FDI Alliance - Summer 2017

According to Daniel Pezzoni’s ways, he was the original “tourist,” employing 5 to 150 employees per
Architectural History of Watauga visiting regularly, staying for a while, firm. Principally, these are successful
County, North Carolina, “When the and then passing on to the future home grown companies, which proudly
Moravian Bishop and explorer August states of Tennessee and Kentucky. manufacture and distribute items such
Gottlieb Spangenberg first laid eyes on Watauga County was created in 1849, as leather products, wood furniture
Watauga County in 1752 from a vantage with most of its territory derived from components, indoor metal furniture,
point near present-day Blowing Rock, Wilkes County. The first US Census for art supplies, candies and mints,
he described what he saw as ‘many the County was in 1850, which shows climbing gear, log homes, wood wall
hundreds of mountains rising like a small population dedicated largely to panels, and specialty paints. Tourism
great waves in a storm.’ The mountains subsistence agriculture.2 is an additional economic driver with
that impressed Spangenberg are the the County ranking 19th of 100 North
defining feature of Watauga County, Since 1970, the County’s population Carolina counties in most tourist
located in North Carolina’s rugged has more than doubled to the current dollars spent state-wide. Tourists spent
northwestern corner. The majority of estimated total of 53,308. This number over $231 million in the county in 2015,
the county lies within the elevated Blue coincides with significant increases and the tourism industry payroll was
Ridge Plateau to the northwest of the in the enrollment of Appalachian over $52 million. It is estimated over
Blue Ridge Escarpment, the eastern State University (ASU), and in tourist 1.5 million tourists visit the county
continental divide that separates the attractions and visits. ASU, located annually. The breath-taking mountain
watersheds of the Atlantic Ocean and in Boone, the County seat, is a major scenery attracts visitors from many
the Gulf of Mexico.” 1 state university with an enrollment of states and even foreign countries.
approximately 18,000. It is by far the
The human history of Watauga largest single employer and significantly Area attractions include Horn in
County begins with Native American impacts the local economy. ASU’s new the West outdoor drama, Tweetsie
occupation, which was probably Beaver College of Health Sciences, in Railroad, Grandfather Mountain,
several thousand years B.C. In later partnership with Appalachian Regional numerous 18-hole golf courses,
eras, the Cherokee, Catawba, and Health Care System and Wake Forest Scottish Highland Games, Blue
perhaps Shawnee hunted, camped School of Medicine, will be a major Ridge Parkway, ski and snow tubing
and maintained agricultural villages contributor and driver to the local slopes, and the annual fall foliage.
in the area. The name Watauga economy. In fact, the most recent Accommodations include numerous
is probably of Cherokee origin. A economic impact study shows that hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts,
few people of European descent, ASU had a $1.7 billion total impact on and private home vacation rentals.
predominantly English, Scotch-Irish the NC economy in 2012-13.3 The many dining establishments offer
and German, arrived by 1730. As a wide variety of cuisine featuring local
early as 1760, Daniel Boone was one Watauga County is not only home to food, wine, and beer. The downtown
of the early “long hunters,” from the the region’s largest university, but it also Boone Small Plate Crawls and the
Yadkin River in the Piedmont. In many boasts over 40 industrial companies, annual Blowing Rock Wine Festival

FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017 47

Location, location, location.

showcase the local food and wine winter sports. Watauga County is only computing technology. Other offerings
talent. Watauga County is also a few hours away from major airports include adult education, continuing
a regional shopping destination and metropolitan areas, such as education, college prep, and technical
highlighted by the Tanger Outlets in Charlotte, Greensboro, and Knoxville, education/certificates. Watauga
Blowing Rock, and the unique and TN. County, in partnership with CCC&TI,
variety shopping in downtown Boone is working to become a Work Ready
and Blowing Rock with local arts Education Community, a certification granted by
and crafts, and specialty boutiques. ACT for communities that recognize
Agricultural revenue is an another vital Watauga County is the home of the importance of the National Career
part of the economy, ranking behind Appalachian State University, a member Readiness Certificate.
the university and tourism in capital. institution of the University of North
Fraser fir Christmas trees are the Carolina. Once known as Appalachian Furthermore, the Watauga County
largest cash crop, followed by livestock, State Teachers College, it has grown public schools have a long-standing
hay and an increasing number of into a major regional university with an reputation for excellence. Watauga
vegetable crops enrollment of approximately 18,000. County students consistently
In addition maintaining a very strong outperform their peers on the state’s
Location,Location,Location teaching curriculum, ASU is recognized required tests of academic proficiency.
for programs in business, public High school aged students achieve the
County stakeholders are welcoming administration, computer sciences, second highest SAT scores out of the
and accommodating many small sustainability and building sciences. 115 school districts in North Carolina.
businesses and entrepreneurs who Most recently, in partnership with Additionally, the Watauga High School
are seeking a higher quality of life, a Appalachian Regional Health Care is a state-of-the-art LEED certified
safe and diverse community, and are system and Wake Forest University facility and is one of the more
wishing to share a sense of pride in School of Medicine, the University impressive regional high schools.
their work and play. As the locals established the College of Health
state, “work to live, don’t live to work! Sciences. Ground was broken on a Culture of entrepreneurship
Below are five reasons to move your new facility for the college in 2016. and creativity. Traditionally,
professional paths and businesses to
Watauga County, NC. The community college system in innovation and entrepreneurship
North Carolina is one of the nation’s play an important role in the local
With elevations generally in the 3500’ strongest with the ability to provide economy. Most of Watauga County’s
range, Watauga County has remarkable Customized Training for individual industries are home-grown, and
mountain scenery, clear, unspoiled businesses and industries. Caldwell occupy a niche in their respective
streams, cool summer temperatures Community College & Technical sectors. Support is available to
and beautiful fall colors. The higher Institute (CCC&TI)Watauga Campus, entrepreneurs from a variety of
elevations provide easily accessible is one of the few VMWare Academies,
premier winter ski resorts and other providing certification in VMWare cloud

48 FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017

sources including the University, the • 5th healthiest county in NC thriving university, and a strong
County, non-profit organizations, and according to University of entrepreneurial drive is a perfect blend
numerous financial institutions. Wisconsin/Robert Wood for anyone looking to grow or start
Watauga County was designated a Johnson Foundation rankings; their own business. Families will gain
“Certified Entrepreneurial Community” a sense of comfortability and
by Advantage West Economic • Boone is one of the Best Towns
Development Group in 2009. in the US according to Outside
Magazine
A highly educated work force resides
in Watauga County. Almost half of • Blowing Rock is the 3rd best
all adults over the age of 25 hold at Southern Small Town according
least an Associate’s Degree; 39.5% to USA Today
hold at least a Bachelor’s Degree,
well above the state and nation-wide • Boone is ranked in the top 5 in
percentages. The population is not the US in Restaurant Growth
only intelligent, it is also talented. Index according to Restaurant
The County is a longstanding home Business
to artists, artisans and writers with
numerous venues available for display • Boone is the best commuter city
of their work, such as the Turchin in NC according to Obrella
Center for the Visual Arts, the Blowing
Rock Art and History Museum, and Hub of Northwestern NC.
the Jones House Cultural Community
Center. Additionally, Watauga County Watauga County is the regional
was home to international bluegrass commercial and employment center
and traditional American music legend of Northwestern North Carolina; US
Doc Watson. Highways 321 and 421 meet in the
center of Boone near the ASU campus.
Neighboring towns Boone and Blowing
Rock boast diverse, vibrant and
attractive downtowns. International
airports are only 2 easy hours away.

Outstanding quality of life. Appalachian Regional Health Care community rare in this day and age,
System, with two facilities located in and children will grow up with a stable,
The quality of life in Watauga County Watauga County, is one of the County’s strong education. Those wishing to
is indisputable. Safe, comfortable, largest employers, and is the provider spend their retirement in Watauga
and quaint, Watauga County is a of choice for the region. Watauga County will be afforded ample ways
great place to raise a family, retire Medical Center in Boone has both of contributing to the community or
and to grow a business and career. cancer and cardiac centers, as well as simply enjoying the diversity of arts,
Outdoor recreational opportunities a wellness center. The Foley Center at music, food, and entertainment found
are readily available year-round. Chestnut Ridge, near Blowing Rock, year-round in the High County. Come
The community embraces green, is a post-acute care facility that is not see what the locals are talking about
sustainable businesses and practices, only modern and new, but is adjacent when they state, “work to live, not live
including a well-established farmer’s to the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are to work.”
market and excellent local food 25 physicians per 10,000 population
resources. in Watauga County, which is about Joseph A. Furman, AICP
4 more per 10,000 than for North Director, Watauga County Planning
Carolina. & Inspections and Economic
Development
Watauga County is a special place
abundant with culture, traditions, t. (828) 265-8043
and opportunities. The breathtaking f. (828) 265-8080
natural surroundings paired with wataugaedc.org
sustainable manufacturing, a

The County and its Towns are
frequently lauded in publications. Here
is a sampling :

1 Pezzoni, J. Daniel. Architectural History of Watauga County, North Carolina. Watauga County Historical Society 2009
2Martin-McGill Associates. Citizens’ Plan For Watauga., Watauga County Planning Board. 2009
3Economic Modeling Specialists International. Fact Sheet Demonstrating the Economic Value of Appalachian State University to the state of North Carolina,
University of North Carolina. January, 2015

