith Kline, Ziehl-Abegg and Schunk, with more than 280 companies being manufacturers and wholesale suppliers. Forty-five German companies have established their US headquarters in the state. Siemens Energy recently announced an expansion in North Carolina, investing $149.8 million to establish the company’s first manufacturing site in the United States to build Large Power Transformers (LPTs), a critical component of the nation’s power grid, adding 559 new jobs in Mecklenburg County.
The EDPNC partnered with the North Carolina Department of Commerce on this project, offering support during company’s decisionmaking process.
Although wages will vary depending on the position, the average salary for SCHOTT’s new positions will be $57,868 which is more than Wilson County’s average wage of $52,619.
The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina would like to recognize the North Carolina Department of Commerce as well as other key partners involved in this project, including the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions, Wilson County, the City of Wilson and the Wilson Economic Development Council.
project in North Carolina will establish the company’s first power transformer manufacturing facility in the United States. The Mecklenburg County facility will join the company’s fleet of power transformer factories throughout the world, expanding Siemens Energy’s global leadership in the manufacturing of high-voltage power transformers. The company will also expand its existing Grid Technology engineering operations in Wake County, which provides engineering and related professional services.
“Manufacturing large power transformers in the United States will strengthen and expand our electrical grid to incorporate more renewable energy and meet growing energy demand,” said Tim Holt, Member of the Executive Board of Siemens Energy. “We are excited to do that in Charlotte, North Carolina where our existing factory and incredible team is answering the call of our customers and policymakers to help protect our nation’s energy and national security.”
As Americans need more and more electricity to power their lives, more equipment – from turbines to transformers and everything in between – will be needed. Siemens Energy sees current and future demand for large power transformers in the U.S. to enable the transmission of electricity over long distances and stabilize electrical transmission across regions.
“I’m excited to see this expansion by Siemens Energy, one of North Carolina’s most important existing manufacturing companies,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “Our state will continue to invest in the programs and tools that pay off in new jobs and private-sector investments, such as our world-class workforce development and training programs that win acclaim around the world.”
SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA George Swift, the Founding President/CEO of The Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance, has announced his intention to leave his position.
Swift began his career in economic development in 2004 as head of the Southwest Louisiana Partnership, which was comprised of elected officials in the five parishes of southwest Louisiana. In 2006, he was instrumental in establishing the SWLA Economic Development Alliance which combined the Chamber SWLA, The Alliance Foundation and the Partnership into one umbrella organization.
Swift said, “I am very appreciative of the support from our Chamber Members and Alliance Foundation investors who have made our many
EAST CAMDEN, AR — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined R2S and state and local leaders to break ground on R2S’s new manufacturing facility in East Camden, Arkansas. The facility will produce the Tamir missile for the Iron Dome Weapon System and its variant, the SkyHunter® missile to be used by the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. allies.
R2S is a joint venture between Rafael Advanced Defense System and Raytheon, an RTX business. This facility represents an investment of approximately $63 million for R2S and will create up to 60 new jobs in the region, roughly double the companies’ previous commitment. The R2S facility will build on RTX’s existing production capacity at the Highland Industrial Park.
Company representatives joined Governor Sanders and state officials to announce the project in October 2023. The Governor also met with company representatives at the Paris Air Show last summer to discuss the company’s investments in Arkansas.
“It’s an honor to join R2S for today’s groundbreaking, just as it was an honor to announce this project in October and meet with company representatives last summer at the Paris Air Show,” said Governor Sanders. “This investment will be a boon for the local economy: $63 million and 60 new jobs. More than that, our world is a whole lot less secure than it used to be, and this facility makes our country safer. Thank you to all who made this announcement possible, and thank you to the team in Camden for helping our state stand out.”
“R2S is pleased to announce that it’s almost doubling the capital investment for the project here in Camden, Arkansas from $33 million to $63 million, and it may create up to 60 new jobs. This increase represents the commitment by both partners to support this critical project for the USMC and to our allies around the world that depend on a reliable air defense system,” said Annabel Flores, deputy president of Land & Air Defense Systems, Raytheon.“ None of this could have happened without committed partners in RTX, Rafael, the United States Marine Corp, the Arkansas congressional delegation, Governor Sanders and her economic development team and the Camden community.”
“Today, we mark a significant milestone in the Iron Dome program –one of the most important and advanced air defense systems in the world. The establishment of the new facility is the result of strong cooperation between Rafael and Raytheon, who joined forces about 18 years ago,” said Pini Yungman, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Air & Missile Defense Division, Rafael. “We have built and maintained fruitful collaboration based on the shared vision of both companies, committed
accomplishments possible. The support from the Board of Directors, volunteers, and especially our outstanding staff has made this experience a labor of love. The elected officials in our five parishes who understand the need to work regionally also have been key to our success. However, after 20 years, it’s time for new leadership,” Swift concluded.
Janie Fruge, CEO of The West Cal Cam Hospital and 2024 Board chair, expressed thanks to Swift for his contributions to the Alliance. He will continue in his role until a successor is named. A search committee will be formed to select a new President/CEO for the Alliance.
to the highest level of technological innovation. The United States is a true partner; and local production, which we have aspired to for many years, will strengthen the partnership while safeguarding the interests of all sides. I am confident that we are ready for further cooperation in the future aimed at ensuring the security of the citizens of Israel and America.”
“Securing East Camden’s position as the arsenal of democracy has always been our vision,” said Senator John Boozman. “After years of hard work, I’m proud to celebrate this groundbreaking and advance the vital role the community will play in our national security and supporting our allies well into the future. I will continue advocating for funding to encourage more defense industry investment in our state, help the region grow and provide well-paying jobs for Arkansans.”
