Black Gold Economy. Where do you start? Nominally
There is a buyer that would guarantee to some of the homeowners have placed small solar
purchase the output from the plant with a system panels onto their homes for electricity and
long term contract. hot water but this is not what I’m talking about.
The Power Companies hold the cards in this area.
The customer will sign an MOU at the beginning
Recently, CLECO, the local power company and
of the project.
Cabot a Process Chemical Plant have come together
There is a company that will consider providing to develop the first Clean Power Facility in the region.
project financing up to 80% depending on the The fuel is the off gas from the Cabot Plant that is
portion of the EPC work granted. converted into 50mw of electricity, enough to power
The balance of the financing would be provided 17,000 homes. CLECO will own the Power Plant and
Port of Morgan City by the plant owner/operator. Cabot will interconnect and clean the hot gas. The
project will create 20 permanent high paying jobs
There are several sites in St. Mary Parish that
with an investment of $130 million shared among
highly trained workforce for companies expanding from offer 40-1,000 acres with access to Class 1
the companies. There is a 50mw wind farm on the
within and companies locating in St. Mary Parish. With Railroads, The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway,
books for development as soon as the Public Service
the number 1 state sponsored workforce development and 4-lane highway.
Commission considers a rule change to allow for the
program in the United States, Fast Start, specialized
The technical and community college will $100 million project to move forward. The wind
training will be made available to meet your needs.
provide training to operators and maintenance farm will create 10 new jobs. Why Wind? As it turns
The parish has one of the more sophisticated workers
personnel. out, this location has the highest wind profile of any
in the metal fabrication with expertise in steel, and state on the gulf coast east of Louisiana. Commercial
its alloys and aluminum metals. These workers are The parish will offer incentives for property Solar Power has an interesting application in public
versatile in the use and maintenance of equipment taxes and job creation.
buildings, i.e. Courthouses, Schools, jails, a company
both mechanical and computer driven. In addition, Other process industries will be encouraged will install and lease the plant back to the public body
the parish offers a contingent of process industry and may be able to take advantage of the for 25 years. The lease rate is substantially below
workers and is the largest producer of Carbon Black special incentives, in addition to State and the electricity bills, so the public entity leases the
in North America. The parish has many A rated Public Parish Economic Development Incentives. service and saves a substantial amount of money
High Schools with dual enrollment allowing students
on their energy bills. Finally, for those parishes that
to seek an industrial career out of high school or There will be focus on the manufacturing and have brownfield sites located near a transmission
seek a college degree at many of the fine universities services segments. Specialty Services and Advance line, that site can be placed in service with a solar
within driving distance including: LSU, University of Manufacturing opportunities will provide for high plant generating electricity and selling the power to
Louisiana Lafayette, Nicholls State, Tulane, Loyola paying jobs and the expanding workforce. The Parish the utility at avoided cost. There are incentives to
and the University of New Orleans(UNO). has numerous machine and metal fabrication entities.
bring brownfield sites back into service and by the
These companies combine both CNC and mechanical way the parish gains as the property will go onto the
The parish has numerous shovel ready sights ranging machinery and 3D design to fabricate products tax roles as an industrial site.
from 10 to over 1,000 acres and a one stop shop for a wide array of industries including aerospace,
economic development organization. shipbuilding, process industries and oil field service
This strategy will have an impact on the parish long
companies. Advance welding techniques are used
WHERE IS ST. MARY PARISH HEADING INTO for products in harsh environments. The parish has term, but the oil service companies, shipyards, and
TOMORROW? just received funding to build a new campus that will process industries will continue to be the economic
drivers. The message remains,
concentrate on Aluminum fabrication and process TAKE CARE OF THOSE COMPANIES THAT
Certainly, the parish will help those industries industries to insure there is a trained workforce in HAVE GROWN THE ECONOMY IN THE PAST.
affected by the downturn get back on their feet. these areas of expertise. ASSISTING THEM IN DEVELOPING NEW
The parish can assist with incentives, infrastructure
MARKETS, EXTENDING THEIR PRODUCT
improvements, marketing leads and assistance The parish is known as the center for Marine Commerce LINES AND MAINTAING A TOP NOTCH WORK
in recovering the workforce lost. The Economic on the Gulf Coast. A new marine campus and training FORCE.
Development Department will target markets that will center was just completed. The technical college Diversification by bringing new businesses into the
extend existing businesses into these new markets. ranks among the top 3 schools in commercial diving
parish may dampen the swings in the local economic
and underwater welding. It offers more than 30 cycle but not today.
The parish will target new markets where there Coast Guard Certifications for navigation and safety
are formidable strengths leading to interests from requirements. There is also a $750,000 navigational For further information please contact:
the process industries. The abundance of Natural simulator that trains Captains and Mates under
Gas, a competitive logistical system for domestic various weather and waterway conditions (rivers, Frank G. Fink
and international markets, available sites in remote lakes, and oceans) around the world with a wide Director of Economic Development
areas offering rail, water and highway transportation variety of vessels.
and a guaranteed workforce available from day 1 of 500 Main Street, 5th Floor
operation are some of these qualities. In the process St. Mary Parish has always been the beneficiary Franklin, LA 70538
industry segment relationships have been developed of the Black Gold Economy that has resulted in
that provide excellent advantages if you want to build the fluctuations that has created the boom bust Phone: 337-828-4100 ext. 340
a methanol plant for example: economy that the parish has had to live with. Now Cell: 985-518-5885
it is the time to mix some of the Green Gold into the
FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019 51
CITY OF
RUSTON
A good university will use its intellectual platform that offers our students, graduates, and
and programmatic strength, public/private community new growth opportunities in Ruston/
partnerships, and innovation productivity for Lincoln Parish (County), and throughout north
the betterment of the institution. A Louisiana.
great university uses these assets for the This platform and the partnerships it supports form
betterment of us all. Over the past decade, the backbone of a businessfriendly environment that
Louisiana Tech University has created an has made north Louisiana one of the most attractive
innovation and economic development regions in the nation.
Located along the I-20 corridor in Ruston, Louisiana needed, which the University is urgently pursuing. Honolulu and Ruston — Martin Santora is developing
Tech University has taken on a focused and strategic the next generation of IT talent while driving the
What a great problem to have.
mission to be a leader in building an innovation transformation of IT organizations into centers of
ecosystem that has the potential to lead a new era “If you got a summer job back in my days as a student, innovation. His firm designs custom service delivery
of economic prosperity for our region. you were pretty lucky,” Tech president Dr. Les Guice methods and best practices to implement those
said. “I had to drive to Monroe to find an architecture services focusing on critical 21st century technology
A prime example of how this works at base level is the
firm, and that helped me a lot. It gave me great areas of user experience, information architecture,
relationship between Fenway Group and Louisiana
experience in what architecture really was. To create IT development, and business strategy.
Tech students, a pairing that began six years ago
those kinds of opportunities on campus is one of the He established what he refers to as his flagship
with four students, a senior technical professional,
reasons why we started the Enterprise Campus.” operation of the Fenway Group — the Tech Pointe
and a specific project in Tech Pointe to work on for
CenturyLink. Fenway Group has meant that and much more to venture — through his work with CenturyLink. In
the University. Monroe, he met Bill Bradley, a 1985 Tech graduate
Today, as part of Fenway Group, more than 150 Tech in computer science and the senior vice president
students are working on projects in Tech Pointe — its As founder and CEO of Fenway Group — a company of cyber engineering and technology solutions for
main tenant is Fenway Group — and more space is based in Dallas with offices in Boston, New York, CenturyLink.
52 FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019
“I was sharing with Martin how successful our brightest students at the University. Through this some graduates, working right there on campus.
intern program had been in producing well-qualified partnership, students are infused with knowledge Their eyes light up. We had a vice president from
employees for CenturyLink, and how pleased we were and best practices while serving Fenway clients (global security company) Northrop Grumman visit
with the Tech students,” said Bradley, Tech’s College and being paid. campus recently and I think we made a pretty big
of Engineering and Science Distinguished Alumnus of impression. They see what we’re doing right here,
“This is a student body here that has a very strong
2016. “I told him what a great and underused resource in rural north Louisiana."
work ethic,” Santora said. “But in addition to that they
I thought the student and teaching population was.
have tangible characteristics that we look at that we The relationship between Ruston/Lincoln Parish and
One thing lead to another…”
know determine success: that is aptitude, attitude, and Louisiana Tech University has never been stronger
Bradley’s suggestion led to Santora meeting with passion. Fenway Group is a company that is based on and will continue to offer new opportunities for our
Guice and Davy Norris, Tech’s chief research and the principle of our mission statement, which is that community to grow and our graduates to succeed.
innovation officer. we are developing the next generation of IT talent. Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker could not be more
proud of the work happening at Louisiana Tech and
“At first I thought, ‘What is this guy trying to sell us?’” “That means we are an altruistic company; important
throughout Ruston. We hope you will be an addition
Norris said. “Then I realized everything he was saying to us is the social impact we’re having on the lives of
to our list of entities that proudly proclaim “Excellence
was out of honest sincerity. This guy is as authentic the next generation of young professionals coming
Made Here”. Come see what Ruston and Louisiana
as they come. He has one child, a daughter. But he up within the context of technology disciplines.”
Tech University can do for you!
feels like he has 150 children now, each one working
The students Santora mentors are developing and
for Fenway. He loves mentoring.”
maintaining leading-edge technology solutions
During that 2012 meeting, Martin brought to the for Fenway’s major corporate clients all over the
leadership of Tech a bold idea for a new kind of country. Students’ successful completion of the CITY OF
partnership that would simultaneously benefit his Fenway mentorship program continues to generate a
company, serve his clients, advance his industry, and 100-percent placement rate into permanent jobs upon
provide a unique career development opportunity graduation, usually at above-entry-level positions.
through a mentorship program for the best and
The impact of this partnership on Tech, Ruston, and Kristi Lumpkin
most of all on the University’s students has been Economic Development Administrator
immense. Santora and Fenway Group have been
an invaluable partner in helping Tech deliver an City of Ruston
unparalleled educational experience for students
that will prepare them to compete and win against P.O. Box 2069
anybody, anywhere in the world.
Ruston, LA 71273
“By shaping Fenway Group around his commitment
to people and excellence,” Norris said, “Martin has Office : 318-251-8643
created an organization that embodies the passion
of an athlete, the cerebral intensity of a technology Cell : 318-278-9569
entrepreneur, and the humanity and dedication of a [email protected]
committed leader.”
“I see a large talent base on our campus,” Guice www.ruston.org
said. “We get visits all the time from companies; I
let them see the Fenway Group full of students and
FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019 53
STATE OF
MARYLAND
GOVERNOR
LARRY HOGAN
As one of the original 13 colonies, Maryland has always renowned medical and educational institutions, including equipment, and primary metals. Baltimore, home of
played a pivotal role in American history. the National Institutes of Health, Johns Hopkins University, the Johns Hopkins University and Hospital, ranks as the
and the University of Maryland; and NASA’s Goddard nation’s second port in foreign tonnage. The capital,
Home to the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland is known Spaceflight Center and NOAA—and many more. Annapolis, is the site of the U.S. Naval Academy.
for its blue crabs and the city of Baltimore, a major
historic trading port, baseball power and birthplace of This concentration of government and academic Here are just three examples. The primary fund is the
the national anthem. Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star- innovation attracts numerous private companies Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority
Spangled Banner” as he watched the American flag specializing in these fields along with the diverse and skilled Fund (MEDAAF), which provides below-market, fixed-rate
wave above Fort McHenry on the harbor during the workforce. In fact, diversity is one of the keys to Maryland’s direct assistance to growth-industry-sector businesses.