Ohio is an East North Central state metropolitan area, in 1967 when Carl and running for President, Kasich
bordered by Michigan and Lake Erie B. Stokes was elected mayor. worked as a managing director in
to the north, Pennsylvania to the east, the Investment Banking Division of
and Kentucky and West Virginia to John R. Kasich was sworn in as Ohio’s Lehman Brothers, where he helped
the south. It was the first state from 69th governor on January 10, 2011. companies secure the resources they
the Northwest Territory to enter the In his inaugural address he called on needed to succeed and create jobs.
Union. As early as the 1800’s, Ohio Ohioans to come together to make He was also a commentator for FOX
was known as the “Gateway State” the Buckeye State stronger and more News and a Presidential Fellow at his
because its roads, railways, and canals prosperous for all. alma mater, The Ohio State University.
connected the Eastern and Western
parts of the United States. Its cities As Governor, John Kasich’s top priority Kasich is the author of three New
include Cincinnati, Toledo, and Akron. is to create a jobs-friendly climate so York Times best-sellers: Courage is
Ohioans can get back to work. By Contagious; Stand for Something: The
In addition to being famous for people closing an $8 billion budget shortfall Battle for America’s Soul; and Every
who lived there, Ohio is known for its without a tax increase, reducing Other Monday, which was published in
industrial output. Only California and taxes by more than $3 billion, cutting 2010 and focuses on the importance
New York surpass the state in that wasteful spending and eliminating red of faith in making both everyday
category. This is because of its natural tape, Ohio is getting back on track. choices and life-changing decisions.
resources, including a plentiful supply Unemployment is going down, more
of water and vast mineral deposits, Ohioans are finding work, and all three Known for being straightforward,
which include coal and salt. Visit the credit rating agencies now give Ohio a optimistic and energetic, Kasich brings
place where blimps and tires are born; “stable” credit outlook. a commonsense, results-oriented
Akron, the home of Goodyear Tire and focus to the Governor’s Office. His Lt.
Rubber Company, was once known as Kasich is no stranger to taking on and Governor is Mary Taylor, a CPA and
the “Rubber Capital of the World. solving big problems. He served as the former Ohio Auditor of State, who
a member of Congress from central reinforces this outlook and mission.
Ohio is a state rich in political history. Ohio for 18 years and, as the chairman
Want to see the birthplaces of many of the House Budget Committee, he
modern presidents? One of Ohio’s led the effort to balance the federal
nicknames is the “Mother of Modern budget for the first time since 1969
Presidents” because seven Republican and helped enact historic welfare
presidents, including Ulysses S. Grant, reform.After leaving Congress in 2000
were born in the state. In addition,
the contemporary movement to
elect African American leaders began
in Cleveland, the state’s largest

50 FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017



Top Five Reasons to
Locate in Xenia

The City of Xenia is the perfect spot for new business and
industry. Xenia offers great sites, great people, competitive
costs and a belief that businesses thrive when there is strong
relationships between the business and local community.

Location

Because transportation and healthy economies go hand-in-hand, the convenient
and accessible movement of people and products is a major asset for Xenia,
Ohio. Our location provides easy access to one of the nation’s largest overnight
highway markets and a major 90-minute air travel market. The City of Xenia sits in
the middle of the “Transportation Triangle,” an area formed by Interstates 70, 71,
and 75. All three major highways are within 15 minutes of Xenia, with convenient
connection via US Route 35 and Interstate 675. Xenia offers easy, convenient
access to customers and suppliers. In fact Xenia is within 600 miles of more than
half of the nation’s population.

The Dayton International Airport, located approximately 28 miles northwest of
Xenia provides air travel connections to all points in the U.S. and worldwide.
In addition, the Columbus and Cincinnati Airports are within a 60-mile
radius of Xenia, both of which provide additional connections nationally and
internationally. The Greene County-Lewis A. Jackson Airport, located 2 miles
west of Xenia currently has a 4,000-foot runway (to be extended to 5,000
feet), and the Springfield Municipal Airport, located 12 miles north via U.S. 68
with 5,500-foot and 10,000-foot runways, can accommodate any corporate or
charter aircraft.

Xenia is just minutes away from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the largest
single-site employer in the State of Ohio, and home to major directorates,
including the Air Force Research Laboratory, National Air and Space Intelligence
Center, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Air Force Material Command
and the 711th Human Performance Wing , among others. These serve as a
magnet for research and development and commercialization.

Xenia’s location also offers easy access to the cultural amenities of three major
metropolitan areas- Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus- while still retaining the
traditions and atmosphere of a smaller Midwestern community.

52 FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017

Sites

Site selectors know the best sites are those that reduce risk, minimize the time it takes to get businesses up and
running, and save money by lowering upfront costs. Xenia offers outstanding, certified shovel-ready sites. This includes
sites in the established Xenia Industrial Park, as well as the new OVCH Business Park.

In 2016, the City of Xenia and its partners at Greene County went through an extensive process to certify the sites
as Shovel Ready. This certification comes from nationally known site selection firm McCallum-Sweeney Consulting,
under contract with utility partner Dayton Power & Light. This independent review and certification means that all due
diligence- including environmental reports, archeological and historic surveys, geotechnical reports and more- have
been completed.

The certification also ensures that all utilities- water, wastewater, natural gas, electricity and telecommunications – are
not only readily available, but have sufficient capacity to handle nearly any business need.

The Xenia Industrial Park is home to some 30 businesses and industries, from traditional tool and die shops to advanced
manufacturing operations like SpinTech, a manufacturer of shape-memory polymers, and CIL Isotope Separations, the
world’s largest producer of Oxygen-18, and one of the largest Carbon-13 separation facilities in the world. There are
sites from two to 60 acres available for development. The OVCH Business Park is owned by Greene County, and offers
more than 140 acres of readily developable land, fronting on US Route 35. Both parks offer excellent accessibility from
US Route 35, a divided limited-access highway. The City of Xenia, Greene County and State of Ohio also have a wide
array of incentives available to assist businesses locate and expand.

FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017 53

Labor Force and Training

A great community and great sites are only a part of the site location equation; business also needs great people. The
City of Xenia and the surrounding area have a highly-skilled dedicated workforce and numerous training options to
ensure businesses will find the right people for the job.

Located in the heart of the Dayton metro region, the Xenia area has 27 colleges, universities and training centers
offering a variety of degrees and training certificates, many customizable to fit the needs of a particular business. These
education centers produce nearly 2,000 graduates a year in STEM-Science, Technology, Engineering, Math- disciplines.
Three of the Dayton region’s universities are in the top ten in Ohio.
In Greene County, more than 34 percent of the adult population hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, including nearly
16 percent with a graduate degree. The presence of Wright Patterson Air Force Base, with its advanced research
missions, serves as a major attraction to some of the best and brightest the country has to offer. With a growing
county population of more than 165,000, in a metro-area of nearly 800,000, there is a deep pool of outstanding
employees available.

To ensure a continuing pipeline of students, all 22,000 public education students within Greene County will be taking
part in a Learning Takes Flight Initiative, giving students in K-12 exposure to curriculum designed around careers in
manufacturing, engineering and information technology with an emphasis on aerospace careers. This aligns with
the Greene County Career Center Take Flight Initiative, which provide training for students in both STEM careers and
mechanic/maintenance careers in the aerospace indust

54 FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017

Value For Further Information Contact:

Xenia Ohio offers low upfront costs as well as lasting Steve Brodsky
value.
Development Director
Industrial land is prime and ready, with shovel-ready City Of Xenia
certification by an independent third party consultant,
McCallum Sweeney Consulting. These extremely high 107 E.Main Street
quality industrial properties start as low as $25,000 Xenia, OH 45385
an acre, making Xenia an excellent location to start
a business or expand. Despite the low cost, these t: (937) 372-7943
sites offer outstanding access, have all pertinent due www.ExploreXenia.com
diligence reports completed and have necessary utilities,
including electric, natural gas, water, wastewater and FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017 55
telecommunications, available.

According to Careertrends, the cost of living in the Dayton
is 6% below the national average, with taxes averaging
15 percent below national average, meaning operational
costs will continue to be low. The City of Xenia has among
the lowest cost of utilities in the region. Our abundant
water supply and excess utility capacity means water and
wastewater rates will remain low.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, wage rates
in the Dayton metropolitan area are about five percent
below the national average. This comes despite a highly
trained and skilled workforce throughout the region.

Lasting Relationships

Xenia believes that the grand opening is the start to
of not just a business, but the City’s relationship with
that business. On-going support, communication and
appreciation are hallmarks of the Xenia economic
development plan.

Xenia is a participant in the nationally-recognized
BusinessFirst! Program. This regional business retention
program offers all local businesses access to more than
100 resource partners who are committed to responding
to issues that arise, from regulatory to financing, workforce
development to utilities, access to international markets
to small business development, and nearly everything in
between. Even though Xenia has access to this regional
network of resources, there is still a local, single point of
contact for businesses, meaning help is never more than
a phone call away.

The City of Xenia, Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce
and other organizations are also committed to providing
pertinent and timely information and outreach on subjects
that matter to businesses. From articles about regulatory
and legislative proposals to seminars by leading business
advocates and subject matter experts, Xenia strives to
ensure businesses will be informed and educated about
the things that affect their bottom lines.