“This new facility will usher in high quality jobs for Arkansans and will be instrumental in ensuring the Natural State remains a global leader in aerospace and defense manufacturing. Investments such as this are critical in bolstering our national defense capabilities. Congratulations to R2S, Raytheon, and Rafael on this groundbreaking,” said Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04).
“Arkansas is a major center for aerospace and defense manufacturing, with an experienced workforce and favorable business environment that helps companies succeed,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “Congratulations to R2S, Raytheon and Rafael on their groundbreaking in East Camden and to the local leaders for creating the conditions that give companies the confidence to grow in their community.”
“This groundbreaking ceremony represents the culmination of many months of effort by our partners to make this project a reality for our state and community,” said James Lee Silliman, executive director of the Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development. “Our team partners are to be commended for their support on the project. Many thanks are owed to those partners beginning with R2S-RTX/Rafael partnership, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, AEDC, Highland Industrial Park management, Calhoun County Judge Floyd Nutt and my Team Camden members.”
The new HQ for the emergency medical service company will create nearly 300 jobs
SUGAR LAND, TX — In an agreement facilitated by Sugar Land Economic Development and Tourism (SLOEDT), Frazer, the nation’s leading provider of emergency vehicles, will invest $4 million to relocate its headquarters from Houston to Sugar Land, Texas. The company will occupy a 150,000-square-foot space at 1410 Gillingham Lane and create 286 new jobs with an average annual salary of $71,000.
“Being just minutes outside of Houston, Sugar Land has always been on our radar,” said Laura A. Griffin, CEO of Frazer. “It’s home to a growing business environment, a robust workforce, and reliable infrastructure. It’s an ideal destination for us to grow and serve our customers.”
Frazer has provided vehicles suitable for licensing and use as mobile clinics, mobile stroke units and ambulances to fire and emergency medical services organizations nationwide for over 30 years. The company is leasing its new
LANSING, MI — Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced Corning Incorporated has chosen Michigan for a new manufacturing facility dedicated to the creation of U.S.-made solar components with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund. This investment will help meet a sharp rise in demand for solar power that the current domestic solar supply chain cannot meet while creating good-paying jobs that put Michigan on track to achieve a greener, more sustainable future.
“Corning has a long, proud history in Michigan, and today they are expanding their footprint here with a new manufacturing facility creating over 1,100 good-paying jobs,” said Governor Whitmer. “With an investment of up to $900 million in Saginaw County, Corning chose Michigan for this facility because of our talent pool and commitment to being the best state to build an American-made clean energy future. Together, we will continue charging towards our 100% clean energy by 2040, bring the solar supply chain home, and create middle-class, familysustaining jobs for Michiganders. Let’s keep competing for and winning these projects.”
To grow this domestic supply, Corning, on behalf of its wholly owned subsidiary, Solar Technology, LLC, plans to build a new manufacturing facility in Richland Township in Saginaw County with an investment of up to $900 million. The project is expected to create over 1,100 jobs, with starting wages expected to exceed the median wage for the region. Additionally, employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package.
Corning chose Michigan for the project over competing sites in the Midwest and Northeast because of its talent pool and commitment to onshore critical clean energy supply chains.
To support the project, the Michigan Strategic Fund approved:
• A $68 million performance-based Critical Industries Program (CIP) grant through the Strategic Outreach and Reserve Fund (SOAR).
• A 15-Year State Essential Services Assessment Exemption valued at $12.3 million.
• A $29 million Strategic Site Readiness Program (SSRP) grant to Thomas Township for public infrastructure, road improvements and related expenses.
headquarters from CVH Capital Partners LLC, which was formerly occupied by Thermo Fisher Scientific. The two-story facility sits on a 10.65-acre fenced and landscaped site, minutes to several major roadways, including U.S. 59, and less than 30 minutes from Houston.
SLOEDT facilitated the company’s expansion, working with Frazer’s leadership and the City of Sugar Land on various incentive and financing options.
“We are committed to boosting our business community and empowering our workforce by fostering business relationships,” said Elizabeth Huff, executive director of economic development and tourism for SLOEDT. “Frazer’s expansion is proof of our success in this endeavor.”
This news follows Accredo Packaging’s fourth expansion in Sugar Land, representing a $10 million investment, and SouthWest Water Company’s expansion, which created 100 new jobs. SLOEDT incentives and financing accelerated both deals.
Located 20 minutes southwest of downtown Houston, Sugar Land is home to 12.4 million square feet of industrial/flex space, and 9.1 million square feet of office real estate.
“We are grateful to Corning Corporation and its partners for this vote of confidence in Team Michigan. The MEDC is proud to support companies like Corning who prove you can ‘Make it in Michigan’ regardless of whether you are a small company just starting out, have called Michigan home for a long time, or are entirely new to our great state,” said MEDC CEO and MSF Board President Quentin Messer, Jr. “By onshoring our clean energy supply chain through projects like this, Michigan continues to assert its dominance in an industry that is vital not only to our energy independence but also to our climate security. Corning has a long history of innovation and civic engagement. We are excited to welcome the company to Michigan to author the next chapters in its storied history right here in the Saginaw region moving forward.”
The proposed facility will build on Corning’s deep global business expertise and world-leading capabilities in materials science.
“We are grateful for the strong leadership, collaboration and support from Governor Whitmer, the Michigan Legislature and the State of Michigan,” said Scott Forester, Corning division vice president and program executive, Solar. “These approved incentives helped confirm Michigan as the natural choice for this new endeavor. The planned facility will create thousands of local jobs and advance the goal of expanding access to U.S. renewable energy solutions.”
