do not have the same experience when working
to integrate into Western, European rooted
societies and cultures. Their visible differences
have kept them at arm’s length and at the back
of the line, watching opportunities pass them
by. Racism and exclusionary practices have not
only marginalized people of color, women, and
ethnic minorities, but their exclusion has been
detrimental to the global economy. Just because
we cannot measure their absence, does not
take away all that we have lost. Whether we
realize it or not, their exclusion has impacted
what could have been.
Think about Steve Jobs, the son of a Syrian
immigrant, born in the U.S. and adopted by
white, American parents. If Jobs had been
raised by his father, what would his track in
life have been? With perhaps a less privileged
upbringing, would he have been exposed to
computers at a young age and would those
interests have been nurtured? Would he have
faced racism for being Syrian or perhaps for
practicing a different religion? Would he still
have risen to create Apple and become a
founding father of the tech generation?
STRENGTHENING ECONOMIES WITH IDEAS AND INNOVATION: Think about the thousands of Steve Jobs out there,
who did not reach their full potential because
MAKING THE CASE FOR DIVERSITY they faced adversity at the hands of racism
and exclusionary practices. Obviously, there
are moral reasons why racism is abhorrent, but
thinking about it from an economic development
perspective, think about what communities and element of our work should include more The bottom line is that our differences should
economies around the world have missed out on outreach to immigrants, so they too can be bring us together to make something stronger,
because we did not do more to support diversity, part of the economic engine and on the path not create barriers or exclusionary practices.
If there was ever a case study for the benefits of the process. If we were all the same, think about ethic and a belief in education and the notion equity, and inclusion in our societies. to achieving their dreams or perhaps solving
diversity and how diversity, equity and inclusion how boring the world would be. These different that education was the key to achieving the the riddle of cancer – we can only imagine The collision of different perspectives and the
positively impact an economy, it is the United points of reference which comprise who we American Dream and economic advancement. As people, we have a moral obligation to be what could be. fulfillment of potential fuels economies. It is
States itself. Of course, the U.S. is not perfect, are as individuals, create a massive collision They achieved their dream and with the next inclusive and as economic developers, we have up to all of us in the economic development
but it is moving in the right direction, with an of ideas and innovation, and yes, sometimes generation that followed, their accents were a professional obligation to do more to support The benefits of supporting diversity, equity, community to think deeply about diversity,
upswell in societal support for sweeping civil racism and exclusion. lost and the only thing tying them to Ireland diversity, equity, and inclusionary practices in all inclusivity, AND immigrants include: inclusion and equity and make the strategic
rights reforms and the evaluation of norms when was their name, a few distant relatives, and faint that we do. We must do more to support small decision to address these issues we have in our
it comes to being an inclusive society. When my grandparents immigrated to the U.S. bits of Irish culture that were most dominant in business, minority businesses, and do more to • Helping to build a more dynamic econ- communities as part of our overall strategic
from Ireland, they were part of America’s labor domestic life. ensure that minorities are part of the equation omy Innovation and entrepreneurship planning. We need actionable plans and
Long known as being one of the world’s most class. My grandfather worked in construction and in our workforce. There are a lot of minds out • Breathing new life into rural communities bringing it a bit further, we should encourage
prolific sources of ideas and invention, diversity my grandmother was a maid in a household in The Irish story is an important distinction to make there with potential and part of our job should and Main Street the companies operating in our communities
of culture, race, and religion have been the Boston. They brought with them a strong work because people of color and different religions be to create pathways, so we do not lose another • Access to a more skilled and qualified to do the same.
key ingredients in America’s innovation “secret potential Steve Jobs or immigrant entrepreneurs workforce Our communities, our companies, and our
sauce”. This democratic experiment of a country and people of color who are investing and economies will become more prosperous and
has attracted people from every corner of the creating jobs in our communities. • A diverse workforce drives economic increasingly innovative and interesting if we
growth
world, all vying to be part of the “American support everyone’s pursuit of education, gainful
Dream” and the melting pot that is America. Taking this all a bit farther, we also need to do • Diversity in the workforce fosters a more employment, and their path to the American
Immigration, diversity, perspectives, and the more to support immigration and citizens new creative and innovative workforce Dream. It is time to put diversity, equity, and
differences we all bring with us, foster a sense to our shores. Part of the equity and inclusion inclusion on the top of the “to do” list.
of curiosity, dreams, and drive that has fueled
the U.S. economic engine. Diversity is America’s
secret sauce, and the most important elements
of diversity are the differences themselves. Color, → SHIRAR O’CONNOR Vice President of Marketing, AdvanceCT
race, sexual orientation, gender, culture, religion,
foreign born; the things that make people Shirar O’Connor is an economic development professional with over 28 NEW YORK OFFICE
unique, inspire them to create. years of experience working with national, regional, and local governments
from around the world. She is the Vice President of Marketing for AdvanceCT +1 646 496 7668
Our varying perspectives, vantage points, and and a founding partner of Underpinned, a New York-based marketing [email protected]
cultures create the friction, which produces the firm specializing in foreign direct investment and business retention and
energy and spark that pushes us all to achieve expansion services. Shirar O’Connor-Mugler
and reach higher. It is not always perfect, and For more information about Underpinned, visit www.underpinnedinc.com .
it is not always pretty, but the friction is part of
51. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
GOVERNOR WELCOME TO
ERIC HOLCOMB INDIANA
Indiana is known as the Hoosier State and is Many pharmaceutical research companies The Data Center Gross Retail and Use Tax
located in the Midwestern area of the United are headquartered in Indiana. The company Exemption provides a sales and use tax
States. It borders Lake Michigan, the states of Eli Lilly located in Indianapolis is the exemption on the purchases of qualifying
Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Illinois. The state’s largest corporation. A worldwide data center equipment and energy to
Governor is Eric Holcomb and the capital headquarters of Mead Johnson Nutritionals operators of a qualified data center. This
city is Indianapolis. This is also the largest is also located in the Evansville area. cannot exceed 25 years for data center
city in the state. investments of less than $750 million.
Transportation is provided by air, land and
Known for its auto racing, Indianapolis host water. Being ranked #1 as the leader in The Economic Development for Growing
the Indianapolis 500 race over Memorial pass-through interstates and highways. They Economy Tax Credit provides incentives
Day weekend every year. The name of are the #2 FedEx air hub in the world and to businesses to support job creation.
the race is usually shortened to the “Indy #3 in total freight railroads. While ranking This also supports capital investment and
500” and is held at the Indianapolis Motor #4 in rail tons of food products, #5 in Class then provement of the standard of living
Speedway. Such an event, brings many I railroads and lastly #6 in being the largest for Indiana residents. The refundable
tourist to the area. Attendees visiting bring cargo airport. coorporate income tax credit is calculated
revenue to communities. This creates jobs as a percentage of the expected increased
and enhances the local economy while In order to promote growth, profits and tax withholdings generated from new jobs
improving the quality of life for residents. innovation the state offers many business that can be created.
tax incentives and corporate tax credits. They
Manufacturing is a big business in Indiana. also offer economic development programs Other incentives include, the Headquarters
A very high percentage of Indiana’s income for companies creating new jobs. Indiana’s Relocation Tax Credit, the Hoosier Business
comes from manufacturing. The leading corporate income tax is decreasing from Investment Tax Credit, the Industrial
exports include motor vehicles and auto 6.5% to 4.9% by 2021. Development Grant Fund, Research and
parts, industrial machinery, optical in Development, a Workforce training Grant,
medical equipment, electrical machinery The Community Revitalization Enhancement Venture Capital Investment Tax Credit and a
and pharmaceutical products. District Tax Credit, which provides an Redevelopment Tax Credit to name a few.
Indiana is located in the Corn Belt region incentive for investment in community
of the Midwestern United States. This area revitalization enhancement districts. With Creating new opportunities for businesses
has dominated corn production and is this program, the credit amount is equal to through lowering business taxes, incentives
dominated by farming and agriculture. The the amount of qualified investment made and grants, economic strength and growth.
state grows corn used as feed for cattle and by the taxpayer during the taxable year and Indiana is the state ideal for such industries
hogs. Dairy, egg production and horticulture multiplied by 25%. This credit is applied as manufacturing, aerospace and aviation,
are popular as well. Other crops include against the taxpayer’s state or local tax agriculture, cyber security, energy, life
grapes, mint, melons, popping corn, liability and may be carried forward to the sciences, logistics and transportation and
tomatoes and tobacco. following taxable years. technology.
52. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
HUNTINGTON COUNTY
GOVERNOR WELCOME TO
ERIC HOLCOMB INDIANA OFFERS A WORLD CLASS
WORKFORCE WITH EXCELLENT
SITE LOCATIONS ALL OF WHICH
CREATE ROI FOR THE INVESTORS.
Indiana is known as the Hoosier State and is Many pharmaceutical research companies The Data Center Gross Retail and Use Tax FDI ALLIANCE
located in the Midwestern area of the United are headquartered in Indiana. The company Exemption provides a sales and use tax
States. It borders Lake Michigan, the states of Eli Lilly located in Indianapolis is the exemption on the purchases of qualifying
Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Illinois. The state’s largest corporation. A worldwide data center equipment and energy to
Governor is Eric Holcomb and the capital headquarters of Mead Johnson Nutritionals operators of a qualified data center. This
city is Indianapolis. This is also the largest is also located in the Evansville area. cannot exceed 25 years for data center
city in the state. investments of less than $750 million. WORKFORCE • LOCATION • VALUE
Transportation is provided by air, land and
Known for its auto racing, Indianapolis host water. Being ranked #1 as the leader in The Economic Development for Growing
the Indianapolis 500 race over Memorial pass-through interstates and highways. They Economy Tax Credit provides incentives
Day weekend every year. The name of are the #2 FedEx air hub in the world and to businesses to support job creation.
the race is usually shortened to the “Indy #3 in total freight railroads. While ranking This also supports capital investment and
500” and is held at the Indianapolis Motor #4 in rail tons of food products, #5 in Class then provement of the standard of living
Speedway. Such an event, brings many I railroads and lastly #6 in being the largest for Indiana residents. The refundable
tourist to the area. Attendees visiting bring cargo airport. coorporate income tax credit is calculated
revenue to communities. This creates jobs as a percentage of the expected increased
and enhances the local economy while In order to promote growth, profits and tax withholdings generated from new jobs
improving the quality of life for residents. innovation the state offers many business that can be created.
tax incentives and corporate tax credits. They
Manufacturing is a big business in Indiana. also offer economic development programs Other incentives include, the Headquarters
A very high percentage of Indiana’s income for companies creating new jobs. Indiana’s Relocation Tax Credit, the Hoosier Business
comes from manufacturing. The leading corporate income tax is decreasing from Investment Tax Credit, the Industrial
exports include motor vehicles and auto 6.5% to 4.9% by 2021. Development Grant Fund, Research and
parts, industrial machinery, optical in Development, a Workforce training Grant,
medical equipment, electrical machinery The Community Revitalization Enhancement Venture Capital Investment Tax Credit and a 2019 RIVERFORK INDUSTRIAL AERIAL VIEW MARKLE INTERSTATE 69 AT
and pharmaceutical products. District Tax Credit, which provides an Redevelopment Tax Credit to name a few. PARK WEST INDUSTRIAL PARK EXIT 278
Indiana is located in the Corn Belt region incentive for investment in community
of the Midwestern United States. This area revitalization enhancement districts. With Creating new opportunities for businesses
has dominated corn production and is this program, the credit amount is equal to through lowering business taxes, incentives MARK WICKERSHAM
dominated by farming and agriculture. The the amount of qualified investment made and grants, economic strength and growth. Executive Director,
state grows corn used as feed for cattle and by the taxpayer during the taxable year and Indiana is the state ideal for such industries
hogs. Dairy, egg production and horticulture multiplied by 25%. This credit is applied as manufacturing, aerospace and aviation, Huntington County Economic Development
are popular as well. Other crops include against the taxpayer’s state or local tax agriculture, cyber security, energy, life
grapes, mint, melons, popping corn, liability and may be carried forward to the sciences, logistics and transportation and Address: 8 West Market Street, Huntington, IN 46750
tomatoes and tobacco. following taxable years. technology.