War of 1812. Maryland is a Mid-Atlantic state that’s global success. Foreign-born residents make up 14.9 The Partnership for Workforce Quality (PWQ) provides
defined by its abundant waterways and coastlines on percent of the state’s population, and four Maryland matching training grants and support services for small
the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Its largest cities are among the top ten in Wallet Hub’s 2018 Most and mid-size manufacturing and technology companies.
city, Baltimore, has a long history as a major seaport. Diverse Cities in America. And Export MD helps small and mid-size companies offset
Fort McHenry, birthplace of the U.S. national anthem, the costs of marketing international.
sits at the mouth of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, home to A container Store will build and lease a 600,000 square-
the National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center foot distribution center at the Eastgate 95 Industrial Park in They say it takes money to make money. Maryland opens
Maryland has a strong education system and has been a Perriman. The project is expected to create 150 full-time doors to funding sources for modernizing manufacturing
top priority for the Hogan administration. There is record jobs by the end of 2019. The 40-year-old company has equipment, acquiring land, improving infrastructure,
funding for K-12 public education each year, totaling a been on Fortune’s 100 “Best Companies to Work For” developing commercial opportunities, promoting energy
record investment of more than $25 billion, and per-pupil list for the past 19 years. efficiency, and more. Whatever your business needs,
funding has increased in every jurisdiction across the state. Maryland, Important agricultural products are greenhouse there’s probably a Maryland funding source for you.
When it comes to cybersecurity, bio-health and life and nursery products, chickens, dairy products, eggs, and
sciences, and aerospace innovation, Maryland is a leader soybeans. Stone, coal, sand, gravel, cement, and clay Combine the fact that Maryland’s advantages in
among the states and around the world. are the chief mineral products. transportation infrastructure, highly educated and skilled
workforce with a great quality of life. Maryland looks
Maryland is home to the NSA and the National Manufacturing industries include food products, chemicals, like exactly what it is, a place where businesses and
Cybersecurity Center of Excellence at NIST; world- computer and electronic products, transportation people prosper
54 FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019
FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019 55
Harford County, Maryland is the new
center of opportunity in the United States’
mid-Atlantic region, offering a winning combination
for business success. Advantageously positioned Board works closely with regional industry sector OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR BUSINESS
on U.S. Interstate-95, Harford County is within leadership, and community businesses engage in
an overnight drive to reach one-third of the entire collaboration among government, industry, and With one-third of the U.S. population accessible
U.S. population, and provides easy access to nearby academia. A community focused on technology and in an overnight’s drive, Harford County, Maryland
international airports, railways, and the Port of innovation needs highly-skilled employees, so Harford is perfectly positioned to reach your customers.
Baltimore. This prime location combined with a County works hard to ensure a pipeline of top-notch Through our help with site selection, fast-track
new pro-business climate, highly-skilled workforce, talent is available. A highly-rated education system, permitting and streamlined processes for eligible
and quality of life, make Harford County an ideal working in collaboration with industry, helps supply the projects, your business will be off to a strong start.
place to work, play, live, learn, and invest. “Harford talent pool for the workforce of today and tomorrow. Job creation and real property tax credits are available
County is building on our strengths and promoting Preparing the next generation of highly-skilled in our Enterprise Zones; workforce technical training
a business-friendly environment for both domestic workers, area high schools offer magnet programs grants support a skilled workforce; cost-saving
and international companies to prosper,” says County in biomedical, homeland security, agrisciences, an energy programs are available through our utility
Executive Barry Glassman. International Baccalaureate program, and a Science partners; and the Harford Metro Area Network’s
and Math Academy. Harford Community College also broadband access can provide redundancy through
HIGHLY SKILLED WORKFORCE offers programs in drone technology, food sciences, dark fiber and lit service.
and an Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
Harford County is a key workforce center in Maryland, Program, which is a designated Center of Academic INNOVATION CENTRIC
drawing employees from more than 13 jurisdictions Excellence by the National Security Agency and the
in three states. Our local Workforce Investment Department of Homeland Security. Harford County’s Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG)
56 FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019
is the county’s largest employer and one of the most Barry Glassman, Harford County has retained its
diversified military installations in the United States AAA bond rating, and since December 2014, has
with 93 tenant organizations and six Centers of added more than 3.7M sf ft of occupied industrial
Excellence. This economic engine has made Harford and commercial space, more than 1,900 jobs and
County a center for science and technology, creating nearly $320M in capital investment.
a range of opportunities that span multiple sectors.
MAKING IT IN HARFORD COUNTY
“APG is a regional catalyst for opportunity in terms of
government, industry, and academic collaboration,” While nearly half of the county’s economy is based
Karen Holt, Federal Installation Administrator explains. in the defense industry, the other half is strongly
“Commercialization of APG’s emerging technologies diversified among manufacturing, distribution,
has had a positive impact throughout the region, healthcare, cyber, and information technology.
helping the local economy diversify significantly. Whether they are making, assembling, or distributing thriving industrial hubs, commerce centers, business
Pioneering technologies in additive manufacturing products, Harford businesses have their finger on the and airparks. They feature a wide range of thriving
support public-private partnerships that expedite pulse of today’s suppliers and consumers. International companies; their success and continued growth is
these concepts to market.” companies produce a range of products and services our best testimony for attracting new businesses.
from bio and chemical defense technologies; to
Aberdeen Proving Ground is an epicenter of specialty sauces, soups and custom dry blends; to A PARTNERSHIP FOR YOUR SUCCESS
90+ research, development, test and evaluation crypto-technology solutions for drivers’ licenses.
organizations with a primarily civilian Department E-commerce companies distribute international brands You can find what you need to be successful in
of Defense population of nearly 21,000 employees, of cosmetics and fragrances east of the Mississippi Harford County. From manufacturing coalitions to
The installation is home to six Centers of Excellence, River; and manufacturers produce polyurethane job fair support, training and certification programs to
an autonomous vehicle proving ground, and one protective footwear, household cleaning products, professional organizations, you’ll find opportunities
of five national cyber test ranges in the U.S. An nationally-recognized juices and jams, and snack to network within a community committed to lifelong
innovation hub is under development with the Army chips throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. learning, economic vitality and a sense of place.
Research Laboratory to foster collaboration among Let our dedicated team of economic development
industry and academia in advanced manufacturing BUILT FOR BUSINESS professionals assist you in finding optimal business
materials and processes. Federal laboratories, success in the Mid-Atlantic region. Harford County
with pioneering technologies in 3-D printing and Easy access to major trucking routes, CSX rail, and a is Maryland’s New Center of Opportunity…let us
prototyping, provide opportunities for the private 35-minute trip to the Port of Baltimore make for ideal make it yours!
sector to bring commercialization concepts to market logistics in meeting supply chain demands, even in a
faster. In close proximity to APG, Harford County’s global market. Harford Transit LINK, the County’s
Office of Economic Development is located on U.S. bus service, is tailored to multi-shift operations for
Route 40—the Chesapeake Science & Security employees at the county’s distribution, e-commerce
Corridor—where co-located resources include a Small and manufacturing hub on the Perryman Peninsula.
Business Resource Office, the GroundFloor co-working The peninsula is home to more than 25 nationally- For more information, contact
space, and a defense technology commercialization recognized companies including Sephora, Clorox,
office to support entrepreneurs and small business Rite Aid and Bob’s Discount Furniture, employing
start-ups while promoting tech transfer opportunities. more than 4,000 workers. Built for businesses large Harford County Office of Community &
Under the current administration of County Executive and small, Harford County is home to several other
Economic Development
2021D Pulaski Highway | Havre de Grace,
MD 21078
[email protected]
Phone: 410-638-3059
Visit us online at
www.harfordcountymd.gov/oed
FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019 57
STATE OF
MISSOURI
GOVERNOR
MIKE PARSON
Missouri is one of the country’s chief agricultural states and Energy has the talent and tools for tech companies looking to
the most important manufacturing state in the midwest. Whether you’re in the business of energy production grow on a global level. Here are a few examples of
The state is a chief producer of beef, cattle, corn, hogs, or storage, Missouri’s high-tech environment, natural major tech companies like World Wide Tech and Square
and soybeans. Cattle raising dominates the western part resources, and central location make it easier to connect as well as household names that have data centers right
of the state and manufacturing is the biggest activity in the to the grid affordably and efficiently. in the Show-Me State such as AT&T, Enterprise, Walmart,
east. These products are shipped all over the country on MasterCard, and Edward Jones.
the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. The estimate for the Manufacturing
population of Missouri in 2019 is 6.16 million. Today’s plants are not your old-time manufacturing floors. Transportation
They require precision tools and equipment, tech platforms Missouri has the 6th best highway system, largest waterway
With the 4th most diverse economy, one of the lowest costs and solutions, and a workforce with cutting edge skills. system, 99 airports, and two of the largest rail terminals
of living, a central location, and home to a highly-skilled Missouri is where manufacturing meets innovation. in the U.S with access from coast to coast, east to west.
and educated workforce, Missouri provides the perfect There central location is in close proximity to major
environment along with the necessary assets to help Financial manufacturers, and low gas taxes maintain moving
businesses succeed. To build up and attract some of the Missouri is the only state with two Federal Reserve Banks products, like those of Kraft Foods and Toys’R Us, to
fastest-growing industries and leaders in next-generation (Kansas City and St. Louis) and home to the regional customers rapidly and proficiently.
job creation, such as tech and energy solutions, Missouri headquarters of major banks including Bank of America,
refocused its resources to target companies in the following U.S. Bancorp, Regions Bank as well as the HQ for Missouri is confident that when it comes to our overall
sectors: Commerce Bank, Central Bank, and UMB Bank. Missouri business climate, they rank among the best states in the
is also one of only nine states with a AAA from all three U.S, they know that when it comes down to it, Missouri
Automotive rating agencies, delivering a constant environment for can offer the seamless location for your company’s
With historic investments by Ford and GM, the rebirth of investors and commerce. unique needs and goals. Missouri hosts more than a
the automotive industry is happening in Missouri. Become dozen development centers for small businesses. Each is
part of one of the largest auto supply chains in the nation Health Sciences devoted to supporting the development and retention of
where America’s top vehicles, like the Ford F-150 and The nation’s leaders in electronic healthcare management, small business, helping entrepreneurs do everything from
the Chevy Colorado, are assembled. to the researchers uncovering the next life-saving treatment, crafting business plans to navigating the state’s tax code.
the health sciences and services industry starts and grows
Sciences in Missouri. The Missouri works to create an environment that
Missouri is home to the largest concentration of animal encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s
health research and food companies as well as the most Technology business and diverse industries, strengthening their
plant scientists per capita. This is where innovation starts Missouri has one of fastest download’s speeds in the nation communities, develop a talented and skilled workforce,
and thrives. and some of the fastest growing tech companies, Missouri and maintaining a high quality of life.
58 FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019
The Law Today on Buying a Rail Line
for Commuter Service without the
Obligation To Carry Freight
provides the the law regarding a government entity In many areas, freight rail lines run through the
purchasing a freight line for passenger-only purposes heart of a city and out through the suburbs. These
in compliance with STB rules. lines that remain active are still in good condition
and have been maintained to move freight into and
There is a need for more passenger rail service out of the city. However, some freight lines have lost
in our cities. traffic over the years as manufacturing plants have
As cities grow, transportation options become shut down or other freight transportation options
more and more important as the roads become have become competitive. As a result, a freight
overcrowded and traffic makes the commute by railroad might be interested in selling the line to a
automobile more difficult. Public passenger rail public entity to use for its commuter operations.
transportation can relieve some of this gridlock by
taking cars off the roads and putting commuters Rail lines are subject to federal regulations that
in trains. Building an entirely new rail line can be must be followed when they are purchased.
prohibitively expensive and impractical where most
of the land in and around the city has already been One cannot simply buy a rail line as if buying a car.
fully developed. Metropolitan areas sometimes Instead, freight rail lines are subject to regulatory
Daniel Elliott
Special to FDI Alliance International must be creative when trying to invent new ways obligations, and this is where the STB becomes
to increase passenger rail service. relevant.