Richland Township anticipates approval of a property tax abatement in support of the project. Further, it is anticipated the influx of jobs will result in spin-off investments and redevelopment opportunities, including over $5.6 billion in new personal income generated over 20 years by the direct, indirect, and induced jobs from the project.
“We are thrilled to work with such a great company and to have an investment and job creation project of this magnitude coming to Saginaw County and the Great Lakes Bay Region”, said JoAnn Crary, President of Saginaw Future Inc. “This has been an excellent partnership between Corning, the MEDC, local government entities and Saginaw Future. We are pleased the MSF Board voted to support this incredible development and look forward to seeking legislative approval.”
KANSAS CITY, MO — Governor Mike Parson announced that Google will locate a new data center in Kansas City, investing $1 billion and supporting up to 1,300 jobs. The data center, the company’s first in Missouri, will accompany contributions from Google to the region’s workforce and energy infrastructure.
“Google’s selection of the Kansas City region is another example of our state’s ability to attract and support world-class companies,” said Governor Parson. “Our skilled workforce, superior infrastructure, and prime business climate continue to result in investments from leading employers. We welcome Google to Missouri and look forward to the positive impact it will provide for our growing high-tech sector.”
Google’s data center will be located in Kansas City’s Hunt Midwest Business Center and represents a significant investment in the company’s ongoing innovations and growing Google Cloud business. Google’s data centers help power popular digital services such as Google Docs, Maps, Search, Gmail, and more. The company is partnering with Ranger Power and D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) to provide 400 megawatts of new, carbon-free energy to support the data center’s operations.
“We have reached an important inflection point for tech
MT. JULIET, TN — Schneider Electric—the global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation— announced plans to invest $140 million into its U.S. manufacturing operations and create about 750 new manufacturing jobs across the country in 2024.
The company will invest $85 million initially to transform and equip an existing 500,000 square foot building in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee and upgrade its existing Smyrna, Tennessee manufacturing operations. Both locations will manufacture custom electrical switchgear and medium voltage power distribution products to bolster support for critical infrastructure, industries, and the escalating demand for data center solutions across the U.S.
The new plant in Mt. Juliet is expected to begin manufacturing and shipping products to Schneider’s customers by mid-2024 and is expected to be fully operational in 2025. The two plants will also incorporate advanced manufacturing technologies and software to improve operational performance, achieve energy savings, and reduce carbon footprint, among other benefits.
The company also said it will recruit and employ an additional 455 manufacturing workers across both locations. Roles will range from manufacturing technicians and engineers to test technicians and quality leads, among other manufacturing-related positions.
“The need for electrical infrastructure to support advanced computing and technological progress has never been greater,” said Aamir Paul, President, North America Operations, Schneider Electric. “These investments will also support implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act by strengthening domestic supply of products critical to boost America’s
innovation like AI, and data centers are the backbone of this progress,” said Monique Picou, Global Vice President of Cloud Supply Chain and Operations at Google. “Our announcement today is a testament to the resources, talent and welcoming spirit of the Kansas City community. Together, Kansas City and Google will help power America’s digital future and we are excited to contribute to the bright future of the region.”
Google also announced it will expand a skilled trade career development program to the Kansas City region and contribute $100,000 to the North Kansas City School District’s STEAM center. In addition, the company will bring its Skilled Trades and Readiness (STAR) program to the area while collaborating with the Missouri Works Initiative and Urban League to promote the talent pipeline for the skilled trades.
“This significant investment from Google speaks to the value of Missouri’s economic advantages and collaborative partnerships,” said Michelle Hataway, Acting Director of the Department of Economic Development. “We’re proud to support this historic project as Google joins a growing list of innovative companies that are helping Missourians prosper.”
To learn more about Google in Missouri, visit economicimpact.google/state/mo
electrification transformation. They will also further position Schneider Electric as a driving force behind this country’s clean energy transition.”
Demand for Schneider’s energy efficient solutions and sustainability solutions continues to surge, which the company indicated during its full year 2023 financial results announced last month. The company said its U.S. growth was ‘a function of continued strong demand across its infrastructure and data center end-markets,’ the latter due in large part to the growth of artificial intelligence.
The Tennessee investment is part of Schneider Electric’s commitment to strengthen its American manufacturing presence and create new jobs. Since 2020, Schneider Electric has invested more than $440 million across its American manufacturing network, including constructing its newest 160,000 square foot smart manufacturing plant in El Paso, Texas that opened in the summer of 2023.
The company, a leader enabling smart factory transformation, has also upgraded and automated some of its own manufacturing and distribution center facilities in Lexington, Kentucky; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Mechanicsburg and Middletown, Pennsylvania. The investments enable Schneider to streamline its production and order fulfillment processes, stay competitive and agile, and bolster its domestic supply chain capabilities.
Schneider Electric has had a presence in the U.S for 135 years. The company employs more than 19,000 workers in the country and its products and solutions can be found in four of 10 U.S. homes, 40 percent of the world’s hospitals, and in water and wastewater installations in 150 countries.
In 2023, TIME magazine named Schneider Electric to its 100 Most Influential Companies list recognizing it for work done to help clients reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. The company is also ranked among the Top 10 of the 2023 Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production by the Great Place to Work U.S. organization and Fortune magazine.
