September/October 2021 - Digital Issue

2021 NATIONAL DIRECTORY

September/October 2021 | bxjmag.com

OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPERS

A NEW BUILDUP

BUSINESS SERVICES

BETTER DATA ANALYSIS

CYBER SECURITY

INCIDENTS GET MORE TROUBLING

EXPANSION OPPORTUNITIES ARIZONA • NEW MEXICO GEORGIA • ARKANSAS • ALABAMA ILLINOIS • NORTH DAKOTA

YOU'RE NEVER TOO Y O U N G T O D R E A M BIG Our Region is home to countless innovations in aerospace, renewable energy, transportation, manufacturing, higher education and more. Here - we are business friendly.

Here - there is room to dream big.

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41301 12th Street West, Suite D, Palmdale, CA 93551 Phone (661) 441-2957 or administration@avedgeca.org ANTELOPE VALLEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & GROWTH ENTERPRISE

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Prepared to do business....

Middlesex County offers a rich rural-urban landscape in the heart of Southwestern Ontario.

Complete with all the must haves for multi-nationals or local businesses looking to expand or upgrade facilities, Middlesex offers prime location, affordable land prices, educated workforce, multilevel government support, and desirable quality of life.

Our 401 and 402 series highways are vital in transporting goods to destinations across the globe. Rail and air transport are locally available with both Canadian National and Canadian Pacific traveling through the County and the London International Airport offering a central location for both cargo and people. Also located about an hour from here is port access to the Great Lakes’ shipping channels.

The municipality’s ‘prepared-to-do business’ approach is credited as one of the many reasons why renowned companies such as Bonduelle North America, Gray Ridge Eggs, Catalent Pharma Solutions (Molnar Park), Armatec Survivability (DaVinci Park), Ideal Pipe and Algonquin Bridge (Thorndale Park) call Middlesex County ‘home.’ Companies prospecting for the optimum mix of location, (including attractive property priving) and additional amenities, really strike it rich in Middlesex.

With a population of 425,683, the City of London is Canada’s 11th largest city, which serves as an advantage to Middlesex given the access to established economic sectors, and the many graduates from Western University and Fanshawe College.

Both education institutions rank high as leaders in research and public/private partnerships so it’s no wonder why Stats Canada (2016) identified Middlesex County residents as possessing an education level higher than the national average.

The quality of life in Middlesex is enhanced by the celebration of arts and culture and the vibrant shopping and entertainment options. As well, short commutes, traffic that moves, fresh air, safe spaces, and active living options can all be accessed by families in our intimate communities. This is a place where front porches are used, street hockey is played, and children walk to school. Come see for yourself why businesses call Middlesex County ‘home.’

www.investinmiddlesex.ca

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

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FEATURES INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: The aviation rebound begins Manned urban air mobility drones, flying cars and a rise of new business jet ventures part of a new aviation buildup.

By David Hodes

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Alan Reyes-Guerra areyes@bxjmag.com 205-862-5175

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS David Hodes

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INNOVATION AND STRATEGIES: Today’s business manager needs better data analysis - now More and more data is piling up for companies to use. But the trick is analyzing what the data really means, and how to use it to drive sales and increase revenue.

By David Hodes

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Clint Cabiness clint@dialedinmediagroup.com 205-613-5910 EDITORIAL OFFICE King Publishing, Inc. 1000 Stafford Court Birmingham, Alabama 35242 Tel: 205-862-5175

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INDUSTRY INSIGHT: Cybersecurity incidents get more troubling More needs to be done at every company, large and small, to counter growing, and increasingly dangerous, cyber intrusions.

By David Hodes

ONLINE MEDIA ASSISTANT Sonia Buchanan Nick Boliek nick@dialedinmediagroup.com SUBSCRIPTION CHANGES & REQUESTS 205-862-5175 or www.bxjmag.com

EXPANSION O P P O R T U N I T I E S King Publishing, Inc., 1000 Stafford Court, Birmingham, AL 35242; www.bxjmag.com. Advertising rates are furnished upon request.

18 ARIZONA: OUTSTANDING

28 ARKANSAS: DESTINED FOR SUCCESS

INFRASTRUCTURE

22 NEW MEXICO: YOUR BUSINESS. THEIR CLIMATE 24 GEORGIA: CLOSES FISCAL YEAR 2021 WITH

33 ALABAMA: NORTHWEST ALABAMA 34 ILLINOIS: STRENGTHS TO BUILD ON 36 NORTH DAKOTA: BE LEGENDARY

RECORD-BREAKING JOBS, INVESTMENT

Subscriptions are free to those who qualify. Non-qualified subscriptions are $69 in the U.S.; $89 in Canada and Mexico; elsewhere outside the U.S. is $99 for 10 issues. Back issue rate is $6 when available. Payment must accompany order. The views expressed in all articles and advertisements appearing in the Business Xpansion Journal magazine are solely those of the author and advertiser, respectively. © Copyright 2021, King Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No partof this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

POSTMASTER: Send change of address notification to Business Xpansion Journal, 1000 Stafford Court, Birmingham, AL 35242. Subscribers can make address changes by calling 205-862-5175 or by e-mail at www.bxjmag.com.

1000 Stafford Court, BIRMINGHAM, AL 35242

38 2021 National Directory of Economic Developers

TEL: 205-862-5175 2001

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INDUSTRY

OUTLOOK

AEROSPACE/AVIATION Honda Aircraft Company announced in August 2019, that the HondaJet is the most delivered aircraft in its class for the first half of 2019.

During the first six months of 2019, 17 aircraft were delivered to customers around the world.

$

The aviation rebound begins BY: DAVID HODES

Manned urban air mobility drones, flying cars and a rise of new business jet ventures part of a new aviation buildup

T

he commercial aviation industry continues to undergo a number of changes, most in response to the pandemic as industry analysts hint at a pending, robust recovery. ...............................................................................................................

According to documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for Southwest Airlines, travel demand for the Labor Day holiday weekend was healthy, and the company was profitable again in July 2021. But that one-off good holiday travel weekend has not signaled a trend.

Southwest Airlines management reported that the negative effects of the pandemic on August through September revenue trends will make it difficult for the company to be profitable going forward into the third quarter 2021.

Travel plans scaled back U.S. business travelers are still scaling back travel plans, with 67 percent planning to take fewer trips, 52 percent likely to cancel existing travel plans without rescheduling, and 60 percent planning to postpone existing travel plans, according to a new national survey conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA). Revenues aren’t expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2024, the survey reported.

So the question remains: What are the options here? Many, as it turns out.

New business airline opportunities Business travelers are caught in the middle, some wanting or needing to get in front of other business people at a certain time, which means traveling on a jet that departs and 4 |

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Honda Aircraft Company signed a partnership deal with the largest airline in Japan in 2018.

arrives on time, while still contending with various Covid protocols that may or may not be working.

Commercial airlines are still cancelling or delaying flights at an unprecedented level—3,343 delays, 506 cancellations on September 7, 2021 alone, according to FlightAware, a tracking website. At O’Hare Airport, 37 percent of all flights were delayed on that same day.

Those uncertainties are untenable to a business traveler. “When you need to go someplace, and your time is extremely precious, the commercial airlines have become even more challenging,” Peter Agur says. Agur is the former Executive in Residence at EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University, and the chairman and founder of the VanAllen Group, an aviation consulting company. “It could be from the ground-based Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Covid restrictions, the delays associated with traveling on major airlines, or the reduced schedules that create much longer delays between flights and longer delays between connecting flights. Flights are being cancelled, because the airlines have very little in the way of backup.”

But these travelers are discovering an option that has gained serious traction over the last year—private business jet travel. The global business jet market is projected to grow from $25.87 billion in 2021 to $36.94 billion by 2028, according to report from Fortune Business Insights, an industry analyst company.

In 2019, the United States had the biggest business aviation fleet of over 21,900 registered aircraft worldwide. By contrast, in that year there were 4,159 business aircraft in all of Europe.

Other industry forecasts for the next ten years predict there will be between 6,362 and 7,300 new jet deliveries, valued between $204.4 billion and $236 billion.

“The fractional (shared ownership) and the charter companies have done very well from an activity basis, in contrast to commercial airlines over the last year and a half,” Agur says. “There are a number of passengers who have chosen to pay the premium that’s associated with traveling privately. That continues to be the trend today, and is anticipated to be the trend for the next few years.”

Agur explains that the airlines “are in the maximization of the capacity business,” and are being driven by business people who are not customer service focused. “Passengers do not see themselves as commodities. They see themselves as expecting high touch service. Airlines don’t do that.”

That perception by business customers has forced those customers who can afford it to look at private jet business services.

Business jet services have always been very customer oriented, and more ancillary businesses and more entrepreneurs are gearing up to take advantage of the new and growing demand.

Companies such as Panasonic, Avionics, Zodiac Aerospace and Honeywell Corporation are developing and designing lightweight bxjmag.com

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Electric vehicle start-up Xpeng unveiled its first generation prototype for a flying vehicle at the Beijing Auto Show on Sept. 26, 2020.

and cost-effective consumer-friendly cabin interior systems.

Former commercial aircraft manufacturer, Bombardier, now a business jet manufacturer, had one of the largest business jet contracts in 2020—$267 million.

Startups, such as the booking platform Jet Token founded in June, 2018, and based in Las Vegas, have sprung up, looking for investors in a private business jet service that uses a small fleet of Honda jet planes. A business person can purchase a share in a jet through the Jet Token ownership program—a Honda jet starts at $5.3 million, and is one of the cheapest private jets on the market.

UAM to come What about urban air mobility? Where someone is not traveling across the country, but across a big city like New York? The aviation industry is making moves here as well. “Urban air mobility (UAM) will emerge quickly on a variety of levels, because surface transportation tends to be unpredictable and slow,” Agur says. “Take your pick of a major metropolitan area, urban air mobility, meaning air travel within a 60 mile radius, is a wide open opportunity for passengers.”

UAM can be a critical new air transportation method for first responders. “The speed of response has a great impact on being able to save lives. And nobody’s really talking about it yet. But that will be actually one of the most important applications of UAM technology.”

A UAM vehicle that is essentially a large drone—something like an eight-motor, eight-propeller octocopter—with a cabin for three or four people, doing a 70 mile an hour dash across the city, is going to be something that “will be done quite easily within the next few 6 |

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years,” Agur says. “We will see single pilot UAM operations much quicker than we will see totally autonomous operations.”

Flying cars? FAA says yes According to The Economist, up to 300 firms are working on short-range battery-powered craft that take off and land vertically.

Carmakers, aerospace firms, tech companies and others are reportedly making big investments.

A Morgan Stanley report projects a total addressable market of $1.5 trillion for autonomous aircraft by 2040, creating opportunities for investors and benefiting a host of sectors along the way.

And even more crucially, regulators are offering an easy pathway to certification for both autonomous and manned UAM vehicles.

In fact, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is engaged in the process with around 30 firms.

In January, Chinese-owned and Massachusetts-based Terrafugia got the FAA Special Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) airworthiness certificate for Terrafugia’s Transition roadable aircraft.

The aircraft can travel at 100 miles per hour; uses either premium gas or airplane fuel; has an airframe parachute; and has foldable wings for storage in a single-car garage. The two-seater plane/car is priced at $400,000.

Described as a unique integration of a two-seat aircraft and an automobile, the Transition is designed to meet safety standards from both the FAA and the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The flying high future As autonomous technology is being proven on the roadways,

The Transition flying car aircraft from Terrafugia

more autonomous planes will begin to show up in the skies above.

“Tesla’s data has already proven that a Tesla on what they call autopilot is ten times safer than if I am driving a car manually,” Agur says.

The transference of that technology from cars to planes is on the drawing boards, and will likely begin with reductions in onboard pilots and co-pilots. “We are likely to see that kind of capability in single pilot cargo jets for FedEx and Amazon and UPS within five to eight years.”