Office: 260-356-5688 | Cellular: 260-388-3939
Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hcued.com
53. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
We’ve been reminded of the anguish of loneliness and isolation. Huntington County, Indiana, is a place where the County, City,
We’ve also been reminded that words like “businesses” and “the and Township governments all share the same name, Huntington,
economy” refer to the activity of our friends, families and neighbors, in honor of Samuel Huntington a signer of the U.S. Declaration of
not some type of anonymous, cynical, cold-hearted entities we Independence. It is by no means perfect but it is a place where
neither understand nor appreciate. We are social animals and we people can, and do prosper, and can belong.
need each other.
The people of the County do have some things in common with
Samuel Huntington; most are fiercely independent, in fact, the current
Maybe we even found, peering through our masks, new ways to be
better people? Ways to be more prosperous in spite of everything? Mayor of the City of Huntington, Richard Strick, is himself not a
We support each other in part by supporting our businesses. member of either major political party but indeed an independent.
In this community, however, the independent nature of the residents
The small, rural, marketplace that is Huntington County, Indiana is not at the expense of others but to the benefit of each other.
(population 35,000) found in the northeast part of the State of
Huntington County is home to dozens of philanthropic and benevolent
Indiana in America’s Great Lakes region, experienced significant
organizations. Pathfinder Services, Inc., provides a robust menu of
economic growth in the midst of this year’s challenges, reports human development programs to help strengthen the communities
Mark Wickersham, the executive director for the Huntington County they serve by enabling people with developmental or economic
Economic Development Corporation. “My little agency helped
challenges to achieve independence, inclusion, and stability.
facilitate nine new industrial projects with a combined investment
of private capital of over $32 million,” Wickersham said. Huntington University is yet another jewel in the crown for the
community. It offers more than seventy bachelor’s, master’s, and
“The downtown revitalization efforts of the City of Huntington doctoral programs. It has recently become a national leader in
(population 18,000) resulted in six new entrepreneurial start-ups. such areas as agricultural research, digital media arts, nursing, and
Our industrial occupancy rate is nearly 98%. Our unemployment occupational therapy in addition to their traditional liberal arts and
rate stands at 3.8% (October). We’re planning to double the business programming.
size of our local vocational learning center. It’s just been very
“Huntington University is a huge economic engine in our Community,”
encouraging. I can’t stop wondering how things might have been
if not for COVID-19,” he added. said Wickersham. But the University is much more than that in
the life of Huntington. The University is not shy about its belief to
COVID-19 has been a torment to everyone, every day. It should respect unity amidst diversity. They reject biased apathy, willful
also be a vivid reminder, that many people genuinely feel such ignorance and silent fear. They rejoice together, protect, care for
torment every day, not because of a health pandemic, but instead and grieve with one another. Those core beliefs, combined with
because maybe they haven’t been genuinely welcomed as a member professional expertise, has drawn students from thirty-five countries
of a community. Every human being wants to have a place they are around the world.
happy and content; successful, productive and prosperous. We all Those values were on display in the summer when the Community
want to “belong.” participated together with Black Lives Matters to speak out against
54. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
in our town brought renewed energy to a
part of our downtown, which, not long ago,
was destroyed by a fire,” noted Wickersham.
“The artist’s creative energy enhanced our
Community spirit, which in turn, became a
source of encouragement to our industrial
and business communities.”
Huntington continues to tenaciously go about
its economic development life. Traditional
industrial development incentives are available.
The economic development corporation
recently acquired, with the support of the
City of Huntington and community based
the murder of George Floyd. “While some FDI Alliance International appreciates covering
banking institutions, one hundred and seventy
cities were frankly scared and experienced small markets like Huntington because it
more violence, ours genuinely engaged,” gladly encourages investors to consider two acres for a new industrial park called
said Wickersham. “I attended, as did our places like Huntington. They are wonderful Riverfork West Industrial Park.
Mayor, and Chamber of Commerce executive. locations for appropriately scaled foreign The area is also home to destination
Our police attended, not in riot turnout gear, direct investments. restaurants, retailers, and event venues.
but in plain clothes as friends who were The café at Golfo di Napoli Dairy is a true
equally offended at Floyd’s killing. No one Huntington County is currently home to 5-star eatery. Rustic River Outfitters offers
was injured and no property was damaged companies from several nations. Brazilian- a variety of tours and supplies for canoeing,
based Gerdau Steel; Canadian-based Onward
because we were the protestors,” he said. camping and hiking. TwoEE’s Winery is an
Manufacturing Company; French-based
“Just recently, there was a protest in our town Schneider Electric; German-based Knorr- award-winning producer of wine. The list of
because of COVID-19 mask-enforcement Bremse; Italian-based Golfo di Napoli; amenities for a small market like Huntington
policies. Instead of avoiding the issue, the Japanese-based Teijin and Marubeni each is amazing.
Mayor spent four hours that day peacefully have facilities in Huntington County, Indiana. The people of Huntington County truly have
discussing the issue with protestors. It’s who Other global giants such as Ecolab also have learned a lot as they “peek beyond their
we are,” Wickersham said. facilities in Huntington. masks.” To learn more visit their website
at www.hcued.com.
FDI Alliance International once referred to Investors will experience a collaborative spirit
Huntington County’s economic development not just in Huntington County but in all of
efforts as “quietly tenacious.” “I think that the Northeast Indiana Region. Serving the
is an excellent perspective on our efforts,” eleven county market in the corner of the
Wickersham remarked. “We believe in State of Indiana, is the Northeast Indiana
collaboration and teamwork and I serve as Regional Partnership. Its mission is to build,
a concierge to get things done,” he said. market and sell Northeast Indiana to increase
The idea of a one-stop-shop or single phone business investment, with a vision that by
number to call for help is especially appropriate working together, Northeast Indiana is a
for Huntington County, Indiana because magnet MARK WICKERSHAM
the 9-1-1 Emergency Telephone Number for the best business and talent and is EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
system in the United States found its original recognized as one of the nation’s most F
advocate in the U.S. Congress in the man of J.
prosperous regions. 8 West Market Street
Edward Roush, the former Congressman from Huntington, IN 46750
Huntington, Indiana. “During all the social Lofty goals like that have contributed to the
unrest of 1968, Huntington’s hometown hero, recent attraction into the Region of major ☎
Congressman Roush, quietly and tenaciously investments from Amazon, General Motors, Office: 260-356-5688
made it his mission to see the United States BAE Systems and others. At the same time, Cellular: 260-388-3939
adopt the 9-1-1 system,” said Wickersham. in an effort to attract talent to the area, the ✉
1968 was obviously a tumultuous year like group created an emphasis on public art [email protected]
2020, but Huntington contributed to the which led to a Regional public mural festival,
creation of something very, very good and celebrating a variety of interests and creativity. www.hcued.com
did it with the quiet tenacity which is still “My agency’s primary mission is to promote
present in today’s Huntington County. industrial development but the public mural
55. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
Whitley County, Indiana is a rural county primely located less than Local elected officials and the Whitley EDC work closely together
three hours from Chicago, Detroit and Indianapolis offers a diverse to provide incentives that fit the needs of each party. Sharing a
portfolio of industry, talent and workforce development initiatives building with the county government makes access to public officials
and entrepreneurs comparable to larger more urban counties. just a walk across the hallway. Whitley EDC’s relation with the town
and city councils ensure business needs are met in a timely manner
The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is a
and a business is never without support from the local leadership
single-point of contact for businesses in one of Northeast Indiana’s
and Whitley EDC.
manufacturing counties and has Dale Buuck leading as the Whitley
EDC president. ࣿ Leading Workforce Development
As a rural community, Whitley County knows the value of education
Whitley County neighbors Indiana’s second largest city but proves and opportunities when training a workforce and students do not
business is still a viable decision when choosing to locate to rural have to go far to find their training. In fact, a career academy and
counties. While, predominantly hosting manufacturing in automotive a new high school opened in two districts in Whitley County in
and medical device, the county hosts one of the United State’s largest August 2020, with innovative models to meet the growing demand
defense contract and a surplus of cutting-edge entrepreneurs. for trained and upskilled labor.
ࣿ Industry Leaders Found in Rural Areas Nearly 25 percent of the county’s population are school aged youth
Several of Whitley County’s industry leaders chose a rural setting. and the rural county has the opportunity to capture those youth and
For example, Micropulse, Inc., which was started up by a local train them for the local employment opportunities though Whitko
entrepreneur in his garage, is a leader in medical device and the Career Academy (WCA). The academy offers education in trades
orthopedic world. Ultra Electronics – USSI, who hosts one of the like advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, business, construction
country’s largest defense contracts chose Whitley County for an trades, nursing and more. In the first year, more than 75 percent of
additional site years ago. The small town of South Whitley hosts eligible students chose a course at the new academy.
Fox Products who produces double reed instruments for the largest
Whitley County Consolidated Schools opened a new high school
symphonies in the world.
and moved their technological academy to the same campus
With access to major highways, interstates, airports, and rail the competing with the local districts and providing a new standard
rural setting makes an ideal location for businesses and leaders of curriculum. Columbia City High School and Eagle Tech focus
who want direct access to the shipping routes and the largest cities. on small-group interactions and project-based learning focused
56. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
on creating learning experiences for students – not just content
knowledge, but skills critical for future success.