I served as the Chairman of the United States
Surface Transportation Board (STB) from 2009-17,
having been nominated to two terms by President
Obama and confirmed both times by the Senate.
In this role, I was the administrator of the agency
and the lead policy maker. It was an honor to serve
my country in such a capacity. I left the agency in
2017 and joined Conner & Winters as a Partner
where I work on rail regulatory matters. However,
this article presents my own opinion and not that
of my law firm.
The STB, a federal agency, is the economic regulator
of the freight railroads in the United States. The
agency handles rail mergers, acquisitions, trackage
rights agreements, line abandonments, and other
rail industry transactions. It is also a completely
independent agency with exclusive jurisdiction
over railroad economic matters. This article
60 FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019
Freight lines are almost always subject to a make this purchase. This process can be quite Entities providing only intrastate, commuter rail
“common carrier obligation” to move freight when simple because transactions that are limited in service are not subject to the jurisdiction of the STB.
asked by a shipper. This concept sounds strange scope can be exempted from the more complicated
because it is natural to believe that the owner of process to approve a sale of a rail line, by instead This type of transaction that splits the rail duties
a property may do what it wants to with it. That is using the simple exemption process. However, the between intrastate commuter and freight, and
not the case with respect to an interstate freight common carrier obligation would then attach to regulated and unregulated rail service, is called a
railroad line because the industry is regulated and the government entity that received authority to State of Maine transaction based on the first case
has certain rules the owner must follow. One of purchase the line. where this type of arrangement was approved, in the
those rules is the rail line owner must serve it early 1990’s. Since that time, the STB has approved
customers when asked. If the railroad refuses to To not have this need for approval of the transaction, more than sixty of these types of cases and one of
provide service, the shipper can file a complaint a government entity that wants to only provide these STB decisions was confirmed by the United
with the STB to enforce this obligation. This commuter rail service can file a motion to dismiss States D.C. Court of Appeals in 2011.
obligation to carry freight can be burdensome to the request for approval if it makes the proper
government entities because they are usually not arrangements with the freight railroad from whom The STB has found that even where the government
prepared to become a freight carrier. Also, some it is purchasing the rail line. The proper arrangements entity obtains the right to dispatch and maintain
states have a law that prohibits them from being would include providing a permanent, exclusive the rail line, it still does not need STB approval if
a common carrier freight railroad. easement to the railroad seller to carry all freight the freight carrier’s ability to serve its shippers is
on the line. As a result, the seller would retain the not inhibited in any way. The result is the purchaser
There is a way to not have a common carrier common carrier obligation and still serve its freight has no common carrier obligation and can focus on
obligation to carry freight without violating the customers on the line. The government entity would providing passenger rail service. These decisions
law. Ordinarily, when an entity buys a line of then share the track with the railroad and provide make it easier for states to purchase these rail lines
railroad, it must get approval from the STB to passenger-only service without needing STB approval. while keeping the freight service intact.
FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019 61
STATE OF
NEW YORK
GOVERNOR
ANDREW M.CUOMO
The State of New York is governed by Andrew M. Cuomo, New York’s economy has created more than 1 million approaches the city could take to promote training and
New York is located at the southern tip of the state. New private sector jobs, and the state’s unemployment rate has hiring of underrepresented New Yorkers in tech and other
York’s metropolitan area, one of the most populous urban dropped from 8.3 percent to 4.7 percent. On average, in-demand sectors. The grants will build upon existing
agglomerations in the world. there will be nearly 362,000 jobs opening over the next investments that the city has made in the tech sector,
ten years. which have led to employers like Amazon and Google
New York Harbor is the third largest port in the United New York City’s economy is booming, with 702,200 jobs announcing their second headquarters in Long Island City,
States and the largest port complex on the Atlantic coast. added between 2009 and 2019 the longest economic Queens and the expansion of their Manhattan-based
NYCEDC’s PortNYC supports developing the city’s expansion in more than 70 years. workforce, respectively.
passenger and freight transportation terminals to sustain
the region’s economic growth. PortNYC facilities include Economic development funding is one of the Governor’s New York State is committed to developing a vibrant clean
marine cargo terminals, rail facilities, cruise terminals, signature economic development achievements, it’s a energy economy, and job growth in this emerging industry
ferry landings, and heliports within the five boroughs of great approach that brings together higher education, is booming across the state - with more than 150,000
the City of New York. industry and government leaders to plan the future of New Yorkers working in the clean energy industry. The
New York State will expand its already-successful Downtown their region. Governor also supported the creation of a 10-year, $5
revitalization Initiative with an additional $100 million, billion Clean Energy Fund designed to leverage private
providing up to $10 million for awards in each region. The state has invested more than $5.4 billion through sector investment, fuel clean energy markets and deliver
These investments will ensure that communities have the REDCs that have funded more than 6,300 projects energy savings across the state. The Fund is expected to
the tools they need to boost their local economies and and supports more than 220,000 jobs across the state save New Yorkers $39 billion in energy costs over the
transform downtown neighborhoods. establishing a new Consolidated Funding Application for next 10 years while dramatically reducing greenhouse
workforce investments would support strategic regional gas emissions.
New York is moving forward with a $100 billion efforts that meet businesses’ short-term workforce needs,
infrastructure program, the most aggressive and ambitious improve regional talent pipelines, expand apprenticeships, New York State has taken major steps to reduce its carbon
building program in the country. From investing in and address the long-term needs of expanding industries footprint and cut back on the use of fossil fuels as an
rehabilitating roads and bridges and rebuilding airports for with a particular focus on emerging fields with growing energy source, yet the New York Common Fund remains
the 21st century, New York is moving forward with a strong demand for jobs like clean energy and technology. Funds heavily invested in fossil fuels.
and bold projects across the state of New York: A new would also support efforts to improve the economic
moynihan train hall; a 1.2 million square foot expansion security of women, youth, and other populations that face Grow New York City as the global capital for innovation by
of the Javits convention center; a new kosciuszko bridge, significant barriers to career advancement. strategically investing in emerging sectors and encouraging
the first major new bridge in the last 50 years; new train traditional industries to adapt to global disruption
stations in Niagara Falls, Rochester and Schenectady; a The de Blasio Administration has announced it is offering NYCEDC is dedicated to the creation of a dynamic,
$6.6 billion transformation of the Long Island Railroad; up to $300,000 in microgrants to qualified organizations equitable, and sustainable urban economy. We are
and a MTA Capital Plan to bring New York City’s subways that specialize in workforce development. The grants making sure that whatever happens next, happens right
into the 21st century. will support research and planning into innovative here in New York City
62 FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019
THE ONLY
THING
MORE
SURPRISING
THAN OUR
LOCATION
IS OUR
PEOPLE.
FIND WHERE YOU BELONG IN
ALLEGANY COUNTY, NY.
Centrally located among the major cities of the North East, Allegany County,
NY is closer than you think. Our interstate highway access and close geo-
graphic proximity to a large consumer and industrial market is only eclipsed
by our high-quality workforce. With our deeper than expected industrial skills
base, and suprising wealth of skilled blue-collar labor,
the only real surprise is that you aren’t doing business here yet.
alleganyco.com/economic-development
FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019 63
STATE OF
NORTH CAROLINA
GOVERNOR
ROY COOPER
North Carolina is a southeastern U.S. state with a Virginia to Alabama. The Appalachian Mountains, the WORKFORCE & EDUCATION
landscape ranging from Atlantic Ocean beaches to largest range in the eastern United States, stretch from In addition to the large number of people flocking to
the Appalachian Mountains. With a population of 10.3 Canada to northern Alabama the state who continue to deepen their pool of high-
million, with 23% under 18 and 15% over 65. quality talent, and the world-renowned education system
Scenic beauty, a moderate climate, a culture rich in history graduates thousands of students into the state’s workforce
Charlotte is North Carolina’s largest city, and is home to and the arts, and world-class sports and recreational each year. Various training programs from an array of
the NFL’s Carolina Panthers and museums such as the opportunities make North Carolina an exceptional place organizations prepare even more workers for skilled
NASCAR Hall of Fame. The state motto (“First in Flight”) to live and do business. Combine that with superiority positions to fit specific companies’ needs.
honors the Wright Brothers, who flew their first plane in health care, highest leading universities, a low cost of
Kitty Hawk on the Outer Banks, barrier islands lined with living and it’s easy to see why most people who live in QUALITY OF LIFE
popular beaches North Carolina never want to leave. North Carolina, a great place to call home.
North Carolina offers an incomparable quality of life.
North Carolina is recognized for its natural resources If you’re looking for easy access to both domestic and From there beautiful beaches and majestic mountains
with more than 300 miles of Atlantic coastline and global markets, look no further than North Carolina. to the idyllic areas in between, it’s no wonder people
the highest mountain peaks east of the Rockies. There From extensive highway system, four international airports from all over flock to the state. Add to that their central
communities are healthy, desirable and thriving. North and two seaports make it obvious why North Carolina East-Coast location, moderate climate and relatively low
Carolina consistently ranks at the leading places to live is consistently ranked as one of the top U.S. states for cost of living and it’s easy to see why North Carolina is
and do business. doing business. the 9th most-populated state in the U.S.—and growing.
There are three distinct landforms of the Southeast and of North Carolina is committed to making it easy for North Carolina’s scenic beauty, a moderate climate, a
North Carolina, the Coastal Plain, the Piedmont and the companies to do business. That’s why the state fosters a culture rich in history and the arts, and world-class sports
Appalachian Mountains. The Coastal Plain is low, flat to pro-business environment, fueled by the lowest corporate and recreational opportunities make North Carolina an
gently sloping land that extends along the Atlantic Ocean income tax in the U.S. along with a favorable legal and extraordinary place to live and do business. Combine that
and the Gulf of Mexico. We have 300 miles of white sandy regulatory climate, low business costs and qualified talent. with excellence health care, highest leading universities,
beaches. The Piedmont, characterized by hilly, rolling land, As a result, North Carolina garners some impressive a low cost of living and it’s easy to see why most people
borders the Coastal Plain. The Piedmont extends from accolades—year after year, from a number of sources. who live in North Carolina never want to leave.
.
64 FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019
FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019 65
Top talent does not just show up, it requires something core and the subsequent redevelopment of those as a Kimpton hotel and apartments, or even the old
worth moving for. Currently communities find buildings into what is now the Wake Forest Innovation Forsyth County Courthouse on Main Street. With
themselves competing with regional power cities such Quarter brought life to the east side of downtown. over 4,000 units in the downtown area, there are
as New York, Chicago, and Nashville. Every community These buildings now house wet lab, research lab, options for whatever a person is looking for.
has that one city in their region that is pulling that and office space along with restaurants and even
top talent from local colleges and universities upon a new brewery. This social vibrancy in downtown Winston-Salem is
graduation. These younger generations of top talent what drives the relocation of this young generation
are mostly very social, growing up with Twitter, Winston-Salem now has 74 restaurants downtown to the downtown area and the Winston-Salem
Instagram, Snapchat and other social media platforms with more opening every week. There is continued area. With the continued growth of downtown
that link large groups of people to one another in a redevelopment of older empty warehouse buildings through revitalization projects, and entertainment
social setting. on the northern edge of downtown spurring the options, Winston-Salem will attract top talent for
next phase of growth in the area. The downtown its companies. The city formerly known for Camel
This young talent is seeking a community that is fun, area just saw the opening of Incendiary Brewing, its cigarettes and Hanes textiles is now quickly becoming
exciting, and social when they look to where they 6th brewery in the area open up in the Innovation a destination for young talent with fun, social, and
want to live after they complete their education. Quarter. Work is also starting on Phase 2 of the vibrant entertainment options attracting talent that
The focus of the younger generation is not on where Bailey Power Plant project next door, which will likes the benefits of power cities such as Nashville,
or who will I work for but rather where will I live? turn three former coal power plant buildings into and New York, but at a much lower cost.