As autonomous technology for planes develops in these commercial operations, with fewer actual humans on board to pilot a plane, the demand for pilots will go down. But the demand for pilots will shift to the growing UAM industry, and the growing private jet business, Agur says.

is one of the wealthiest people in the world, why he loved aviation.

“He said ‘I don’t love aviation. But if I got to be someplace, I want to travel as comfortably as possible so that I’m in the position to do business as well as I can when I get there. If I could step into a phone booth and be in Tokyo in less than 10 seconds, you bet I’d do it’, Agur says his client told him.

“So as we look forward to the future, the need for speed, the need to go from one place to another in the least amount of time practical is going to continue,” Agur says. “The world is shrinking, but time unfortunately is constant.” X

Dreams v. reality “Aviation has historically been driven by people who create a dream and then follow through on it to produce it,” Agur says. “But as time has gone by, the cost of those dreams has dramatically increased. If you want to certify a new jet, you’re talking $600 million to a billion dollars just to get it certified.

So from that perspective, a brand new technology, like supersonic transportation, is going to have to be something that is not only technically feasible but it has to be economically feasible.”

Agur asked one of his clients, who he says

The HondaJet Elite is one of the most efficient, quietest, fastest, furthest and highest-flying aircraft in its class bxjmag.com

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Central NC Airport Focused on Attracting New Industry Piedmont Triad, NC – The Piedmont Triad International Airport has attracted several well-known, international companies in recent years to its central East Coast location in the heart of North Carolina.

Names such as FedEx Express, HAECO Americas, Cessna and HondaJet adorn large headquarter and hub buildings on the airport’s 4,000-acre campus, amid the airport’s parallel runways and alongside its adjacent interstate highways.

“Our airport’s central East Coast location has given it a natural advantage in recruiting companies like Honda Aircraft Company and FedEx Express,’ $ says the airport’s Executive Director, Kevin Baker. “But we have never depended on natural advantages alone to attract industry and create jobs.”

The Airport Authority has made it part of the airport’s mission to recruit industry, Baker says. The Authority and staff work closely with state and regional economic developers to bring new investment and new jobs to the community.

“Our airport has twin missions,” says Baker. “One is to provide a safe and efficient operation for our passengers. The second is to drive local economic development and job growth. We take both missions very seriously.”

The Authority’s aggressive approach to economic development has paid off in new investment and jobs.

Approximately 8,600 people work on the airport’s campus these days, and a recent state study credits the airport with generating more than 30,000 jobs in the region.

In fact, nearly 200 aerospace companies that include Collins Aerospace, Honda Aero and Triumph Aerospace, are located in

the Piedmont Triad, a 12-county region anchored by the cities of Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem. These companies are providing thousands of jobs to skilled aviation workers.

Success, while sweet, has created new challenges for the airport. When sites on the airport campus began to fill up with new industry several years ago, the Authority needed to find new sites to accommodate future growth.

To answer that challenge, the Authority acquired and cleared more than 1,000 acres, all with direct access to the airfield and served by numerous interstate highways. The airport sites have been graded, received preliminary environmental approval and are ready for development either in parcels or as one large site.

The result is an aerospace “mega-site” on the PTI campus that is perfectly suited for aerospace industry purposes. A new taxi-way bridge that crosses Interstate 73 now connects much of the new airport property with the original airport campus.

“We understand that when aerospace companies decide to develop a new location, they want the site ready yesterday,” says Baker. “We know we must have sites ready now, not five years from now.”

Regional government and business leaders have supported the Airport’s Authority’s efforts. And with good reason. The aerospace industry has become a major employer in the Piedmont Triad.

“Aerospace growth is good for the airport, but more important, it’s good for the community,” Baker says. “A big part of our mission is to support that growth in every way that we can.”

S I D E B A R

GAVEA_BusExpJournal.qxp_Layout 1 11/16/18 8:22 AM Page 1

AV EDGE A vast land of opportunity lies just an hour outside of Los Angeles known as the Antelope Valley. This group of high desert communities has been famed for its aerospace prowess for nearly 70 years.

Supersonic travel, the Space Shuttle, and advanced stealth technology were all born here. NASA astronauts train here and now commercial space flight is being pioneered here. But today, they’re also showing the world that they have the right stuff when it comes to developing advanced materials, building clean transport systems, crafting high-precision parts, generating fresh, green energy while adding value to innovative agricultural products.

Boeing With easy access to key transport corridors, good rail service, and China Lake Naval three of America’s top seaports within a seventy-mile radius, it’s(NAWS) no Air Weapons Station surprise that they’ve found favor with many distribution and logistics Edwards Air Force Base firms. Global traders enjoy the tax and tariff advantages of their Foreign Martin at your Trade Zone. AV EDGE puts 21 million SouthernLockheed Californian’s doorstep, the Western U.S. within a day’s driveMojave and new Pacific Air and Space Rim Port opportunities ready to explore.

National Test Pilot School Their enterprising group of business-savvy cities also understand how to help companies succeed. They’ve cut Northrop red tapeGrumman and work to U.S. Air Force Plant 42

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AEROSPACE is in our DNA

fast-track projects so you can get going quicker, with less worry and lower cost. Their business facilities cost about 65% less than those found in Los Angeles or San Francisco. Labor costs are also lower, yet their workforce is highly trained and motivated.

The Antelope Valley Economic Development and Growth Enterprise is the public/private partnership that facilitated business growth and opportunity within their 3,000 square-mile region. Take time to discover the amazing opportunities found within AV EDGE. Call In the Greater Antelope Valley, don’t just talk about space travel— 661-441-2957 orwe visit www.avedgeca.org for more information. we make it happen.

Every day, more than 30,000 people go to work here pushing the envelope in aerospace specialties like jet propulsion, flight test, engineering and precision manufacturing.

Florida: Indian River County Central to Where Your Business Needs to Be

S I D E B A R

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

Located on Florida’s east coast, midway between West Palm Beach and Cape Canaveral, Indian River County is within three hours of over 17 million consumers, or 90% of Florida’s population.

It has easy access to markets but is far from urban sprawl, traffic and congestion. Visitors from other parts of Florida are amazed, and pleasantly surprised, at the county’s lack of traffic. The area is rich in history and natural resources, with 26 miles of unspoiled beaches and scenic lakes, plus some of the best bass fishing available in Blue Cypress Lake. It is also the center of theworldfamous Indian River Citrus District.

Indian River County is a cost-competitive location for new or expanding businesses. It has hundreds of acres of low-cost land available for development, much of it located near I-95, a major north-south transportation route along the east coast. The county offers competitive property tax rates, and Florida has no state income tax.

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

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

For more information on locating your company to Indian River County, Florida, contact Helene Caseltine, Economic Development Director with the Indian River Chamber of Commerce, at 772-567-3491 or helenec@indianrivered.com. Or, visit their website at www.indianrivered.com.

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY IS EMERGING AS THE FLORIDA HUB, A LOCATION THAT’S SEAMLESSLY BLENDED THE BEST OF EVERYTHING THAT FLORIDA HAS TO OFFER

Because location is central to success •

Within 3 hours of 90% of Florida’s population

• •

Skilled pool of available workers

•

North-south and east-west transportation connections

Sebastian

Indian River County

Vibrant cultural mix including Florida’s largest teaching museum

Vero Beach West Palm Beach

Miami

Central to where your business needs to be.

Visit: IndianRiverED.com Call: 772.567.3491 or email: helenec@indianrivered.com bxjmag.com

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Today’s business manager needs better data analysis - now B Y: D AVI D HODES

More and more data is piling up for companies to use. But the trick is analyzing what the data really means, and how to use it to drive sales and increase revenue.

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he pace of managing a business today means more strategic decisions have to be made quickly using huge chunks of data that are sometimes randomly organized and therefore unavailable as quickly as needed. ....................................................................................................

Today, as the global pandemic appears to be hitting a new surge, the disruption the pandemic has caused for businesses and business managers will continue for years.

It’s a time where corporate leaders are rethinking what they do, and how they can reset their organization for a comeback.

It’s this moment of disruption where an advanced analytics capability can help companies answer multiple questions in determining the right strategic levers to pull, according to a McKinsey report.

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Business managers now need to respond to a series of what-ifs:

- What if, in assessing the order-to-cash cycle time, companies could at any moment know their numbers on sales orders, renewals, and customer revenue—replacing the indicators they often rely on today, such as bills per fulltime employee (FTE)?

- What if, instead of cash apps per FTE, companies could access customer short-pay and payment-data trends—that is, they could see the direction and speed of these trends at any point in time?

- In assessing the procure-to-pay cycle, companies normally must wait for payments to be made before they can track on-time payments. What if they could compare the value of extending payment terms to that of offering early-payment discounts—or better yet, evaluate the effects of those changes dynamically?

The proliferation of data that has already been gathered, which is increasing each minute, that has really set advanced business systems into overdrive. Research by Frost and Sullivan, a business consulting firm, estimates that 2.5 exabytes (1 billion gigabytes) of data are created daily.

A huge number of data collection and storage devices, such as mobile devices and sensors in manufacturing—all of those connected Internet of Things—has made managing data part of an increasingly sophisticated, enterprise-wide necessity.

A Forrester report puts it this way: “The digital transformation imperative has now entered its teenage years, complete with growth spurts and awkward phases. What began as a mad dash to update and design customer-facing processes, remains—at its core—a challenging imperative to re-envision how work gets done at both the individual workflow and enterprise level.”

The Forrester report found that the surveyed enterprises have invested heavily in tech, yet have been slow to adopt modern tools, instead relying on past approaches when it comes to modernizing processes (such as email and spreadsheets).

Enterprises have also underinvested in key professional services—only 34 percent are using organizational change management services, only 51 percent are utilizing business and technology vision support, and only 51 percent are investing in process reengineering.

Process modernization that improves business outcomes requires expert insights and a broader set of skills that are rarely all found in-house. “Results show that intelligent partnering to gain experience-based guidance, coupled with innovative design methods, yields far greater impact,” according to the report.

The retail data conundrum All that data from all various (and increasing) sources should be a good thing for understanding and applying analytics to solve problems, build sales, find a better workforce and more.

Some of that is working. More data is a good thing, right? But as an example of the obstacles, check what is happening in the retail industry.

“What we got to worry about in terms of the dataset is really the differences in the noise and the signal,” Chester Chambers says. Chambers is the academic program director for Business Analytics and Risk Management programs at the Carey Business School/Johns Hopkins University.

“A lot of what we’re getting now in terms of data on the retail side is, I would say, noise. We see an explosion in demand for certain things and a collapsing demand for other things, which in all likelihood is being driven by the pandemic,” Chambers says. “So you get sales data that says everybody wants microphones and video cameras for the computer system. But that’s really a temporary thing because of the pandemic. So we have to figure out what is the short term change? What’s the medium term thing that might stay around for a couple of years. What is the long term change? Alot of what you’re getting is not really a trend. It’s just a blip.”

It’s the same in other industries, Chambers says, such as auto sales and other big ticket items. “In some spaces, you’re seeing dramatic drops in sales, but that’s really because of things like supply chain disruption. So the trick is to look at the data that you got coming in, and figure out what’s a one-off and what is actually a long term trend,” he says. “And right now, there’s no good way to know until more time passes, where you can see what sticks and what doesn’t.”

Once a manager or CEO has that data, it’s time to figure out how to change that data into useful information. “That is very hard to do because we think in terms of controlled experiments. We think we change the price and that will change sales,” Chambers says. “But in reality, we change the price and there is a pandemic, and there is a lockdown, and there is a riot in the streets and all of these other things.”

Data analysis services Data analysis services are increasingly more important for a business to understand how their business operates and what to do to make it better. “Human beings are pattern seeking animals,” Chambers says. “So data analysts will come in and show you patterns in the data, and if that coincides with the pattern that your brain was looking for, then you are going to buy that. If it doesn’t coincide with the pattern your brain was looking for, then you are probably not going to buy that.”