Each of the districts in the county also participate in a locally grown
program, Whitely Works, which connects students and county
employers to allow students the opportunity to job shadow, intern,
and start their careers with local companies while they’re still in
high school.
ࣿ Atmosphere for Entrepreneurs
Rural communities like Whitley County are a great place for
entrepreneurs with programs to accelerate or grow a business,
Whitley EDC provides the support and tools necessary to begin.
Local main streets and incubators with existing companies provide
working relationships for success and allow business to grow
organically. Each of the communities in Whitley County offer robust
services to start and succeed in entrepreneurship.
Whitley County sits next to Indiana’s second largest city, which
provides the amenities of the metropolitan cities and still prides
itself on serving each other locally to see families, youth, small DALE BUUCK
business and industry leaders succeed.
PRESIDENT
When choosing a site, consider rural counties and choose Whitley F
County, Indiana. The Whitley EDC office can be reached at
220 W. Van Buren Street, Suite 102
260.244.5506 or send an email to Dale Buuck, Whitley EDC
Columbia City, IN 46725
president at mailto:[email protected].
☎
ࣿ About Whitley County EDC
The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is P: 260.244.5506
the lead economic development agency in Whitley County, Indiana. C: 260.515.3592
The EDC works closely with local, regional and state partners to
✉
support our industry clients’ growth and success. Our mission is to
[email protected]
lead a comprehensive economic development program that retains
and expands employment opportunities for residents and attracts
business investment to Whitley County. The Whitley County EDC whitleyedc.com
was established in 1992 and represents Whitley County, Columbia
City and the towns of Churubusco, Larwill and South Whitley. For
more information about the EDC visit whitleyedc.com.
57. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
ACHIEVING DIVERSITY
Achieving diversity, equity and inclusion is a process. Leadership is a Equity is promoting justice within the processes and distribution of resources
process. Anything involving learning and growth is a process. Simon Sinek by institutions. Inclusion is an outcome to ensure those who are diverse
talks about process in his video, “Love, Relationship and Leadership”. It are welcomed and are able to participate fully in the decision-making
is not flipping a switch or a point in time you can touch. The process for processes.”
achieving diversity, equity, and inclusion is brought to our attention in
a negative way far too often, yet we must be diligent in continuing the There are nearly eight billion different people in the world. Many of them
process to make opportunity more possible for everyone. read this publication (right Courtney!). Differences make us better! I believe
someone who truly believes in diversity, equity and inclusion should seek
I want to be totally transparent. I once suggested to someone very much out those with different viewpoints and experiences. It is only through
like me, who is a leader in his business, that I should write an article on understanding those who are different from us that we can respect them
“diversity” for his publication. He basically said I could not do that based and their thoughts and further shape our own thoughts.
on what I look like rather than who I am. I am a white, middle-class,
heterosexual, married, Christian, male. That, however, is only a small I grew up in Verona, WI. It is in rural Dane County and had not yet been
piece of who I am. consumed by Madison. My true “life” experiences related to the topic
didn’t begin until I entered the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a
So how does this connect to FDI International? For any form of economic very “green” freshman. I was selected to be a student manager for the
development to be successful, more than demographics, data and metrics men’s basketball team. That meant I worked in all areas of a collegiate
must be considered. It’s not only about “what” a community is but also basketball program.
“who” a community is. We know that talent attraction and retention has
become even more critical, even in the middle of a pandemic. In order The first black coach in the Big Ten Conference was hired at Wisconsin
to attract and retain talent, our workforce diversity is important, as long the same time I started in my role. When I talk about differences making
as the focus goes beyond that to equity and inclusion. us better, that was truly the case here. I worked alongside players and
coaches with similar backgrounds to me and those from cities where
Let’s look at these dei.extension.org definitions: “Diversity is the presence differences were very prominent. I learned that while those differences
of differences across many population factors, often times marginalized. impact people, they do not define them. I had good and bad relationships,
58. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
for a variety of reasons, with those from the varying backgrounds. It was In my community, we are attempting to tackle diversity, equity and inclusion
a great learning environment. head on. Early in the pandemic I was on a webinar with John Maxwell
and Simon Sinek. It was shortly after the George Floyd shooting. Simon
One of my next career moves involved basketball again and there were was relating how he was reaching out to his friends, one-on-one, to
more lessons for me. The world of sports is a breeding ground for people have uncomfortable conversations about the issue. I gathered a group of
coming together to learn from differences. While an associate head coach community leaders representing K-12, law enforcement, university, United
at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, one of my key assignments Way, community foundation, arts, and our county diversity committee.
was recruiting student-athletes to get an education and play basketball.
Relationships gave me the opportunity to recruit in high schools that a The challenge, as we all know, is how to reach the people in our community
university located where Platteville was couldn’t typically. You see, Platteville that need to hear the message about equity and inclusion. Following Martin
was even more rural than Verona. Luther King’s words is a start. Our university has done an excellent job
of recruiting a diverse population, especially in our environment. We all
One of our in-roads into the talent of Chicago was the fact that the are committed to the fact that differences make us better. Now how do
Chicago Bears (National Football League) had their pre-season camp in we make that real and invoke positive change. Certainly, communication
our community. That helped open some doors in the city of Chicago. So is critical. We also all realize it is a process and not a moment in time
did the relationships I developed during my career. The student-athletes where we flip a switch.
I recruited alongside the head coach, Bo Ryan, represented themselves
exceptionally well while at Platteville. Besides earning their degrees, they Now as I speak to groups about core values, harmony in life, inner circle
also won the first ever national championship. Our differences made us and the comfort zone, I share these experiences and lessons. Growth
better. Our relationships grew out of respect and a strong work-ethic. can only come through experiencing failure, fighting through fear and
meeting the process head on. Regardless of your background, you can
Relationships are important in the world of economic and talent make a difference and make sure differences make YOU better.
development. The sale will not happen without the relationship. You
must put on your own oxygen mask first and make sure the relationship
within yourself is right. Then, you can develop those relationships with
site selectors and communities to develop a sale. This leads to a better
understanding of differences, the differences that make us better.
When I stepped into the non-profit world at United Way of Dane County
in Madison, I got another lesson in diversity, equity and inclusion. I was
blessed to be promoted from the position I was originally hired to Vice
President. I then had the pportunity to hire my replacement. During the
process and reflecting on it later, I first went to a safe, comfortable place.
That place initially was not focusing on those differences that make us better.
My top candidate was someone who looked and acted much like me.
When I shared the candidates with the President, someone who I would
consider part of my inner circle, she challenged me to look again at my
ACHIEVING DIVERSITY choices. I thought about whether or not I wanted to hire somebody who TODD KUCKKAHN
would have my same strengths or someone who would help me grow
Todd Kuckkahn is an independent speaker, coach,
my weaknesses and strengths and, more importantly, get me out of my teacher, and trainer with The John Maxwell Team
comfort zone, through fear and into learning and growth. I’m proud that (JMT). He has done numerous presentations,
she challenged me, and I made the right decision. The person I hired not workshops, and seminars at local, state, national
only helped me better understand equity and inclusion, but also helped and international conferences. Todd is also JMT
Achieving diversity, equity and inclusion is a process. Leadership is a Equity is promoting justice within the processes and distribution of resources the entire team. Her differences made us better. certified as a DISC trainer and consultant.
process. Anything involving learning and growth is a process. Simon Sinek by institutions. Inclusion is an outcome to ensure those who are diverse
talks about process in his video, “Love, Relationship and Leadership”. It are welcomed and are able to participate fully in the decision-making Recently I had the chance to speak at the Leadership Forum of the [email protected]
is not flipping a switch or a point in time you can touch. The process for processes.” International Economic Development Council. It was in the same city 715-498-4979
achieving diversity, equity, and inclusion is brought to our attention in where that hire now lived. We were able to re-connect and we spent three
a negative way far too often, yet we must be diligent in continuing the There are nearly eight billion different people in the world. Many of them hours reminiscing about our experiences and how they help developed TODDKUCKKAHN.COM
process to make opportunity more possible for everyone. read this publication (right Courtney!). Differences make us better! I believe who we are. It didn’t matter what we are.
someone who truly believes in diversity, equity and inclusion should seek
I want to be totally transparent. I once suggested to someone very much out those with different viewpoints and experiences. It is only through
like me, who is a leader in his business, that I should write an article on understanding those who are different from us that we can respect them
“diversity” for his publication. He basically said I could not do that based and their thoughts and further shape our own thoughts.
on what I look like rather than who I am. I am a white, middle-class,
heterosexual, married, Christian, male. That, however, is only a small I grew up in Verona, WI. It is in rural Dane County and had not yet been
piece of who I am. consumed by Madison. My true “life” experiences related to the topic
didn’t begin until I entered the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a
So how does this connect to FDI International? For any form of economic very “green” freshman. I was selected to be a student manager for the
development to be successful, more than demographics, data and metrics men’s basketball team. That meant I worked in all areas of a collegiate
must be considered. It’s not only about “what” a community is but also basketball program.
“who” a community is. We know that talent attraction and retention has
become even more critical, even in the middle of a pandemic. In order The first black coach in the Big Ten Conference was hired at Wisconsin
to attract and retain talent, our workforce diversity is important, as long the same time I started in my role. When I talk about differences making
as the focus goes beyond that to equity and inclusion. us better, that was truly the case here. I worked alongside players and
coaches with similar backgrounds to me and those from cities where
Let’s look at these dei.extension.org definitions: “Diversity is the presence differences were very prominent. I learned that while those differences
of differences across many population factors, often times marginalized. impact people, they do not define them. I had good and bad relationships,
59. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
GOVERNOR WELCOME TO
JOHN BEL EDWARDS LOUISIANA
Louisiana is known as the Pelican State and the Port of New Orleans, the Port of South include Boise Inc, Lamb Weston, Georgia
is located in the Southeastern United States. Louisiana and the Port of Baton Rouge. The Pacific, Hunt Forest Android O. Martin
On the Gulf of Mexico, it is bordered by the port of New Orleans has the longest wharf Lumber company and Southeastern Mills
states of Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi. in the world. It is two miles long and can Inc. Louisiana has several programs to
The capital city is Baton Rouge and the accommodate up to 15 vessels at one time. benefit new businesses. The LED FastStart,
Governor is John Bel Edwards. New Orleans The Portort of South Louisiana is the largest customizes employee recruitment, screening,
is the largest city in Louisiana. tonnage port in the Western hemisphere. train development and train delivery for
This port handles nearly 60% of the exports eligible, new or expanding companies with
Known for its diversity, there are many leaving Louisiana and about 15% of all no additional costs. The Angel Investor Tax
multicultural influences of French, Italian, total US exports. The port of Baton Rouge Credit (AITC), gathers accredited investors
Haitian, Spanish, Native American and is the 10th largest port in the United States. to invest in small wealth creating businesses
African cultures. It’s the different cultures It is located at the northernmost part of the that seek startup and expansion capital.