Cullman Economic Development Agency
Dale Greer
P.O. Box 1009
Cullman, AL 35056
256-739-1891
daleg@cullmaneda.org
www.cullmaneda.org
Gadsden-Etowah Industrial Development Authority
David Hooks Executive Director
1 Commerce Square
Gadsden, AL 35901
256-543-9423
davidhooks@gadsdenida.org
www.gadsdenida.org
Elmore County Economic Development
Cary Cox
P.O. Box 117
Wetumka , AL 36092
334-514-5843
cary.cox@elmoreeda.com
www.elmoreeda.com
Northwest Alabama EDA
Tom Wisemiller
4020 U.S. Highway 43
Guin, AL 35563
205-468-3213
twisemiller@northwestalabameda.org
www.northwestalabamaeda.org
Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority
Justice Smyth
Executive Director
P.O. Box 2667
Tuscaloosa, AL 35403
205-349-1414
info@tcoeda.com
www.tcoeda.com
Arizona Regional Economic Develoment
Mignonne Hollis, Executive Director
750 E. Bartow Drive Suite 16
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
520-458-6948
hollism@aredf.org
www.aredf.org
City of Flagstaff Economic Development
John Saltonstall, AZED Pro Business Retention & Expansion Manager
Economic Vitality Division
City of Flagstaff
211 W. Aspen Avenue
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Office 928-213-2966
Cell 928-606-9430
jsaltonstall@flagstaffaz.gov
www.flagstaffaz.gov
Pinal Alliance for Economic Growth
Patti King, Executive Mgr. 17235 N. 75th Avenue Suite D-145
Glendale, AZ 85308
520-836-8686
pking@pinalalliance.org
www.pinalalliance.org
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
Clarksville Economic Development
Steve Houserman
205 Walnut Street, Clarksville, AR 72830
479-754-6486
shouserman@clarksvillear.gov
www.clarksvillear.gov
East Arkansas Crossroads Coalition
Alicia Woolman
1790 N. Falls Boulevard, Suite 2
Wynne, AR 72396
870-238-5300
crossroads@crossroadscoalition.org
www.crossroadscoalition.org
Salt River Project (SRP)
Karla Moran
P.O. Box 52025
Phoenix, AZ 85072-2025
602-236-2396
Karla.moran@srpnet.com
www.powertogrowphx.com
City of Surprise
Mike Hoover
16000 N Civic Center Plaza
Surprise, AZ 85374
623-222-3328
Mike.hoover@surpriseaz.gov
www.surpriseaz.gov
Mississippi County Economic Development
Clif Chitwood
4701 Memorial Drive
Blytheville, AR 72315
870-532-6084
clif@cottontosteel.com
www.cottontosteel.com
City of Siloam Springs
Kristifier Paxton
Community Development Director
P.O. Box 80
Siloam Springs , AR 72761
479-238-0930
kpaxton@siloamsprings.com
whysiloam.com
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 Moreno Valley Economic Development
Mike Lee
Economic Development Director
14177 Frederick Street
Moreno Valley, CA 92553
951-413-3460
mike@moval.org
www.morenovalleybusiness.com
City of Ontario Economic Development
Jennifer McLain Hiramoto
Economic Development Director
303 East B Street
Ontario, CA 91764
909-395-2295
JHiramoto@ontarioca.gov
www.ontariothinksbusiness.com
Greater Irvine Chamber
Pepper Russell
36 Executive Park Suite 100
Irvine, CA 92614
949-502-4129
prussell@irvinechamber.com
www.irvinechamber.com
City of Canon City
Rick Harrmann
128 Main Street
Canon City, CO 81212
719-276-5279
rlharrmann@canoncity.org
www.canoncity.org
City of Fountain Economic Development Commission
Kimberly A. Bailey
Economic Development/ Urban Renewal Director
116 S. Main Street
Fountain, CO 80817
719-322-2056
kbailey@fountaincolorado.org
www.fountaincolorado.org
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
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
Kent Economic Partnership
Linda Parkowski
Executive Director
555 Bay Road
Dover, DE 19901
302-678-3057
info@ccede.com
www.choosecentraldelaware.com
Wilmington Economic Development
Sean J. Park
800 N. French St., 3rd Floor
Wilmington, DE 19801
302-576-2128
sjpark@wilmingtonde.gov
www.wilmingtonde.gov
FLORIDA
Enterprise Florida, Inc.
800 North Magnolia Avenue Suite 1100
Orlando, FL 32803
407-956-5600
www.enterpriseflorida.com
City of Titusville
Nicholas Gow
555 South Washington Avenue
Titusville, FL 32796-3584
321-567-3774
economicdevelopment@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, MEDP President/CEO
Post Office Box 3845
Haines City, FL 33845-3845
863-422-2525
cyndi@hainescityedc.com
www.hainescityedc.com
Hernando County Office of Economic Development
Valerie M. Pianta, MEDP, Economic Development Director
15800 Flight Path Drive
Brooksville, FL 34604
352--540-6400
vpianta@hernandocounty.us
www.hernandobusiness.com
Holmes County Development Commission
Joe Rone, Executive Director
106 E Byrd Avenue
Bonifay, FL 32425
850-547-6154
jrone@westflorida.coop
hcdc1978@gmail.com
www.holmesedc.com
Indian River Chamber of Commerce
Helene Caseltine
Economic Development Director
1216 21st Street
Vero Beach, FL 32960
772-567-3491
helenec@indianrivered.com
www.indianrivered.com
Lake County, Economic Development
Kathleen Dial, Director
315 W. Main Street
Tavares, FL 32778
352-742-3925
Kathleen.dial@lakecountyfl.gov
www.lakecountyfl.gov
.......................................................................