THE ULTIMATE

TEAM SPORT
By Mark Wickersham

Executive Director
Huntington County Economic Development

Corporation

Huntington, Indiana, USA

EDC reaches record year for private in thirty project leads ever become reality. “barely.” If you give away the key to the bank
investments. Local companies Economic developers should be searching in order to win a deal, it probably isn’t that
expanding… New company to build for real, substantive, credible opportunities good of a deal anyway.
major facility in town… Largest and should recommend meaningful,
employer closes doors for good… defensible incentives which are necessary During his news conference on January 11,
Company chooses neighboring location and relevant to a project. 2017, then President-elect Donald Trump
instead of local… commented that the U.S. made “bad deals.”
Notice the term “savvy investor?” Do He went further to say (paraphrasing on my
Those are just a sample of the news headlines economic developers and the communities part) that the U.S. just doesn’t seem to make
in the life of an economic developer. The they represent actually want some other good deals anymore. I wonder if he means
economic development world is a fast paced, type of “investor?” Probably not. Savvy the U.S. often “gives away” too much in order
quickly changing industry. Never dull. investors are motivated in part by genuinely to simply announce a deal. That dynamic
Never boring. It can be a roller coaster as honest relationships with developers and is not unheard of in the world of economic
wild as any amusement park ride you’ve ever communities which result in mutual respect development.
imagined or experienced. and trust and ultimately real opportunities
for profit. They’re not fooled by artificial I’m convinced that economic development
But is economic development about headlines? fads in sales and marketing techniques. deals which go wrong were made because
Social media chatter? Twitter feeds? Politics? Among the most difficult lessons for an of the economic weakness of one of the
Or what? economic developer to learn is one typically parties involved. For example, economically
not taught in professional development strong states or communities should be able
Savvy investors know better and so do programs or sales training courses - when to say “no” to a bad deal. Financially strong
taxpayers and unemployed or under employed to walk away. When do you say “no thanks?” companies and investors on the other hand
workers. Economic development instructors Another is when to take a risk on disclosing have, by definition, managed to avoid bad deals
typically remind their students that in the honest information which could either “win or they wouldn’t be strong in the first place.
United States alone, there are normally around the deal” or result in your community being
1,500 real projects announced annually and taken off a list of potential sites. In the end, it shouldn’t be a surprise that
they were “chased” by over 15,000 economic The only way to maintain credibility in this desirable investors and companies choose
development organizations and only one process is to be willing to lose an opportunity. locations which facilitate success. And
Have the ability and integrity to recognize vibrant communities tend to be the ones
when an opportunity turns into a liability. who are working together with clients to
A companion lesson is how to win the deal, the benefit of all.The economic development

process cannot, however, be used to fix If they are successful at that goal good things unemployment rate was 14.3%. Now it’s 3.5%.
bad business decisions or failing business will happen for a community. But there is a Our team helped facilitate ninety-five
models. The economic development huge temptation on the part of communities industrial projects resulting in almost $290
process cannot shelter a company from to conclude that only through economic million in private investments on the part of
bad public policies or genuine cycles in the growth will there be enough tax revenue to our clients committing to create over 2,000
global economy. The process shouldn’t be sustain their government spending habits. net new jobs. Our industrial sector itself is
about rewarding behavior or pressuring the re-built.
taxpayers into a bad situation, but instead it’s Yes, most of us would rather have growth
about working collaboratively to incentivize than a tax increase, but again, growth just Before I started a career in economic development,
and facilitate genuine opportunities which for the sake of increased government I would have sworn the economic development
might not otherwise happen. spending probably shouldn’t be confused processwaslittle more than corporate welfare
with a desirable definition of “economic and only needed to be done counter-
Growth, just for the sake of grow, shouldn’t development.” The point is that in the cyclically with the economic trends. I love
be the goal. A smart person once told me, United States, economic power has always living in Huntington County and wanted to
“bigger isn’t better – better is better!” been controlled privately. The creation of help my County be an even better place to
Investors can tell immediately if a community private wealth is always the engine which live and work. That’s what motivated me
is only doing economic development in best serves citizens. The process always personally and professionally.
order to “have more tax money to spend.” works best if the goal of a community is
to continuously work to become the best Now it’s clear. Economic development
Companies are not locating in communities version of itself possible. efforts never stop. While the statistics
in order to fix the problems of the community. in Huntington County have recovered
They are not locating because they enjoy I’m starting my 12th year in the economic strongly, we are not immune to the dynamics
paying taxes and can’t wait to pay more, and development industry. I’ve worked at both of the marketplace. Products will change or
they don’t excitedly look forward to being the state and county levels. When I started in become obsolete. Employers will come and
“shaken-down” by charitable organizations. Huntington County, population 35,000, located go. Not only are my competitors not going
Companies exist in large part to make profit. in northeast Indiana, our industrial vacancy to simply “stand down” and announce the
rate was over 46%, now it’s under 5%. Our establishment of “Laisse Faire” they would

love to raid companies from my community
to relocate to theirs.

The projects we’ve “won” - and my apologies
to everyone involved for using the word
“won” because I just don’t have a better word
– were not because we “threw money” at
them or were more sophisticated than other
communities. Primarily, each project started
with a simple question from the client,
“can I make money if I locate in Huntington
County, Indiana?”

Our success has been defined by our the site over a number of years which were language to discuss the definition of
genuine appreciation for our clients’ needs simply not viewed as compatible by the economic development.
combined with our ability to identify and neighbors. I recommended the developer
offer solutions to the challenges of running a consider meeting with key activists prior to Typically economic development can be
successful business. We were also fortunate making any decisions about the site itself described in terms of objectives.
to have a healthy combination of workforce or filing permit applications etc. I believed
talent, building and site assets affordably I owed the developer an honest discussion These are most commonly described as
priced, and ultimately the ability to show about the history of the site, knowing it the creation of jobs and wealth, and the
our clients the value of our strengths and might cost us the project at the end of the improvement of quality of life. Economic
willingness to work together for success. day. But I also knew we’d never get anything development can also be described as
accomplished if the neighbors were hostile. a process that influences growth and
I use the words “we” and “our” a lot because restructuring of an economy to enhance
in Huntington County, we believe economic The company agreed to a meeting. We the economic well being of a community. …
development is a “team sport.” We succeed learned at the meeting that one of the historic and creating programs explicitly directed
by working together to accomplish, in a local antagonists to development of the site at improving the business climate through
benevolent way, community supported goals. was actually a customer of the prospect specific efforts, business finance, marketing,
company! A number of other “relational” neighborhood development, business
Our ninety-five project wins essentially dynamics came together favorably and in the retention and expansion…real estate
serve as case studies, which could be written end, the prospect made a major investment development and others.
to document the do’s and don’ts of a project. and built a very successful project in our
One of our largest capital investment community. The developer thanked me for The organization continues by reinforcing
projects involved a ninety-nine acre site being honest and brave enough to be sure the idealistic notion we happen to believe,
which was bordered by a four-lane highway there was transparency. The trust and good- economic development is a systematic
on one side and a class one railroad line on will established at that informal meeting process used by a Community (region, state
the other. went a long, long way toward helping the or other area) to preserve and enhance
project be a success. its economic vitality. Truly, this should
Most economic developers and their clients, not be about generating press releases
salivate over such a site, and in this case, All this leads back to the original question. or supporting or opposing particular
it kept us “on the list.” But what we didn’t What is economic development in the first candidates for public office. It should not
realize was the existence of two supply place? be a partisan process. It should be a “team
chain vendors in our community, who sport.” And when economic development
were already customers, ultimately made The International Economic Development involves collaborations, everyone wins.
the deal possible. Then it was up to the Council uses the following introductory
economic development process to help with
things like a rail switch and infrastructure
improvements.

I did take a personal risk, however, which
payed dividends in the end. The ninety-
nine acre site historically had been a
source of community controversy. Other
development proposals had been made for

58 FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017

Corporation, owned by Japan’s Teijin
Limited, a tier 1 supplier to the automotive
industry, announced a $33.5 million expansion
to their facility in Huntington. The project
involves adding approximately 130,000
square feet to their existing 200,000 square
foot facility and expanding their current
workforce of approximately 380 by nearly
another 150.

St. Paul, Minnesota-based, Ecolab, Inc. chose
Huntington, Indiana for a new regional
distributioncenterin2016. Themulti-million
project involved retro-fitting approximately
135,000 square feet in an existing building
in Huntington’s Commercial Road Industrial
Park. Ecolab also has a manufacturing
facility in Huntington which might have been
at risk had they taken the distribution center
to another location.