that bring in quite a few tourists every year. Mississippi River and is capable of handling
The majority of tourists flock to the New panamax ships. The Digital Interactive Media and Software
Orleans area for the food and music the Program, is a program designed for helping
city has to offer. Many globally-recognized aerospace innovative digital media and software
companies are located in Louisiana. Such development companies of all sizes gain a
Ranking in the top 10 states for business companies include Boeing, Lockheed competitive edge. This plan provides a 25%
climate in the US, the low tax environment Martin, Metro Aviation, Western Global tax credit on qualified payroll for in-state
offers manufacturers significant cost savings. and Northrop Grumman. Many aerospace labor and 18% for qualified production
It ranks the lowest tax burden for new companies benefit from such offers as the expenditures. This program does not have
facilities, relocations and facility expansions industrial tax exemption program. This a cap and has no minimum requirement.
for both capital-intensive and labor-intensive program provides property tax abatement There are definitely different incentive
manufacturing operations. Company cost for up to 10 years on a manufacturer’s new programs for different types of businesses.
can be reduced because of the states low investment and annual capitalization edition. The Enterprise Zone is an incentive program
industrial electricity rates. that offers a maximum tax credits of $1000
Known for its agricultural growth and for each new job that is created. The Small
Louisiana’s infrastructure offers many innovation, Louisiana provides many Business Loan and Guaranty Program
strategic advantages. There are six different resources for emerging and expanding provides funding assistance via loans
interstate highways and six class 1 railroads companies. Some agribusiness and food varying from $5,000 to $1.5 million.
for land use. Transport by sea is available processing industries include timber,
at multiple ports across the state. For air cotton, soybeans and sugarcane. The vast Louisiana is a state that offers advantages
accessibility, there are seven primary airports waterways account for one-third of the and benefits through various programs.
and four airports across the state which offer nation’s seafood supply. It is responsible There is a very strong infrastructure and a
foreign trade zone affiliation. The three for 90% of the nation’s crawfish supply. very dedicated and skilled workforce.
major commercial ports of Louisiana include Some well-known agribusiness companies
60. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
How often do you hear politicians proclaim “If elected I will bring these criteria that St. Mary Parish focuses its efforts on to attract
diversification home” to expand the growth of our local economy? new businesses.
They believe that large international companies will come and build
The parish/county promotion is critical. Keep your location in the
an auto manufacturing plant or a large chemical complex creating a
thousand direct jobs and local suppliers creating hundreds more. As news through articles in site selection magazines, have an active
noble as their proclamation is, they are clueless about what it takes. website, send out periodic newsletters and utilize the social media
outlets. A critical avenue is word of mouth from existing companies.
What is it that makes your location attractive? These companies They won’t promote the parish to their competitors but will to their
have their own check lists and many US Consultants to narrow their suppliers and other companies they have a relationship with. I call
choices. The check list includes most of the following: this the “Catch if you Can” method as you have limited control
over these tools.
ࣿ Workforce – availability, quality and skills (ready workforce,
day one)
There is the “Target Industry” method where you match up community
ࣿ Sites – ready to start building or leasing public site skills with industries that are growing and may have a competitive
advantage by locating in your area. As the local entity St. Mary
t
ࣿ Transporta ion logistics (Multi-Model)
Parish has leveraged its resources with other economic development
ࣿ Utilities (electricity, natural gas, water, sewer and process water…)
agencies such as the regional agencies, the
ࣿ Raw Materials availability – metals, chemicals…
ࣿ Environmental regulations State’s Economic Development agency and the electric utilities.
An electric utility has teamed up with the parishes regional group
ࣿ Quality of Life to raise a family, community safety education, and actually sets up appointments with specific clients in industries
activities, cleanliness….
that have been identified in a target study. In this situation a
ࣿ Cost of doing business – taxes, permits and other fees direct meeting with the potential client gives you the best shot at a
ࣿ Incentives diversification. This is a new company, yet it requires many of the
strengths on your checklist. In a community with heavy manufacturing,
ࣿ A welcoming community making it easier to get through the
shipbuilding, oil field, process chemicals and agriculture industries
administrative process.
many diversifications will still remain close to home. It won’t be
As the consultant or the company executive location team starts a massive computer assembly plant. There are also companies
checking off the boxes the options are narrowed quickly. What are around that offer leads for clients desiring to relocate. This may be
the chances that your location will make it to the final three? It is another source of diversification.
62. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
the Department of Defense. A new shipyard
located in St. Mary five (5) years ago, is now
looking to expand as they ran out of room
at their new site. Some of the large oil field
fabricators are now producing LNG tanks.
The parish has also added a manufacturer/
distributor of excavation equipment with a
specialty hydraulic controller, reducing costs
and improving safety. This was a contractor
finding a better way to work within the markets.
There is much said about diversification yet
getting the Big One is more elusive than you
would think. Stick with your capability for
“organic diversification”. Keep the driver
companies on the radar, encouraging them
to consistently look for expanded markets
for their products, product upgrades, new
markets and services. Recognize the trends
and respond accordingly. Whether you use
“Catch if you Can”, “Target Industry”, or
“Organic” methods of Diversification, they
all will have a role to play.
What’s next? Now you have spent 5-10% of Technology helped create larger rigs with less
your time seeking diversification but the rest manpower, administration was consolidated
should be spent on companies in the local in Houston, TX, large platform fabricators
economy. Take care of those companies that moved to deeper water and foreign countries
have grown the local economy in the past, (Mexico) to lower labor costs all in response EVAN BOUDREAUX
assisting them in developing new markets, to major fluctuation in the price and supply
extending their product lines and maintaining of oil. Alternative sources of energy began ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
a top-notch workforce? This is known as to take hold including shale production, DIRECTOR
“Organic Diversification” method. Look at solar and wind power projects, cooperative
the historic cycles. St. Mary Parish is home ventures between utilities and large process F
of the first offshore oil rig in the US in the late industries using hot off-gas from the plant 500 Main Street, 5th Floor
1940’s. This industry grew quickly through as fuel. Franklin , LA 70538
the balance of the 20th century. Platform ☎
fabricators, shipyards building service vessels, In St. Mary Parish the shipyards began to move (+1) 337-828-4100 ext. 340
machine shops, food service and off shore away from oil field vessels to Department (+1) 985.518.5885
training industries just kept growing. Yet a of Defense, International Governments for
trend began in the 80s and has continued shore patrol vessels and large city clients ✉
today. Offshore oil is a cyclical business for customer taxis. This local diversification [email protected]
and every time there was down turn in the of product has been very successful. Now
price of oil the local economy suffered. Yet with the next step forward these shipyards
expectations of a strong recovery fell short. are producing unmanned stealth vessels for
63. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
Supporting Existing Business is Critical to
Growing Local Economic Development
The lifeblood of almost every community is This economic development process of growing continue to grow in the community.” Fostering
its local economy, and the backbone of the and retaining businesses in a community is called this growth is an essential component of any
local economy is its existing small businesses business retention and expansion (BRE). BRE is communities’ economic development efforts.
and corporations. According to the US Small defined as “a program designed to strengthen
Business Administration, small businesses (those the connection between companies and the Business Retention and Expansion International
with 500 or fewer employees) make up 99.7% community while encouraging each business to (BREI) works with economic developers across
of all businesses in the nation. Similar numbers
are found in nations across the globe. These
same small businesses have produced 64% of
all new jobs over the past 15 years, and they
make-up a substantial resource for workforce
and community support.
Not only are small and local businesses
essential for workforce numbers, but they are
also paramount for the diversification of said
workforce. Research from BizBuySell shows that
local businesses across Western Europe and
North America are becoming more ethnically
diverse, with increases in ownership from Asian/
Pacific Islander, Hispanic, and African American
men and women.
Statistics like these show the critical need for
economic developers to continue to focus on
ways to grow and retain their existing businesses.
64. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL ➡ CEOS KNOW YOUR PURPOSE
the globe to ensure that they have the tools and directly engaged, more than 350 businesses their workforce and greater pride in their local
capability of launching and running a quality surveyed, and over $300,000 in grants and community.
BRE program to support their local and existing loans distributed before $4 million in locally
businesses. administered CARES Act funding became Economic developers and municipalities across
available. the globe would be wise in adopting and
One such program exists with the Hancock prioritizing business retention and expansion
County Port and Harbor Commission in Examples like these are found across the globe, efforts to grow and retain these existing
Hancock County, Mississippi, USA. In 2017, as municipalities are recognizing the tremendous businesses as an essential component of their
they launched the “Hancock County Aerospace need to retain and grow their existing businesses. local communities.
Strategy Initiative.” As a result of this project and This, in turn, promotes greater diversity among
its master planning efforts, the Commission
can now deliver tangible capital improvement
projects and site development via marketing RYAN KELLY
materials to relevant parties. This includes least EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
cost development scenarios to mitigate speed BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION
to market, environmental and budget variables, INTERNATIONAL
but it also prioritized real investments at Stennis
International Airport (KHSA) with projects in
various stages of completion.
601.602.8074 [email protected]
Through implementation of this strategy, existing
industry has shown investment through recent
announcements, including Relativity Space with
200 new jobs and more than $65 million in
capital investment and Lockheed Martin Space
Systems with 30 new jobs and $30 million in
capital investment.
Another such example of a quality BRE project is
with Dufferin Economic Development in Dufferin
County, Ontario, Canada. The project, “Food
for Thought,” engaged Dufferin County’s
Agriculture and Food business community in an
effort to gain valuable insight around the sector’s
immediate and future needs, and determine
how to support positive change in an effort to
enhance the business environment as it pertains
to agriculture and food in Dufferin County. This
project resulted in a growing collaboration
from a wide variety of community groups and
businesses working together.
One final example is with Norfolk Department
of Economic Development in Norfolk, Virginia,
USA. Their project, “COVID-19 Business
Retention and Recovery Campaign,” was a
multifaceted effort designed to position Norfolk
for a successful recovery from the COVID-19
disaster. Project components included: a large-
scale outreach campaign primarily to small
businesses, the immediate creation of the
Norfolk Economic Disaster Assistance Loan &
Grant products, and an integrated marketing
communications effort coupled with the long-
term support of businesses identified as “at-risk”
for closure.