Osceola County
David Rodriguez, Economic Development Manager
1 Courthouse Square, Suite 4400 Kissimmee, FL 34741
407-742-0620
407-742-4202 (f)
david.rodriguez@osceola.org
www.chooseosceola.com
www.osceola.org Pasco Economic Development Council
Bill Cronin, President & CEO 16506 Pointe Village Drive, Suite 101 Lutz, FL 33558
813-926-0827
813-926-0829 (f)
bcronin@pascoedc.com pascoedc.com
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
Santa Rosa County EDO
Shannon Ogletree, , Executive Director 6491 Caroline Street, Suite 4 Milton, FL 32570-4592
850-623-0174
Shannon@sant arosa.fl.gov
www.santarosaedo.com
City of St. Cloud
Antranette Forbes, Economic Development Direcrector
1300 9th Street
St. Cloud, FL 34769
(407)957-7234
antranette.forbes@stcloud.org
www.stcloud.org
Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality
Keith Bowers, Director
315 S. Calhoun Street, Suite 110
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-219-1080
kbowers@oevforbusiness.org
www.oevforbusiness.org
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/
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
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
Matt Poyner
Econmical Devleopment Director
117 Putnam Drive, Eaton, GA 31024 706-816-8099
mpoyner@putnamforward.dev
www.putnamforward.dev .......................................................................
Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority
Andrea Schruijer, Executive Director
P.O. Box 5185
Valdosta, GA 31603-1963
229-259-9972
aschruijer@buildlowndes.com
www.buildlowndes.com
Champaign County Economic Development Corporation
Carly McCrory-McKay
Executive Director
1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100
Champaign, IL 61820
217-359-6261
carly@champaigncountyedc.org
www.champaigncountyedc.org
City of Highland Economic Development
Mallord Hubbard
1115 Broadway, P.O. Box 218
Highland, IL 62249-0218
618-654-9891
618-654-4768 (f)
mhubbard@highlandil.gov
www.highlandil.gov
City of Litchfield Ecnomic Development
Austin Edmondson
120 E. Ryder Street
Litchfield, IL 62056
217-324-8151
cityadm@cityoflitchfieldil.com
www.litchfieldil-development.com
Village of Arlington Heights Business & Economic Development
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
Adams County EDC
Colton Bickel
313 W. Jefferson Street, Suite 237
Decatur, IN 46733
260-724-2588
cbickel@adamscountyedc.com
www.adamscountyedc.com
Carroll County EDC
City of Marshall
Nora Swalls
Economic Development Director
201 S. Michigan Ave
Marshall, IL 62441
217-826-2034
nswalls@marshall-il.com
www.marshall-il.com
City of Vandalia
Latisha Paslay
431 W. Gallatin St.
Vandalia, IL 62471
618-283-1152
618-335-9510 (Mobile)
vandaliaed@vandaliaillinois.com
www.vandaliaillinois.com
Intersect Illinois
Dan Seals, CEO
Senior Vice President Business Development
230 W. Monroe St.
Chicago, IL 60606
312-667-6013
dan.seals@intersectillinois.org
www.intersectillinois.org
Jake Adams, Exec Director
P.O. Box 83
Delphi, IN 46923
765-564-2060
jadams@carrollcountyedc.com
www.carrollcountyedc.com
Miami County Economic Development Auth.