An analyst has to figure out what measurements you want to look at, he says. “You need to come up with measurements that are actually aligned with what you really want to accomplish, because simple measurements based on volume are going to get you in trouble,” Chambers says. “What I worry about with the CEOs is that they just look at volume numbers.

External analysts are coming in to a company’s IT systems, taking a cursory look at the data, and pulling stuff out of company databases. It’s really easy for them to measure counts of units sold per second. That might be good or it might not be.”

But CEO has to be very careful about what measurements really matter, he says. “The CEO has to resist the temptation to simply say more volume must be better. That is not necessarily

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so.”

Chambers recalled an old idea in business operations from back in 80s and 90s—the balanced scorecard concept. “That was where it’s, well, we’ll have some metrics, like number of processes, number of calls, whatever the case may be,” he says. “But I have to have some metrics that were based on the relationship between that stuff and actual productivity or actual profit or actual revenue. The CEO needs to figure out what the heck that has to do with actual revenue or actual customers getting served or actual business going in and out of the door.

“In all likelihood, you really don’t need more data,” Chambers says. “What you need is a better understanding of the connections between the data and what you actually care about. That’s the CEOs job. And that’s getting harder because there are more voices telling you that there is more data.”

Digital transformation

When asked to rank the drivers behind their digital transformation strategy, most business decision makers ranked the need to increase productivity as number one, according to the Forrester report. “Increased productivity drives digital transformation more so than the need to improve the customer experience or even to grow revenue,” the report stated.

For many enterprises, modernizing processes requires fundamental changes in how they work. Over three-quarters of decision makers agree that they need to change the way they work if they’re going to deliver on digital transformation priorities. “This suggests that modernizing processes is not simply a matter of reordering the steps in an existing process, or training employees to use new tools,” the report found. “It requires a fundamental shift in how work gets done.”

The bionic company The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) recommends building bionic companies, which are organizations that blend digital and human capabilities and apply them to all aspects of their business. Technology needs to be combined with the flexibility, adaptability, and comprehensive experience of humans.

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BCG lists six factors to creating a successful digital

transformation of a business:

1. Craft a clear strategy by setting goals to map out what defines success for the company.

2. Commit to leadership from the top through the middle.

3. Put the best people in the right places.

4. Adopt an agile governance mindset.

5. Effectively monitor progress toward defined outcomes.

6. Have a business-led modular technology and data platform, and harness emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, crowdsourcing and Internet of Things to create a competitive advantage.

Going forward “Without effective collaboration between IT, the business, and partners, the organizational transformation will fail,” the Forrester report concluded. “Place a focus on organizational alignment and change. The scale of transformation required to remain relevant in a changing world will continue to increase dramatically and continually evolve with new technologies. Businesspeople will need to understand their pivotal role in that change and, with the help of experts, embrace the new tools and approaches that can be leveraged for even greater success.” X

Franklin, Wisconsin has the Space for You! Franklin is the Space to Be… As the third largest and fastest growing community in Milwaukee County, Franklin is a growing south suburban City that offers opportunity to build or expand your business, your family, and your life. With 36,000 people spread over 6 square miles Franklin has the space to be whatever you want. Close to everywhere with easy highway access and all the amenities you need, Franklin is the space to be.

…the Space for Logistics Located on I-94 in the Chicago-Milwaukee corridor, adjacent to the City of Milwaukee, just 20 minutes north of Foxconn, and 20 minutes from Lake Michigan Port of Milwaukee; fast-growing Franklin is a spacious and growing city, with thousands of acres near rail and a foreign trade zone, minutes from General Mitchell International Airport and an hour from O’Hare.

…the Space for Business Northwestern Mutual and Ascension Hospital call Franklin Home, as do hundreds of manufacturing companies such as Campbells Snacks, Carma Labs, Central Garden and Pet, and Quad Graphics, all located in Wisconsin’s most 640-acre Business Park in Franklin, Wisconsin successful Business Park.

They continue to develop new business spaces through Franklin’s …the Space for Arts and Culture designated tax increment financing Franklin is the only Milwaukee suburb with districts totaling more than 1000 acres of a symphony and theater. Forte Theatre developable land.

Company offers professional performances and a Theatre School offering classes …the Space for Entertainment and summer camps. The Southwestern The Umbrella Bar is the highest outdoor Suburban Symphony holds concerts in bar in Milwaukee County that offers views various Franklin locations and has even put for miles and offers a summer outdoor on a concert with the Beach Boys. They are concert series and weekly Food Truck also home to the Polish Center of Wisconsin Rallies. If spectator sports are more and the Indian Community School. your thing, Franklin is also home to the Milwaukee Milkmen professional baseball …the Space for YOU team and the UW-Milwaukee Panthers.

Come check out Franklin and learn why they are the space to be!

LOW ON NATURAL DISASTER, HIGH ON NATURAL BEAUTY Give your Business the gift of Competitive Advantage…Give your People the gift of a Beautiful Life Fast-growing Franklin is highly rated for business in a picturesque, natural setting offering ample choices for outdoor recreation opportunities.

For Your Business: • • • •

5000+ developable acres, 3rd largest city in Milwaukee County 160k+ college students in 2-hr radius, high skilled workforce Near I-94, Port of Milwaukee, Foreign Trade Zone, Foxconn Tax increment financing available

For Your People: • • • •

7500+ acres for parks and trails, woodlands and wetlands Home of Milwaukee Milkmen Professional Baseball Team 1000+ new housing options, Median Housing=$251,400 Franklin Schools rank 75th percentile USA, 13th in Wisconsin

…the SPACE to Be! Learn more at franklinwi.gov

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INDUSTRY INSIGHT

CYBER SECURITY

Cybersecurity incidents get more troubling

BY D AVI D HO D E S

More needs to be done at every company, large and small, to counter growing, and increasingly dangerous, cyber intrusions.

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etween August, 2019 and April, 2020, there were cybersecurity incidents in 524 organizations in 17 countries, with an average total cost of $3.86 million, according to an IBM report, “Cost of a Data Breach.” The U.S. was the hardest hit country. ...........................................................................................................

Eighty percent of breached organizations stated that customer’s personally identifiable information was compromised during the breach, far more than any other type of record.

For the tenth year in a row, healthcare continued to incur the highest average breach costs at $7.13 million—a 10 percent increase over the 2019 study. The energy sector saw a 13 percent increase from 2019, to an average of $6.39 million in 2020.

In May, 2021, it was U.S.-based Colonial Pipeline’s turn to experience a cyber attack— one of the worst cyber crimes in U.S. history.

Colonial Pipeline is an oil and gas company that transports more than 100 million gallons of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other refined products every day from 29

refineries on the Gulf Coast to New York. That is nearly half of the fuel consumed on the east coast.

For nearly a week, 5,500 miles of pipeline supplying 45 percent of the fuel on the east coast was shut down, and panic buying resulted in fuel shortages in the southeast.

The ransomware group that did it, DarkSide, has launched a global crime spree affecting organizations in more than 15 countries and multiple industry verticals since initially surfacing in August 2020.

DarkSide demanded, and Colonial paid, $4.4 million in exchange for a key to unlock their data (the FBI eventually helped Colonial get back $2.3 million).

At a Congressional hearing a month after Colonial’s ransomware event, the chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, Representative Bennie Thompson (D-MS), said that the hackers exploited an unprotected VPN account that was no longer in use to gain access to Colonial Pipeline’s network. “We know Colonial Pipeline is hardly alone,” Thompson said in his opening remarks.

Indeed.

Joseph Blount, president and CEO of Colonial Pipeline, testifies during a Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee hearing, in Washington, on June 8, 2021.

The hack attacks Cyber hacks and ransomware attacks are becoming ubiquitous.

Facebook was hacked in April, where the personal data of 500 million users was stolen and leaked online. TMobile was hacked in August. The personal data of 50 million TMobile customers was stolen.

Ransomware attacks hit transportation systems in New York City, Martha’s Vineyard, and Scripps Health in San Diego.

Shortly after the attack on Colonial, meatpacker JBS was the victim of a ransomware attack that caused major disruptions in the United States meat supply.

And on May 13, 2021, it was reported that the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department had experienced the worst reported cyber attack against a police department in the United States. The group that did it, known as the Babuk group, released thousands of the metropolitan police department’s sensitive documents on the dark web.

A review by The Associated Press found hundreds of police officer disciplinary files and intelligence reports that included feeds from other agencies, including the FBI and Secret Service. “We need to understand the threat actor,” Thompson said during the hearing. “How it targets victims, what tools it utilizes to infiltrate networks, and how we can deter this kind of behavior.”

Colonial Pipeline CEO Joseph Blount told the committee that Colonial had cyber defenses in place, and spent $200 million over the last decade to harden their defenses. “But the unfortunate reality is those defenses were compromised,” Blount said. “This attack forced us to make difficult decisions, choices in real-time, that no company ever wants to face. Colonial Pipeline can—and we will—continue investing in cybersecurity and strengthening our systems. But criminal gangs and nation-states are always evolving, sharpening their tactics, and working to find new ways to infiltrate the systems of American companies and the American government. These attacks will continue to happen, and critical infrastructure will continue to be a target.”

On May 1, 2021, Scripps Health San Diego, part of s $3.1 billion not-for-profit health care organization, experienced a cyber security incident that resulted in disruption to their IT systems at their hospitals and facilities.

In a prepared statement for the committee, Blount said that Colonial continues to review massive amounts of evidence, indicators of compromise, and retracing the attackers’ footsteps “so we know, if possible, exactly where they got in, how they were able to move within our systems and what they may have been able to access.”

The company that helped resolve Colonial’s ransomware, Mandiant, a cyber defense organization, has noted a surge in disruptive intrusions in the U.S. that began in 2015, where threat actors deliberately destroyed data, leaked confidential data, taunted business executives, and extorted victim organizations. “We anticipated that these intrusions would become more disruptive over time given the high impact to victim organizations and the low cost to threat actors,” Charles Carmakal, senior vice president and chief technology officer at Mandiant, told the committee.

Mandiant has over 1,000 cybersecurity experts in over 25 countries, with skills in digital forensics, malware analysis, intelligence collections, threat actor attribution, and security strategy and

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INDUSTRY INSIGHT

CYBER SECURITY

transformation. “Over the last 17 years, we have responded to tens of thousands of security incidents,” Carmakal told the committee. “It is unfortunate, but, unfortunately, every day we get calls from organizations that are dealing with a cybersecurity breach.”

The head of Mandiant threat intelligence, Jens Monrad, said the majority of recent ransomware attacks either drove their attack through an insecure email, or exploited remote desktop protocol, which allows somebody remote access into an infrastructure.

“What Mandiant looks at from an investigation point of view is how long does it actually take the company to realize that they have either unusual activity, or they have potential issues of credentials,” Monrad says.

For the last ten years, ransomware has gone from being very volume-based, hitting left and right, citizens as well as organizations, to doing attacks in a more opportunistic kind of way, Monrad says.

“What we’re seeing today is a lot more targeted,” he says. “And that also means that the ransomware operators need to ensure that they have either full visibility or full control with the infrastructure regardless of what type of organization it is.”

He says that there are ransomware groups today who follow a company’s earnings reports and company news to determine the likelihood of that company paying the ransom.

Certain ransomware operators seem to have a code of ethics, saying they will never hit the healthcare industry especially now during a pandemic. But since the beginning of 2020, they have hit many healthcare institutions, generally targeting hundreds of thousands of medical records. But they would not lock up medical devices which could compromise patient health. That has changed.

“The reality is that they might not be in control (of the attack),” Monrad says.

Case in point: A university hospital in Germany had to close their ICU because of a ransomware attack that affected their medical devices. A female patient was taken to that ICU, but then had to be diverted to another hospital where she died. The attackers apparently didn’t realize that the hospital was part of the university that they were attacking—they just created a blanket ransomware attack without specifically targeting where the attack would go, and what data it would lock up.

The potential of worse cyber-crime What keeps Monrad up at night?