The Outreach team was able to identify 210
“at-risk” businesses to be monitored and
extensively supported with wrap-around services
and enhanced resources for a 12 to 18 month
period, with a tentative conclusion date of
June 2021. The campaign was an incredibly
robust effort resulting in over 1,000 businesses
CEOS KNOW YOUR PURPOSE
➡ 65. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
by bureaucracy and red tape, and there’s more
opportunity for collaboration. There’s a shared
common interest in the community and attitude
of ‘let’s fix it’,” she said.
Vincent gave an example of how businesses in
a small, coastal town in North Carolina pulled
together to save its tourism-reliant downtown
economy this year during the early months of
the COVID-19 pandemic. Local chamber of
commerce leaders approached the town’s 15
largest employers for $1,000 grants, which
were then given to local students as payment for
establishing and maintaining a digital presence
for 15 downtown businesses to help them offset
the devastating loss of tourism foot traffic.
“Everyone won in that scenario,” Vincent said.
“That kind of ingenuity is key -- and it’s what
you’ll see more of in rural communities. More
of that has to happen.”
OVERCOMING BARRIERS
What business wouldn’t want the kind of
supportive environment? But how do businesses Vincent and McCray’s examples are among a funnel where they can get the resources they
HIDDEN GEMS IN RURAL AMERICA looking to be part of that kind of community thousands to be told about rural communities need, their questions answered and the detailed
actually find it?
across America. And they’re the types of stories information they need. We’re also excited to tell
FINDING OPPORTUNITY IN UNKNOWN PLACES Zeroing in on the magic formula that makes that could lure a company that seeks a perfect these communities’ stories. It is time to get out of
match beyond data sets. The challenge for
the reactive mode and into a proactive mode.
a specific small town a perfect match for a
business and its employees is an art that begs small communities and small companies alike This year we’ve learned we don’t have time to
perfecting, as there are several barriers to finding has been having the resources for doing such just talk about things any longer. We have to
information on such a micro level. detailed research. identify the problems, find the solutions and
take action.”
LEVERAGING KNOWLEDGE & NETWORKS
Ingenuity, innovation and resourcefulness. renowned speaker Lorie Vincent, CEcD, of in Charleston, West Virginia. Themed, “Forging “Rural, by its nature, is decentralized,” McCray TO MAKE CONNECTIONS One thing is for sure. There are opportunities
Experts on rural America say these qualities are Acceleration by design, LLC. a New Path,” it has twice as many participants said. “There’s not been a resource that tells in rural communities across the country if you
what the country’s smallest communities must signed on as early registrants. you if the communities you’re looking at have Connecting those dots leveraging networks and know where to look. Choosing to partner with
amplify more than ever to take advantage of “A lot of our young people couldn’t wait to leave everything you need. There is a lot of data resources is the drive behind a new initiative experts can help shorten your search time and
what could be unprecedented growth, given the the small towns, but as they’re starting to raise INNOVATION, INGENUITY & out there , but when you are considering called Texas Economic Development Connection, get you up and operating in your new location
rise in remote work and recent signs that people families, their priorities have been changing RESOURCEFULNESS communities this small, you have to look even which was launched by Day One Experts, a much sooner.
are more rapidly seeking smaller population about the quality of life a smaller community can beyond that data and actually find someone to collection of some of the country’s best-known
centers. Keen businesses should be eyeing these offer. Also, many people were already figuring Beyond the broader quality-of-life assets ask. For example, even with internet connectivity, economic development professionals and their
communities with the same interest. out they could work remotely and live wherever associated with attracting individuals to small- a Census tract may show the entire tract is served top supporting service vendors. The initiative
they wanted,” VIncent said. “With all that has town life, such as shorter commutes, affordability, when only one home on that tract is served. You will be a portal for economic development
“In the past 20 years, the opportunities available happened this year, these and other reasons lower population density and access to nature, could select a site across the street that does not matchmaking between communities and small
in small micropolitans have been completely are magnified. Now, all of America is taking there are also specific advantages that come have it. It just requires additional research and businesses looking to relocate or expand into
revolutionized through the nature of work, a second look at the opportunities small towns into play specifically for businesses considering even examining your own assumptions.” the State of Texas.
internet connectivity, and generational turnover have to offer in terms of lifestyles, quality of life, rural American communities.
in leadership that has brought new attitudes affordability and work ethic, and that’s not just Along that line, McCray told of a little-known Texas was chosen as the pilot for the initiative
and ideas,” said Becky McCray, international individuals, but companies, too. My question to “Businesses choosing small towns automatically rail park adjacent to the tiny town of Avard, given its vast number of rural communities,
speaker and author on rural and small-town small towns I work with had already been: ‘Are will make a bigger impact locally in terms of jobs, pop. 26, located in Woods County, Oklahoma. significant differences in regional economic and
development. “Studies from Gallup and Trulia you ready? Because if you aren’t, you’re going and they have more opportunities to become quality-of-life assets and the existing interest in
in the past five years show that when asked to miss opportunities.’ That question is only more a part of the community and benefit from that “After considering that two major rail lines are the state due to its successful branding and
where they want to live, more people would important, now.” relationship,” McCray said. “Additionally, rural within a mile of one another there, the county’s marketing efforts. Several rural communities “SUPER” DAVE QUINN, CECD
prefer to live in rural areas and small towns, states and the rural communities within them economic development director, Neal Williams, already have committed to the initiative, which MANAGING PARTNER,
and the main thing that has been keeping them THE REFRESHING ANSWER: tend to have more flexibility in regulation. If you came up with the idea of developing a rail park will leverage the relatively small investments of DAY ONE EXPERTS
in more populated areas is work. And now, for IF THEY AREN’T READY, THEY WANT TO BE. need local governments to work with you, you between them with an access line connecting each to promote the assets of all. The idea is
companies who want the ability to bring people are more likely to get that.” them. It was a countywide effort, and he built to align them with interested businesses who
back together for on-site work, it makes even At least that’s the indication from the attendance the interest and generated the support. Now are seeking “where the locals go” type intel, as (214) 775-0617
more financial sense to consider doing that in of the first Stand Up Rural America Economic Vincent added that the size of small communities 10 years later, there are four companies experienced travelers do when trip planning.
smaller towns.” Development Summit, which Vincent founded. is an advantage in being responsive and resilient there,” McCray said. “You will find unexpected, www.D1Experts.com
The 2019 summit was held in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the face of challenges. innovative thinking everywhere. But there’s no “We have found a lot of small companies
Data has already shown a slow population shift and drew over 200 participants representing way if you’re a small company searching on over the years trying to find out about the rural [email protected]
toward small cities and rural communities for small towns across 20 states.The second summit “If you’re confronted with an issue as a community your own that you would just quickly find that. communities in our state, and that info just hasn’t
the past several years, according to nationally planned for this year is rescheduled to April 2021 and need to solve it, you’re less bogged down It’s the sort of asset you’d only hear about with been available,” Vincent said. “This will create
local knowledge.”
66. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
by bureaucracy and red tape, and there’s more
opportunity for collaboration. There’s a shared
common interest in the community and attitude
of ‘let’s fix it’,” she said.
Vincent gave an example of how businesses in
a small, coastal town in North Carolina pulled
together to save its tourism-reliant downtown
economy this year during the early months of
the COVID-19 pandemic. Local chamber of
commerce leaders approached the town’s 15
largest employers for $1,000 grants, which
were then given to local students as payment for
establishing and maintaining a digital presence
for 15 downtown businesses to help them offset
the devastating loss of tourism foot traffic.
“Everyone won in that scenario,” Vincent said.
“That kind of ingenuity is key -- and it’s what
you’ll see more of in rural communities. More
of that has to happen.”
OVERCOMING BARRIERS
What business wouldn’t want the kind of
supportive environment? But how do businesses Vincent and McCray’s examples are among a funnel where they can get the resources they
HIDDEN GEMS IN RURAL AMERICA looking to be part of that kind of community thousands to be told about rural communities need, their questions answered and the detailed
actually find it?
across America. And they’re the types of stories information they need. We’re also excited to tell
FINDING OPPORTUNITY IN UNKNOWN PLACES Zeroing in on the magic formula that makes that could lure a company that seeks a perfect these communities’ stories. It is time to get out of
match beyond data sets. The challenge for
the reactive mode and into a proactive mode.
a specific small town a perfect match for a
business and its employees is an art that begs small communities and small companies alike This year we’ve learned we don’t have time to
perfecting, as there are several barriers to finding has been having the resources for doing such just talk about things any longer. We have to
information on such a micro level. detailed research. identify the problems, find the solutions and
take action.”
LEVERAGING KNOWLEDGE & NETWORKS
Ingenuity, innovation and resourcefulness. renowned speaker Lorie Vincent, CEcD, of in Charleston, West Virginia. Themed, “Forging “Rural, by its nature, is decentralized,” McCray TO MAKE CONNECTIONS One thing is for sure. There are opportunities
Experts on rural America say these qualities are Acceleration by design, LLC. a New Path,” it has twice as many participants said. “There’s not been a resource that tells in rural communities across the country if you
what the country’s smallest communities must signed on as early registrants. you if the communities you’re looking at have Connecting those dots leveraging networks and know where to look. Choosing to partner with
amplify more than ever to take advantage of “A lot of our young people couldn’t wait to leave everything you need. There is a lot of data resources is the drive behind a new initiative experts can help shorten your search time and
what could be unprecedented growth, given the the small towns, but as they’re starting to raise INNOVATION, INGENUITY & out there , but when you are considering called Texas Economic Development Connection, get you up and operating in your new location
rise in remote work and recent signs that people families, their priorities have been changing RESOURCEFULNESS communities this small, you have to look even which was launched by Day One Experts, a much sooner.
are more rapidly seeking smaller population about the quality of life a smaller community can beyond that data and actually find someone to collection of some of the country’s best-known
centers. Keen businesses should be eyeing these offer. Also, many people were already figuring Beyond the broader quality-of-life assets ask. For example, even with internet connectivity, economic development professionals and their
communities with the same interest. out they could work remotely and live wherever associated with attracting individuals to small- a Census tract may show the entire tract is served top supporting service vendors. The initiative
they wanted,” VIncent said. “With all that has town life, such as shorter commutes, affordability, when only one home on that tract is served. You will be a portal for economic development
“In the past 20 years, the opportunities available happened this year, these and other reasons lower population density and access to nature, could select a site across the street that does not matchmaking between communities and small
in small micropolitans have been completely are magnified. Now, all of America is taking there are also specific advantages that come have it. It just requires additional research and businesses looking to relocate or expand into
revolutionized through the nature of work, a second look at the opportunities small towns into play specifically for businesses considering even examining your own assumptions.” the State of Texas.
internet connectivity, and generational turnover have to offer in terms of lifestyles, quality of life, rural American communities.