Jim Tidd
1525 W. Hoosier Boulevard
Peru, IN 46970
765-689-0159
jtidd@miamicountyeda.com
www.miamicountyeda.com
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
Go Topeka
Molly Howey, CEcD President
719 S Kansas Ave. Suite 100
Topeka, KS 66603
785.231.4707
mhowey@gotopeka.com
www.gotopeka.com
Russell County Eco Devo & CVB
Mike Parsons, Director
331 E. Witchita, Russell, KS 67665
785-483-4000
rced2@russellks.net
www.russellcountyks.org
Salina Economic Development Organization
D. Mitch Robinson, CEcD
120 West Ash Street
Salina, KS 67401
785-404-3131
mrobinson@salinaedo.org
www.salinaedo.org
Shawnee Economic Development
Ann Smith-Tate, President CEO
15100 W. 67th Street Suite 202
Shawnee, KS 66217-9344
913-631-6545
asmithtate@shawneekschamber.com
www.shawnee-edc.com
Wyandotte Economic Development Council
Greg Kindle President
727 Minnesota Avenue
Kansas City, KS 66101
913-371-3198
gkindle@wyedc.org
www.wyedc.org
City of Pikeville
Jill Fraley Dotson, Executive Economic Development Director
773 Hambley Boulevard
Pikeville, KY 41501
606-437-5128
info@whypikeville.com
www.whypikeville.com
Be NKY
Kimberly Rossetti
VP of Economic Development
300 Buttermilk Pike, Suite 332
Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017
888-874-3365
krossetti@Be-NKY.com
www.Be-NKY.com
South Western Kentucky EDC
Carter Hendricks, Executive Director
2800 Fort Campbell Blvd.
Hopkinsville, KY 42240
270-885-1499
chendricks@southwesternky.com
www.southwesternky.com
Louisiana Economic Development
Anya G. Hudnall
1201 N. Third Street, Suite 7-210
Baton Rouge, LA 70802 225-342-5396
Anya.hudnal@la.gov
www.la.gov
SWLA Economic Development ALLIANCE
George Swift
4310 Ryan Street
Lake Charles LA 70605
337-433-3632
gswift@allianceswla.org
www.allianceswla.org
St. Mary Parish of Economic Development
Evan Boudreaux, Director
500 Main Street, 5th Floor Courthouse
Franklin, LA 70538
337-828-4100
ecodev@stmaryparishla.gov
www.stmaryparishdevelopmant.com
Bangor Community & Economic Development
Anne Krieg
262 Harlow Street
Bangor, ME 04401
207-992-4280
anne.krieg@bangormaine.gov
www.bangormaine.gov
Town of Richmond Community, Economic, & Business Development
Darryl Sterling Director
26 Gardiner Street Richmond, ME 04357-0159
207-737-4305 x 331 207-737-4306 (f)
director@richmondmaine.com
www.richmondmaine.com
Calvert County Economic Development
Julie Oberg, Director
205 Main Street
Prince Frederick, MD 20678 410-535-4583
julie.oberg@calvertcountymd.gov
www.choosecalvert.com
Carroll County Economic Development
Paige Sunderland Director
225 N. Center Street, Ste. 101
Westminster, MD 21157
410-386-2070
psunderland@carrollbiz.org
www.carrollbiz.org
Cecil County Economic Development
Bill Sorenson, Director
200 Chesapeake Blvd., Ste 2700
Elkton, MD 21921
410-996-8465
wsorenson@cecilcountymd.gov
www.cecilbusiness.org
Dorchester County Economic Development
Susan Banks, Director
104 Tech Park Drive
Cambridge, MD 21613
410-228-0155
sbanks@choosedorchester.org
www.choosedorchester.org
Kent County Department of Economic & Tourism Development
Jamie L. Williams, CEcD, Director
400 High Street, 3rd Floor
Chestertown MD 21620 410-810-2168
jlwilliams@kentgov.org
www.kentcounty.com/business
Montgomery County Economic Development
Laurie Babb
1801 Rockville Pike, Ste. 320 Rockville, MD 20852
240-641-6704
laurie@thinkmoco.com
www.thinkmoco.com
Talbot County Economic Development
Cassandra M. Vanhooser, Director
11 S. Harrison Street
Easton, MD 21601
410-770-8000
Cvanhooser@talbgov.org
www.talbgov.org
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
300 N. Washington Sq. Lansing, Michigan 48913 888-522-0103
www.michiganbusiness.org
Economic Development Alliance (EDA) of St. Clair County
Dan Casey, CEO
100 McMorran Boulevard
4th Floor, Suite B
Port Huron, Michigan 48060
810-982.9511
www.edascc.com
stclairhotjobs.com
The Right Place, Inc
Andria Romkema
125 Ottawa Avenue, Suite 450
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-771-0563
romkemaa@rightplace.org
www.Rightplace.org
City of Lakeville Community & Economic Development
David Olson, Director
20195 Holyoke Avenue
Lakeville, MN 55044
952-985-4421
dolson@lakevillemn.gov
www.lakevillemn.gov
Greenwood Leflore Carroll EDF
Thomas Gregory
P.O. Box 26
Greenwood, MS 38930
662-453-5321
Thomas@greenwoodedf.com
www.greenwoodedf.com
Hinds County EDA
Tamika Jenkins, CEcD
Executive Director
P.O. Box 248
Jackson, MS 39205-0248
601-353-6056
tamika@selecthinds.com
www.selecthinds.com
Sikeston Regional Chamber & Economic Development Corp.
Marcie Lawson
128 N. New Madrid Street
Sikeston, MO 63801
573-471-2498
marcie.lawson@sikeston.net
www.sikeston.net
EDC of Lea County
Jennifer Grassham, CEO
200 E. Broadway Street
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
Choose New Jersey
Bill Noonan, Chief Business Development Officer
11-43 Raymond Plaza W, Suite 1420
Newark, NJ 07102
609-297-2200
wnoonan@choosenj.com
www.choosenj.com
Gloucester County Department of Economic Development
Tom Bianco, Director
1480 Tanyard Rd., Sewell, NJ 08080
856-384-6930
tbianco@co.gloucester.nj.us
www.gloucestercountynj.gov
New Jersey EDA
Pat J. Rose
36 West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-858-6705
prose@njeda.com
www.njeda.com
Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance
Danielle Casey, CEcD
President
201 Third Street NW, #1900 Albuquerque, NM 87102
505-705-3785
dcasey@abq.org
www.abq.org
Hobbs, NM 88240
573-397-2039
jennifer@edclc.org
www.edclc.org
Roswell-Chaves County EDC
Michael Espiritu
220 North Main Roswell, NM 88201
575-622-1975
mespiritu@chavescounty.net
www.chavescounty.net
Allegany County Industrial Development Agency
Craig Clark, Executive Director
CrossRoads Center
6087 State Route 19N, Suite 100
Belmont, NY 14813
585-268-7472
800-893-9484
clarkcr@alfredstate.edu
www.acida.org
Mohawk Valley Edge
Nick Bruno
584 Phoenix Drive
Rome, NY 13441-4105
315-338-0393
nbruno@mvedge.org
www.mvedge.org
Saratoga EDC
Tori J.E. Riley, VP
56 Duplainville Road
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-587-0945
toririley@saratogaedc.com
www.saratogaedc.com
Harnett County Economic Development
Stephen Barrington, Director
200 Alexander Dr. or PO Box 1270
Lillington, NC 27546
910-814-6891
919-814-8298 (f)
sbarrington@harnett.org
www.harnettedc.org
Piedmont Triad Airport Authority
Stephanie Freeman
1000A Ted Johnson Parkway
Greensboro, NC 27409
336-665-5602
freemans@gsoair.org
www.landatpti.com
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
Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC
Nathan Schneider, CEcD-Vice President 1640 Burnt Boat Dr.