“When you look into how we are digitized as a society today, it’s hard to assess the side effects of any kind of cyber attack,” Monrad says. “It could be some sort of critical infrastructures have been compromised. Will that side effect be something that potentially stops functioning that could have a fatal outcome? And I think that’s probably my biggest concern today is when we look into how much we rely on a digital infrastructure. We rely on systems that are potentially very fragile, where we cannot do a lot of security controls, we cannot enforce a lot of different security controls in order to keep them protected.”

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On August 17th, T-Mobile’s systems were subject to a criminal cyberattack that compromised data of millions of customers, former customers, and prospective customers.

What happens now?

Mandiant works with a number of different companies to either expand their cyber defenses or harden the cyber defense they already have in place.

That includes the University of South Carolina. The university’s cyber defense team had identified an average of 100 intrusion incidents a year. Mandiant’s FireEye security solution detected an average of 250 breach attempts annually.

Another Mandiant customer was the city of Sammamish, Washington. Ransomware messages monopolized server consoles one day, rendering all the city’s online services unusable. City staff had to revert to pencil-and-paper processing, and their services were only accessible to those residents that visited city hall in person.

The forensic consultants the city contracted at the onset of the emergency found that the earliest indication of the malware’s presence occurred a month prior to the actual ransomware event as remote desktop protocol activity on a single PC.

Pro-active readiness Cyber attacks will continue, as ransomware operators get more sophisticated. But all businesses are not ready for the ongoing onslaught.

According to the IBM report, the share of businesses with fully deployed security automation, defined as the use of artificial intelligence platforms and automated breach orchestration, grew from just 15 percent in 2018 to 21 percent in 2020.

Congress is making moves now to help deter cyber criminals, with legislators proposing a mandatory Data Breach Notification Act (S-139) which would create a federal law instead of the current patchwork of confusing state laws.

“I would certainly encourage organizations to conduct Red Team Exercises or ethical hacks against their environment to test their defenses, to test their controls,” Carmakal told the Congressional committee. “I think a lot of organizations are under the assumption that they have all these security hygiene things in place, but unless you actually test your defenses, it is sometimes hard to identify when those defenses and those controls don’t exist.” X

Southwest Louisiana produces energy for the nation and provides chemicals and plastics for hundreds of products worldwide.

We supply aircraft with maintenance, repair, and custom interiors, and we propagate agriculture and timber. Plus, we are a destination with world-class casino resorts and golf.

RESILIENCE…

THAT’S SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA When we get hit hard by weather, we respond quickly to get up and running.

The Port of Lake Charles, Chennault Airpark, and Lake Charles Regional Airport are open and ready for your business.

Our Southwest region has over 12 certified industrial sites ready for your company.

LA 49

TX HOUSTON

BATON ROUGE 10

LAKE CHARLES 10

To hear the Southwest Louisiana Resilience Update give us a call.

(337) 433-3632 | www.ALLIANCESWLA.org Contact George Swift at gswift@allianceswla.org

LAFAYETTE

10

NEW ORLEANS

EXPANSION

OPPORTUNITIES

ARIZONA:

OUTSTANDING INFRASTRUCTURE

M

ajor interstates, freeways, and transcontinental and interstate railroads connect Arizona to dozens of major markets throughout the region.

This infrastructure provides highly effective flow for people and products, including one-day truck haul routes between Arizona and California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Utah as well as deliveries to and from Mexico. Trucks originating in Arizona are capable of reaching 65 million people in a one-day drive, making market access particularly convenient.

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For companies doing business on a global level, Arizona’s two International airports are located in Phoenix and Tucson.

One of the largest in the world, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport transports more than 800 tons of cargo daily and more 18 |

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than 300 thousand tons annually. In addition, the Phoenix airport serves more than 100 cities with nonstop flights which include International destinations. Fly to Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas or Santa Fe in less than an hour. Arrive in other major markets like Dallas, Denver or San Francisco in under two hours, or in a third to get to Chicago, Houston, Mexico City, or Vancouver, Canada.

The state’s lack of natural and weather-related disasters makes Arizona a convenient location for companies that require employees and market access to be available consistently throughout the year. Along with the steady climate, Arizona is so geologically sound that it’s home to America’s largest nuclear generating facility. Palo Verde Nuclear Station provides businesses continual access to clean, reliable energy.

For more information on Arizona, please call 602-845-1200 or visit www.azcommerce.com

GREATER PHOENIX Home to a highly skilled workforce and business-friendly environment

Companies that expand or relocate to the Greater Phoenix area find a highly skilled workforce, solid infrastructure, low taxes and fewer regulations. See how SRP can ignite your company’s performance, productivity and profitability at PowerToGrowPhx.com.

EXPANSION

OPPORTUNITIES

ARIZONA: SALT RIVER PROJECT (SRP)

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SRP has a long and rich history of supporting the economic development of the Phoenix metropolitan area and Arizona. From building Theodore Roosevelt Dam to exploring alternative fuels, SRP has helped improve life in the Valley for more than 100 years. Today, SRP is one of the largest public power entities in the nation.

They are there to assist you as you consider locating or relocating your business to the Phoenix metropolitan area. They specifically focus on businesses whose power demand will be 1 megawatt or greater.

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

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

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

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

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

ARIZONA: SURPRISE

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2. Demographics: As Surprise grows and absorbs Greater Phoenix home growth, its demographics are changing and its residents have money to spend – and a desire to spend it locally!

Increasingly higher incomes combined with growing residential developments have brought additional commercial and employment growth to the community. Despite missing most of the traditional Arizona tourism season, 2020 retail sales tax in Surprise spiked to 25%-30% over the previous year, harnessing the sheer purchasing power of the suburban teleworker economy.

3. Strong existing site activity: Despite COVID-19 development delays and project setbacks, in mid-2020 (almost overnight) more than $100 million in several capital investment projects went under construction at Surprise City Center. No less than six multi-family projects representing more than 1,000 residential units are currently under construction or in development review.

Ottawa University’s residential campus has grown to 1,000 students and is not slowing down. Their Major League Baseball Spring Training home teams are growing their local footprint as well. The Kansas City Royals Player Housing Facility has almost completed construction next to the new Texas Rangers residential facility.

Three Reasons Why Surprise, Arizona’s City Center (Downtown) is the “2021 Comeback” If 2020 was the year of setbacks, then 2021 is the year of comebacks.

Nowhere in Greater Phoenix is that sentiment more important than Surprise City Center in Surprise, Arizona.

The Surprise City Center property is a large square-mile scale site known as the home of the Surprise Civic and Recreation Campus adjacent to the Spring Training Complex.

What’s happening now? Consider the following factors driving the 2021 Surprise City Center comeback: 1. Through-the-Roof Demand for a Downtown: While plans and visions for the downtown have certainly appeared over the years, the demand today has never been greater. The national retail market had its ups-and-downs during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the growing Greater Phoenix sub-market continued to experience both unprecedented household and retail consumer growth, making this development gap more obvious. With almost 150,000 residents today in Surprise and 65,000 additional residents projected to come by 2030, now more than ever the community is yearning for a sense of place and a downtown center where they can gather, celebrate special occasions, and bring visitors.

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In Surprise, they think building a new lifestyle-focused downtown at Surprise City Center is exactly that game-changing development opportunity for the Greater Phoenix West Valley and the City, and the time is now!

For information regarding how you can be a part of the comeback please contact City of Surprise Economic Development at econdev@ surpriseaz.gov or call 623.222.3300. X

WE’RE BUILDING A DOWNTOWN - FIND YOUR HEARTBEAT IN SURPRISE, ARIZONA -

200+ ACRES OF CIVIC, RECREATION & UNIVERSITY AMENITIES WITH HUNDREDS OF ACRES LEFT TO DEVELOP! See what’s happening now & connect with the City of Surprise Economic Development team.

SurpriseAZ.gov/CityCenter

EXPANSION

OPPORTUNITIES

NEW MEXICO:

YOUR BUSINESS. THEIR CLIMATE

N

ew Mexico’s temperate climate makes life more fun and allows businesses to operate with ease. A very low incidence of natural disasters and extreme weather reduces risk and delays caused by weather events.

Experience four seasons and enjoy a number of outdoor activities in the sunny climate and varied landscapes.

Snow and water skiing, ice fishing, fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and camping under the moonlight in the national forests are all part of daily life in New Mexico.

investments provide the building and infrastructure your company needs in its ideal new location.

Access to the nation’s fastest growing markets via excellent transportation infrastructure and the state’s location in the heart of the Southwest has made the logistics industry one of the fastest growing in the state.

For more information on the opportunities in New Mexico, visit www.gonm.biz or call 505-827-0300.

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Their tax policy will make your business even more profitable.

New Mexico exempts raw materials used in manufacturing from gross receipts tax, including electricity and natural gas. Property tax is among the lowest in the nation. Corporate and individual income tax rates compare favorably, and the state offers many tax incentives to help your business thrive.

The Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) reimburses 50 to 75% of your employees’ wages while they are in training. LEDA, or the Local Economic Development Act, is New Mexico’s deal closing fund. LEDA

EnergyPlex Industrial Park

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NEW MEXICO: LEA COUNTY

Since 1928, oil and gas pioneers have coupled their innovative and entrepreneurial spirit to secure an economic base for Lea County, New Mexico. Today, the petroleum industry is still a leader in innovation and progressive technology that provide new opportunities to access the resources within layers of rock that were once thought impermeable.

Understanding the importance of a diversified economy, the Economic Development Corporation of Lea County (EDCLC) has

worked with local leaders to build on the economic base created by the petroleum industry. With an all-inclusive approach to energyrelated projects and an open for business attitude, Lea County was branded as the nation’s EnergyPlex® and has been successful in recruiting a wide variety of new innovative and technology-driven industries and jobs to the area.

The continuing efforts to diversify include the newly developed EnergyPlex® Park, a 9,600-acre industrial park suitable for a broad range of industry sectors, including manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, logistics, petroleum, fabrication, bio-fuels, solar, wind, and nuclear (www.energyplexpark.com).

Located between Hobbs and Lovington (population in excess of 60,000), the EnergyPlex® Park is proximal to a commercial airport with daily flights to Denver and Houston via United Airlines; two 4-lane divided U.S. and state highways; two hospitals, Covenant Hospital and Nor-Lea Regional; railroad access with connection to Union Pacific; the University of the Southwest; New Mexico Junior College; a workforce training center with customizable training programs; four power plants; and 30+ hotels.

The EnergyPlex® Park features customizable lot sizes for purchase or lease with county provided water, groundwater access, electric transmission and distribution lines, access roads, and natural gas transmission lines on site. A full Alta Survey, Phase 1 Environmental Site Analysis, solar insolation study, and flood plain study have been completed for the EnergyPlex® Park. Businesses in the EnergyPlex®

Park can take advantage of the 330 days of sunshine per year, a temperate climate with minimal inclement weather. The EnergyPlex® Park’s customizable configurations and resources make it ideal for any industrial project.

There are no impact fees or inventory taxes in the EnergyPlex® Park and businesses in the park are eligible for Industrial Revenue Bonds, property tax abatements, and gross receipts (sales tax) abatements, in addition to the state offered manufacturing tax credits, high wage job credits, and job training reimbursements.

Contact the EDCLC to receive a full analysis for all incentives that may apply for your project.

In addition to the financial incentives, Lea County boasts one of the largest workforce training programs in the state. The Workforce Training and Outreach center, housed on the New Mexico Junior College campus, has many educational and training programs available for businesses wishing to source and train new talent.

Businesses can also quickly create specialized training, certificate, and degree programs to train the potential workforce. The training can be offered at the Workforce Training Center or on site at the EnergyPlex® Park.

Lea County’s dedication to hard work, collaboration, and cooperation, make the EnergyPlex® Park the ideal location for businesses to consider for expansion, start-up, and relocation. For more information, visit them at edclc.org. . X

OUR ENERGY IS ENDLESS. Lea County is the EnergyPlex, dedicated to the diversification and continued growth in economic-based careers and investment in Southeastern New Mexico.