Where previous generations would move based on a 6-story office building and several multi-floor
where they could find a job, younger talent is now retail and entertainment spaces adding more to do
considering job availability after they have decided in downtown Winston-Salem.
upon their location. Residential development in the downtown core is
Ten years ago, Winston-Salem was not one of these exploding as well. With walkability being such a Tyler Chaffee
destination cities. The downtown was a place people high factor for the younger generation, downtown
came for work and at night, the streets were all housing has become a necessity. Millenials like being VICE PRESIDENT
but deserted. The weekends saw limited activity able to walk to and from work, to the brewery on
downtown and most people stayed in the suburbs a Saturday afternoon, or to go grab a bite to eat. WINSTON-SALEM BUSINESS, INC
for their entertainment related activities. Organizations in Winston-Salem have seen that and
have proactively created several unique living options
Over the past ten years, the scene has changed, in the downtown area for young talent. Residents can Phone: 336 723 8955
with more and more restaurants, bars and social live in modern, new apartments right downtown or
establishments opening up in the downtown area. right next to the baseball stadium, in the former RJ [email protected]
The donation by RJ Reynolds of several old shuttered Reynolds headquarters building-the model for the
tobacco warehouse building adjacent to the downtown Empire State Building in New York that now doubles
66 FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019
LIVING AND WORKING IN
LIVING AND WORKING IN
THE city of arts
THE city of arts
and innovation
and innovation
WINSTON-SALEM, FORSYTH COUNTY, NC
Located within
650 miles of
more than
half the U.S. Innovation
population Quarter
240 acre
urban-based
research park
Ranked #4 in
the U.S. for cost
effective data
centers by the
Boyd Company
Regional
workforce
of over
800,000
www.wsbusinessinc.com
Cost of living (336) 723-8955
well below
the national
average
FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019 67
18_WSBI_full_page_Fdi.indd 1 7/27/18 10:20 AM
STATE OF
OHIO
GOVERNOR
MIKE DEWINE
Ohio is a midwestern U.S. state stretching from the Ohio Hematite Inc., a Tier 1 automotive supplier and class universities, community colleges and trade
River and Appalachian Mountains in the south to Lake manufacturer based in Ontario, Canada, is investing $18 schools, workforce training programs, partnerships
Erie in the north. On the shores of the lake is the city of million to build a 106,000-square-foot manufacturing and apprenticeship strategies complement the Midwest
Cleveland, site of the Cleveland Museum of Art and its facility in Englewood. The facility, which will employ 100 work ethic of Ohioans. The result is a workforce that is
renowned collection of European paintings and especially full-time workers within three years, it’s Hematite’s first in educated, committed, skilled and productive, and able
Asian art. Cleveland is also home to the Rock and Roll the United States and will serve as the company’s U.S. to meet the needs of a variety of employers, including
Hall of Fame and Museum, and close to expansive headquarters as it expands its presence in the United advanced manufacturers, financial services firms and
Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The Buckeye State is States. healthcare providers.
home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, the
Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton and Ohio Stadium If you’re looking to start, locate or expand a business here, With over 5.6 million people in the workforce, Ohio is
in Columbus. The novelist Charles Dickens once dubbed you’re in good company. Hundreds of businesses, both home to an abundant, vibrant and industrious talent pool
Cincinnati “one of the most interesting [cities] in America.” domestic and international, have chosen the Region, that offers a wide variety of skills, from tech-savvy coders
Ohio’s geographic location has proven to be an asset announcing expansions and locations, and Columbus to computer numerically controlled (CNC) operators,
for economic growth and expansion. Because Ohio Region employers have added over 100,000 net new from engineers and scientists to those in professional
links the Northeast to the Midwest, much cargo and jobs since 2010. services and healthcare. JobsOhio focuses on industries
business traffic passes through its borders along its well- Today, about 11.7 million people call Ohio home. About that include advanced manufacturing, aerospace and
developed highways. Ohio has the nation’s 10th largest 83 percent of the population is white, while nearly 13 aviation, automotive, energy and chemicals, financial
highway network and is within a one-day drive of 50% of percent is African-American and just under 4 percent is services, food and agribusiness, healthcare, tech, logistics
North America’s population and 70% of North America’s Hispanic of any race. and distribution.
manufacturing capacity. To the north, Lake Erie gives
Ohio 312 miles (502 km) of coastline, which allows for Ohio’s healthcare sector has outpaced national
numerous cargo ports. Ohio is home to dozens of colleges and universities, employment growth for 2012-18, adding approximately
including Ohio State University, University of Dayton, 6,000 jobs. Ohio added 6,188 healthcare jobs during
From manufacturers, like Honda, to logistics providers, Ohio University, University of Cincinnati and Kent State this period – more than other regional states except
like DHL Supply Chain, companies from all around the University. Pennsylvania. Ohio had the second highest percentage
world have made the Columbus Region the center of To compete successfully around the globe, companies change in employment with 8 percent, second only to
their North American operations. must have access to top-level talent. Ohio’s world- Kentucky.
68 FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019
Ohio’s shale energy and petrochemical employment with the grand opening of its Regional Service Center, and electrical equipment and appliances. The state is also
grew more than four times as quickly as the national a state-of-the-art assembly and distribution center. The a leading producer of trucks, autos and steel. Fortune
employment growth between 2012-18 (8.20 percent facility also houses Festo Didactic’s Learning Center 500 companies headquartered in Ohio include Cardinal
for Ohio, 2 percent for the U.S). Ohio added more jobs Midwest, an educational center that offers a wide range Health, Nationwide, Marathon Petroleum, Macy’s, Procter
during this period than any of its regional competitors of industrial training programs. & Gamble and Kroger.
and grew at the second highest pace of 8 percent behind
only Michigan at 9 percent. Recognizing the region’s need for highly skilled workers, According to Mark Crawford, Contributing Editor to
Festo Didactic, part of the Festo Group, partnered with Area Development’s The Top Site Selection Factors of
Ohio schools granted 67 percent more annual degrees Sinclair Community College (SCC), TechSolve and five 2016, “energy availability and costs are important for
and certificates for chemistry, petroleum engineering, companies – ART Metals Group, Clippard Instruments, every project, but especially critical for industries that
chemical engineering, and similar programs from 2010- Festo Corp., MQ Automation and Nestlé – to create consume large amounts of energy, such as manufacturing,
17, second in the region. an apprenticeship program in mechatronics, a field that distribution, and data centers.”
More and more companies are adopting advanced combines mechanical, electrical and computer control
manufacturing technologies, such as 3-D printing, CNC skills. For years, Ohio has been a hub of aerospace and
automation and nanotechnology. But these technologies aviation industry activity. Aerospace companies in the
require specialized skills that many manufacturing workers The resulting Mechatronics Apprenticeship Program state can integrate into a leading supply chain and grow
simply don’t have, leaving a gap between the talent that’s Partnership (MAP2), introduced in the fall of 2016, is extensively through a thriving business climate. In Ohio,
available and the talent that’s necessary. designed to help individuals learn advanced manufacturing key advancements supported by over $12 billion in
skills and earn an associate degree in mechatronics at science and engineering research and development
An Ohio company has taken a unique approach to the same time. MAP2 uses the German apprenticeship spending unlock opportunities across the entire aerospace
addressing this problem. Festo, a worldwide leader model of dual education, where apprentices learn in a and aviation industry.
in automation technology, started a one-of-a-kind classroom but gain experience at work. Students in Festo’s
apprenticeship program that trains its workers – and apprentice program take classes at SCC, get hands-on Ohio is prepared for the future of aerospace and aviation.
workers from other companies – in the skills they need training at Festo’s learning center and receive actual When it comes to launching your business, there’s no
for careers in advanced manufacturing. experience at their respective employers. better place than Ohio to let your ideas take flight.
Based in Germany, Festo launched its U.S. operations Ohio’s manufacturing industry leads the country in Ohio’s talent pipeline meets the demands of today and
in Mason, about 30 miles north of Cincinnati, in 2016 production of plastics and rubber, fabricated metals is prepared for the needs of the future.
FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019 69
Located twenty minutes south of Cleveland, the City of Strongsville is a thriving
community of nearly 50,000 residents that is centered around a dynamic business
community, thousands of acres of parks, excellence in education, and an experienced
administration focused on business development and financial stewartship.
Location experienced administration, Strongsville has become • Over 500 acres of undeveloped, greenfield land
one of the premier business locations in Ohio. available for future industrial development
The City of Strongsville’s unique location is a driver
• Major employers in the park: Momentive
of business growth, with Intestate 71 and the Ohio The City is home to a diverse, growing local economy
Performance Material’s Quartz Division, the
Turnpike (I-80) intersecting within the City, as that maintains a solid tax base through established
Operations Center for Vitamix, Foundation
well as US Highway 42 and State Route 82. The business parks and a thriving commercial sector.
Software’s Corporate Headquarters, Clark
community’s established infrastructure provides Development in the City of Strongsville has closely
Reliance’s Corporate Headquarters, Sparton
easy access in all directions and a short drive to followed the City’s Comprehensive Master Plan,
Medical Devices, CCL Label, and Eberhard
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (5 miles) which was first developed in the early 1960s and has
Manufacturing’s Corporate Headquarters
and downtown Cleveland (20 miles). been modified regularly to accommodate changes
in the economic climate. As part of that plan, four The Dow Circle Research & Development Park
Strongsville is also located within a 30 minute drive industrial development areas, totaling over 2,362 • 258 acres; 95% developed
to educational institutions that provide workforce acres, have been established within the City featuring
• 910,112 SF of build-out
assistance across the spectrum of needs, including large setbacks and ample green space, resulting in a
Case Western Reserve University (ranked the 32nd “park-like” atmosphere. • Home to over 30 companies that employ over
most innovative University in the country by US 2,600 employees
News & World Report; 2018), Cuyahoga Community A summary of each of the four business parks is
• Major employers in the park: Regional Headquarters
College, and Polaris Career Center. listed below:
for Enterprise Rental Car, Lumitex’s Corporate
The Strongsville Business & Technology Park Headquarters, Akzo Nobel Coatings RD&I Center,
In addition, Strongsville’s strategic location provides and PNC Bank’s Technology Center
access to important regional quality of life assets, • 1,693 acres; 70% developed
including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Progressive • 3,617,028 SF of build-out The Progress Drive Business Park
Field, Quicken Loans Area, First Energy Stadium, the • 325 acres; 96% developed
• Home to over 70 companies that employ over
Cleveland Museum of Art, and Cleveland Playhouse
3,000 employees • 1,508,326 SF of build-out
Square.