Regardless of professional research and voluntarily made a charitable contribution Huntington Aluminum, Inc., chose Huntington,
training, however, the “school of hard to local taxing units in an amount equal to Indiana in 2016 for an investment of nearly
knocks” teaches very directly, a career in several years of tax abatement benefits. We $1.2 million to expand their existing facility as
economic development is not for the faint didn’t have to “seek” claw-backs, because an aluminum tolling recycling foundry.
of heart. Your agency may have the best the company did the right thing. They also
website, the best office environment, the voluntarily fulfilled charitable pledges they The City of Huntington invested nearly $1.2
best budget, and the best Board Members. had made to several local fundraising drives million in projects to improve the Huntington
But like it or not, some people will judge your – a vocational learning center project, a Municipal Airport (KHHG). Two new
performance on dynamics you simply have Boys & Girls Club building, a YMCA capital corporate hangars and an expanded taxiway
no control over. campaign, and they have committed to being now serve the facility which is base to ninety
the lead corporate sponsor for the Indiana general aviation and corporate aircraft.
I was once told, “there will always be opposition State High School Robotics Championships
to economic development activities. The to be hosted in Huntington during April. The City, through collaboration with
question is, what will the supporters do?” the Northeast Indiana Redevelopment
UTEC has announced their goal of Authority, and the Indiana Regional Cities
Even solid projects can go wrong. The world transforming the Huntington area operation Initiative of former Indiana Governor Mike
is well aware of the decision by United from manufacturing to engineering, research Pence, will re-develop a downtown eyesore
Technologies to move manufacturing from and development, sales and marketing, and to the tune of $8.6 million.
Huntington’s UTEC plant to Mexico, even corporate functions. Our community will
though NAFTA will be re-negotiated; the move forward. We’re working to help find We’ve learned a lot in Huntington County,
border will have integrity again; the value of jobs for workers who will be displaced over Indiana. We’re a resilient small market defined
the peso is declining; there will likely be some the next year and we’re helping find software by our decency, tenacity and work ethic.
type of tax or other penalty to move U.S. jobs and electrical engineers and establish We’ll be honored to be your new friend.
to Mexico in order to import those products training programs to keep the stream of
in the U.S. market; and there will be positive talent flowing well into the future. Mark Wickersham
changes to the U.S. tax and regulatory Executive Director
environments too. We’re moving forward with a confident view Huntington County Economic Development
of the future. 2016 was a record year for 8 West Market Street
Again, there are simply some things an industrial investment in Huntington County. Huntington, IN 46750
economic development process cannot fix. Eight industries announced investments Office: 260-356-5688
UTEC, however, voluntarily continues, totaling nearly $41 million. Email: [email protected]
under the circumstances, to display Website: www.hcued.com
corporate citizenship in Huntington. They The largest, Continental Structural Plastics

FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017 59

While other states were losing jobs incentive packagesA skilled and
during the recession, South Carolina educated workforceReliably low utility
was gaining them. In fact, more than rates
1,200 businesses chose to expand or
grow in South Carolina in 2010. The
top five industries in South Carolina
range from aerospace and aviation,
to biotechnology and life sciences.

“South Carolina has built a reputation South Carolina provides a hospitable In addition to the pro-business
for having a business-friendly climate economic environment for a wide environment, companies come to
and a talented workforce, and these variety of businesses. Our state is South Carolina for its advantageous
and other factors have certainly considered a hub for many growth labor climate - ranked No. 3 for
played a role in landing the large industries, like hydrogen and fuel low labor costs and No. 5 for
deals we’ve seen over the past few cells, aerospace, and nuclear. Our workforce development programs
years. population has increased exponentially by Area Development magazine.
over the last ten years as opportunities South Carolina is a right-to-work state
South Carolina is consistently recognized draw talent to SC from all over the with a low unionization rate of 3.2
as one of the most business-friendly country. percent overall, ranking 3rd lowest
states in America. in the United States. South Carolina’s
South Carolina has a skilled and unionization rate for the private
With an economic climate free of capable workforce ready to help sector is 1.9 percent.
regulatory burdens, low corporate businesses prosper.
income taxes, and no state property South Carolina has the lowest
tax, South Carolina is committed to South Carolina is a right-to-work percentage of total employed workers
helping businesses thrive. Many top state, and has one of the lowest covered by a collective barganing
companies, like Amazon, Boeing, and unionization rates and lowest work- agreement of any state in the nation.
Michelin, have already discovered the stoppage rates in the nation. More than 246,000 students are
benefits of growing their businesses enrolled in the state’s public and
here. South Carolina’s expanding technical private learning institutions. What’s
workforce is boosted by a customized more, South Carolina is home to one
Centrally located between New York, worker training program through the of America’s 17 national laboratories.
Miami, and Chicago, South Carolina state’s technical college system. This With low corporate tax rates and
offers: program develops detailed training competitive wages, SC’s job market
curriculum tailored to each company’s has consistently outpaced national
Solid infrastructure with direct access to requirements and coordinates growth levels.
airports, railroads, waterways, and training needs at little or no cost for
highwaysLowtaxratesandcompetitive eligible companies.

FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017 61

With the global marketplace continuing to evolve, companies need a

location that offers operational stability and logistical advantages that
translate into long term profitability. Beyond that, companies need to know that
the communities in which they are located will provide them with an ongoing
support system that will help them address utility or workforce issues that
they may encounter. Thus, being in a responsive and engaged community is more
important than ever.

The NESA region in South Carolina’s north-eastern corner stands poised to be
the site of the state’s latest business boom. Perfectly situated midway along the
United States’ east coast, this logistical haven continues the state’s tradition of
being business friendly, but with the addition of quality, low priced real estate
and a large qualified workforce unlike anywhere else in the south-east.

62 FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017

NESA, short of the North Eastern Strategic Alliance, is a regional non-profit economic
development organization working in the northeastern corner of South Carolina. It has
spent nearly 20 years matching companies with opportunities that help them control costs
and maximize profits. From locating manufacturing, distribution, and back office operations
seeking the right fit in real estate, to identifying strong workforce and linking companies
with utility and logistical solutions, the NESA organization is doing its part to usher in the
region’s new era of prosperity.

Here are the top 5 reasons companies are choosing to call the NESA Region home:

Quality Real Estate at Low Prices

Making a decision as to where to locate a new facility can be daunting. Here in the NESA region
we realize this, which is why we have devoted a lot of time, effort and resources into developing
quality real estate. NESA and its county partners have worked together to complete due diligence
projects such as boundary surveys, wetland delineation, preliminary geotechnical exploration, and
other engineering due diligence on several of our more than 90 industrial sites throughout the
region. This is all without mentioning, our very competitive average industrial land price of $17,000
per acre.

Not looking to build something new? Don’t worry, we have a wide selection of existing buildings as
well. We have more than 30 industrial buildings available throughout the region with an average
price of $16.76 per square foot. These buildings available in a variety of different sizes from 30,000
sq. ft. up to 500,000 sq. ft.

Ready to Work Workforce

If an experienced, well-trained, skilled and available workforce are what your seeking, look no farther
than the NESA region. Employers use this region’s productive workforce to churn out all-terrain
vehicles, pharmaceuticals, food additives, frozen meals, steel, packaging products, and much more.
The region is home to companies that engage in world-wide distribution, refurbish airplanes, and
are on the cutting edge of their highly specialized fields. With a population of nearly 2.2 million and
an available workforce of nearly 1 million within 60 miles of the region’s geographical center, we
have a very robust labor pool to draw from. 10.8% of the labor force is employed in manufacturing
operations, a rate which is higher than the national average (8.6%).

Our region also offers a variety of workforce training resources to companies. One such resource
is the state’s premiere workforce training program, ReadySC. Working together with the South
Carolina Technical College System, ReadySC develops, implements, and manages custom workforce
training programs to support smooth, rapid start-up operations. ReadySC works with companies
to screen, recruit, and train employees to meet their demands and ensures that companies have
a ready-to-work workforce the day business opens. The training is done at no cost to companies
that commit to creating at least 10 new jobs.

Another unique resource is the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology (SiMT). It is
the first facility of its kind in the United States and is located on the campus of Florence-Darlington
Technical College. SiMT is an advanced manufacturing center that provides the support needed
by area and future industries, advancing the region’s ability to provide a highly trained workforce.
SiMT exists to partner with businesses to provide training and manufacturing technology solutions.
The facility contains an Advanced Manufacturing Center, 3-D/Virtual reality Center, 3-D printing lab,
and National Robotics Center. SiMT offers open-enrollment, onsite, and customized training.

FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017 63

Welders at Honda of South Carolina MFG., inc. work on all-terrain vehicle frame.

Francis Marion University’s Industrial Engineering program, a first of its kind in our region, will meet the engineering
needs of many existing companies within the region. The university also offers undergraduate and graduate programs in
business. FMU has a long history of producing outstanding graduates who become leaders within their companies and
communities. Also in our region is Coastal Carolina University, recent winner of the national baseball championship,
a four year university with several graduate programs as well. CCU attracts students from all over the world and many
of those students stay here upon graduation, adding diversity and international flavor to our region’s workforce.
In addition to these great workforce training resources, our region has an extensive public and private school system
and is home to the South Carolina Governor’s School of Science and Mathematics (GSSM). GSSM is the only high
school in the state that offers a residential experience focused on the mastery of science, technology, engineering and
math (STEM) education. It is recognized as one of the nation’s top 24 elite public high schools. Our region is also home
to seven colleges and universities that prepare graduates for careers in a variety of fields.

64 FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017

Logistics, Logistics, Logistics

Located literally halfway between Miami and New York City along the I-95 corridor, one can reach over two-thirds of
our nation’s population within two days from the NESA region – including Detroit, Chicago, and Dallas. We are home
to two interstates, I-95 (N/S) and I-20 (E/W), with a third, I-73, planned for the future. In addition to interstate proximity,
the region boasts a strong network of divided four lane highways with direct access to Charleston, S.C., Charlotte, N.C.,
and Wilmington, N.C. and several other metro areas.