TO LEARN MORE VISIT WWW.EDCLC.ORG

OIL & GAS - NUCLEAR - WIND - SOLAR - MANUFACTURING - LOGISTICS bxjmag.com

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OPPORTUNITIES

GEORGIA: CLOSES FISCAL YEAR 2021 WITH RECORDBREAKING JOBS, INVESTMENT

G

eorgia’s Fiscal Year 2021 was marked by strong relationships, creative thinking and innovative solutions. Between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021, job creation increased 5% above previous state economic development records, while investments increased by 46%.

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Nearly $11 billion in new investments and more than 33,400 jobs were created from projects supported by the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

Georgia achieved a banner year for economic development, despite a global pandemic. This is largely due to the state’s highly skilled and educated workforce, existing logistics infrastructure; and Georgia’s strong partnerships with other agencies, companies, and communities – across the state and the world.

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Job creation in the state’s food processing industry increased by 232%. Georgia’s leadership in agribusiness, its world-class ports system, and its geographic location – within a two-hour flight or two-day truck drive from 80% of the U.S. market – attracted investment from both domestic and international food and beverage companies. In total, international partnerships accounted for the creation of nearly $2 billion in foreign direct investment in the state.

For example, during FY21, Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp announced that La Regina Atlantica, a U.S. subsidiary of Italian producer of homemade pasta sauces, would invest $20 million in opening a food processing facility in Alma. With Georgia farmers that produce carrots, peppers, basil, onions and meats, and the ability to seamlessly transport freshly grown tomatoes from Italy through the Port of Savannah, opening a North American facility in Georgia made perfect sense for the Italy-based company.

EXPANSION

OPPORTUNITIES

Additionally, the state’s premier workforce training program, Georgia Quick Start, trains future employees in companyspecific processes like handling raw ingredients, assembling intricate components, operating different types of machinery and equipment, and more. Local technical college programs also offer education grants for students pursuing high-demand industries.

Numerous automotive, advanced manufacturing, software and technology, and logistics and distribution companies also made significant investments in the state. When asked ‘Why Georgia?’ almost every one of these companies, including Microsoft, Heliox, Danimer Scientific and Amazon, cited the state’s diverse and highly educated workforce. And this past year, Georgia’s University System also set a new record, awarding approximately 73,000 degrees between June 30, 2020, and June 30, 2021.

Georgia enters Fiscal Year 2022 with the same foundation of assets and a great deal of promise for generating new jobs and investment in every corner of the state.

GEORGIA: LIBERTY COUNTY ...................................................................................

Come Grow Globally Three of the five industrial parks in Liberty County, GA, are approximately 30 miles from the Port of Savannah, one of the busiest and fastest growing ports in the United States. Three other major ports are within an hour and a half drive.

The 300,000-400,000 strong workforce within easy commuting distance of the county is supplemented by 2,4004,800 soldiers leaving the military each year from Fort Stewart, which is based in the county. Many of those transitioning soldiers are computer savvy, trained to work in teams, and eager to stay in Coastal Georgia, if they can find work. The fort’s presence also brings 10,000-plus spouses who also supplement the available workforce.

Local and state officials recognize the need for economic growth, offering incentives to attract employers. An example is a state Military Zone Job Tax Credit that offers $17,500 per job over 5 years. Qualifying employers (industrial, retail or service) need create only 2 jobs in one of the county’s Census Tracts that include one of the industrial parks and meet wage and benefit criteria.

Those are only a few of the assets that make the county the place to “Come Grow Globally.”

“We’ve been fortunate that most of our companies enlarge or even double their footprint through growth and acquisitions,” Liberty County Development Authority CEO Ron Tolley, CEcD, said. “Businesses continue to do well here. It’s a tremendous vote of confidence, when over and over again, companies choose Liberty County to maintain and expand operations.”

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Work on a 1.4 million SF building in Liberty County’s Tradeport East Business Center is wrapping up, and Hooker Furniture’s Home Meridian International is ready to occupy 800,000 SF for a distribution center. To the right of the new building is the truck parking area for Target’s 1.5 million SF distribution center.

The county’s location in Coastal Georgia near ports, as well as major airports in Savannah, Jacksonville and Charleston, has made it especially attractive to foreign companies, including Germany’s Hugo Boss and Florapharm Tea, Korea’s Hankook Tire, England’s DS Smith, France’s SNF Holding and subsidiary SNF Floquip, and Belgium’s Balta Home USA. There are several foreign trade zones designated within the county.

Liberty County Development Authority is having a 500,000-gallon elevated water tank erected in Tradeport East Business Center. It is expected to open in fall 2021 to supplement the existing water system, improving service for current and new tenant industries.

Domestic companies are also being attracted and flourish here.

This fall Home Meridian International (part of Hooker Furniture) is to occupy 800,000 SF distribution center in a 1.4 million SF building being finished in one of our industrial parks. Other domestic companies’ distribution centers in the county are for Target, Tire

Rack, Western Power Sports, and Marine Container South; as well as U.S. manufacturers Howmet Aerospace, Elan Technology, Builders FirstSource and Waltrich Plastics.

While the county has had success attracting and nurturing growth of industries, there is still room for more.

“Years ago we saw the saw the coming need,” Tolley said. “LCDA invested heavily and bought thousands of acres of high, level land near Interstate 95. So now we have sites from a few acres to hundreds of acres to offer to companies interested in moving to an area that welcomes growth.”

GEORGIA: VALDOSTA-LOWNDES COUNTY .........................................................................................

Centrally Located for Growth

With a prime geographic location, robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and a vibrant quality of life, it is easy to see why Valdosta-Lowndes County is becoming a top choice for new businesses and industries in Georgia.

Last year, despite the COVID pandemic, Valdosta-Lowndes County scored 13 industry projects—both new and existing expansions— representing $31 million capital investments and 215 new jobs.

“Our key industries include advanced manufacturing, distribution and logistics, and food processing,” said Andrea Schruijer, executive director of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority (VLCDA). “These were considered essential during the pandemic and saw employment gains.”

Schruijer said industry growth continues on an upward trend.

In the first half of 2021, the VLCDA has successfully completed six industry projects, representing $92 million in capital investments and approximately 200 jobs.

Located equal distance between Atlanta and Orlando, ValdostaLowndes County sits on Interstate-75 (north and south), with easy access to Interstate-10 (east and west) and major state highways. Proximity to the Port of Savannah, Port of Brunswick, and Port of Jacksonville is an integral part of the Valdosta-Lowndes County logistics network. Another mode of transportation is rail service provided by Norfolk Southern and CSX railroads.

“Valdosta’s logistical infrastructure and supply chain network provide a competitive advantage in helping businesses move their products quickly and efficiently,” Schruijer said. “Because of our strong logistics hub, work continued throughout the pandemic, and some of our industries experienced higher production demands.”

The VLCDA makes it easy for small, medium, and large companies to establish healthy roots for success and foster relationships with existing businesses to ensure continued growth.

Offering a favorable business climate, as Georgia is a right-towork state, Valdosta-Lowndes County provides fast-track permitting, competitive warehouse cost, and low property tax rates.

Whether it’s an expansion, relocation, or startup, Schruijer said the VLCDA is working to build a groundbreaking community. www. buildlowndes.com X

tt

3,962

People Employed in Manufacturing

Average Wage

Existing Manufacturing Industries

Valdosta-Lowndes

From pecans to power and everything in between, Valdosta-Lowndes County manufactures and exports thousands of quality products all over the globe.

DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

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EXPANSION

OPPORTUNITIES

ARKANSAS:

DESTINED FOR SUCCESS

C

entered between Canada and Mexico, and located in the middle of the United States, Arkansas is strategically placed to reach tens of millions of people easily and cost-efficiently.

Their unemployment rate consistently ranks below the national average, and 44 campuses of higher learning result in an educated workforce enriched be long-term training and primed for 21st Century challenges.

....................................................................................................

On any given day in Arkansas, they’re curating the world’s largest private database and operating one of the nation’s largest truckload carriers, while commanding the world’s

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dominant retail empire. Home to six Fortune 500 companies and more than 141 International corporations, Arkansas is an industry melting-pot from which one success builds on another.

Their unique blend of industries connects you to a lucrative index of resources, talent and decision-makers. Key industries in Arkansas include Aerospace & Defense, Food & Beverage, Metals, Technology, Distribution & Logistics, Timber & Forest Products, Firearms & Ammunition, Transportation Equipment, and Corporate & Shared Services.

For more information on Arkansas please call 1-800-ARKANSAS or visit www.arkansasedc.com

ARKANSAS: CROSSROADS COALITION

.........................................................................................

West Memphis is located at the heart of the North American distribution system and offers more logistical advantages than

EXPANSION

OPPORTUNITIES

most locations. West Memphis is the intersection of two major interstates (I-40 and I-55) where over 65,000 vehicles pass each day. The city sits on the banks of the Mississippi River with the only deep-water port in the area. Two Class I railroads (UPRR

and BNSF) operate in and through the city. The largest cargo airport in the United States is located less than 15 miles away in Memphis, TN. West Memphis has the advantage of vast developable acreage. The West Memphis I-40 Megasite is an 1,800-acre site certified through the Entergy Select Site program, located near the intersection of I-40 and I-55. The Select Site program offers site selectors a degree of confidence in the due diligence and preparedness ensuring reduce cost, risk, and time to production. The Rail Port Logistics Park, provides over 2,000 acres for development, is an area where significant resources have been deployed. The park provides multimodal movement from water, road, and rail with city owned port and rail operations.

West Memphis is home to ASU Mid-South, the regional workforce training institution and the West Memphis School District is 4 years into an 8-year revitalization plan that includes 10 campuses and an investment of $120M into the publicschool system facilities.

You can learn more by visiting www.westmemphisar.gov.

ARKANSAS: MISSISSIPPI COUNTY .........................................................................................

The northeast periphery of Arkansas, Mississippi County draws its name – and its strength – from the epic waterway that runs its length.

For 100 miles the Mighty Mississippi lends its banks to one of the largest counties in Arkansas, infusing this river-rich valley with vast acres of alluvial farmland. Historically rooted in “King Cotton,” today Mississippi County affirms itself as one of the most

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agriculturally prolific regions in the world, cultivating mass quantities of rice, corn and soybeans.

In the manufacturing fields, steel reigns supreme. With more than 11,000 workers at local mills in Blytheville and Osceola (both county seats), Mississippi County dominates steel production on a national scale. Over the last decade, demand for jobs in this industry has grown by over 40 percent.

It’s not slowing down anytime soon. Majestic Steel just recently announced their move to Mississippi County, which will bring over 200 jobs. Major employers in the area include Big River Steel; NUCOR® Steel; Tenaris (line pipe and tubing); and NIBCO® (flow-control valves and fittings). In 2018 Ratner Steel Supply and Calstrip Steel Solutions opened new facilities in Blytheville, helping create 160 new jobs.

“We’re quickly becoming the steel capital of the South,” says Clif Chitwood, Mississippi County Economic Developer. “We have a beautiful setting, port access and plentiful resources along the Mississippi River with a very business-friendly climate.”

Mississippi County is a great mix of small towns with big ideas. In a community-led campaign to keep manufacturing jobs on American – and Mississippi River – soil, County residents reached deep into their own pockets, establishing Arkansas’s first-ever Economic Development Tax in 2003.

“The people were willing to reinvest their own money in their own county,” says Chitwood. “It was amazing. The funds from that tax have been used as incentives for companies either expanding or locating here. We’ve been very successful with the program.”

In another progressive motion, County administration established the Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF) to promote new industry and vocational opportunities.

In the 18 years since its inception, the GREDF has generated almost 4,500 new jobs across the county.

Recently Mississippi County became the first ACT® Work Ready Community in Arkansas through the successful collaboration of local businesses, workforce development services, and Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC).

What’s next for Mississippi County?

“We want to expand affordable housing in the County, which is already impressive,” says Chitwood.

“We plan to build residentially at pace with our projected job growth – particularly in the automotive industries – by developing new neighborhoods that offer a warm welcome to the many new families joining our community.”