• Ranked as the #1 industrial park in Northeast Ohio • Home to over 40 companies that employ over
Superior Business Environment
by Crain’s Cleveland Business (9/2018) 2,000 employees
Through insightful City Planning and a pro-business,
70 FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019
• Major employers in the park: Corporate • 94% of businesses rated the overall quality of life • Proximity to Freeways
Headquarters of Atlantic Tool & Die, PPG Industries, in Strongsville as good/excellent • Workforce Availability
and Insight/Chemical Services’ Corporate
• 94% of businesses would recommend Strongsville
Headquarters • Access to Customers
to another business
Park 82 • Quality of Life
The survey also indicated that the majority of
• 86 acres; 100% developed Full survey results are available at
Strongsville’s business base located in City because of:
• 1,349,280 SF of build-out www.strongsville.org
• Home to over 15 companies that employ over
1,000 employees
• Major employers in the park: Darice Inc, (a division
of Michael’s), Intralot, and Dealer Tire
Importantly, the City of Strongsville offers the
opportunity to grow with over 1,000 acres of
undeveloped, greenfield sites available, including
169 acres of shovel-ready land owned by the City.
Business retention is the number one priority of the
City’s Economic Development Department. To that
end and in partnership with Ohio State University,
the City of Strongsville conducts Business Retention
& Expansion (BR&E) surveys focused on the City’s
manufacturing, high tech, and headquarter facilities.
The most recent survey completed in 2016 revealed
that:
• 91% of businesses rated Strongsville as a good/
excellent place to do business
FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019 71
Quality of Life • 81% of respondents would still choose to live in
The survey results indicated: Strongsville if they could make the choice again,
For the betterment of the business base and the • 92% of respondents rated the “Quality of Life” as with the number directly influenced by life factors
community’s residents, Strongsville maintains a good to excellent in Strongsville (3,440 households such as current location of family or employment
vibrant retail sector, including the 1.65 million square answered the question; average household size (3,311 households answered the question)
foot SouthPark Mall. in Strongsville is 2.56 people according the US
Census estimates in 2015) The top four reasons given for living in Strongsville
SouthPark Mall contains the largest collection of were:
• 88% of respondents indicated they would
retail, dining and entertainment establishments in • Safe Environment
recommend Strongsville to others as a place to
Northern Ohio and continues to prosper in today’s
live (3,369 households answered the question) • Quality of Housing
changing retail environment.
In addition, employees and residents in Strongsville
benefit from the development of over 3, 149 acres
of greenspace throughout the community, including
over 2,000 acres of the Cleveland Metroparks, a
nationally recognized park system.
Realizing the importance of maintaining excellence in
quality of life, the City works closely with Ohio State
University to conduct census residential surveys
of Strongsville’s residents to determine the value
they place on available amenities and services, as
well as their overall assessment of the community’s
quality of life.
In December of 2017, the Strongsville Residential
Survey Subcommittee mailed the survey to 14,675
Strongsville households, of which 3,529 completed
the survey, resulting in a strong response rate of 24%
(typically 20% is considered very good).
72 FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019
• Quality of Schools tried to assist in the creation of effective workforce Brent Painter, the City of Strongsville’s Economic
development programs intended to assist employers Development Director. “Workforce is a major
• Access to Family
in the attraction and retention of talent. challenge for our business community and we look
Full survey results are available at To add value in this process, the City of Strongsville forward to helping find solutions.”
www.strongsville.org has developed the Workforce Development Assistance
Guide. The guide is a concise/accurate resource To review the Workforce Assistance Resource Guide
Workforce Assistance that connects the City’s business base to available please visit www.strongsville.org
workforce development programs & partners
Understanding the importance of workforce “The goal of the Economic Development Department
development, entities across the State of Ohio have is to add value for our business partners,” said
Brent Painter
Director of Economic Development
The City of Strongsville
16099 Foltz ParkwayStrongsville,
Ohio 44149
Phone: 440 580 3118
FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019 73
STATE OF
SOUTH CAROLINA
GOVERNOR
HENRY MCMASTER
South Carolina is a southeastern U.S. state known for Geography Recreation
its shoreline of subtropical beaches and marsh like sea From the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to the South Carolina works hard, but also appreciate how
islands. Coastal Charleston is a historic city, defined by 187 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline, residents and to enjoy the moment. To some, that’s a memorable
pastel-colored houses, Old South plantations and Fort visitors enjoy the outdoors, including leisure activities on fishing excursion; to others, it’s a rejuvenating bike ride
Sumter, where the Civil War’s opening shots were fired. To the many rivers and lakes throughout the state. on the beach. Whether it’s the iconic Myrtle Beach Grand
the north is the Grand Strand, a roughly 60-mile stretch Strand, the white-sand shores of Hunting Island or the
of beachfront known for golf courses and the vacation Climate Lowcountry’s Kiawah Island Resort, South Carolina
town Myrtle Beach. Our location on the eastern seaboard means warm beaches compose a landscape of unmatched beauty.
summers and mild winters. South Carolinians enjoy Forty-seven state parks, 14 major lakes and reservoirs and
Quality of Life outdoor activities year-round and businesses experience more than 360 golf courses, South Carolina provides a
Appreciating a beautiful day is a favorite South Carolina few weather-related interruptions. diverse outdoor experience.
past time and it is beautiful most all the time. From natural
landscapes to world-renowned events. Steeped in history The Arts South Carolina’s infrastructure makes doing business
and tradition, South Carolina offers a low cost of living From the 17-day Spoleto Festival in Charleston to the easy for several reasons. With five interstate highways
and unparalleled access to the US and travel abroad. more than 200 annual performances at the Newberry that criss-cross the state and an excellent East-West and
People around the world have recognized what our state Opera House, the arts thrive in all forms across the state North-South access to the rest of the United States.
has to offer— tourism brings in $19 billion per year. and offer something for all ages.
74 FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019
UNLOCK OPPORTUNITY
The Southeast offers endless growth potential for businesses, and NESA holds the key.
Located halfway between Miami and New York, the NESA
Region of South Carolina hosts a commercial-friendly
environment with competitive land and labor costs. Close
to the ports of Wilmington, Charleston and Savannah, this
northeastern corner of the state serves as an unrivaled
access point to domestic and international markets.
Explore the resources that await in
the gem of the Southeast
— visit NESAsc.org.
FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019 75
The Georgetown County Spec Building is 50,000 sq. ft. and is located in the Georgetown
County Business Center, which is rail accessible and just off of Highway 521 in Andrews, S.C.
To sell something, you have to have something to sell. That is natural gas, and electrical infrastructure in place receives by having a spec building along with the
the message that the North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) to accommodate a major manufacturing operation. activity it generates far outweighs those costs. In
has been expounding for more than a decade. Located in the Beyond the actual costs of designing, engineering fact, it is not uncommon for companies to visit a spec
northeastern corner of South Carolina, encompassing the and constructing a spec building, communities building, decide that the building does not meet their
Florence and Myrtle Beach MSAs, NESA has been a staunch should also be prepared to spend marketing dollars needs for whatever reason, decide that they really
supporter of product development including industrial parks, pursuing industrial clients. This effort should like the community and its assets and then decide
sites, and spec buildings. With an improving economy and include advertising, online marketing campaigns, to build a facility in that community.
nearly half of all economic development projects requesting site selector outreach, lead generation campaigns For these reasons, almost all of the NESA counties
an existing building, having spec or “shell” industrial buildings and, most importantly, follow up with prospective are currently in some phase of spec building
in inventory is more important than ever. end users. Winning with a spec building can be a development ranging from design, to financing,
Companies demand speed to market. In general, companies lengthy process and one that does entail costs; to actual construction, to marketing completed
that locate manufacturing operations in a spec building can however, the benefits and exposure a community buildings. The most common sizes currently being
save six months or more of design, zoning, permitting, and
construction lead times. Spec buildings are not inexpensive
investments which is why communities need to perform
adequate due diligence on sites that are being considered.
Although there are numerous issues to consider,
siting a spec building follows a similar due diligence
process that a manufacturing client would expect to
undergo. Pertinent engineering reports would include
an environmental site assessment, archeological
report, geotechnical exploration, endangered
species assessment, and wetlands delineation with a
jurisdictional determination letter from the US Army
Corps of Engineers. Having these reports completed
not only mitigates the risk of the community with
regard to its investment, but also lends credibility and
speed to market for an end user. In addition to the
engineering reports, the community should assure
that the site is appropriately zoned for industrial Expected to be completed in April 2019, the Marion County Spec Building will be 101,500
sq. ft. and is located just 15 miles from Inland Port Dillon.
development and has adequate water, wastewater,
76 FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019
The Williamsburg County Spec Building broke ground in July 2018 and construction is nearing completion. The 52,000 sq. ft. building is
located in the Williamsburg Cooperative Commerce Center South on Highway 52.
developed range from 50,000 to 100,000 square program. Because of its location near I-95 and the
feet and most have at least 25’ clear heights. As level of due diligence that had been completed on
site selection consultant Mark Sweeney touted the industrial park, the building immediately gained
on several occasions, “prepared communities win” traction and several companies that would not have
and that is exactly the philosophy that NESA has otherwise considered Dillon County began visiting
subscribed and deployed in the region. The NESA the area. One of the companies to visit the building
region currently has available speculative buildings, was Wyman Gordon, an aerospace components
industrial parks, and sites that have completed the manufacturing company. After several visits to Dillon,
aforementioned engineering reports and due diligence meetings with regional, local, and state officials,
and are actively being marketed for industrial users. workforce training partner meetings, incentives
While spec buildings have resulted in several wins negotiations, meetings with utility companies,
for the region over the last several years, one major and other meetings, Wyman Gordon acquired the
success story happened in Dillon, South Carolina. spec building and additional adjacent acreage and
Dillon County, in conjunction with Marlboro Electric announced a $115 million capital investment and
Cooperative, constructed a 50,000 SF speculative 400 well-paying jobs in Dillon County.
building near I-95 in a newly developed industrial Prepared communities win and NESA is prepared.
park that had recently completed the South Carolina Contact our business team today to Put Success in
Department of Commerce’s industrial park certification Your Corner.
John Sweeney
N o r t h E a s ter n St rategic A llia n ce
121 South Evander Drive, Florence, S.C.
29505
Office: 843-661-1665
Dillon County’s Spec Building is 109,200 sq. ft. and located just four miles from Inland Port Fax: 843-661-1293
Dillon, which has direct rail access to the deep water Port of Charleston. It is also located just
one mile from the one of the busiest interstates on the east coast, I-95.
FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019 77
STATE OF
TEXAS
GOVERNOR
GREG ABBOTT
Texas is a West South Central state bordered by Oklahoma natural gas, and sulfur. With solid economic growth last United States. The state’s two largest airports, Dallas-
to the north, Louisiana to the East, and Mexico to the year including a torrid 5.2 percent state GDP increase in Fort Worth International (DFW) and George Bush
south. It is the second most populous state in the United the fourth quarter, Texas is one of the leading economies Intercontinental in Houston (IAH), are major domestic
States. The only state that has more residents than Texas in the United States this year. and international hubs.
is California.