Bismark, ND 58503
701-223-5660
nschneider@bmcedc.com
www.bismarckmandanedc.com
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
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
Erie County Redevelopment Authority
Tina M. Mengine 1314 Griswold Plaza Erie, PA 16501
814-480-0337 x 101 Tmengine@ecrda.net
www.ecrda.net
Horsham Township Economic Development
Larry Burns 1025 Horsham Road
Horsham, PA 19044 215-643-3131 x 234
lburns@horsham.org
www.horsham.org
Penn’s Northeastt
John L. Augustine III
1151 Oak Street Pittston, PA 18640
570-883-0504
jaugustine@pennsnortheast.com
www.pennsnortheast.com
Quonset Development Corporation
Steven J. King, Managing Director 95 Cripe Street North Kingstown, RI 2852 401-295-0044
sking@quonset.com
www.quonset.com
Charleston Regional Development Alliance
Megan Fink
4401 Belle Oaks Drive, Suite 420 North Charleston, SC 29405 843-760-3351
mfink@crda.org
www.crda.org
Lexington County Economic Development
Sarah J. Johnson Department Director
212 South Lake Drive Lexington, SC 29072
803-785-6818
sjjohnson@lex-co.com
www.LexingtonCountyUSA.com
South Carolina I-77 Alliance
Christopher Finn
3200 Commerce Drive, Suite D
Richburg, SC 29729
803-789-3467
chris.finn@i77alliance.com
www.i77alliance.com
SouthernCarolina Regional Alliance
Kay Maxwell
1750 Jackson Street, Suite 100
Barnwell, SC 29812
803-541-0023
kmaxwell@southerncarolina.org
www.southerncarolina.org
TENNESSEE
Blount Partnership
Bryan Daniels CEcD, CCE, IOM President and CEO
201 S. Washington Street
St. Maryville, TN 37804
865-983-2247
865-984-1386
bdaniels@blountpartnership.com
www.blountchamber.com
Bristol Tennessee Essential Services
April Eads
Business Development Manager
2470 Volunteer Parkway
Bristol, TN 37620
423-793-5532
423-793-5545 (f)
aeads@btes.net
www.btes.net/index.php/economic-development
City of Lebanon
Sarah Haston
Economic Development Director
200 North Castle Heights Ave. Lebanon, TN 37087
615-443-2839 EXT. 2120
Sarah.Haston@lebanontn.org
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
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 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
City of Fort Worth
Robert Sturns, Director
1150 S. Freeway
Fort Worth, TX 76104
817-392-2663
Robert.Sturns@fortworthtexas.gov
City of Leander
Randall Malik
Economic Development Director
201 N Brushy Leander, TX 78641
512-528-2855
rmalik@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
936-522-3529
scheiner@conroeedc.org
www.conroeedc.org
DeSoto Economic Development
Matt Carlson, CEO
211 E. Pleasant Run Road
DeSoto, TX 75115
Ph: 972-230-9611
mcarlson@desototexas.gov www.dedc.org
Cedar Hill Economic Development Corporation
Henry Florsheim
285 Uptown Boulevard, Bldg. 100
Cedar Hill, TX 75104
972-291-5132
henry.florsheim@cedarhilltx.com
www.cedarhilledc.com
Hamilton Economic Development Corp.
Kayla Schraub
108 North Bell Street
Hamilton, TX 76531
254-386-5954
edc@hamiltontx.com
www.hamiltontx.com
Jacksboro Economic Development Corporation
Brenda Tarpley, Executive Director
302 S. Main Street
Jacksboro, TX 76458
940-567-3151
btarpley@jacksboroedc.com
www.jacksboroedc.com
Laredo Economic Development
Gene Lindgren, President & CEO
302 S. Main Street
Laredo, TX 78044
956-722-0563
glindgren@laredoedc.org
www.laredoedc.org
LCRA
Karen Dickson Economic Development Manager
3700 Lake Austin Blvd.
Austin, TX 78703
512-578-3291
karen.dickson@lcra.org
www.lcra.org/economic-development/ pages/default.aspx
Marble Falls EDC
Christian Fletcher
801 Fourth Street
Marble Falls, TX 78654
830-798-7079
cfletcher@marblefallseconomy.com
www.marblefallseconomy.com
McKinney Economic Development Corporation
Peter Tokar III, President/CEO
7300 SH 121 SB, Ste 200
McKinney, TX 75070
972-547-7687
ptokar@mckinneyedc.com
www.uniquemckinney.com
Mineola Economic Development Corp
Mercy Rushing, Executive Director
300 Greenville Highway
Mineola, TX 75773
903-569-6183
903-245-8505
www.lebanontn.org
mrushing@mineola.com
www.mineola.com
Mount Pleasant EDC
Nathan Tafoya, Executive Director
1604 N. Jefferson Ave.
Mount Pleasant, TX 75455
903-572-6602
nathan@mpedc.org www.mpedc.org
New Braunfels EDC
Michele Boggs
Marketing/Research Director
390 S. Seguin Avenue
New Braunfels, TX 78130
830-608-2811
michele@innewbraunfels.com www.newbraunfelsedc.com
TexAmericas Center
Eric Voyles, Executive Vice President
Chief Economic Development Officer
107 Chapel Lane
New Boston, TX USA 75570
Po3-223-9841 (0)
903-306-8923 Cell
Eric.Voyles@TexAmericasCenter.com
www.TexAmericasCenter.com
Whitesboro Economic Development Corp.
Lynda Anderson, Director
P.O. Box 340 or 111 W. Main Whitesboro, TX 76273 930-564-3311
landerson@whitesborotexas.com
www.whitesborotexas.com
Odessa Economic Development Corporation
Tom Manskey
700 N. Grant Ave. Odessa, TX 79761 432-333-7880
tom@odessaecodev.com www.odessatx.com
Palestine Economic Development Corp.