Tourism is also on the rise in Mississippi County. Hundreds of Native and colonial historical sites dot the vibrant landscape.

In Blytheville a vintage 1930s-era Greyhound Bus Station is one of three remaining. And the tiny Dyess community, settled

by Depression-era Arkansas sharecroppers, is best known as the childhood home of Johnny Cash. Tours of the house and museum are popular among music fans – just an hour from Beale Street, Graceland, and world-famous Memphis barbecue. For more information, visit misscoeda.com. X

Bring your company to Mississippi County, Arkansas • Where rail, river, air, and road converge for great logistics • The best and most affordable customized workforce training in the nation • The largest steel producing county in the nation • Sites available now! Don’t get left behind Visit our website

www.cottontosteel.com or call 870.532.6084 Email at Tamika@cottontosteel.com • Clif@cottontosteel.com bxjmag.com

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is a life science business campus accelerating new therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics and other innovations to patients by co-locating genomic R&D, workforce training, startups and established bioscience enterprises.

Find a building site along the double helix park on the 152-acre biotech campus Lease premier lab and office space with flexibility for growth Access leading-edge research talent, sequencing team and a skilled life sciences workforce

Learn more about the advantages of locating your bioscience company to the HudsonAlpha campus by scheduling a visit to Huntsville – a top 10 tech town, visit hudsonalpha.org/innovate or call our Economic Development team at 256.327.9591.

EXPANSION

OPPORTUNITIES

ALABAMA:

NORTHWEST ALABAMA The Northwest Alabama Counties of Fayette, Lamar and Marion have unbeatable highway infrastructure including two interstates, I-20 immediately to the south and 9 exits to the north on the nation’s newest interstate, I-22, connecting Memphis to Birmingham.

Although rural, the Region is within an hour’s drive of 5 major metros, or just over 1.7 million people. Consider these residents as added depth to the labor pool, as drive-times are on average just over a mile per minute, with stress-free scenic commutes for those who do so. A 200-mile radius encompasses just over 15 million people, making the area desirable for distribution-logistics centers.

Six Fortune 500 companies operate facilities here as well as a variety of smaller foreign, domestic and start-up “home-grown businesses.” The diversity of products and services they provide is the best testimony to the broad capabilities of the workforce and the locational advantages, as each will attest that they enjoy a business environment that encourages and fosters success.

The following target industries have been identified as perfectly suited for the Tri-County region. In addition to Distribution/Logistics, the region is ideal for Automotive Parts and Vehicle Assembly (12 OEM’s within 250 miles), Specialty Metal Fabrication, and other vehicles, such as lawn and garden, construction-related equipment, recreation vehicles and transport trailers.

One close look at the region will reveal that the location, labor force, lower-cost business environment and welcoming

atmosphere result in a place where your business can thrive. X For more information on Northwest Alabama, please call 800-3997205 or visit their website at northwestalabamaeda.org

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EXPANSION

OPPORTUNITIES

ILLINOIS:

STRENGTHS TO BUILD ON

I

llinois has a diverse and dynamic economy.

They have some of the best talent and higher education institutions in the world. They are a global transportation hub, boasting the highest concentration of transportation and logistics companies in the nation. They have abundant natural resources that provide the foundation for a thriving agricultural and tourism economy. ....................................................................................................

Illinois has the largest and most productive workforce in the Midwest, and are competitive with large states across the nation.

Illinois has a highly educated and skilled workforce because they have world-class educational institutions. According to U.S. News & World Report, Illinois has two of the top 10 universities in the country, two of the top 20 engineering programs, two of the top 10 business schools, and two of the top 25 medical schools.

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Multimodal transportation and logistics have long been areas of strength for Illinois, with the state ranking third in the country by value of freight shipments. Illinois boasts the largest rail hub in the country, with a quarter of all national rail traffic and almost half of all intermodal shipments.

Illinois is rich in natural resources that contribute to the state’s economy by facilitating trade, attracting tourists, enhancing the quality of life for residents and supporting a diverse agricultural industry.

For more information on Illinois, please contact the Illinois Department of Commerce at 217-782-7500 or visit www2.illinois.gov

ILLINOIS: LITCHFIELD

.........................................................................................

. . . the Location for Success & Growth Litchfield is the most accessible and strategic commercial and industrial location between the St. Louis metropolitan area and Springfield, Illinois for manufacturing, distribution/ logistics, processing, retail and hospitality businesses.

Interstate 55 and Illinois Route 16 intersect at our industrial parks and commercial districts, providing direct transportation access and connections to all major U.S. markets. It also provides access to a multi-modal transportation network, and our proximity to two metropolitan areas puts businesses in Litchfield within easy reach of regional markets and national connections.

Recent development of a third business/industrial park for companies seeking interstate highway access and customized

facilities to support their operations was constructed.

Litchfield’s location, size and immediate proximity to two large metropolitan areas equates to an exceptional value for businesses. Value that is backed by a quality community. Our new and expanding retail developments include a growing presence of national brands that continue to attract additional traffic. Our municipal airport features a 4,000 feet runway with facilities to serve corporate and private aviation. Litchfield has a satellite campus of Lincoln Land Community College to help provide workforce training. The City also offers programs and incentives to support business growth and development in Litchfield.

Litchfield offers new and expanding businesses the appeal of a stable community featuring regional healthcare services, quality recreational opportunities and affordable Midwestern living all while in proximity to the convenience and excitement of nearby metropolitan areas. The location is truly a crossroads of opportunity with regional influence.

Litchfield offers an affordable environment for businesses that want to easily access the large number of end users, consumers, transportation links and potential visitors found in large markets. In addition, the business tax rate is highly competitive, and utilities are cost-effective compared to larger markets.

For information on industrial, commercial, or residential development, contact the Litchfield Economic Development Office at 217-324-5251, cityadmin@cityoflitchfieldil.com or www.cityoflitchfieldil.com. X

LITCHFIELD

LITCHFIELD I – 55 COMMERCE CENTER

Litchfield has direct access to Interstate 55 and Illinois Route 16; Litchfield is in close proximity to the major Interstate and Highway Network.

• Shovel Ready Sites Available Now • Flexible Lot Sizes

Future Development

1,000 Miles

12.51 Acres

Montreal Minneapolis Omaha Denver

CITY OF LITCHFIELD

500 Miles

Milwaukee Des Chicago Moines

LITCHFIELD

Kansas City

Wichita

Tulsa

New York

4.75 Acres

Indianapolis Cincinatti

St. Louis

Louisville

Nashville Memphis

Houston New Orleans

Charlotte

8.24 Acres

Atlanta Jacksonville

Economic Development Office 120 E. Ryder Street | Litchfield, IL 62056 217-324-5253 | cityadmin@cityoflitchfieldil.com

NORTH

12.53 Acres

Phase 1 Development 80 Acres

Winnipeg

7.17 Acres

11.37 Acres

Commerce Drive

THE LOCATION FOR SUCCESS & GROWTH

Future Development

Future Development

2.78 Acres 2.79 Acres 2.78 Acres 2.64 Acres

2.65 Acres

1/4 mile to I-55

www.cityoflitchfieldil.com

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EXPANSION

OPPORTUNITIES

NORTH DAKOTA:

BE LEGENDARY

S

trategic Economic Development is important to communities across North Dakota. Business incentives, government accessibility, and workforce performance, combined with North Dakota’s favorable position as one of the lowest cost states for operating a business, are driving top companies to establish operations in North Dakota.

and Amazon have long called North Dakota home. North Dakota continues to be at the forefront of offering broadband services to even the most rural communities in the state. The state also has the highest percentage of people with access to FTTH (fiber to the home).

State leaders are now working toward providing an even more inviting atmosphere for data centers.

Please visit www.business.nd.gov for more information on the opportunities in North Dakota.

....................................................................................................

NORTH DAKOTA: BISMARCK-MANDAN

Energy offers some of the greatest growth opportunities for North Dakota. Energy is the state’s largest industry. A comprehensive package of state incentives have been implemented to stimulate growth in all energy sectors and to create a broad-based energy strategy that maximizes all of North Dakota’s energy resources.

North Dakota is a proven leader in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) with the experience, resources and leadership to help drive the industry’s growth. The state is one of seven Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) UAS test sites conducting research to determine how to best integrate UAS into the national airspace.

North Dakota’s technology-based business sector is growing and diversifying. Its IT industry contributes significantly to the state’s overall growth and economic strength. Companies like Microsoft 36 |

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.........................................................................................

University of Mary campus (Aerial looking West-Missouri River)

On the surface the Bismarck-Mandan, North Dakota community looks to be a lot like other growing midwestern communities but as you take a deeper look you will see a community that is truly making its mark.

well for companies looking to fill their workforce pipeline.

Bismarck-Mandan boasts over 100 miles of walking trails, multiple recreational activities on the Missouri River, as well as nearby campgrounds, hunting and fishing opportunities.

Bismarck-Mandan is located at the intersection of Interstate-94 and U.S. Highway 83, is serviced by two class-1

railroads and has ample and inexpensive resources like water, natural gas, and power.

As you can see Bismarck-Mandan is a community that has the needs of its businesses covered. So let BismarckMandan help your business Make Your Mark. X

Let’s start with the education system in Bismarck-Mandan. Bismarck and Mandan Public Schools have shown increased enrollment year after year.

Bismarck is also home to the Career Academy which is a joint career and technical education center that is shared by Bismarck Public Schools and Bismarck State College.

Bismarck State College has announced that they are pursuing becoming the region’s first polytechnic institution and offering Bachelor of Applied Science degrees in areas like advanced manufacturing, mechatronics, and cybersecurity. Another institution, the University of Mary, recently graduated their first engineering student from their new College of Engineering.

This continued investment lends itself

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NATIONAL DIRECTORY OF

2 0 2 1

E CO N O M I C D E V E LO P E R S

ALABAMA

Cullman Economic Development Agency

Dale Greer P.O. Box 1009, Cullman, AL 35056 256-739-1891 daleg@cullmaneda.org www.cullmaneda.org .......................................................................

Etowah Economic Alliance

Marilyn Lott 800 Forrest Avenue Suite 220E Gadsden, AL 35901 256-456-9938 mlott@eeaalabama.org www.eeaalabama.org .......................................................................

Gadsden 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 .......................................................................

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology

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

ARIZONA

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 .......................................................................

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 Tuscaloosa County Industrial Dev. Auth

Sissie Browning, Assistant Director P.O. Box 2667, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 205-349-1414 info@tcida.com www.tcida.com .......................................................................

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Mike Hoover 16000 N Civic Center Plaza Surprise, AZ 85374 623-222-3328 Mike.hoover@surpriseaz.gov www.surpriseaz.gov .......................................................................

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ARKANSAS

Chaffee Crossing

Ivy Owen, Executive Director 7020 Taylor Avenue Fort Smith, AR 72916 479-452-4554 479-452-4566 (f) property@chaffeecrossing.com www.chaffeecrossing.com .......................................................................

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 .......................................................................

CALIFORNIA

City of Eastvale

Gina Gibson-Williams Economic Development Manager 12363 Limonite Ave. Suite 910 Eastvale, CA 91752 951-703-4425 ggibson-williams@eastvaleca.gov www.eastvaleca.gov .......................................................................

City of Moreno Valley Economic Development

Mike Lee Economic Development Director 14177 Frederick Street Moreno Valley, CA 92553 951-413-3460 edteam@moval.org www.morenovalleybusiness.com .......................................................................

City of Ontario Economic Development

East Arkansas Crossroads Coalition

Mark O’Mell 1790 N. Falls Boulevard, Suite 2 Wynne, AR 72396 870-238-5300 momell@crossroadscoalition.org www.crossroadscoalition.org .......................................................................

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 Mississippi County Economic Development

Tamika Jenkins 4701 Memorial Drive Blytheville, AR 72315 870-532-6084 tamika@cottontosteel.com www.cottontosteel.com .......................................................................