Texas’ 382 airports, including 26 commercial airports, Texas has two intermodal facilities, Fort Worth’s Alliance
Texas has two intermodal facilities, Fort Worth’s Alliance make up the second-largest state airport system in the Airport and San Antonio’s Port San Antonio, integrate
Airport and San Antonio’s Port San Antonio, integrate United States. The state’s two largest airports, Dallas- high-capacity industrial airports, Class I rail terminals
high-capacity industrial airports, Class I rail terminals Fort Worth International (DFW) and George Bush and direct interstate highway access. Texas is also home
and direct interstate highway access. Texas is also home Intercontinental in Houston (IAH), are major domestic to American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, two of the
to American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, two of the and international hubs largest airlines in the world.
largest airlines in the world. Texas is among the most ethnically and racially diverse
Texas prides itself on being a right-to-work state, and states in the nation. The number of languages spoken
Texas offers companies of all sizes and across all industries will continue to make strategic investments to ensure it in Texas homes has grown to more than 160-and of the
one of the best business climates in the nation, with a maintains our competitive advantage, allowing businesses 26.9 million people in Texas, more than a third speak a
fair, transparent tax and regulatory structure designed for to prosper and grow. language other than English at home.
businesses to succeed. Texas is committed to maintaining
its position as the best state for business, and recently Texas offers the best of city and country lifestyles and Behind Texas’ strong economy are 48 Fortune 500
passed legislation providing over $4 billion in tax relief each city has something unique to offer. The state is companies, including ExxonMobil, AT&T, Sysco and
for businesses. Not to mention, Texas is home to one of home to hundreds of barbecue restaurants, wineries, live American Airlines, more than 1,400 foreign companies
the largest, most competitive deal-closing funds in the music venues and museums, plus more than 90 state such as Toyota, BAE Systems, Siemens and Shell Oil and
nation, the Texas Enterprise Fund. parks, 191,000 miles of rivers and streams, 624 miles of 2.4 million small businesses.
coastline and more than 70 working ranches. The state
Powered by nearly 50 Fortune 500 companies, thousands is renowned for its sporting events, with top college and The Lone Star State continues to attract businesses and
of international and small businesses, and a diverse, professional teams including the Houston Astros, San workers from across the nation and around the world to
skilled workforce of 13.5 million, the Texas economy is Antonio Spurs and Dallas Cowboys. take advantage of its comparatively low cost of living and
the 10th largest when compared to the nations of the Texas’ 382 airports, including 26 commercial airports, dynamic cultural and recreational opportunities. There’s
world. Texas is also the country’s leading producer of oil, make up the second-largest state airport system in the simply no place in the world that’s quite like Texas.
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We are excited to become the location for your next business enterprise! Our logistical opportunities will make
warehousing and transportation swift and easy. Seymour’s land incentives are second to none in comparison
with the prime prices offered locally through private land owners. Our labor force is ready to begin working
for you and our housing market is open for Seymour to become the community your employees call home. The
Seymour Hospital healthcare facilities and Seymour Independent School District are ready to take care of your
employees and their families through health and education. Our quality of life is brimming with parks, outdoor
recreational opportunities, and community endeavors. Seymour, Texas eagerly awaits your business opportunities.
“See More” in your future with us in Seymour Texas.
Housing Market Accessibility Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Obstetrics, Urgent Care, Seymour also has their own butcher/meat services
Physical Therapy, Surgery and an Allergy Clinic in where you can purchase grass fed beef or select a
Seymour has a wide variety of housing options
addition to the Seymour Rural Health Clinic, Seymour wide selection of other options with Baycos Meat
ranging from cul-de-sac additions to available land
Fitness Center, Seymour Home Health Care, Seymour/ Processing. Local shopping is available through
for new builds. Most single family housing ranges
Baylor Co. E.M.S., Randal Wellness Center, , and the boutiques, antique shops and a fine jewelry store.
from $45K to $75K, with much larger housing
Seymour Pharmacy. We also have the recent addition Seymour also has a wide array of service related
options from $100K to $500K. Seymour has many
of a visiting Ophthalmologist. Other visiting doctors businesses ranging from dry cleaning to automotive
contractors, remodelers, and service companies
cover Urology, Cardiology, and Orthopedic Surgery. repair, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC services with
that can help make your new house in Seymour a
The on-site medical professionals include Family local contractors available for remodeling.
home. The City of Seymour will also entertain the
Medicine, Women’s Health, OBGYN, Pediatrician,
possible coordination of apartment contractors in
Emergency Medicine, and General Surgery. With all The Seymour Independent School District offers PreK
conjunction with your new business. Seymour also
of these healthcare services available locally, your through 12th grade education with appropriately sized
has a healthy renters market that will help facilitate
employees will be healthy and happy in Seymour. classrooms and up-to-date technology. Recently,
employee community transitions.
Never leave town again to get what you need because the district has turfed the football field and built
Health, Education, & Necessities Seymour offers a fantastic newly opened United a new Auditorium. The music program in Seymour
Supermarket as well as one of the largest Dollar has experienced an explosion of talented students as
Seymour, Texas is a vibrant community with a state General Stores in the state! Fresh produce, a large we see more of our young graduates receive college
recognized hospital system and two school campuses. selection of healthy food choices, interesting and music scholarships than ever before. Vocational CNA
The Seymour Hospital provides care through their new options, and prices that are affordable makes Classes offer students a boost into the medical field
central facility providing services in Rehabilitation, for healthy and happy families and employees. of their choice and all of our young students have
80 FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019
for road space, allowing you to easily transport in
all directions without the hassle of heavy traffic.
Interior intersections are accommodating and FM
422 provides a recently widened road, making
connections to US HWY 277, US HWY 82 and the
Seymour Industrial Park.
Land Incentives
The Seymour Industrial Park is governed by the
Seymour Community Development Corporation, a
local non-profit, and has incentive packages available
secondary educational options available to help is also a large recreational activity within the 900 with options ranging from free land, low-interest
advance their college careers. Seymour ISD has square mile county. Game includes doves, ducks, rate loans, and comparable land leases for your new
chosen to participate as a District of Innovation and geese, white-tailed deer, javelina, wild hogs, and business. Other incentives can be entertained as well
will offer more vocational classes in the near future. various other animals. and are employee, capital investment, and longevity
based. The Seymour Industrial Park is located along
Quality of Life Location is everything! US Hwy 277 with frontage road options, within the
corporate limits of the City of Seymour. Enjoy city
Enjoy the outdoors in our 26 acre City Park that Located in North Central Texas, Seymour is perfectly
infrastructure as well as fire and police protection.
includes an 18-hole disc golf course, walking track, situated to be your prime business location destination
Labor Force
abundant playground equipment, dog stations, an poised to meet your shipping/receiving, logistical,
olympic-sized City Pool, and is home to Seymour Creek transportation and warehouse distribution needs.
Seymour offers a large blue collar work force that is
and rentable activity locations. The Seymour Sound Seymour is a primary hub with a network of five
ready, willing, and able to work for you. A lower cost
Garden offers a new kind of experience through the major highways converging on Seymour’s roadway
of living will allow your company to offer competitive
availability of outdoor musical equipment including system, allowing your product to connect with
wages without breaking the bank. 25% of our high
lateral xylophones, a set of 8 ft. high chimes, one your customers quickly and efficiently. The Texas
school seniors enter the workforce immediately
vertical xylophone, and hand drums. Located just Department of Transportation has invested heavily
and we have a growing group of young professionals
across the street from the Sound Garden is the in the regions infrastructure by making significant
who are seriously looking to Seymour as a place to
nationally recognized Whiteside Museum of Natural improvements from both a safety and efficiency
raise their family because of our safe community.
History, showcasing local dinosaur discoveries that perspective, clearly indicating that the State of Texas
Surrounding populations within a 35 mile radius
occur on a daily basis in our famous Texas Redbeds. as a whole sees significant value in Seymour. Within
are also available to provide an additional labor
Patrons of the Whiteside Museum and community easy reach of Seymour’s 600 mile radius, your business
force if needed.
members alike enjoy this interesting downtown can access nine other states and Mexico in a single
location. The Salt Fork River Estates Golf Complex transportation day. Additionally, during peak periods We “Seymour” with you!
offers a 9-hole professionally designed course that when traffic congestion can negatively impact shipping
We are looking ahead to the future with the anticipation
is maintained by the City of Seymour. Also, located efficiency, Seymour boasts a manageable Average
of growth. Because Seymour is clean, and offers
on the premises is a meeting hall, an outdoor venue Daily Traffic Count which will ensure your product
extensive healthcare and educational options, our
area, kitchen, tennis courts, and ample parking. will be moved expeditiously and safely. Seymour is
community is an attractive location for families to
ready for you to make us your new business location
live and work. Our business park offers fantastic
The City Hall Cinema and the Whiteside Center of with land incentives in the Seymour Industrial Park,
expansion opportunities and our hassle free approach
the Performing Arts are housed on the second floor conveniently located within city limits and with
to new construction will make your transition to us
in our beautifully restored 1924 auditorium located frontage road options along US HWY 277 as well.
smooth and simple. It’s time to visit Seymour TX and
inside Seymour City Hall. Here, the community comes
together to watch free movies on the second and Efficient Transportation take a good look at what could be your new home.
We are ready to “Seymour” with you!
fourth weekend of every month. Stage performances
Five major highways are located conveniently in the
that include theater, musical events, magic and local
immediate region with US HWY 277 connecting
talent shows are also available. Located across
directly to I-10 and I-20 in Texas and I-35, I-40 and
the street from the Whiteside Museum of Natural
I-44 in Oklahoma. US HWY 183 will connect you
History, the cinema also provides educational movies
to South Dakota via Austin, Texas and US HWY
in conjunction with school tours. Lauren Bush
283 connects Texas to Kansas. These two major
roadways have junctions with interstates I-10, I-20,
Seymour Texas is located in Baylor County and has 2 Economic Development Director
I-35, I-40, I-70, I-80, and I-90. US HWY 82’s New
lakes within a short twenty minute drive. Lake Kemp
Mexico to Georgia route has 11 interstate junctions
has a surface area of 15,000+ acres located on the City of Seymour Texas
across the southern United States. State HWY 114
largest ranch under one fence line, the Waggnor
can move your product efficiently from the Dallas/
Ranch. There are 3 access points and cabins are Office: 940-889-3148
Fort Worth Metroplex area into West Texas and
available for purchase with a land leases. Millers
New Mexico with two major interstate junctions. Email: [email protected]
Creek Reservoir has a surface area of 2000+ acres
In addition to our well-maintained highways, Seymour’s
and is open to the public year round with primitive
average daily traffic counts of 6,000 to 9,000
camping, a boat ramp, and ample parking. Hunting
vehicles will help insure your trucks aren’t fighting
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under construction and will be completed with an
anticipated opening date of February 2022.
New housing is under various stages of development
and is currently estimated to be about 29,000 new
homes within our City limits and Extra Territorial
Jurisdiction. Currently within our City limits and ETJ
we have a population of 45,000 and growing. If we
extrapolate the new homes in development stages to
3 persons per household we estimate about 87,000
new people that will be residing within the city and
our ETJ when this current portfolio of housing are
built and occupied in the coming years. These new
residents to our community will be seeking high
paying living wage jobs both locally and MSA wide.
Can Dayton support this – YES.