in leadership that has brought new attitudes affordability and work ethic, and that’s not just Along that line, McCray told of a little-known Texas was chosen as the pilot for the initiative
and ideas,” said Becky McCray, international individuals, but companies, too. My question to “Businesses choosing small towns automatically rail park adjacent to the tiny town of Avard, given its vast number of rural communities,
speaker and author on rural and small-town small towns I work with had already been: ‘Are will make a bigger impact locally in terms of jobs, pop. 26, located in Woods County, Oklahoma. significant differences in regional economic and
development. “Studies from Gallup and Trulia you ready? Because if you aren’t, you’re going and they have more opportunities to become quality-of-life assets and the existing interest in
in the past five years show that when asked to miss opportunities.’ That question is only more a part of the community and benefit from that “After considering that two major rail lines are the state due to its successful branding and
where they want to live, more people would important, now.” relationship,” McCray said. “Additionally, rural within a mile of one another there, the county’s marketing efforts. Several rural communities “SUPER” DAVE QUINN, CECD
prefer to live in rural areas and small towns, states and the rural communities within them economic development director, Neal Williams, already have committed to the initiative, which MANAGING PARTNER,
and the main thing that has been keeping them THE REFRESHING ANSWER: tend to have more flexibility in regulation. If you came up with the idea of developing a rail park will leverage the relatively small investments of DAY ONE EXPERTS
in more populated areas is work. And now, for IF THEY AREN’T READY, THEY WANT TO BE. need local governments to work with you, you between them with an access line connecting each to promote the assets of all. The idea is
companies who want the ability to bring people are more likely to get that.” them. It was a countywide effort, and he built to align them with interested businesses who
back together for on-site work, it makes even At least that’s the indication from the attendance the interest and generated the support. Now are seeking “where the locals go” type intel, as (214) 775-0617
more financial sense to consider doing that in of the first Stand Up Rural America Economic Vincent added that the size of small communities 10 years later, there are four companies experienced travelers do when trip planning.
smaller towns.” Development Summit, which Vincent founded. is an advantage in being responsive and resilient there,” McCray said. “You will find unexpected, www.D1Experts.com
The 2019 summit was held in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the face of challenges. innovative thinking everywhere. But there’s no “We have found a lot of small companies
Data has already shown a slow population shift and drew over 200 participants representing way if you’re a small company searching on over the years trying to find out about the rural [email protected]
toward small cities and rural communities for small towns across 20 states.The second summit “If you’re confronted with an issue as a community your own that you would just quickly find that. communities in our state, and that info just hasn’t
the past several years, according to nationally planned for this year is rescheduled to April 2021 and need to solve it, you’re less bogged down It’s the sort of asset you’d only hear about with been available,” Vincent said. “This will create
local knowledge.”
67. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
GOVERNOR WELCOME TO
GREG ABBOTT TEXAS
Texas is known as the Lone Star State and it low unemployment rates as well. The central as well as software. There is a franchise
is the second largest state within the United location of Texas provides timely access to tax exemption for manufacturers, sellers or
States. It shares borders with the states of domestic and global markets. This state-of- installers of solar energy devices.
Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and New the-art transportation network uses air, land
Mexico. The Governor of this state is Greg and sea. There are 382 airports throughout Another advantage is the Texas Enterprise
Abbott. Texans in general are very friendly Texas. Fort Worth’s Alliance Airport is one Fund (TEF). This is a cash grant that is
people. Their state motto is “Friendship.” The of highest capacity industrial airports in provided to projects that promise significant
culture here is very diversified with a strong the state. Boasting more miles of public job creation as well as capital investment.
mexican influence or Hispanic-American roads and freight rail than any other state. There are a few other programs managed
culture. Using sea transport, there are 16 seaports by the Texas Workforce Commission. These
including 11 deep water ports. This is why programs include Texas Enterprise Zone
Austin is the capital, and it’s the second Texas is built for global trade. Program, the Skills Development and
most populous state capital in the US. The Self-Sufficiency fund as well as other local
largest city in Texas is Houston, with San There is no corporate or personal income incentives such as tax abatements.
Antonio being the second largest. Other tax at the state level. This provides a very
metropolitan cities include Dallas and Fort competitive advantage. What this means Land in Texas typically cost about 40% less
Worth. for businesses, is you don’t have to pay than the national average. This creates less
any tax on the money you make through costs to build a business. There are also low
Many Fortune 500 companies are making your startup company. This can benefit costs for healthcare, utilities, food and rent.
Texas their home. Such companies include companies by looking for more competitive Electricity is typically cheaper because Texas
AT&T, Dell, American Airlines, Southwest talent. has its own power grid.
Airlines, Sysco, Waste Management,
ExxonMobil, Whole Foods and a host of There is also a low business tax rate that can A high quality of life for employees is another
other major brands. be lower depending on the type of business important factor when determining a
you own. In Texas, if the revenue of your location for your business. The gulf coast has
There are several reasons why the Lone startup company does not exceed a specific well over 3,000 miles of shoreline creating
Star State is ideal for business. The state’s threshold, then you will be able to have year-round leisure activities. Austin has more
low taxes and friendly regulatory structure zero business tax. They have committed to live music venues than anywhere else in the
has ranked Texas as one of the best maintaining its position as the best state for nation. Such an attractive climate can bring
states for business. A skilled workforce, business and passed legislation providing talent from cooler climates. With the lack of
stable business climate and excellent over $4 billion in tax relief for businesses. income tax as well as a thriving economy,
transportation infrastructure are reasons There are several sales tax exemptions for Texas continues to be an attractive location
why there is a rapid job growth. There are manufacturing machinery and equipment for businesses.
68. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
SEYMOUR TX ,
CREATING
OPPORTUNITY
TARGET INDUSTRIES:
LIGHT MANUFACTURING WAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTION AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGY
PHARMACEUTICALS
NO FEES & EASY PERMITTING • SAFE, WELCOMING, AND READY
LIGHT MANUFACTURING • AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGY • PHARMACEUTICALS
WAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTION
LAUREN BUSH
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
CITY OF SEYMOUR TEXAS
940-889-3148 | 940-256-0017
[email protected]
69. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
70. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
71. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
Tomball, a thriving city favorably positioned Improved access and developing office from Tomball. Tomball businesses access the
30 miles north of Houston, Texas, is taking and business centers makes it easier than Port by truck or Burlington Northern Santa
advantage of its location to grow and attract ever for Tomball businesses to recruit new, Fe (BNSF) Railway.
diverse businesses. Dedication to business- diverse talent. Local transportation projects, Tomball’s international reach and diverse
friendly principles allows Tomball to recruit such as the expanded Tomball Parkway and business climate is illustrated by the roster of
and retain successful companies of various recently completed Grand Parkway, deliver companies located inside the 99.5-acre Tomball
sizes and types looking for their ideal home. Tomball businesses convenient entry to major Business & Technology Park. Canadian-based
Tomball has access to connect people and thoroughfares that traverse the state and Packers Plus Energy Services and French-based
businesses from wide-ranging backgrounds with region and provide expedient commutes for SUEZ Water and Technologies Solutions were
its location in the third most populous county workers from newly developed master-planned the first two companies to begin operations
in America. Tomball businesses leverage their subdivisions and more rural areas. in the Park.
location in the Harris County-Houston metro George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), United Kingdom-based JDR Cable Systems,
area, with a population of seven million people, less than a 30-minute drive from Tomball, owned by Poland-based TFKable Group, is
to attract a qualified workforce representative furthers Tomball’s connection to various currently constructing their U.S. headquarters in
of the culturally diverse region. No racial or cultures. With more than 25 airlines and nearly the Park. The power cable design, engineering
ethnic group constitutes a majority in the 70 international destinations, IAH helps bring and manufacturing company is moving from
Houston area. the world to Tomball. Serving more than 45 Houston into a 65,000 square-foot facility,
million passengers annually, IAH ranks as a
Companies in Tomball and throughout Texas bringing 65 new jobs to Tomball when the
value an available workforce with diverse top 20 busiest airport in the United States. company launches operations in 2021.
backgrounds and viewpoints as a business Less than five miles from downtown Tomball, JDR’s new facility is part of Tomball’s rapid
advantage. Texas is home to the nation’s David Wayne Hooks Airport gives businesses commercial and industrial development being
second largest workforce and has been a regional option to utilize for chartered flights led by the Tomball Business & Technology
among the fastest growing states for more and fixed-based operator (FBO) services. Park. Operated by the Tomball Economic
than a decade, continuing to diversify an International and domestic markets can also Development Corporation, the Park is
already rich culture. be reached via Port Houston, less than an hour fully served with all utilities, provides off-
72. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
The growing availability of homesites is expected
to take Tomball’s population from around
12,000 to more than 20,000 by 2030.
Including the area immediately surrounding
Tomball, population is expected to crest above
100,000 within five years.
The demographics of Texas and the Houston
region is represented in the growing population
in and around Tomball and stands to benefit
Tomball businesses. Working to cultivate
the new residents are Tomball’s educational
partners, Tomball Independent School District
and Lone Star College-Tomball.
site detention, and is mere minutes from The Façade Improvement Grant (FIG) program Ranked among the highest-rated school districts
Tomball’s major highways. Master-planned is designed specifically for Tomball’s cultural in the State of Texas, Tomball Independent
and deed-restricted with a light industrial hub, Old Town Tomball. Offering matching School District received an “A” grade from
zoning classification, the Park utilizes flexible grant funds to assist significant renovations in Texas Education Agency in its most recent
lot sizes and competitive pricing to attract new the Old Town Business District, the Tomball accountability ratings.
and expanding businesses. EDC reimburses eligible participants 50 Part of the Lone Star College system, the
The success of the Tomball Business & percent of their investment, up to $50,000, second largest community college system in
Technology Park helped propel the Tomball for restoration and revitalization of building Texas, Lone Star College-Tomball educates
EDC to purchase South Live Oak Industrial structures that complement a significant overall thousands of students at three campuses, with
Park in 2020. Located directly off Main Street façade enhancement. degrees and certificates that directly translate
near downtown Tomball, the 6.2-acre property As indicated by the FIG program, maintaining into the labor force.
is home to two industrial warehouses totaling the unique culture of Tomball is important to the As Tomball continues to excel, local leadership
more than 41,000 square-feet. The Tomball City and its residents. Lively and diverse, mixed is determined to grow Tomball with a priority
EDC has a vision to make South Live Oak with small-town charm, Tomball welcomes on building a diverse City that is inclusive for
and adjacent properties a master-planned, thousands of visitors every year to enjoy festivals, all residents, businesses, and visitors. Find
mixed-use development. The central location parades, art galleries, culinary creations, and out why Tomball’s prime location, business-
will be desirable for businesses wanting access other entertainment options. friendly principles, and unique culture are
to Tomball’s amenities.