City of Siloam Springs

Don Clark Community Development Director P.O. Box 80 Siloam Springs , AR 72761 479-238-0927 dclark@siloamsprings.com whysiloam.com .......................................................................

Pepper Russell 36 Executive Park Suite 100 Irvine, CA 92614 949-502-4129 prussell@irvinechamber.com www.irvinechamber.com .......................................................................

COLORADO

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 .......................................................................

2 0 2 1

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 .......................................................................

FLORIDA

City of Sanford

Bob Turk Economic Development Director 300 North Park Ave. Sanford, FL 32771 407-688-5015 bob.turk@sanfordfl.gov www.sanfordfl.gov .......................................................................

NATIONAL DIRECTORY OF

E CO N O M I C D E V E LO P E R S

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 .......................................................................

Forward Forsyth Osceola County

David Rodriguez, Economic Development Manager 3 Courthouse Square, 2nd Floor Kissimmee, FL 34741 407-742-0620 407-742-4202 (f) david.rodriguez@osceola.org www.greaterosceola.org .......................................................................

Haines City Economic Development Council, Inc.

Cyndi Jantomaso, President Post Office Box 3845 Haines City, FL 33845-3845 863-422-2525 863-206-0007 cyndi@hainescityedc.com www.hainescityedc.com .......................................................................

James McCoy, President & Ceo P.O. Box 1799 Cumming GA 30028 770-887-6461 770-842-1170 jmccoy@focochamber.org www.forwardforsyth.org .......................................................................

Liberty County Development Authority

Santa Rosa County EDO Shannon Ogletree, Executive Director 6491 Caroline Street, Suite 4 Milton, FL 32570-4592 850-623-0174 Shannon@santarosa.fl.gov www.santarosaedo.com .......................................................................

Ronald Tolley, CEO 425 W. Oglethorpe Highway Hinesville, GA 31313 912-977-4147 Ron.tolley@comegrow.global www.comegrow.global .......................................................................

Putnam Development Authority 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 .......................................................................

City of Titusville

Lisa Nicholas 555 South Washington Avenue Titusville, FL 32796-3584 321-567-3774 lisa.nicholas@titusville.com www.YEStitusvilleFL.com .......................................................................

Elevate Lake Economic Development

Tracy Garcia CEcD, EcDMP Director 20763 US Highway 27 Groveland, FL 34736 352-343-9647 352-801-7498 (f) tgarcia@lakecountyfl.gov elevatelake.com .......................................................................

Hernando County Office of Economic Development

Valerie M. Pianta Economic Development Director 15800 Flight Path Drive Brooksville, FL 34604 352--540-6400 vpianta@hernandocounty.us www.hernandobusiness.com .......................................................................

Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality Cristina Paredes, CEcD, Director 315 S. Calhoun Street, Suite 110 Tallahassee, FL 32301 850-219-1080 Cparedes@OEVforBusiness.org www.oevforbusiness.org .......................................................................

Terry Schwindler Econmical Devleopment Director 117 Putnam Drive, Eaton, GA 31024 706-816-8099 tschwindler@putnamdevelopmentauthority.com www.putnamdevelopmentauthority. com .......................................................................

GEORGIA Holmes County Development Commission

Joe Rone, Executive Director 106 E Byrd Avenue Bonifay, FL 32425 850-547-6154 jrone@westflorida.coop hcdc1978@gmail.com www.holmescountyedc.com .......................................................................

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 .......................................................................

Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority 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/ .......................................................................

Andrea Schruijer, Executive Director P.O. Box 5185 Valdosta, GA 31603-1963 229-259-9972 aschruijer@buildlowndes.com www.buildlowndes.com .......................................................................

ILLINOIS

Champaign County Economic Development Corporation

City of East Point

Maceo Rogers CEcD 2757 East Point Street East Point, GA 30344 404-270-7057 jmrogers@eastpointcity.org www.eastpointcity.org .......................................................................

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Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director 1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100 Champaign, IL 61820 217-359-6261 carly@champaigncountyedc.org www.champaigncountyedc.org .......................................................................

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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 .......................................................................

E CO N O M I C D E V E LO P E R S

Alliance STL | St. Louis Regional Economic Development

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

Village of Arlington Heights Business & Economic Development City of Litchfield Ecnomic Development

Shelly Herman 120 E. Ryder Street Litchfield, IL 62056 217-324-8146 Sherman@cityoflitchfieldil.com www.litchfieldil-development.com .......................................................................

Charles Witherington-Perkins Director of Planning & Community Development 33 S. Arlington Heights Arlington Heights, IL 60005 847-368-5220 cperkins@vah.com www.vah.com .......................................................................

INDIANA

Jennifer Bishop Economic Development Director 201 S. Michigan Ave Marshall, IL 62441 217-826-2034 jbishop@marshall-il.com www.marshall-il.com .......................................................................

Huntington County Economic Development

City of Vandalia

Miami County Economic Development Auth.

Intersect Illinois

Brent Case Senior Vice President Business Development 230 W. Monroe St. Chicago, IL 60606 312-667-6013 brent.case@intersectillinois.org intersectillinois.org .......................................................................

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Bobby Skipper, Director 110 S. 6th St., Room #5 Burlington KS 66839 620-364-8780 620-364-3608 bskipper@coffeycountyks.org www.coffeycountyks.org .......................................................................

Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation

Joann Knight, Executive Director 101 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd.

Dodge City, KS 67801 620-227-9501 620-227-2957 (f) jknight@dodgedev.org www.dodgedev.org .......................................................................

Shawnee Economic Development

Ann Smith-Tate, President CEO 15100 W. 67th Street Suite 202 Shawnee, KS 66217-9344 913-631-6545 asmithtate@shawneekschamber.com www.shawnee-edc.com .......................................................................

Wyandotte Economic Development Council

Greg Kindle, President 727 Minnesota Avenue Kansas City, KS 66101 913-371-3198 gkindle@wyedc.org www.wyedc.org .......................................................................

KENTUCKY

Go Topeka

City of Marshall

Amber E. Daulbaugh, Director of Economic Development 431 W. Gallatin St. Vandalia, IL 62471 618-283-1152 618-335-9510 (Mobile) vandaliaed@vandaliaillinois.com www.vandaliaillinois.com .......................................................................

Coffey County Economic Development

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

Jim Tidd 1525 W. Hoosier Boulevard Peru, IN 46970 765-689-0159 jtidd@miamicountyeda.com www.miamicountyeda.com .......................................................................

KANSAS

City of Parsons Economic Development

Jim Zaleski Economic Development Director 112 S. 17th Street Parsons, KS 67357 620-421-7030 jzaleski@parsonsks.com www.growparsons.com .......................................................................

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Molly Howey, CEcD President 719 S Kansas Ave. Suite 100 Topeka, KS 66603 785.231.4707 mhowey@gotopeka.com www.gotopeka.com .......................................................................

City of Pikeville

Russell County Eco Devo & CVB

Northern Kentucky Tri-ED

Mike Parsons, Director 331 E. Witchita, Russell, KS 67665 785-483-4000 785-324-0126 rced2@russellks.org www.russellcountyks.org .......................................................................

Kimberly Rossetti VP of Economic Development 300 Buttermilk Pike, Suite 332 Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017 888-874-3365 ksr@NorthernKentuckyUSA.com www.NorthernKentuckyUSA.com .......................................................................

Salina Economic Development Organization

South Western Kentucky EDC

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

Jill Fraley Dotson, Executive Economic Development Director 773 Hambley Boulevard Pikeville, KY 41501 606-437-5128 info@whypikeville.com www.whypikeville.com .......................................................................

Carter Hendricks, Executive Director 2800 Fort Campbell Blvd.

Hopkinsville, KY 42240 270-885-1499 chendricks@southwesternky.com www.southwesternky.com .......................................................................

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LOUISIANA Louisiana Economic Development

Anya G. Hudnall 1201 N. Third Street Suite 7-210 Baton Rouge, LA 70802 225-342-5396 Anya.hudnal@la.gov www.la.gov .......................................................................

SWLA Economic Development ALLIANCE

George Swift 4310 Ryan Street Lake Charles LA 70605 337-433-3632 gswift@allianceswla.org www.allianceswla.org .......................................................................

St. Mary Parish of Economic Development

Frank Fink, Director 500 Main Street, 5th Floor Courthouse Franklin, LA 70538 337-828-4100 ffink@stmaryparishla.gov www.stmaryparishdevelopmant.com .......................................................................

MAINE

Town of Richmond Community, Economic, & Business Development Darryl Sterling, Director 26 Gardiner Street Richmond, ME 04357-0159 207-737-4305 x 331 207-737-4306 (f) director@richmondmaine.com www.richmondmaine.com .......................................................................

MARYLAND

Calvert County Economic Development

Kelly Robertson-Slagle, Director 205 Main Street Prince Frederick, MD 20678 410-535-4583 kelly.slagle@calvertcountymd.gov www.ecalvert.com .......................................................................

Carroll County Economic Development

Paige Sunderland, Director 225 N. Center Street, Ste. 101 Westminster, MD 21157 410-386-2070 psunderland@carrollbiz.org www.carrollbiz.org .......................................................................

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 Cecil County Economic Development

Steven Overbay, Director 200 Chesapeake Blvd., Ste 2700 Elkton, MD 21921 410-996-8471 cmoyer@ccgov.org www.ccgov.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 .......................................................................

Maryland Department of Commerce

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

Montgomery County Economic Development

Kristin O’Keefe 1801 Rockville Pike, Ste. 320 Rockville, MD 20852 240-641-6703 kristin@thinkmoco.com www.thinkmoco.com .......................................................................

Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Doug Kulper, SVP Business Marketing & Communication Director 300 North Washington Square Lansing, MI 48913 www.michiganadvantage.org .......................................................................

MINNESOTA

City of Lakeville Community & Economic Development

David Olson, Director 20195 Holyoke Avenue Lakeville, MN 55044 952-985-4421 dolson@lakevillemn.gov www.lakevillemn.gov .......................................................................

Taney County Partnership

Jonas Arjes Executive Director 269 State Highway 248 Branson, MO 65616 417-334-4084 jarjes@taneycountypartnership.com www.taneycountypartnership.com .......................................................................

NEVADA

City of Henderson Economic Development

Derek Armstrong Director City Hall Annex 280 Water Street MSC 512 P.O. Box 95050 Henderson, NV 89009-5050 702-267-1650 702-267-1651 (f) derek.armstrong@cityofhenderson. com www.hendersonnow.com .......................................................................

MISSOURI Las Vegas Global Ecnomic Alliance AllianceSTL, an initiative of Greater St. Louis, Inc.

Steven S. Johnson, CEO One Metropolitan Square Suite 1300 St. Louis, MO 63102 314-444-1105 Steve@GreaterSTLinc.com www.GreaterSTLinc.com .......................................................................

Perry Ursem Vice President, Business Retention + Expansion 6720 via Austi Parkway Suite #330 Las Vegas, NV 89119 702-791-0000 www.Ivgea.org .......................................................................

Northeastern Nevada Regional Development Authority Sikeston Regional Chamber & Economic Development Corp.

Mike Marshall 128 N. New Madrid Street Sikeston, MO 63801 573-471-2498 mike.marshall@sikeston.net www.sikeston.net .......................................................................

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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 .......................................................................

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RHODE ISLAND

NEW JERSEY Mohawk Valley Edge 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 .......................................................................

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

NORTH CAROLINA

NEW MEXICO Beaufort County Economic Development EDC of Lea County

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

Martyn Johnson, Director 705 Page Road Washington, NC 27889 252-946-3970 252-946-0849 (f) martyn.johnson@beaufortedc.com www.co.beaufort.nc.us ..................................................................

NEW YORK

Allegany County Industrial Development Agency

Harnett County Economic Development

Craig Clark, Executive Director CrossRoads Center 6087 State Route 19N, Suite 100 Belmont, NY 14813 585-268-7445 585-268-7473 (f) clarkcr@alleganyco.com www.acida.org .......................................................................