Dayton is increasingly attracting industrial,
The City of Dayton is a fast growing city with a and growing. So when we say we are a fast growing
big future. Located just 30 miles east of the larger community we mean it. As to the WHY Dayton is a
Houston’s metropolitan area on Highway 90, Dayton fast growing community is because of our location
is a friendly inclusive community, a great place to and jobs. The Houston MSA is an economically
live, work, and play - a place where families and diverse 10 county metropolitan area in which we
businesses can grow and prosper. reside. Dayton is located at the intersection of 5
major roadways with the intersection being in our
Six years ago Dayton was about 13 square miles, within downtown. On top of this is the Grand Parkway (State
its city limits. Today we are about 32 square miles Route 99) which is the third loop around Houston is
84 FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019
manufacturing, and warehouses on about 13,000 Colleges include Lee College, Lone Star College, people to draw about 314,222 quality workforce
acres in our industrial corridor some of which is dual and San Jacinto College. The City of Dayton and Lee to your business. If you are seeking a great location
rail served with two class “A” rail companies along College have partnered with others to open a local for your business that has the workforce to support
major four lane highways. Within a 30 or 40 mile drive campus in Liberty County in order to train local high your business and the infrastructure at or nearby
from Dayton our educational services include Rice quality and technical workforce. your desired location I highly recommend you check
University and the University of Houston, as well out Dayton Texas.
as other four year colleges. Our Junior/Technical Within 35 mile of Dayton the MSA has over 2.5 Million
Rail Expansion
Shelia Martin
Executive Director
Future Downtown
Dayton Community Development
Corporation 801 S.Cleveland Suite B
Dayton, TX 77535
Phone: 936-257-0055
www.daytontx.com
Grand Parkway
FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019 85
Business and education are two vital but different programs of the fifties and sixties, have become the has worked well in the lower grades, exposing the
streams that feed American culture. Typically, predominant type of school-business cooperation, students not only to a positive influence regularly,
business values and methods are more tangible, according to the executive director of the National but also to career opportunities in our community.
product oriented, while education is concerned with Association of Partners in Education. Most of Schools are gaining much-needed support as
less concrete goals such as helping our young people these are still locally driven by volunteers who businesses come forward to donate or loan equipment
become good citizens. Today, motivated by a need serve in classrooms under the supervision of school and supplies and share employees and executives
for an improved labor force, businesses are working staff. Business support is often most effective in to help with sharing knowledge. Partnerships give
with schools in ways that can affect every aspect of vocational education. Typically they are aimed at business people the chance to work directly to improve
the education process. And educators, prompted by early intervention such as our Reading Buddies the skills of future entry-level workers. Also, their
increasing conflicts between resources and goals, program in our local schools which pairs students presence in the schools helps businesses improve
have been encouraging this involvement. with their buddy, including police officers, CFOs, their public image and increase understanding of
Partnerships, a notion with roots in the volunteer CEOs, medical personnel, and working cowboys. This their products and services. Less tangibly, a greater
sharing of ideas can take place among all sectors of
the community - business, school, and government.
Business leaders are often community leaders, and
an intimate association with day-to-day teaching
problems can help them provide more efficient
support to school funding and policy issues. Similarly,
by learning more about careers and real-world
applications of the skills they encounter in school,
students can make more informed choices about
their futures.
Our goal is to improve the economy in Jack County
through strengthening the vocational education
system. Job creators need more people in the skilled
trades. Our role is to support those who create jobs
by removing road blocks and creating incentives. We
started by identifying necessary skillsets including
welding, construction, medical, and food service to
86 FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019
assist young people in succeeding in industries in been successful with the oil and gas industry and
our area. Public education classes prepare those agriculture being our largest employers. Our new
students that will not enter secondary education, hospital has encouraged the medical technician
including trade schools, and also helps them find curriculum and is very popular with the students.
employment for more than minimum wage if they The newest addition is the construction curriculum.
do attend college or trade school. With the partnership of the public high school,
With unemployment at an all-time low, we must businesses, and a Workforce grant, students are
prepare our youth to enter a workforce that requires learning readily marketable skills in the construction Lynda Pack PCED, BREP
skilled labor. We feel this preparation must begin locally trades. An example of one project is the group of
to ensure that our younger population remains here. cabins being constructed on city property at our local Executive Director
“Brain drain” has been a focus of rural communities for lake. These will be available for overnight stays by
more than fifteen years, with much planning but little visitors, helping the tourism industry. Jacksboro Economic Development
action. Action is overdue, and it is the responsibility Find your community’s workforce need, get your
of local business, government, and academia in every educators, government, and business partners on Corporation (JEDC)
rural community to put an action plan forward. The board, and move your plan to action.
welding program and ag mechanics classes have The time is now. Location: 302, South Main
Business Park Location: 1025 State
Hwy 59
City: Jacksboro, Texas 76458
Work: (940) 567-3151
Cell: (940) 229-9881
Email: [email protected]
FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019 87
Touted as the crossroads of the west, Utah is poised coastal ports such as customs clearance and make sector houses Adobe, Microsoft, eBay and many
to play an even larger role in the global economy. In it easier than ever to move products and materials other innovative companies. The low cost of doing
addition to the state’s quality workforce and diverse in and out of the state. Anticipation of the project is business and a high-quality workforce continues to
economy, its investment in infrastructure is setting high as state officials say the port will be the "largest attract global companies to the area. With so many
the groundwork for a new accolade: Utah – crossroads economic engine" ever assembled. tech companies coming to Utah, it has been ranked
of the world. second in the nation in fastest-growing states for
Commuters in Utah also benefit from the state’s tech jobs at an increase of 5.75 percent.
Commitment to infrastructure willingness to invest in infrastructure. The Legislature
has poured billions of dollars into expanding and Utah is also one of the top states in the nation for
As the only new major airport hub built in the
maintaining transportation aerospace and defense employment and has high
United States in the 21st century, the Salt Lake
Infrastructure. Frontrunner is a commuter rail employee concentrations of aerospace engineers,
City international airport is undergoing a $3.6
service that runs 80 miles along the Wasatch Front materials scientists, machine operators and many
billion redevelopment project. Servicing more than
population corridor. And TRAX is a light rail system other aerospace related occupations. This is why
24 million visitors each year, the airport is currently
that reaches throughout the Salt Lake Valley carrying companies like Boeing, Northrop Grumman Innovation
Delta Airlines’ fourth largest hub in the United States
thousands of passengers daily. Systems, L-3 Communications and others chose to
and traffic is continuing to grow. The new airport
operate here. Utah is also home to Hill Air Force Base,
will offer more international and direct flights in and Thriving Industries
out of Salt Lake. Additionally, the increased access
to the state will open new business opportunities in Reports have listed Utah’s economy as the most diverse
new markets overseas and better position Utah as in America. Some of the industries recognized for
an international business destination. promoting this diversity and generating high-paying
jobs in the state are software and IT, aerospace and
Northeast of the airport is another monumental defense and outdoor recreation.
project. Utilizing the state’s rail lines and major
interstates, a new Global Trade Port will facilitate In recent years, Utah’s burgeoning tech sector
the movement of international-bound products. This has gained international attention. Clustered just
inland port will offer services offered by traditional south of Salt Lake City, the “Silicon Slopes” tech
88 FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019
the Air Force's second largest base by population
and geographical size.
In addition to making Utah a great place to live, the
state’s impressive natural landscapes attract and
cultivate the best in the outdoor industry. Known
as the place to be for outdoor products, over 200
leading outdoor products companies reside here.
Finally, the most fundamental reason for Utah’s
economic success is the business-friendly climate
encouraged by state and local government leaders.
Utah has among the lowest tax rates in the country
and strives to keep business regulations to a minimum.
The low cost of doing business in Utah is another
reason for success. With an average rate of 9 cents
per kilowatt hour, Utah’s dynamic energy economy
boasts one of the most affordable and attractive
energy rates in the country.
FDI Efforts
Utah is committed to economic development and
has dedicated agencies in place to help fulfill this Message from Kristen Cox,
mission. The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Executive Director of the Utah Governor’s Office of Management and Budget
Development focuses their efforts on providing
rich business resources for the creation, growth Utah is a beautiful state with more than its improvements have saved taxpayers millions of
and recruitment of companies to Utah. Another fair share of resources. Business is booming dollars and produced better outcomes for customers.
resource dedicated to promoting economic prosperity thanks to a focus on reasonable and predictable The focus on quality improvement in state government
is World Trade Center Utah who leads business business regulations, a qualified workforce, is a proactive move to help Utah meet the growing
delegations abroad, hosts foreign dignitaries and low and stable tax rates, a AAA bond rating demand for services in a fiscally responsible way. We
works to establish meaningful connections with from all three rating agencies and premier take the same proactive approach to policy in Utah.
potential customers and partners. market access. As our state continues to grow, Instead of resting on our laurels, we are focused
we are focused on forward-looking policies on continually improving infrastructure, managing
Choose Utah that will help us maintain our unparalleled the states’ water supply, investing in education to
CEO Magazine recently named Utah’s workforce quality of life for decades to come. prepare the workforce of tomorrow and leveraging
the best in America. Utah is the youngest state land use to provide more employment and recreation
in the country with a median age of 30 years. In In 2018, “Rich States, Poor States” ranked opportunities close to housing that is affordable.
addition, Utah is the most bilingual state in America. Utah number one in the U.S for its economic These are just a few of the items that are part of
Its residents speak more than 130 languages, and outlook. Even with exciting rankings like these, Governor Herbert’s Life Elevated 2020 Initiative,
many are culturally fluent, having lived in countries we know the work is never done. This is a a collaborative, statewide growth strategy.
all across the globe. motto we apply to Utah government. We are
constantly looking for ways we can be even Both the private and public sector are involved in
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in its report on better stewards of public funds. discussions about the state’s economy, because
enterprising states, mentioned that the spirit of collaboration is a key ingredient in the secret sauce
collaboration was found in greater abundance in Utah Utah government agencies are committed to of Utah’s success. Companies are the heart of Utah’s
than in any other state. We welcome the opportunity providing top-notch services while maximizing economic engine, and our goal is to help businesses
to strengthen our connections and invite you to see existing resources. One of the key purposes of all sizes be successful. If you are looking for a place
all that Utah has to offer. of my office, The Utah Governor’s Office of to locate your business, Utah is ready to welcome
Management and Budget, is to work with state you with open arms.
agencies to help them achieve operational
excellence.
In 2012 we created and began implementing
the SUCCESS Framework, a management
approach based on the Theory of Constraints.
The SUCCESS Framework helped Utah state
government improve performance by more
than 27 percent in four years These operational
FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019 89
`` Lakewood’s future is bright. As the second-largest
city in Pierce County, Lakewood is situated in the
South Puget Sound among some of the most talented
businesses and workforce in the region.
Lakewood is adjacent to the Port of Tacoma and
abuts Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), one of
the nation’s top military installations. With multiple
entrance and exit points along Interstate 5 – the
major north-south freeway that runs from Canada
to California – and located along rail lines that feed
into the port, Lakewood also offers an abundant
variety of residential and recreational opportunities.
The city is poised and ready to support varied
businesses – existing and new – that will shape its
bright future.
People can live anywhere; businesses are global so
“Why Lakewood?”
Strong and Talented Workforce
comprise more of the labor force in Pierce County In 2016, there was an overall surplus of skilled
Pierce County’s population is younger that the state than anywhere else in the nation. But, Pierce County workers in demand occupations, largely driven by
average and even the national average. Out of Pierce loses more than 100,000 of its working-age residents tech-specific positions like web developers. The
County’s nearly 340,000 residents ages 25 and to jobs in King County – the neighboring county South Sound has a dynamic workforce development
above, more than a quarter hold four-year degrees, immediately to the north – every day. partnership guided by Workforce Central which has
and 38 percent have invested in some education and In Lakewood, 80 percent of the population commutes expanded economic and workforce data available on
workforce training beyond high school (less than a to jobs outside Pierce County. In most cases people its website (workforce-central.org/research-data/
four-year degree). choose to live in Pierce County because it still has economic-workforce-data/).
Veterans and active members of the Armed Forces affordable housing options compared to King County. JBLM is the second-largest employer in Washington
90 FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019
Two award-winning colleges are based in Lakewood, Pierce College (pictured) Lakewood offers housing for all price points, from serene
and Clover Park Technical College. residential neighborhoods surrounded by trees to lakefront living.
The City of Lakewood shares a strong connection with the Armed Forces and The City of Lakewood is proud to support our troops and has a special
neighboring Joint Base Lewis-McChord which is estimated to have a $9 billion relationship with Joint Base Lewis-McChord, which neighbors the
economic impact on Pierce County. city and contributes significantly to the local economy.
State. The base, with its military and civilian workforce, education go hand-in-hand when developing vibrant
is an essential driver of the South Sound’s economic economic development ecosystems. They also know CITY OF
momentum. that it can’t end there.