Christophe Trahan, Director
100 Willow Creek Parkway, Suite A Palestine, TX 75801
903-731-8412
edcdirector@palestine-tx.org www.palestinetexas.net
Pflugerville Community Development
Amy Madison
3801 Helios Way Suite 130 Pflugerville, TX 78660 512-990-3725
amym@pfdevelopment.com
www.pfdevelopment.com
Plainview Economic Development Corporation
Kristi Aday, Executive Director
1906 West 5th Plainview, TX 79072
806-293-8536
kaday@plainviewtx.org
www.plainviewedc.org
UTAH Eagle Mountain Economic Development
City of Lakewood Economic Development
Becky Newton Manager
6000 Main Street SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
877-421-9126
bnewton@cityoflakewood.us
www.buildyourbetterhere.com
City of Maple Valley
Kristina Weaver
Economic Development Manager
P.O. Box 320
Maple Valley, WA 98038 425-413-8800
kristina.weaver@maplevalleywa.gov
www.maplevalleywa.gov
Evan Berrett, City Administrator
1650 E. Stagecoach Run
Eagle Mountain, UT 84005 801-789-6621
eberrett@emcity.org
www.eaglemountaincity.com
Arlington Economic Development
Ryan Touhill, AED Director
1100 N Glebe Rd Suite 1500
Arlington, VA 22201
703-228-0808
703-228-0805 (f)
rtouhill@arlingtonva.us
www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com
Bedford County Office of Economic Development
Pam Bailey, Director of Economic Development
Bedford County
122 East Main Street, Suite 202
Bedford, Virginia 24523
540-587-5670
pbailey@bedfordcountyva.gov
www.bedfordeconomicdevelopment.com
New North, Inc
Barb LaMue, President & CEO
2740 W. Mason Street
Green Bay, WI 54303
920-676-1960
barb.lamue@thenewnorth.com
www.thenewnorth.com
Portage County Business Council, Inc. PCB
Michael Witte, Executive Director
5501 Vern Holmes Drive
Stevens Point, WI 54482
715-344-1940
715-344-1940 (f)
michaelw@portagecountybiz.com
www.portagecountybiz.com
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
City of Franklin Economic Development
John Regetz, Director
9229 W. Loomis Road
Franklin, WI 53132
414-427-7566
jregetz@franklinwi.gov
www.franklinwi.gov
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
Advance Casper, Wyoming
Justin Farley, CEO
139 W. 2nd St., #1D
Casper, WY 82601
307-577-7011
justin@advancecasper.com
www.advancecasper.com
Cheyenne LEADS
Betsey Hale, Chief Executive Officer
One Depot Square
121 W. 15th St. Suite 304
Cheyenne, WY 82001
307-638-6000
betseyh@cheyenneleads.org
cheyenneleads.org
The Laramie Chamber Business Alliance
Josh Boudreau, VP Economic Development
528 South Adams Street
Laramie, WY 82070
307-745-7339
jboudreau@laramie.org
www.laramie.org
ALBERTA
Calgary Economic Development
500 Centre Street S, 32nd Floor
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2G 1A6 403-221-7831
info@calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com
www.calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com
Town of Vegreville
Jamieson Brown
4829-50 Street
P.O. Box 640
Vegreville, Alberta T9C 1R7
587-790-0919
jbrown@vegreville.com
www.choosevegreville.com
City of Brandon
Gerald Cathcart Director
Main Floor, 410 9th Street
Ignite Fredericton
Paula Lehr
40 Crowther Lane, Ste. 100
Fredericton, NB E3C 0J1
506-282-0624
paula.lehr@ignitefredericton.com
www.ignitefredericton.com
Imagine Chaleur
Shirley de Silva
702 Principale Street, Ste. 2
Petit-Rocher, NB E8j 1V1
506-542-2688
shirley.desilva@csrchaleurrsc.ca
www.csrchaleurrsc.ca
Expansion Dieppe
Louis Godbout
333 Acadia Avenue
Dieppe, NB E1A 1G9
506-877-7850
louis.godbout@dieppe.ca
www.expansiondieppe.ca
Elgin County
Brandon, Manitoba, Canada R7A 6A2 204-729-2131
g.cathcart@brandon.ca
www.economicdevelomentbrandon.com
Carolyn Krahn, Manager Economic Development And Tourism
450 Sunset Drive
St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada N5R 5V1 519-631-1460 ext. 133
ckrahn@elgin.ca
www.progressivebynature.com
City of Guelph
Christine Chapman
1 Carden Street
Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1H 3A1
519--822-1260 ext. 2823
Christine.chapman@guelph.ca
www.guelph.ca/business
City of Kawartha Lakes Economic Development
Lindsey Schoenmakers
180 Kent Street West
Lindsay, Ontario, Canada K9V 2Y6 705-324-9411
lschoenmakers@kawarthalakes.ca
www.kawarthalakes.ca
Middlesex County
Cara A. Finn, BBA, M. Ad.Ed.
Director of Economic Development
399 Ridout St. North
London, ON N6A 2P1
519-434-7321
cfinn@middlesex.ca
www.investinmiddlesex.ca
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.kakaflikas@mississauga.ca
www.TheFuturelsUnlimited.ca
Town of Aurora Economic Development
Lisa Hausz
100 John West Way, Box 1000
Aurora, Ontario, Canada L4G 6J1
905-727-1375
lhausz@aurora.ca
www.aurora.ca
Vaughan Economic and Cultural Development
Raphael Costa
Vaughan City Hall, Level 200
2141 Major Mackenzie Drive
Vaughan, Ontario, Canada L6A 1T1
905-832-8526 ext. 8891
raphael.costa@vaughan.ca
www.vaughan.ca/Business