The region’s newest addition: Inland Port Dillon, has extended our reach to global markets as it will provide access to/
from the deep water port of Charleston, S.C. Additionally, Inland Port Dillon is strategically located at a railroad “T” with
mainline access north/south and west and will be able to service markets in the Northeastern and Midwestern sections
of the country. Our region is also home to the Port of Georgetown, a dedicated breakbulk and bulk cargo port. The
port features open and covered storage areas, an on-terminal CSX rail connection, and efficient access to the region.

We are also home to two commercial airports, the Florence Regional Airport and Myrtle Beach International Airport,
and are also a short drive from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Charleston International Airport, and the
Columbia Metropolitan Airport.

Last, but certainly not least, the NESA region offers over 350 miles of rail and is home to one of only two CSX rail yards
in South Carolina. The CSX facility in Florence is the headquarters for three states and is the largest rail yard in the state.
Numerous cargo handling services are available via the Florence rail yard, making it possible for companies to receive
increased frequency in their service.

Business Friendly Environment

Stable and competitive property tax and state corporate income tax rates, comprehensive incentives programs,
and a cooperative regulatory environment lets companies focus on running their operations. In fact, many of our
regulatory agencies have a liaison that is dedicated to making sure that companies receive high level help in completing
the permitting process and that they understand the requirements. The key word that we would like to emphasize
when referring to our business friendly environment is “help” as we are a small state with big resources. Anything
from infrastructure needs to workforce training to apprenticeship programs are all just a simple phone call away for
employers who are fortunate enough to locate in the NESA region. We are indeed here to help companies maximize
their success.

Ongoing Support

For us and our member counties, it is not just about recruiting new businesses to the region for the purpose of getting
a “win” instead it is about building a lasting cooperative business relationship that allows us to candidly listen and
respond to the needs of our existing industries. As mentioned earlier, we have numerous support mechanisms that
are a simple phone call away. We want to work with companies and to see them grow and add capacity and jobs here
in our region. For example, our region recruited a company a few years ago. Since that time, the company has doubled
its jobs and investment.

Andrew Golden
Marketing Director
North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA)
121 South Evander Drive, Florence, S.C. 29505

843-661-1267
www.nesasc.org

FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017 65

Texas is a West South Central state the 19th century and the enormous representative. Ask any Texas Wide
bordered by Oklahoma to the north, east Texas oil field was discovered in Open for Business® representative
Louisiana to the East, and Mexico 1930. to help you find a contact in the
to the south. It is the second most community that interests you.
populous state in the United States; The Texas economy advanced amid Whether you live in a major metro
only California has more residents. increased energy activity and a area or in a small town, Texas is a
Texas is as large as Indiana, Ohio, strong labor market. Oil production great place to do business and build
Pennsylvania, New York, and all of and the number of active rigs in a home. The state is one of the most
New England combined; Connecticut Texas increased, stimulating 6,600 business-friendly in the United States,
and Rhode Island could almost new mining and logging jobs despite with low taxes, a low cost of housing
fit inside Brewster, the state’s the price of oil falling to its lowest and a high quality of education. Texas
largest county. You can see forest, point this year. Single-family housing is home to the largest medical center
mountains, deserts, dry plains, and and nonresidential construction in the nation and the #2 cancer center;
coastal lowlands if you travel through across the state supported higher 3 of the most affordable cities are in
Texas. construction values and created Texas.
3,400 construction jobs.
Texas is a very productive state. If you Four of our cities rank in the top 10 big
want to see the most farmland of any Texas takes the initiative to invest in cities for home ownership; Texas’ six
state in the country, go to Texas. Over the future by offering competitive largest cities have a cost of living below
1,000 different soils produce a variety incentives to companies who create the national average of 100. There are
of crops there. You can still find jobs and drive innovation as they few states that can match the Lone
people wearing cowboy boots and do business in our state and its Star State’s current job opportunities,
ten-gallon hats. While the state leads communities.Thissectionsummarizes growth and residential quality of life.
the country in production of beef, some of the most commonly utilized It’s no wonder Texas continues to reign
cattle, sheep, and wool, many people state offerings. Texas cities, counties as the nation’s top ‘domestic migration
who live there don’t fit the cowboy and communities often offer local destination’.
image. Texas is also the country’s incentives and tax abatements.
leading producer of oil, natural gas, For local incentives, please contact
and sulfur. Crude oil, or “black gold,” the local economic development
was discovered in the state during

66 FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017

focus :tomball, tx

primed & 29201 Quinn Rd., Ste. B •-• Tomball, TX 77375
focused: (281) 401-4086 •-• tomballtxedc.org

• STRATEGIC LOCATION FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017 67
• DEVELOPMENT READY SITES
• SKILLED WORKFORCE
• RELOCATION & EXPANSION INCENTIVES

The Economy of Olivia Varela
South Texas and
It’s Potential For Executive Director
Future Development Laredo Development

Sitting on the banks of the Rio Grande, Laredo is a culturally Foundation
warm community rich in history. However, don’t let its [email protected]
welcoming small-town feel distract you; this community
of 260,000 residents is a bustling, thriving center of
commerce. In fact, if I had only two words to describe
Laredo, Texas, it is definitely ‘International Trade’.

For all of its resources, one of Laredo’s decades, Laredo’s trade increased Bridge, accounted for more than 50
greatest ‘assets’ is its strategic location 354.3 percent, more than twice as percent of all U.S. trade with Mexico,
at the center of the North American fast as the United States overall. the nation’s third most important
trade corridor along IH-35. If you trading partner after No. 1’s China
are in the international trade market, Out of 475 ports listed in the U.S. and No. 2 Canada.
supply, distribution, transport, or Census Bureau classification system
warehousing, your company is probably for air, sea, and land, the port of The leading Laredo exports are the
already in Laredo or you want to be Laredo ranks 2nd in the nation, automotive and automotive parts
in Laredo, home to the 2nd largest trailing only the Port of Los Angeles. industry, electronics, gasoline and
port by $ value in the United States. other fuels, and plastics are in the top
As a testimony to its international Here are some things to help better 8 exports.
trade and logistics cluster, Laredo understand the role Laredo plays in
has a concentration of U.S. Customs U.S. trade and the role that trade plays What Opportunities (target
Brokers 20 times that of any other in Laredo as reported by WorldCity industries) Do You See for
region in the U.S., except for maybe ustradenumbers.com, 2017. Laredo?
Los Angeles, the No. 1 port in the U.S.
Laredo’s trade is all about Mexico, with Laredo has many opportunities in
What makes Laredo a Perfect no other Customs District dominating various industries, all of which are
Place in Texas for International and trade with one nation like Laredo supported by a plentiful workforce
Domestic Trade? does with its southern neighbor. By that is both young (median age 27),
comparison, Los Angeles accounts work-ready and loyal. Texas A&M
In 2016, Laredo’s exports and imports for 27.5 percent of all U.S. trade with International University and Laredo
totaled $283.18 Billion, down 0.41 China, Detroit just under 40 percent Community College offer programs
percent from 2015’s $284 Billion, of all U.S. trade with Canada and, for engineering, oil and gas specialties,
breaking a record six-year period for a 3rd year in a row, the Laredo and a host of degrees and skills to fill
of growth. Not too bad when you Customs District, with the dominant the demands of our workforce needs.
consider that over the last two port being Laredo’s World Trade

68 FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017

• Logistics, Distribution and Warehouse services like injection molding, metal $40 million investment by Kansas

are a perfect fit for Laredo given stamping, plastics and packaging will City Southern Railroad for expansion

the strategic location on the primary find an ideal location for distribution of the intermodal facility in Nuevo

North/South trade corridor and the into both Mexico and the U.S. Laredo, Tamps., Mexico.

ports dominance in international trade. $64 million GSA investment for

• Two rapidly growing industries in infrastructure upgrades for two of

• Aviation sector opportunities for our region include cold storage from four of Laredo’s international bridges.

aircraft maintenance, repair, and produce to beef and Medical support

overhaul (MRO) of aircraft and services and healthcare product $100 million for state of the art

aircraft parts, as well as a community- manufacture, assembly, sterilization, technology improvements for

wide interest in expanding a Pilot and distribution. Laredo’s Dominant International

Training Program. Commercial Port, World Trade Bridge.
What is the best acquirement in

• The Laredo County of Webb, ranks the Laredo region in the past 12 For information, contact the
second in natural gas production months? Laredo Development Foundation at :

making the oil and gas industry a (956) 722-0563 or (800) 820-0564
target industry for us. As the closest The development of two new industrial
metropolitan city to the Eagle Ford parks and over 1 million sq.ft. of new

Shale, and as the opportunities for logistics, distribution and cold storage or log into our website at:

sales to Mexico continue, Webb facilities in Laredo, Texas and 2 new www.ldfonline.org
County is a prime staging area manufacturing expansions and one

for suppliers and companies that new manufacturing plant in Nuevo

support the industry. Laredo, Tamps., Mexico.

• Manufacturing and supplier operations $90 million investment for expansion of
particularly for Tier I and II’s. Automotive the Union Pacific intermodal facility in
parts, assembly operations, and support Laredo, Texas.

FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017 69

The City of Dayton is uniquely situated in the Gulf transportation
network area to provide the most expedient access to the nation’s

Highway, Air and Rail Systems.

The Place For You.

70 FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017

Dayton Advantages Dayton Local Industries

• Minutes from Houston and Baytown • Gulf Inland Logistics Park
• George Bush Intercontinental & P. Hobby Airports • Insteel Industries
• Port of Houston Facilities • Global Tubing
• Expanding Housing Markets • R&K Fabrication
• Class 5A School District • Fabrication & Construction Services
• Educated Workforce • Sam’s Distribution Center
• Greenfields for Retail, Office, Industrial and Manufacturing • Stallion Oil Field Services
• 1,500-Acre Industrial Park • Sumiden Wire Products
• Economic Incentives for Businesses expanding or relocating to Dayton
• Extensive expansion capacity
• State Route 99 (Grand Parkway) the third loop around Houston starts

construction summer of 2017 through Dayton

With direct access to US 90 and Highway 146, as well as two Class 1 Rail Carriers, the BNSF Railway and
Union Pacific Railroad, Dayton can provide unmatched access to Houston, the Gulf, the Nation and the Globe.

Gulf Inland Logistics Park is a multi modal transportation and logistics center,
featuring more than 1,500 acres of available land to meet the needs of today’s logistics,
transportation, and manufacturing businesses. The master-planned park will include:

• Approximately 1,500 Acres • Full railcar repair facility and a State of the Art multi-
• Less than 25 miles north of the Port of Houston commodity transload center with unit train capacity
• Up to 9.6 million square feet of industrial, office and commercial buildings
• Building Sizes Ranging from 100,000 square feet to 1,500,000 square feet • Access to competitively priced labor force
• Rail service provided by CMC and Union Pacific Railroads and the BNSF Railway • Economic incentive package available to qualified
• Economic incentive package available to qualified park residents
• 585 acres of land located within an existing Foreign Trade Zone park residents
• Located adjacent to US Highway 90 and Highway 146,

which provide direct connections to Interstate 10,

Interstate 45, Beltway 8 and US Highway 59

Dayton Community Development Corporation 801 S.Cleveland, Ste. B
Dayton, TX 77535
Courtland Holman, Executive Director (936) 257-0055
[email protected]
www.daytontx.com

Dayton Texas

We Want Your Business!

Dayton is a great place to Live, Work, Play, and Stay. Located 36 miles
from downtown Houston on Highway 90, Dayton is a fast growing
community in southeast Texas for both population and industry.
Dayton is a 30 minute drive from Houston, the Port of Houston, George
Bush International Airport, Rice University and University of Houston.

Dayton has the advantage of being located at the crossroads of US Highway 90,
Highway 146, and Highway 321 each a four-lane highway. State Route 99 (Grand
Parkway), the third loop around Houston, runs through Dayton and is scheduled
to start construction Spring 2018. Interstate 10 is twelve miles south of one of our
major businesses, the Gulf Inland Logistics Park, a 1500 acre master planned dual rail
served industrial park with Union Pacific, BNSF and CMC Industries.

Benefits of Dayton Texas reach far beyond its location and logistical DAYTON ADVANTAGES
advantages. Dayton features low City and County taxes, an excellent
source of local labor and direct access to many Fortune 500 companies MINUTES FROM HOUSTON AND BAYTOWN
operating in the Dayton and Houston market. Dayton offers a diverse
talent pool with over 2,370,500 population base to draw from for local ......................................................
and surrounding businesses within 35 miles of our downtown.
PORT OF HOUSTON FACILITIES
Dayton location has the advantage of attracting Warehousing facilities
and Industrial uses from light to heavy. Warehousing operators require ......................................................
a location with close access to highways and ports which Dayton
meets those requirements. Some Industrial uses require underground GEORGE BUSH AND william P. HOBBY
resources such as natural gas, propane, butane, propylene, and ethane INTERCONTINENTAL AIRPORTS
as feed stock for their operations which Dayton has in our industrial
areas. ......................................................

Dayton has great tangible and intangible incentives that can be EXPANDING HOUSING MARKETS
attractive to your business including our Foreign Trade Zone. Dayton
has an additional advantage of providing grants or loans as the Dayton ......................................................
Community Development Corporation is 4B Sale Tax funded allowing
Dayton to provide local grants in addition to incentives offered by the CLASS 5A SCHOOL DISTRICT
State of Texas and our utility companies.
......................................................
Dayton is a growing community and as such we strive to meet the quality
of life needs our citizens have asked us to provide. Under construction, EDUCATED WORKFORCE
due to our growth, the Dayton school district is building two new
elementary schools and expanding or updating the middle school and ......................................................
high school as well as other elementary schools for the start of the
2016/2017 school year. To meet the safety needs of our community a GREENFIELDS FOR RETAIL, OFFICE,
new police and second fire station will be under construction within the INDUSTRAL AND MANUFACTURING
next few months.
......................................................
The City Council, City Staff, Planning Commission, and Dayton
Community Development Corporation strives to create a positive 1,500- ACRE INDUSTRIAL PARK
experience for locating your business in our community. With no zoning
requirements, limited fees, and quick plan submittal reviews this helps ......................................................
you expedite the development of your company in Dayton.
EXTENSIVE EXPANSION CAPACITY

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

ECONOMIC INCENTIVES FOR BUSINESSES
EXPANDING OR RELOCATING TO DAYTON

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

Call us today as Dayton has the
Perfect location for your business!

Courtland Holman

Dayton Community Development Corporation
Executive Director
801 S. Cleveland Suite B
Dayton, TX 77535
936-257-0055
www.daytontx.com



Gainesville Texas,

the Most Patriotic Small Town in America!

Looking for a convenient location on Interstate 35, north of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex?
Then take a look at Gainesville, Texas, the most patriotic small town in America!
We are 60 miles north of DFW Airport located on I-35 and US Highway 82.

The Economy

So let’s look at what we have to offer. Gainesville is located in
Cooke County, on the Red River, with a population of 17,000
and over 1 million people within a 50 mile driving radius. We
are home to Zodiac Seats US, Gainesville’s largest employer, with
2,700 employees. Zodiac is the world’s largest manufacturer of
long haul commercial airline seats. Gainesville is also the home of
Reliant Worldwide Plastics, Select Energy Services, Orteq Energy
Technologies, Schlumberger, GAF Roofing and MFG, molded
fiberglass manufacturer of wind turbine blades and truck body
parts. PPG Industries and IFS manufacture powder coatings for
distribution. Lazart/Thirstystone, a division of Cambridge, is the
number one manufacturer of coasters and a distributor of home
decor.

Gateway Industrial Park, our third and newest industrial park is

shovel ready for your new location. This 126 acre development is
located one half mile off I-35and runs parallel to the BNSF Railroad,
making rail options possible.

TRANSPORTATION

Gainesville is located on I-35 and US 82, 60 miles north of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. I-35, the major
NAFTA highway, stretches from Laredo, Texas to Duluth, Minnesota. US Highway 82 provides a four-lane divided east-
west access across the southern states. Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF) provides daily rail service as well
as the Amtrak Heartland Flyer. BNSF has full switching services allowing for direct access to all major markets. If you
need an airport, Gainesville Municipal Airport has 6,000 feet of runway for public use.

74 FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017

Gainesville economic development corporation is a type b sales tax corporation
responsible for promoting business expansion, job creation and capital investment.

Quality of life

Gainesville is a charming historic town with lots of intriguing history. The downtown square and renovated courthouse
are landmarks that anchor the many Victorian homes in the Historic District. A walk or drive through these neighborhoods
built in the late 1800s and early 1900’s is history brought to life. Newer amenities are available as construction starts
on a new apartment complex for additional downtown living. Loft space in our historic downtown area is limited so for
those wanting to live downtown, these apartments will be perfect. For homes, Black Hill Farm is a new 200 acre farm
themed housing development giving families a home in the city with the feel of the country. Developers see a need for
new housing as Gainesville’s population grows and commuters settle closer to work, saving weekends for travel to big
city amenities less than an hour away. New luxury apartments offer additional living space in our historic downtown.
These apartments, with full amenities, compliment the loft spaces that are in high demand.

incentives FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

Gainesville Economic Development Corporation (GEDC) Arleene Loyd
and the City of Gainesville offer generous grant and tax Executive Director
incentives based on job creation, total payroll and capital Gainesville EDC
investment. We offer Freeport Exemptions and job 311 S.Weaver | Gainesville, TX 76240
training opportunities. State supported incentives include
the Texas Enterprise Zone, Texas Capital Fund and the t: (940) 665-5241
Skills Development Fund. The GEDC is your partner in e: [email protected]
site location and accessing local and state incentives. w: GainesvilleEDC.com
We are here to help your company become a successful
addition to our community.

FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017 75

EMERGING EDGE

COMMUNITY

The Jacksboro area offers companies that are new or with traffic flow count iver 12,000 per day. Major air freight
expanding an estimated 3,568 pool of workers to is a little over an hour away at DFW and easy access to
employ from. Per the most up-to-date demographics, international destinations is a short day’s drive to Houston.
approximately 1,835 workers are between the ages of 19
and 49. This segment of the workforce would be interested Jacksboro is a crossrads for major highways. U.S. Highways
in taking better jobs if offered by a new employer. These 281 and 380 intersect here. Burlington Nothern Santa Fe
workers have the skills, education and experience to fill a and Union Pacific rail lines cross 30 miles to our Northeast
variety of positions. in Bowie, Texas. Jacksboro’s utility infrastructure meets the
needs of either new or expanding industries. No matter
You can travel from the DFW International Airport to what your business requires; an existing building, a build-
Jacksboro in the ame amonut of time it takes to commute to-suit structure, or acreage ready for a commercial pad
from one side of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex to the site, Jacksboro can easily accommodate your needs.
other. Jacksboro is 60 miles Southeast of Wichita Falls, 60
miles Northwest of Fort Worth, 75 miles from the DFW Tell us what you need to expand or relocate your business
International Airport and 95 miles Northwest of Dallas. to Jacksboro. We have the tools to provide assistance at
We’ve been the “Crossrads to West Texas” since the first every level.
stagecoach traveled the Butterfield Stage Line over 100
years ago. Now 18 wheelers haul goods to, from and We can offer incentives, land, infrastructure, facilities,
through Jacksboro daily. Our trucking routes are excellent, equipment and workforce training.

for further information please contact:

Lynda Pack
Economic development Director
302 South Main - Jacksboro, Texas 76458
Tel: 940-567-3151 Fax: 940-567-3161
email: [email protected]
www.jacksboroedc.com

est. 1873

Bridgeport

Economic Development

HBAIGNDBSUHSAIKNEESS&S

in rural TEXAS.

BRIDGEPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
IS A LEADER IN IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE

AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR
OUR COMMUNITY!

The Bridgeport EDC administers the "4A" sales tax as its primary source of
funding for coordinating economic assistance and incentive agreements
of business expansions and relocations to Bridgeport.

JOIN OUR

COMMUNITY

www.BridgeportEDC.com 940.683.3490

Companies looking to start, relocate or expand their
operations in Wisconsin benefit from the state's
central location, reliable infrastructure, industry
leadership, talented workforce and business-friendly
policies, all of which create competitive advantages
that help businesses capitalize upon regional, national
and global market opportunities.

78 FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017

GE Healthcare employs more than 6,000 people in Wisconsin between its GE Healthcare’s medical imaging products and services are helping drive a
Waukesha, Wauwatosa (pictured), Milwaukee, West Milwaukee, Oak Creek, new digital industrial era.
Madison and Pewaukee locations.

Wisconsin’s long history of innovation continues to fuel new solutions to challenges facing people, companies,
nations and our very planet, with some of the most respected companies in the world drawing upon Wisconsin’s
plentiful natural resources, renowned research capabilities and the can-do spirit of its citizens to grow and succeed.

GE Healthcare and Oshkosh Corporation are but two of many companies that both benefit from and contribute to
Wisconsin’s strong, productive and versatile business climate.

GE Healthcare

GE Healthcare is an $18 billion unit of General Electric Co., employing more than 52,000 people worldwide and
serving healthcare professionals in more than 100 countries. The company’s imaging and clinical care practices, which
include ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), patient monitoring, maternal-
infant care and X-Ray technologies, is headquartered in Wisconsin, where the largest concentration of GE Healthcare’s
workforce—6,000 employees—is located. In total, the ripple effect of GE Healthcare supports more than 20,000 jobs
in Wisconsin through its supply chain participants in the state.

GE Healthcare’s history in Wisconsin dates back to 1947, when the GE X-Ray Department, as it was known then, moved
from Chicago to occupy a surplus production plant in West Milwaukee. Today, GE Healthcare has facilities in Waukesha,
Wauwatosa, Milwaukee, West Milwaukee, Oak Creek, Madison and Pewaukee.

In 2004, the company acquired Amersham plc, a British life sciences firm, and changed its name from “GE Medical
Systems” to “GE Healthcare.” In 2016, the company moved its global headquarters from the UK to Chicago, which
provides added benefits to Wisconsin by bringing executive leaders and key management functions closer to Wisconsin-
based manufacturing and engineering operations.
GE Healthcare also recently announced plans to shift production of incubators and warmers for hospital and neonatal
intensive care units from Laurel, Maryland, to Wisconsin. And the company opened a new repair center in Oak Creek,
Wisconsin, in March, an expansion that will ultimately mean 220 highly skilled Wisconsin-based employees responsible
for maintaining GE Healthcare’s cutting-edge medical diagnostic equipment.

FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017 79

“We have a good track record of success in Wisconsin when it comes to attracting high caliber talent, developing
supply streams, governmental collaboration and partnering with higher education,” said Karim Karti, president and
CEO of Imaging for GE Healthcare. “Wisconsin plays a critical role in our business on both a local and global scale.”
GE Healthcare’s successful entry into the medical ultrasound business in 1990 is a testament to the ingenuity of the
company’s Wisconsin-based workforce. By 2001, GE Healthcare had grown this division to become the global leader
in this industry, expanding its ultrasound operations worldwide. By 2016, GE Healthcare had become the premier
global provider of medical ultrasound. The company attributes this success in part to a flagship product engineered in
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, called the LOGIQ E9. The LOGIQ E9 is now the world’s leading ultrasound system based on the
number of units sold and is relied upon by radiology departments in leading institutions across the globe. The LOGIQ
E9 was first launched in 2009 and took approximately 100 Wisconsin-based engineers five years to develop. In 2016,
GE Healthcare produced its 17,000th LOGIQ E9 with cumulative sales of $2 billion.

The Revolution CT scanner produced by GE Healthcare can image the heart
in one beat. Molecular imaging and computed tomography (MICT) is one of
the GE Healthcare’s imaging groups hubbed in Wisconsin.

GE Healthcare’s Wisconsin employees have collectively earned nearly 3,000 engineering degrees, many from Wisconsin
institutions that work collaboratively with the state’s businesses to ensure that the skills taught match industry needs.
To meet the rising demand for STEM graduates, Wisconsin has steadily increased the number of degree holders in
these fields, with significant growth in programs not only at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and other UW System
schools, but also in the state’s technical colleges. The growth rate for Wisconsin’s pool of graduates is especially high in
computer and information sciences and support services, a positive trend for GE Healthcare, which plans to add about
5,000 software engineers globally in the next several years to support a broad push toward digitization.
Supporting GE Healthcare’s development of break-through solutions is the company’s annual investment of more than
$1 billion in research and development. The company also spurs continued innovation through its partnerships with
the state’s colleges and universities, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
and Marquette University.

The production of the 17,000th GE Healthcare ultrasound LOGIQ E9 was delivered with great fanfare to UW Health during
an event held in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, which included Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker along with GE executives.

GE Healthcare and its parent company, General Electric Co., are working to advance manufacturing and change
perceptions of manufacturing jobs, particularly among young people looking for careers that are both meaningful
and rewarding. In Wisconsin, which consistently ranks among the nation’s top states for manufacturing employment,
making things has always been cool. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible through advanced manufacturing
and digital industrial expansion, GE Healthcare is helping to inspire the next generation of innovators. The company is
also committed to addressing the gender imbalance within technology jobs and has pledge to have 20,000 women in
technology, engineering and operations roles by 2020 throughout all GE businesses, opening new doors and expanding
possibilities for all.

Oshkosh Corporation

Founded in 1917, Oshkosh Corporation is 100 years strong and continues to make a difference in people’s lives. Oshkosh
brings together a unique set of integrated global capabilities and diverse end markets that, when combined with the
company’s MOVE strategy and positive long-term outlook, illustrate why Oshkosh stands out among its competitors.
The company is a leader in designing, manufacturing and servicing a broad range of access equipment, commercial,
fire and emergency, military and specialty vehicles and vehicle bodies under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®,
McNeilus®, Jerr-Dan®, Frontline™, CON-E-CO®, London® and IMT®.

Oshkosh Corporation designs and builds the world’s toughest specialty trucks and truck bodies with divisional
concentration serving the defense; fire and emergency; commercial; and access equipment sectors.

Today, Oshkosh Corporation is a Fortune 500 Company with fiscal 2016 sales of $6.28 billion, powered by more
than 13,000 dedicated team members. Oshkosh has manufacturing operations on four continents, and its products,
recognized around the world for quality, durability and innovation, can be found in more than 150 countries around
the globe. Oshkosh is committed to making a difference for team members, customers, shareholders, communities
and the environment.

Oshkosh Corporation’s 100-year success story
continues in Wisconsin, with the company’s global
headquarters and Defense segment headquarters
intimately tied to the town it is named after—
Oshkosh—and its Fire and Emergency segment
centered in nearby Appleton, Wisconsin. With over
6,000 employees in the state, Wisconsin boasts the
greatest concentration of Oshkosh Corporation
workers anywhere.

Oshkosh Corporation provides a full range of manufacturing and
finishing solutions that ensures end-to-end quality control.

82 FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017

“As a state known for its overall quality of life, Wisconsin is
a great place to live and work. At Oshkosh Corporation, our
focus is to build a ‘people-first’ culture. It is our goal to make a
difference in people’s lives through the products we produce
and through the work we do in our communities,” says Bryan
Brandt, Oshkosh Corporation vice president, global branding
and communications. “The quality of life in Wisconsin, along
with our people-first culture, bolsters our efforts to attract
and retain diverse talent to the region and to make Oshkosh
Corporation a destination workplace.”