Tomball’s heritage has a heavy German perfect for economic investment at https://
Available business incentives create interest influence with roots back to early 19th century tomballtxedc.org/.
for companies to invest in Tomball. The City when Tomball was settled by German families.
of Tomball has a popular tax abatement The fun and unique German heritage is
program, while the Tomball EDC helps fund celebrated throughout the year in Tomball.
infrastructure costs for eligible projects and The Tomball German Heritage Festival is held
provides financial assistance in the form of cash every March and the annual Tomball German
grants for projects that create or retain jobs. Christmas Market occurs in December. Each
The State of Texas incentivizes new business welcome more than 50,000 visitors per year. '
investment through the Texas Enterprise Zone Home to more than 20 annual festivals and CECD, PCED, AICP
Program and the Texas Enterprise Fund. For parades and a weekly farmer’s market, Old Town EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
details on incentives available in Tomball, visit Tomball attracts visitors from all backgrounds
https://tomballtxedc.org/business-incentives. to enjoy the displays of culture. Visitors often F
The Tomball EDC supports existing business find Tomball’s expanding food scene to be a 29201 Quinn Road, Suite B
through the Business Improvement Grant (BIG) highlight. Locally owned restaurants line the Tomball, TX 77375
program, a matching grant program designed streets in the heart of Tomball with countless ☎
to help property owners and businesses food genres represented. Visitors enjoy Tex- (281) 401-4086
make high quality improvements to buildings Mex, German, and comfort foods from all (281) 351-7223
and property in Tomball. The BIG program cultures when visiting. ✉
encourages investments that improve aesthetics With the vast cultural experience, it is no wonder [email protected]
of the community, provide a more welcoming people continue to move to Tomball. Earlier in
business environment, and increase commercial 2020, the City of Tomball announced nearly tomballtxedc.org
property values.
2,000 new homes are planned for construction.
73. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
ࣿ Courtland how important is it to retain, expand and attract new business to Freeport
Texas?
I find that Economic Gardening to expand existing businesses within my community
essential. This allows us to be able to retain our highly valued businesses and hopefully
prevent them from seeking a new location in some other community or State. Many of
our existing businesses think the only way forward for them is to leave for what they think
are greener pastures forgetting that they already have a pasture that they have tilled
and nurtured from the start. Those retail and industrial businesses took a large risk at
the beginning becoming well established in our community. When they are ready for
the next step in growing my team and I provide the necessary answers to their questions
which can include incentives that they think they can only get in some other location or
State. Sometimes that is true but what can be shown is that they now have deep roots
in the community and a well established workforce that can be expanded easier that
starting over someplace else.
The team that I formed go out and meet with various businesses to let them know that we are here to support them. Many times,
our local businesses do not know we are a resource for them nor the support that already exists at their beck and call that can be
provided. The businesses I meet with may not be ready today for growth but they now have the knowledge that we are here to help.
Conversely, in order to retain businesses, I find some that are struggling especially due to our current situation with COVID-19 pandemic
affecting their ability to operate or maintain personnel. In those situations, I have worked with the Brazoria County Hispanic Chamber
of Commerce, Workforce Solutions, SBDC and the SBA. As an example, one of our businesses that employees hundreds of workers
in all of their operations was not successful on multiple occasions of obtaining PPP funding and finally gave up. I was able to contact
the director of the SBA and connect the business owner to the correct contact. Within a week they were funded which avoided this
business owner from laying off staff.
Like all communities we need new outside money coming into our
city in order for it to grow. New money coming into the community
from new or expanded existing businesses will provide added skilled
workforce in order to attract housing and retail. I focus quite a bit
of my efforts on attracting new industry that includes mixed use
retail-office-residential developments as both will attract housing
and expanded retail development. I use many different sources
to assist such as FDI Alliance’s various platforms as well as my
partners in Economic Development. Over the last 20 years as an
Economic Development Professional, I have been very successful.
I do not just focus on one method of attraction but in multiple
overlapping venues of advertising and marketing my community.
This takes a while to gather momentum but eventually it works.
74. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
ࣿ How affordable is the cost of living in Freeport Texas compared to
other cities the United states?
What is wonderful about Freeport is its less expensive to live in Freeport
than in the Greater Houston MSA or USA while maintaining a great
quality of life being next to a beach, river or near amenities that a
large city brings. Overall, it is 15.2% more expensive in the United
States and 10.1% more expensive in Houston than in Freeport when
comparing the cost of housing, groceries, utilities, transportation,
health and other items that an average family pays annually.
ࣿ Where would you like to see more International investment coming
ࣿ What measures are being taken in your community to ensure businesses
have the resources they need overcome the covid - 19 pandemic? from in the Freeport region?
By working with our local partners such as our Chamber of I have no real preference on where International Investment comes
from as long as that investment is intended to be permanent and
Commerce’s, the Alliance, Greater Houston Partnership, SBDC,
long term in Freeport Texas. Neither our citizens or city desires a
Houston Galveston Area Council, and others we have had various
webinars with Federal and State resources. Through these partners business to fail as that affects the pocket book for us all as well as
I have notified our businesses to attend in order to place them in a better quality of life for the residents.
direct contact with a qualified person to assist in their situation.
ࣿ Do you have any big projects that you are looking forward to
Though it may not help in all situations it has been a lifesaver for
some, one of which re-opened by the time of this publication. developing in 2021
Yes, I am working on many large projects with various businesses and
ࣿ What new strategies will you be implementing to continue to attract hope those will be announced in the next few months. Separately,
foreign direct investment in 2021 and beyond? one of the largest project may be a public-private partnership to start
the redevelopment of our expanded downtown. Many of the systems
We are in a new era of attracting businesses and doing business.
COVID will go away eventually but that does not mean there is to redevelop our downtown as a mixed-use venue of retail on the
not a lasting effect. For the year 2021 physical conferences and bottom floor and live-work units on the upper floors are in place
but a few more still need to be developed to give direct guidance
conventions will be limited where one on one business relationships
to all parties. Both City and I have now in place the incentives that
were easier to develop. I anticipate focusing more on a variety of
social media platforms, working with my development partnerships, will offset the cost of the investor or developer on over 80 acres
and reaching out directly to the business. in the downtown.
ࣿ What are the top 4 industry sectors in Freeport Texas?
Our top industry in Freeport are the Port Freeport and various
Chemical Industrial Manufacturing venues based upon oil or natural
gas. What I am working on is more diversification to our industrial
base that will not rely on just the chemical-based products but on
Financial, Energy, and Technology based businesses in order to
not rely on any one industry segment. This will allow Freeport to
attract a wider diversified segmentation of industry in order to be
more resilient in bad times.
ࣿ What are the benefits of doing business in Freeport Texas? focus on COURTLAND HOLMAN , BSME, PCED
workforce, job creation, diversity and quality of life.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
I have found Freeport has a very diverse workforce that work in
Freeport Economic Development Corporation
our 27 plus national and international industrial business from Port
jobs and chemical through steel fabrication. Those that work in our ☎
service industries such as retail bring a great quality of life to the (+1) 979.871.0117 direct
community as they are integral to the success of a diversified and ✉
qualified workforce in Freeport. Without all components of our [email protected]
workforce being available and trained would make it harder if not
impossible to attract new businesses while expanding our existing www.freeport.tx.us
businesses.
75. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
This year has been nothing short of one incredible journey. A formation of a downtown merchant’s group. Our goal is to be an
journey that has taught our community the real meaning of extension of their efforts and a resource to aid and encourage their
economic development, and given us an entirely new appreciation expansion. We are consistently working to make our community a
and perspective on adapting & overcoming this “new normal in stop, rather than a spot on the map.
business.” 2020 has given us not perfect but improved vision to
embrace diversity in “how it’s always been done” in order to survive » Development of Housing & Hotel Space
& thrive towards a new way of being successful in business. So, as The Jacksboro EDC is on a mission to partner with developers and
we enter into 2021, these are just a few of the areas of growth and builders in order to provide additional housing and hotel space.
expansion that Jacksboro, Texas will be focused on. We don’t only want people to come to Jacksboro, we want them
to stay in Jacksboro.
» Downtown Revitalization
One of our greatest needs at the current time is affordable, well built,
In rural America, downtown is the heartbeat of your community.
Everything else branches and grows from the success and traffic single family and multi-family living space. We have reached out
to our largest employers within our community and have identified
that it stimulates within the local economy. So, when we talk about
putting Jacksboro on the map, we must first look at where the map that the majority of their workforce lives outside of Jacksboro. So
leads us. Five major highways lead into our historic downtown one of our latest goals is to provide the ultimate living experience
square. Thus, the reason for our coined phase that “All roads lead through work, school and play, but in order to accomplish that we
have to keep our workforce as our residents. We have also identified
to Jacksboro TX.”
As more and more look to take up residence in rural communities, that with the influx of traffic from metro to rural and the special
they are searching for that nostalgic hometown feel. They are eager events that we are now hosting, that there is an immediate need for
to find the restaurant with a legendary menu item. The drugstore additional hotel space. As I mentioned earlier, Jacksboro has five
major highways leading to and through it, thus bringing us large
where the pharmacists knows your name accompanied by a soda
fountain that serves one of the meanest milkshakes around. They daily traffic counts. Our community has also become known for
want to be able to purchase one of kind items or items made locally. hitting it out of the park by hosting over 900 little league baseball/
So, as we explore economic growth and advancement, we have softball games from April to July at state-of-the-art fields.
to focus our efforts on assisting local downtown businesses with
the means to revitalize that brick and mortar, that ultimately will Jacksboro ISD also offers top of the line educational and sporting
increase traffic, tourism and tax dollars. facilities, thus allowing us to host regular basketball tournaments and
playoff games. Not to mention that with our nationally recognized
The Jacksboro EDC has recently initiated multiple efforts to assist hospital and healthcare system, that we receive many families
and aid our downtown merchants either through additional business traveling from out of town that need a place to stay, while they look
training, grants or property enhancement assistance and the recent after their loved ones.
76. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
We recognize that both rental and home areas but we are fortunate in the fact that we our community to better position ourselves
ownership is limited, and as we look to provide are conveniently located within an hour from for the growth that is heading our direction.
more jobs, we must first provide them with both the DFW Metroplex and an hour from
the opportunity to live and raise a family in Wichita Falls. This makes both the commute As we look back on this year, we acknowledge
that we have been afforded an opportunity,
Jacksboro, TX. and the shipment of goods and services an
easy transition for major manufacturers and a second chance at becoming all Jacksboro
» Determined to Create Jobs & Exposure was meant and created to be. Our businesses
industry. Offering them quality of life and
Job creation is always a top 3 for economic continued success in business. In preparation have renewed their commitment to looking
through a new set of lenses on how to do
development, and in our case, there is no for that business buildout, we are looking to
business. Through a more diverse way of
exception to that rule. As we move into a new invest on a much larger basis the education
thinking, Jacksboro has become determined
year, we are strategically planning to focus and training skills that must be developed
at setting their sights on success in 2021!
heavily on job creation for our community. in our current workforce, in order to be
Our most exciting and newest employer successful. The JEDC has plans to partner
that will take launch in 2021 is the Lunar with both JISD as well as two area community
Landscape Experience through the Back colleges and trade schools to help develop
to Space program. This project is sure to our future employees. We believe in taking
put Jacksboro on the map and the moon, a more grass roots approach to partner
relatively speaking. For those that aren’t with these students and graduates who are
aware of this effort, our community has looking to further their career in smaller
been selected to be the home of the world’s communities. We see it as a win/win for
largest life size map, a full-scale map of the both our community and their career path.
moon that will include an explorable map, LESLIE CHALMERS
virtual and augmented reality, software that Jacksboro is on the true cuff of development EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
and advancement. By staying focused on the
will see regular updates and a lunar gravity F
simulator with a timed obstacle course. The initiatives outlined above, it will provide us with
Lunar Landscape Experience brings with it the roadmap and plan to lead others to our PO Box 610, 302 S. Main St.
not only new employment opportunities but community. The JEDC along with the City of Jacksboro, TX 76458
Jacksboro and Jack County are also currently
educational ones as well, which will help with ☎
our tourism efforts to drive new foot traffic involved with a partnership through TEEX-
right into our community. Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, to 940-567-3151 (W)
assess our community needs and put together 817-374-3323 (C)
Jacksboro EDC is also making plans to a strategic plan for moving forward. We
clear the path for new manufacturing and realize the importance of having goals and
warehouse development space at our 170 a game plan, especially in unprecedented developjacksboro.com
acres plus business park. We are motivated times like these. In 2021, we will be actively
by those looking to work from more remote meeting with key stakeholders and citizens in
77. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
■ Photo by Brian Roach Photography
THROUGH THE EYES OF
CHILDREN….
When thinking of diversity and inclusion, one a rich agrarian background. It is a typical small Bertille St. Clair, who was the longest serving
would not typically turn towards rural Kentucky town of the United States by all accounts. From a and most successful coach of the Trinidad
for a shining example. Situated in a central diversity standpoint, over 88% of the population and Tobago national team. Campbell recalls,
part of the United States, Kentucky is truly is Caucasian. But, unlike the majority of small “Coach St. Clair brought me under his wing
the crossroads of the country where north, communities in the United States, Georgetown at 17 and gave me my own team to coach
south, east and west interstate motorways and is taking steps in diversity and inclusion, and the in his youth academy. This was a wonderful
transcontinental rail lines connect two-thirds of world is starting to take notice. mentorship and learning experience for me.
the population within hours with products and More than two decades later I’m still involved in
opportunities. American writer Jesse Stuart wrote, Georgetown is home to the Georgetown Football coaching, and using those experiences I learned
“If these United States can be called a body, then Club a local youth soccer program that includes as a teenager.”
Kentucky can be called its heart.” 500+ children in a recreational program and
an additional 275 players in the more advanced Coming to the United States years later,
Sometimes referred to as Southern and other competitive select program. What is truly unique Campbell settled into the Kentucky soccer scene
times a Midwestern State, Kentucky is right in about this soccer program that operates within and proceeded to put his stamp on the club
the middle of flyover country, where Bourbon the Scott County Government’s Park System and the families that play there. In 2016, after
is made and thoroughbred horses are raised. is the fact that 14% of participants are former being named the DOC, Khamisi implemented
Truly a unique state, but Kentucky could also refugees of war torn Congo. The club, which a community outreach program for the Hispanic
be described as typical of these United States has been in existence in some form or other community that had migrated to Kentucky years
of America. Common in some regards, but for over 20 years, has not always had players earlier. Following the success of the Hispanic
extraordinary in others. from diverse backgrounds until a new Director program, Campbell’s eyes turned to another
of Coaching came on to the scene. underserved community to start a second
But on a soccer pitch in Georgetown, Kentucky, outreach program for the growing refugee
an extraordinary example of diversity and Khamisi Campbell came to Georgetown FC in community in Central Kentucky.
inclusion that is atypical of America and the the Fall of 2014 as a coach and was promoted
world is developing right in front of our eyes. to Director of Coaching (DOC) two years later. Campbell explains the start of the outreach
Georgetown, located in Scott County, is home Campbell, a former semi-professional player programs, “When I became director of
to the largest Toyota manufacturing facility in the from Trinidad and Tobago, played for the same Georgetown FC, I made it my mission to
world, as well as much of the supply chain that club as former Manchester United legend Dwight provide opportunities for kids from underserved
follows. Georgetown has a local university and Yorke. The coach of that club, was the legendary communities to get involved in soccer. Having
78. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
coached in Kentucky since 2008 I knew that clubs
weren’t doing enough to reach players in those
communities. In fact, I left the previous club I was
at for that very reason. I did some research in
2016 and realized that central Kentucky had the
second largest Congolese refugee community
in the Midwest, in addition to an already large
Hispanic and Central American population.”
Initially the outreach program consisted of
free clinics in the Georgetown and Lexington
communities. The club would run clinics at local
parks, community centers, and churches. Then,
in the Spring of 2018, thanks to some grant
funding from corporate partner Target, the club
was able to hire a few local Congolese coaches
and the program took off with 30 local refugee
children training twice weekly.
Although the outreach program was for kids of
all abilities, three of these initial refugee players The acceptance and support of the initial three The lessons being taught daily on the soccer pitch
showed outstanding skills and would be asked players from the outreach program by the in Georgetown by Coach Khamisi Campbell
to join one of the Georgetown FC competitive Georgetown FC soccer community was such is a much broader lesson than just soccer. It is
club teams for children born in 2007. The a success that in the fall of 2018 another 18 the basis for an education in to a much more
three boys, Ombeni, Blessing and Hope were players joined the competitive teams across connected world. Regardless of the score after
quickly embraced by their teammates and their all age groups. Currently, almost 40 former each match, the children of Georgetown FC
families who assisted the children in getting refugee players are on the traveling competitive program are winners in the game of life.
to practices and games, and made sure they teams. Although we use the term “refugee,” these
were acclimated to this new experience of travel players and their families are fully assimilated This season, Coach Campbell was named
across Kentucky and the region playing the into life in rural Kentucky and are fully entrenched Kentucky Youth Soccer Coach of the Year and
beautiful game. into the Georgetown FC soccer family. These coached his Georgetown FC 2007 Boys Team
families are now full-fledged United States to the regular season title of the Kentucky Youth
Ombeni Shendera, who predominately plays citizens and are working hard to achieve their Soccer Association’s Kentucky Premier League –
striker for his team was one of the players to join American Dream. First Division with seven wins, no losses and two
the 2007 competitive team. Ombeni, one of draws. The entire community of Georgetown,
eight children of Esau Shendera & Bahati Eliza, The integration of the outreach children into Kentucky can be proud of the success this team
was born in a refugee camp in Tanzania. His the Georgetown FC family has been beneficial is realizing both on and off the field of play.
family relocated to Kentucky four years ago and, to all involved. The children from the local Well done Coach Campbell, well done!!
pursuing the American Dream, they recently community have been exposed to culture and
purchased their first home. individuals from outside of their normal world.
The local children now have a greater sense
Blessing Galuma, a central defender, was born of the world and how the outreach families
in a refugee camp in South Africa. His parents, have strived to get to Georgetown after years
Leone and Betitia Galuma. fled conflict in the of strife and hardships. The local community
Congo for safety and security and to find a has been exposed to the work ethics and desires
brighter future for their eight children. Due of the outreach families in pursuit of their U.S.
to current United States immigration policy, citizenship and to become homeowners. In
Blessing’s oldest sister has been unable to join the refugee community, a higher emphasis is
the family and is currently living in Australia. placed on education and most children plan
Blessing and his family have been in Kentucky to attend college. BRAD THOMAS
for four years and considered trying to go to ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Australia. But, because the kids were already A major key to the success of the Georgetown Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives
settled in good schools and they had recently FC program has been the partnerships with
purchased a home, they are hoping they will all community leaders. Coach Campbell and the
be reunited soon in the United States. club have developed strong relationships with 4775 Lexington Road 40391
Kentucky Refugee Ministries, the local Congolese P.O. Box 707
Hope Iranzi, a winger on the field, is the son of community as well as the Catholic community Winchester, KY 40392-0707
Emmanuel Nkeshimana and Jeanette Meteso. outreach programs.
Hope’s family has been in Kentucky for more
than a decade after he and his seven older Coach Campbell states proudly, “Our families Tel. 859 595 6251
siblings were born in a refugee camp in Rwanda. on the various teams have been wonderfully
Soccer runs through the Iranzi family, with Hope’s welcoming to the outreach families. We have [email protected]
oldest brother who played college soccer at really created an inclusive environment for all
Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky, and of our kids, not just our immigrant and refugee
another older brother currently participating in players. We have stayed true to our values to be www.DataIsPower.org
the Academy program of FC Cincinnati, a Major a community club that is reflective of our local
League Soccer professional team. community diversity.”
79. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
Irvine, California
Master planned to be an
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80. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
Irvine, California
Master planned to be an
economic powerhouse.
Irvine’s economy is thriving. Grow with us.
SINCE 2005:
Irvine was master planned to be an economic powerhouse. SAFEST CITY
Our strategic location, abundant talent, enviable climate, high quality
of life and thriving innovation ecosystem all fuel the success of our 21st IN AMERICA
century life science and technology sectors. Access to Asian markets
(population over 100,000)
and proximity to all Southern California’s networks, capital and - Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
resources empowers our companies to grow and compete globally.
So, explore Irvine today and grow your business here tomorrow!
Irvine Gateway! – designed to help companies relocate or expand
here more easily, this “soft landing” package offers companies a
variety of complementary expertise in all decision-making areas -
taxes, legal, logistics, VISAs. HR, regulatory, transition support services GREATER IRVINE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:
and much more. Put us to work for you and learn why doing business 2018 PRESIDENT’S E AWARD WINNER
in Irvine, California is a very smart growth strategy. FOR EXPORT SERVICES
36 Executive Park Suite 100, Irvine, CA. 96214 • 949.660.9112
irvinechambereconomicdevelopment.com
81. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
Economic Development Corporation
From corner stores to Fortune 500
companies, Tomball is focused on
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(281)401-4086
• – • – •
TOMBALLTXEDC.ORG
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