A recent study completed by the University of Being involved and getting ahead of legislation LAKEWOOD
Washington-Tacoma showed the military installation that matters for the future of the South Sound is
has an estimated economic impact of over $9 billion not just a Lakewood issue. It requires regional and
in Pierce County alone. state connections, and not letting go of projects
Many of the 37,000 skilled military personnel will retire that matter to the community, businesses and
and remain in the area, choosing to find employment residents. It also requires pushing forward on big
close to home. Add the 15,000 civilian workers and issues like transportation. For example, Lakewood Becky Newton, EDFP
working spouses, and you’ve got a whole other layer was instrumental in securing just under $500,000 to
of dedicated workers, at all skill levels, seeking varied widen Interstate 5 and re-construct three interchanges Economic Development Manager
types of employment. that access the city to improve traffic flow and
reduce congestion. Lakewood was also instrumental City of Lakewood
Award-winning Education System in the formation of the South Sound Military and
Communities Partnership, which was created to 6000 Main Street Sw | Lakewood,
In Lakewood there are two colleges and an award- strengthen connections between the military and
winning k-12 system. There are also many private surrounding cities and communities.
institutions and access to world-class education, WA 98499
research universities, and apprenticeship programs. Lakewood leaders know that making
Both Clover Park Technical College (CPTC) and Pierce it easy to do business, with incentives PHONE: 253.983.7738 | FX: 253.589.3774
College have state-of-the-art health care programs, and partnerships, will make Lakewood
and CPTC is completing a new Advanced Manufacturing the best place to do business.
Training program this year. The City’s partnerships CELL: 253-254-1204
with the University of Washington-Tacoma and the City leaders look forward to continuing conversations
South Sound Alliance are integral to developing a and developing local and global partnerships of the
more efficient ecosystem for transportation and future. We’re all working together to ensure that
talent attraction, both workforce and business. Lakewood is the choice for businesses who want to
Lakewood leaders believe that workforce and grow and prosper!
FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019 91
STATE OF
WISCONSIN
GOVERNOR
TONY EVERS
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central in distant lands. That’s why Wisconsin has developed far beyond the milk and cheese produced by our proud
United States, in the Midwest and Great Lakes regions. It is partnerships across the globe to enhance sustainable farmers. Vitamins A and B were discovered at the University
bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, water and energy resources management practices. of Wisconsin-Madison in the early 20th century, as was
Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan And it’s why they have shared their state’s agriculture, a method for enriching food with vitamin D to treat
to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin and food and beverage production insights with industry conditions including psoriasis and osteoporosis. And
is the 23rd largest state by total area and the 20th most leaders worldwide, many of whom travel to Wisconsin or in 1998, one of the major milestones in the history of
populous. The state capital is Madison, and its largest establish operational facilities here to leverage our state’s science took place at the same Wisconsin institution:
city is Milwaukee, which is located on the western shore industry expertise. developmental biologist James Thomson became the
of Lake Michigan. The state is divided into 72 counties. first in the world to isolate human embryonic stem cells,
Wisconsin’s early-stage health and life science firms and a discovery that later fueled the reverse engineering of
Encouraging innovation and fostering an environment of the Center for Technology Commercialization (CTC) stem cells from human skin cells.
success for industry and its supporting workforce. received national attention for the state’s success over WEDC works collaboratively with other agencies,
Leveraging strategic partnerships throughout the state the past decade in landing competitive federal grants. corporations and nonprofit minority business associations
to help Wisconsin companies start up, grow and reach Wisconsin ranked third after Oregon and Vermont in to provide financial and operational assistance, resources
new markets. securing Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and and statewide networking opportunities to minority
Wisconsin influence in the world starts with a desire to Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding from entrepreneurs and business owners.
create mutually beneficial outcomes. From a welcoming the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from 2008-2017.
environment that encourages foreign direct investment to The 23 percent win rate for applications (248 awards Hundreds of businesses each year are served by WEDC,
breakthrough discoveries that address some of the world’s from 1,056 submissions) resulted in $87 million invested including the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of
most pressing challenges, they know that by working in the state’s entrepreneurial efforts Wisconsin, the African-American Chamber of Commerce
together, they can all realize Wisconsin’s full potential. of Wisconsin, the Hmong Chamber of Commerce and
With ninety-six percent of the world’s population living While Wisconsin is perhaps best known as “America’s First-American Capital Corporation, the business financing
outside of the United States, Wisconsin understand that Dairyland,” the state’s contributions to the health, nutrition arm of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of
the people are best served by their innovations often live and quality of life of people around the world extends Wisconsin. By working with minority business associations
92 FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019
and their partners, WEDC helps support the attraction, leaving their mark on architecture, through Frank Lloyd development that will help you maintain your competitive
development and growth of diverse companies in Wright’s unconventional design, music with Les Paul’s advantage.
Wisconsin. electric guitar, two-wheel transportation through Harley- Wisconsin’s public and private colleges and universities,
The City of Superior is receiving a $148,400 state grant Davidson’s refining of the motorcycle, and recreation including the University of Wisconsin System, supports
to redevelop the former Soo Line freight depot into a with Ole Evinrude’s outboard motor. the researchers, companies and policy-makers across
microbrewery and restaurant. Wisconsin state impact is bigger than the businesses the state who are working together to develop solutions
The Community Development Investment Grant (CDI) and residents that call it home, they strive to create to the world’s challenges, ranging from sustainable
from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation an environment where you’re free to THINK bigger, resource management and health care to advanced
(WEDC) will support the relocation of Thirsty Pagan encouraged to MAKE your mark and poised for great manufacturing processes and materials production. The
Brewery to the 7,500-square-foot depot things to HAPPEN. state’s highly ranked technical college system shapes the
WEDC’s CDI Grant Program supports community While every entrepreneur’s path to starting a business is workforce through technical training that closes talent
development and redevelopment efforts, primarily in different, each shares a critical insight–a vision of possibility. gaps in high-demand fields across a broad range of
downtown areas. The matching grants are awarded based Entrepreneurs interrupt the market with a better way, and in industries, allowing businesses the opportunity to scale
on the ability of applicants to demonstrate the economic the process improve lives and the world in which we live. as they grow. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce
impact of the proposed project, including public and Development works closely with employers, educators
private partnership development, financial need, and With a long history of innovation and a bright future and economic developers at local, regional and state
use of sustainable downtown development practices. fueled by optimism, Wisconsin welcomes game-changers. level to provide the support necessary to fill the jobs of
Entrepreneurs and their support networks benefit from today and tomorrow.
Since the program’s inception in 2013, WEDC has programs designed to move startups from seed to growth
awarded more than $20 million in CDI Grants to 79 stage. From technical support services to tax credits for Developing the next generation of leaders has always
communities for projects expected to generate more than investments in early-stage companies, Wisconsin provides been vital to driving Wisconsin’s industry leadership.
$280 million in capital investments statewide. the tools and resources to keep your venture moving Through education, training programs and funding, they
Entrenched in tradition but continuing to shape the forward. Plus, you’ll have access to the location you want, have invested to ensure Wisconsin has the qualified talent
future, Wisconsin is driven to discover a better way, of the talent you need, and the investment in research and to meet the future needs of business.
FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019 93
ENGAGEMENT AND TALENT
Match-making is not anything I see in the distant usual regional airport, local airport, rail, highway/ What matters in our community is what is unique to
future as having a direct impact on talent attraction, interstate, and resources that most businesses us. Not each item individually but collectively. We
however engagement is an important part of need. Portage County has both a 4-year university finally decided to brag and share it with the world,
attracting employees. The concept of corporate and 2-year technical college as well as very strong primarily through our talent attraction website
culture and employee engagement are some of public and private K-12 school choices. You can everythingpointshere.com. Wisconsinites and
the buzz words in economic development and, check all of this out on everythingpointshere.com particularly those of us in the central part of the
specifically, talent attraction. or portagecountybiz.com. state are hard-working, roll-up-your-sleeves, strong
When I first started in this position nearly four
years ago our community still had a primary
focus on attracting the next “big business” to
our community. We were even “scolded” once in
a governmental board meeting about not focusing
enough on business attraction. While that desire
certainly has not changed, the primary focus
has shifted from business attraction to talent
attraction. With talent will come businesses
and keep those businesses here that have grown
through entrepreneurism.
The Stevens Point/Plover metroplex (okay, we
have just 70,000 in our County) has what any
employee or business needs, just on a different
scale and with different attributes. We have the
94 FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019
work ethic type of people who like to lead by example (ACP) that is mandated by DPI. In the ACP arena, professional sense, of course. And I didn’t even
rather than bragging about it. The website helps us we partner with the public schools through Inspire get the chance to talk about our quality of life, but
to brag and show our collective strengths. Central Wisconsin. That program allows sixth again, just go to everythingpointshere.com and find
through twelfth graders to connect with businesses out what everyone is pointing to in our community.
Businesses that understand the dynamics of attracting locally and across the state to dig into the details
employees AND retaining them are making the shift of the many opportunities in central Wisconsin.
to what millennials and Gen Z talent are looking for in The businesses create a free profile, essentially a
a job. Obviously money and benefits are important, marketing piece, and the students can request to
however the corporate culture and their own personal gain more information through a one-on-one email
growth are important to them. conversation, job shadow, company tour, internship or
other means. We are blessed that our governmental
For 2019, we are adding more to our leadership units, businesses, education and community work
offerings that can aid businesses in their retention so closely together.
and attraction of talent. And we will be working with Todd Kuckkahn
our K-12 school systems to support their students As I stated earlier, I have been in this position for
as well. For the business community, we are leading nearly four years and we are just embarking on our Executive Director
roundtables through LeadTransformed that can first county-wide strategic economic development
help individuals and businesses change the way they plan. The plan will engage eighty or so community
engage and do business. Change and leadership is a members in three workshops over three months Portage County Business Council, Inc.
process and not a moment in time and the curriculum to come up with a twenty year goal for our future
surrounding this helps people work through their prosperity. Of course, any twenty year plan will look portagecountybiz.com
own personal growth and, in turn, help themselves much different by then, and earlier, so there will also
and their organization. be more manageable three to twelve month action 5501 Vern Holmes Drive
steps along the way. Our business council board and
The Portage County High School Leadership the local governmental units are all behind this, as Stevens Point, WI 54482
Program will begin in the Fall of 2019 with a focus is the Wisconsin Local Government Institute, as we
on juniors and sophomores with a culminating search for ways to stretch resources and still focus Phone: 715-344-1940
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) on growing the community for existing and future
youth leadership certification. We are working businesses. [email protected]
with the local schools and businesses to develop
the curriculum. This will be a quality program for This all will impact the corporate culture in our
students and their Academic and Career Planning community and get our employees engaged, in the
FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019 95
Business costs 15%
Reach 90% of the U.S. At crossroads of below the national Class I rail service from
Market in 2 days Interstate 70 & HWY 75 BNSF and Union Pacific
average
Aggressive cash
12,800-ft runway at Over 700 acres of Four universities within
Forbes Field shovel-ready land incentives for jobs, a 60-mile radius
investment & training
TOPCITY
For the logistics of getting from Point A to Point Z, Topeka, Kansas has both a prime location and
some of the most dialed-in and interconnected infrastructures in place.
Nestled in the middle of the U.S., Topeka’s strengths as a logistics and distribution hub have
already proven to be invaluable to companies such as Mars, Target, Home Depot, J.M. Smucker
Pet Food, Goodyear, Frito Lay, and U.S. Foods, who all have distribution centers in the community.
MOLLY HOWEY
785.234.2644 | [email protected]
FDI ALLIANCE | WINTER ISSUE 2019 97
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