It was a new way of thinking about a common challenge that

launched Oshkosh Corporation in 1917. Company founders

William Besserdich and B.A. Mosling designed and patented

two innovations that improved vehicle mobility—a transfer

Oshkosh Corporation’s $6.7 billion contract to manufacture the next case responsible for transferring power from the front axle to
generation of the U.S. military’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (to replace the rear and an improvement to the steering and drive capacity
the HMMWV) is a testament to the company’s unmatched defense of the front axle. This gave people the courage and confidence
vehicle manufacturing expertise. to go places they never thought they could go. However, they

received 52 rejection letters from manufacturers to use this technology. These rejections from industry leaders inspired

Besserdich and Mosling to take charge of their ideas. They used the designs as the foundation to start what has now

become Oshkosh Corporation.

The spirit of innovation and perseverance continues to drive Oshkosh Corporation’s operations, with a company culture
that celebrates each employee’s contribution to making a difference in people’s lives. This includes the men and women
who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving others, a reality that inspires not only a sense of duty at Oshkosh
Defense, but also a heightened dedication to quality. “At Oshkosh Defense, we stand behind those who dedicate
their lives to protecting others,” says Alexandra Hittle, senior manager of global branding and communications. “Every
Oshkosh innovation, product and service is designed to help them successfully complete that mission, and return
home safely. That is the ultimate goal.”

The passion and pursuit of excellence that drives

Oshkosh Corporation and its people recently

won Oshkosh Defense a $6.7 billion contract to

manufacture the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV)

for the U.S. military, replacing a large portion of

the legacy HMMWV fleet used by the U.S. Army

and Marine Corps with a vehicle offering far

superior protection and off-road mobility.

Oshkosh Defense leveraged its extensive

experience producing and sustaining more than

150,000 heavy, medium and “mine-resistant

ambush protected” (MRAP) vehicles for the U.S.

and its allies in its JLTV design. The JLTV contract

Oshkosh Defense employees celebrate the production of the company’s first Joint Light calls for the delivery of 17,000 vehicles and
corresponding sustainment services over an eight-
Tactical Vehicle to serve U.S. military forces.

year period.

As for what the next 100 years holds for Oshkosh Corporation, Katie Hoxtell, marketing manager for Oshkosh
Corporation, references an ongoing commitment to the company’s mission “to partner with customers to deliver
superior solutions that safely and efficiently move people and materials at work, around the globe and around the
clock.” If the company’s history is any indication, that future is limited only by the imagination.

For further information contact:
Kelly Lietz - Vice President, Marketing and Brand Strategy
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
201 W.Washington Avenue
Madison WI 53703
Ph: 608.210.6858

FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017 83

Where Economic Vitality

Meets Quality of Life -

Portage County, WI

• From international IT to homegrown entrepreneurship with stable, diverse economic sectors
• K-16 talent pipeline (incl. technical college and four-year university)
• Small town affordability with big town quality of life
• Multiple Business Parks, including a 700-acre shovel ready site, plus residential expansion

What are the ingredients for success Kuckkahn cited, “We’ve got an IT Even agriculture has evolved to
that businesses and employees are company out of Milwaukee expanding become highly IT based. Heartland
looking for in a community? Portage here. They chose Stevens Point because Farms, a regional agri-business,
County Wisconsin’s list is rather they heard about our university here, employs multiple television monitors,
extensive, so if the first item doesn’t our IT culture, as well as what we have in drones, and technology that enables
strike you, read on. terms of quality of life. It’s different from it to remotely monitor field conditions,
Milwaukee so it gives their employees such as moisture, to sustainably use
IT to entrepreneurship/ options as to where they want to live.” resources like water, nutrients and
diverse economy pesticides. “They are looking at it from a
Skyward, an IT business originally scientific standpoint that really helps to
Todd Kuckkahn, Executive Director, grown out of the current Chairman’s protect our watershed and use less and
Portage County Business Council, basement, now serves school be less invasive in terms of the resources
shared that, “We have the service districts and municipalities across they use,” explained Kuckkahn.
industry, we have manufacturing, we the country and internationally. Their “Agriculture and the government and the
have agriculture; we have a pretty good new facility opened in the fall, 2016, community are always working together
breadth in our economy, so while the with much fanfare as the owners to come up with the best solutions.”
recession back in 2008-2009 certainly predicted a mirrored facility being
impacted the people who live here and built in eight years. The community K-16 Pipeline
our businesses, it wasn’t a major drain backed Skyward when they were in
on the economy in general. We were a battle with the State and they have The University of Wisconsin-Stevens
able to come through that stronger never looked back. This community Point (UWSP) and Mid-State Technical
than ever.” is business-friendly and isn’t shy College, as well as a variety of
about stepping up to the plate for public and private K-12 education
The diversified economy of Portage the betterment of the business institutions, provide Portage County
County in central Wisconsin has community. the resources to prepare employees
provided the foundation for long- for the tough demands of a global
term entrepreneurial growth and economy. All have multiple business
employee stability for business of all partnerships to meet specific needs
size, including international business. in the workforce and to support our
entrepreneurial culture. They are
Our diversity includes agriculture and engaged in all aspects of the creative
food products, advanced and general economy.
manufacturing, green industries and
information technology.

84 FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017

The pool of employees is well-known months of the year. There are three any direction a business might need.
for its work ethic and soft skills, a golf courses including SentryWorld, You can find the site that is right for
trademark of Wisconsin where the which just went through a major your expansion needs.
pride of rolling-up your sleeves to renovation to its golf, dining and
get the job done is simply a way of banquet experiences and is ranked “The East Park Commerce Center is a
life. That begins in our educational 34th nationally. The craft collective is certified cite for business development,”
institutions with high-quality public another source of pride for residents Kuckkahn said. “It is intentionally not
and private educators. and visitors who come from across built out; in other words, there is no
the country to take part in the beer, infrastructure, no roads, no gutter,
Kuckkahn acknowledged that the wine and distillery experiences. because we want to have the flexibility,
Portage County Business Council depending on the size of the firm, to fit
“realized that while economic “You can ski here 12 months a year; their needs.”
development is scientific and data- sometimes you’re on water and
driven for site consultants and sometimes you’re on snow, but you can Plover, on the southern end of the
developers, it’s also subjective in ski here and bike here 12 months of the population base from Stevens Point,
the fact that the quality of life is year. A lot of people bike to work in the is home to vitality in new apartment
important – what you have to offer wintertime, so I think the four seasons buildings meeting different type
the community outside of the labor are really an advantage,” family needs and single family homes,
shed.” shared Kuckkahn. as well as new business facilities. A
new hotel is opening in the downtown
Small Town Affordability If for some reason a resident can’t in the fall, 2017. All three medical
find what they are looking for, major facilities have expanded. Expansion
The dollar goes farther in the metropolitan areas are a short drive and growth are going on throughout
community. That is good for away. The city has its own airport the county. All of this with a commute
employees and business. The for private jets and a regional time you can count on two hands;
amenities are big-city and the cost-of- airport twenty minutes north on the livability means vitality.
living is small town. The arts, culture interstate. Our community is at the
and creative economy continue to crossroads of two intersecting north/ “My first objective,” explained Kuckkahn,
grow and enhance the quality of life. south and east/west highways. “if we can get a company to move to
Recreation during all four seasons Wisconsin, then that helps all of us.
is a bonus not available in most “What we have here is a big city ratcheted If we can get them to move to central
communities. back a bit in terms of what we have to Wisconsin, all the better. If we can get
offer. We have a symphony orchestra in a company to move to Portage County,
There are miles of bike paths, including the city, we have a children’s museum, then that’s excellent; we can all benefit
the Green Circle Trail that cuts so again, we’re looking at those quality from working together.” He noted, “Our
through the city. The Wisconsin River of life elements,” said Kuckkahn of primary mission is business retention
bends through our community along the county seat, Stevens Point. “We and attraction and employee retention
with other smaller streams and lakes. have a 26-mile bicycle trail throughout and attraction.” And that’s just the
It is hard to find a weekend without the entire city; the Wisconsin River beginning.
a cultural festival or entertainment runs through our city; and we have a
of some sort. UWSP attracts quality lot of lakes, so we have a lot of those For Further Information Contact:
acts and provides their own sources amenities that the younger generation Todd Kuckkahn
of entertainment with students in particular might be looking for in Executive Director
who later go on to nationally known terms of mobility and finding the right Portage County Business Council, Inc
performances. You can ski twelve place to work.” 5501 Vern Holmes Drive
Stevens Point, WI 54482
Business Parks & Expansion t: 715.344.1940 f: 715.344.4473
[email protected]
The Portage County Business Park
is nearly to capacity, as are other
business centers in Amherst,
Plover and Stevens Point. East Park
Commerce is a 700 acre shovel ready
site with access to rail that is on the
fringe of exploding. It is contiguous to
the city and major highways running

FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017 85

86 FDI ALLIANCE | SUMMER 2017

NESA MEANS WORLD-CLASS

SUCCESS HAPPENS HERE

YOUR LOGO
HERE

FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN BE NEXT

For more information on the NESA region:
Contact Ronald Carter at

(843)-661-1206 or [email protected]