Debbie Taylor, Marketing & Business Recruitment Manager 200 Alexander Dr. or PO Box 1270 Lillington, NC 27546 910-814-6891 919-814-8298 (f) dhtaylor@harnett.org www.harnettedc.org .......................................................................

The Agency-Broome County IDA/LDC

North Carolina Global Transpark

Stacey Duncan, Executive Director Five South College Drive Suite 201 Binghamton, NY 13905 607-584-9000 607-584-9009 (f) smd@theagency-ny.com www.theagency-ny.com

John W. Rouse, Executive Director 2780 Jetport Road Kinston, NC 28504 252-775-6183 252-522-1765 (f) jwrouse@ncdot.gov www.ncgtp.com ......................................................................

City of Cranston Stanly County Economic Development Commission

Candice Boyd Lowder, Director 704-986-3682 704-986-3685 (f) clowder@stanlyedc.com 1000 North First Street, Suite 11 Albemarle, NC 28001 www.stanlyedc.com .......................................................................

NORTH DAKOTA

Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC

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

OKLAHOMA

Lawrence DiBoni, Director of Economic Development 869 Park Avenue Cranston, RI 02910 401-780-3166 401-780-3179 (f) ldiboni@cranstonri.org www.cranstonri.com .......................................................................

City of Warwick Department of Tourism, Culture, and Development

Elizabeth J. Dunton, Acting Director 3275 Pos t Road Warwick, RI 2886 401-921-7711 401-732-7662 elizabeth.j.dunton@warwickri.com movetowarwickri.com ..................................................................

Quonset Development Corporation

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

SOUTH CAROLINA

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 .......................................................................

Charleston Regional Development Alliance Claire Gibbons 4401 Belle Oaks Drive, Suite 420 North Charleston, SC 29405 843-760-3351 cgibbons@crda.org www.crda.org .......................................................................

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Ponca City Development Authority Fulton County Center for Regional Growth

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

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Piedmont Triad Airport Authority

Shannon Allen 1000A Ted Johnson Parkway Greensboro, NC 27409 336-665-5602 allens@gsoair.org www.landatpti.com .......................................................................

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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 .......................................................................

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 .......................................................................

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E CO N O M I C D E V E LO P E R S

TEXAS South Carolina I-77 Alliance

Christopher Finn 3200 Commerce Drive, Suite D Richburg, SC 29729 803-789-3467 chris.finn@i77alliance.com www.i77alliance.com .....................................................................

SouthernCarolina Regional Alliance

Kay Maxwell 1750 Jackson Street, Suite 100 Barnwell, SC 29812 803-541-0023 kmaxwell@southerncarolina.org www.southerncarolina.org .....................................................................

TENNESSEE Blount Partnership

Bryan Daniels CEcD, CCE, IOM President and CEO 201 S. Washington Street St. Maryville, TN 37804 865-983-2247 865-984-1386 bdaniels@blountpartnership.com www.blountchamber.com .......................................................................

Bristol Tennessee Essential Services April Eads Business Development Manager 2470 Volunteer Parkway Bristol, TN 37620 423-793-5532 423-793-5545 (f) aeads@btes.net www.btes.net/index.php/economic-development .......................................................................

City of Lebanon

Sarah Haston Economic Development Director 200 North Castle Heights Ave. Lebanon, TN 37087 615-443-2839 EXT. 2120 Sarah.Haston@lebanontn.org www.lebanontn.org .......................................................................

Big Spring Economic Development Corporation Mark Willis 215 W. 3rd Street Big Spring, TX 79720 432-264-6032 markwillis@bigspringtx.com www.bigspringtx.com .......................................................................

Clay Walker PO Box 747, Blountville, TN 37617 423-279-7681 cwalker@networkstn.com www.networkstn.com .......................................................................

City of Leander

Evan Milliorn Economic Development Director 201 N Brushy Leander, TX 78641 512-528-2852 emilliorn@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 .......................................................................

Cedar Hill Economic Development Corporation

Andy J. Buffington, CEcD, IOM 285 Uptown Boulevard, Bldg. 100 Cedar Hill, TX 75104 972-291-5132 chedc@cedarhilltx.com www.cedarhilledc.com .......................................................................

City Development Corporation of El Campo

Carolyn Gibson Executive Director 707 Fahrenthold El Campo, TX 77437 979-543-6727 979-320-7727 cell cgibson@elcampoeco.org www.elcampoeco.org .......................................................................

City of Fort Worth

NETWORKS – Sullivan Partnership

Odessa Economic Development Corporation

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

Conroe Economic Development Council

Danielle Scheiner, Executive Director 300 W Davis St, Ste 510 Conroe, TX 77301 USA 936-538-7118 scheiner@conroeedc.org www.conroeedc.org .......................................................................

Wesley Burnett 700 N. Grant Ave. Odessa, TX 79761 432-333-7880 wburnett@odessaecodev.com www.odessatx.com .......................................................................

Gainesville Economic Development Corp

Audrey Schroyer 311 S. Weaver Street Gainsville, TX 76240 940-665-5241 aschroyer@cogtx.org www.gainesvilleedc.com .......................................................................

Jacksboro Economic Development Corporation

DeSoto Economic Development

Lynda Pack Executive Director P.O. Box 610 Jacksboro, TX 76458 940-567-3151 lyndapack@jacksboroedc.com www.jacksboroedc.com ..................................................................

LCRA

Olivia Varela, President & CEO P.O. Box 2682 Laredo, TX 78044 956-722-0563 ovarela@laredoedc.org www.laredoedc.org .......................................................................

Joe Newman, CEO 211 E. Pleasant Run Road DeSoto, TX 75115 Ph: 972-230-9611 jnewman@dedc.org www.dedc.org .......................................................................

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 .......................................................................

Laredo Economic Development

Mansfield Economic Development Corporation

301 S. Main Street Mansfield, TX 76063 817-728-3652 www.mansfield-texas.com .......................................................................

McKinney Economic Development Corporation

Peter Tokar III, President/CEO 5900 S. Lake Forest Drive McKinney, TX 75070 972-435-6953 ptokar@mckinneyedc.com www.uniquemckinney.com .......................................................................

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Marble Falls EDC

Christian Fletcher 801 Fourth Street Marble Falls, TX 78654 830-798-7079 cfletcher@marblefallseconomy.com www.marblefallseconomy.com .......................................................................

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NATIONAL DIRECTORY OF

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WISCONSIN Mount Pleasant EDC

Nathan Tafoya, Executive Director 1604 N. Jefferson Ave. Mount Pleasant, TX 75455 903-572-6602 nathan@mpedc.org www.mpedc.org .......................................................................

Whitesboro Economic Development Corp.

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

UTAH

New Braunfels EDC

Holly Covington-Malish Marketing/Research Director 390 S. Seguin Avenue New Braunfels, TX 78130 830-608-2817 holly@innewbraunfels.com www.newbraunfelsedc.com .......................................................................

Pflugerville Community Development

Amy Madison 3801 Helios Way Suite 130 Pflugerville, TX 78660 512-990-3725 amym@pfdevelopment.com www.pfevelopment.com ..................................................................

Plainview Economic Development Corporation

Michael Fox Executive Director 1906 West 5th Plainview, TX 79072 806-293-8536 michael.fox@plainviewedc.org www.plainviewedc.org .......................................................................

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

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Pam Bailey Director of Economic Development Bedford County 122 East Main Street, Suite 202 Bedford, Virginia 24523 540-587-5670 540-586-0406 (f) pbailey@bedfordcountyva.gov www.bedfordeconomicdevelopment. com .......................................................................

City of Franklin Economic Development

Calli Berg, Director 9229 W. Loomis Road Franklin, WI 53132 414-427-7566 cberg@franklinwi.gov www.franklinwi.gov .......................................................................

Madison Region Economic Partnership

Eagle Mountain Economic Development

Aaron Sanborn, City Administrator 1650 E. Stagecoach Run Eagle Mountain, UT 84005 801-789-6621 asanborn@emcity.org www.eaglemountaincity.com .......................................................................

County of Gloucester

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

WASHINGTON

VIRGINA

Alexandria Economic Development Partnership

Adrianne Griffith Marketing & Communications 625 North Washington St. Suite 400 Alexandria, VA 22314 703-739-3820 730-739-1384 (f) griffith@alexecon.org www.growALX.com .......................................................................

Arlington Economic Development TexAmericas Center

Bedford County Office of Economic Development

Telly Tucker AED Director 1100 N Glebe Rd Suite 1500 Arlington, VA 22201 703-228-0808 703-228-0805 (f) ttucker@arlingtonva.us www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment. com .......................................................................

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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

Tim Morgan Economic Development Manager P.O. Box 320 Maple Valley, WA 98038 425-413-8800 tim.morgan@maplevalleywa.gov www.maplevalleywa.gov ..................................................................

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

New North, Inc

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

Portage County Business Council, Inc. PCB

Todd Kuckkahn, Executive Director 5501 Vern Holmes Drive Stevens Point, WI 54482 715-344-1940 715-344-1940 (f) tkuckkah@portagecountybiz.com www.portagecountyconnects.com .......................................................................

WYOMING

Cheyenne LEADS 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 ..................................................................

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 .......................................................................

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CANADA

NATIONAL DIRECTORY OF

E CO N O M I C D E V E LO P E R S

ONTARIO City of Guelph

ALBERTA Town of Ajax Calgary Economic Development

Lindsay Regier 500 Centre Street S, 32nd Floor Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2G 1A6 403-221-3705 lregier@calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com www.calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com .......................................................................

Don Terry Manager, Economic Development & Tourism 65 Harwood Avenue South Ajax, Ontario, Canada L1S 2H9 905-619-2529 ext. 3252 don.terry@ajax.ca www.ajaxfirstforbusiness.com .......................................................................

MANITOBA

City of Brandon

Dan Fontaine Business Development Specialist Main Floor, 410 9th Street Brandon, Manitoba, Canada R7A 6A2 204-729-2133 d.fontaine@brandon.ca www.economicdevelomentbrandon. com .......................................................................

County of Elgin

Alan Smith General Manager, Economic Development 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada N5R 5V1 519-631-1460 ext. 137 asmith@elgin.ca www.progressivebynature.com .......................................................................

Christine Chapman 1 Carden Street Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1H 3A1 519--822-1260 ext. 2823 Christine.chapman@guelph.ca www.guelph.ca/business .......................................................................

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

Bonnie Brown Mississauga City Hall 300 City Centre Drive, 3rd Floor Mississauga, ON L5B 3C1 Canada 800-456-2181 905-896-5931 bonnie.brown@mississauga.ca www.TheFuturelsUnlimited.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 .......................................................................

ADVERTISER & EDIT INDEX Advertiser

ALABAMA

HudsonAlpha Institute Northwest Alabama EDA

ARIZONA

City of Surprise SRP-Greater Phoenix

ARKANSAS

Crossroads Coalition Mississippi County

CALIFORNIA

Antelope Valley-AV EDGE

FLORIDA

Indian River County

GEORGIA

Liberty County Valdosta-Lowndes County

ILLINOIS

Litchfield

AD Edit

Advertiser

AD Edit

Louisiana

32 33

33

21 19

20 20

29 31

28 30

IFC

8

9

9

25 27

26 27

Southwest Louisiana

17

MARYLAND Kent County

3

NEW MEXICO Lea County

NORTH CAROLINA Piedmont Triad Airport

NORTH DAKOTA Bismarck-Mandan

WISCONSIN Franklin

ONTARIO, CANADA Middlesex County

23

22

BC

8

37

36

13

13

1

1

35 34 bxjmag.com

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Located in the heart of North Carolina, at the center of the East Coast, the Piedmont Triad International Airport has created more than 30,000 jobs, contributes $8.6 billion annually to the local economy and has attracted global brands such as Honda Aircraft Company, HAECO Americas, FedEx Express, and Cessna/Textron.

And with 1,000 acres ready for development, we’re just getting started.

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336.665.5600

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