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conomic development organizations worldwide are designing novel programs to enhance their appeal. From interactive web sites and work-force development plans to invent finance and tax incentives, local officials are creating new and innovative programs to lure business expansions and developments. In the slowing economy, these plans are developed to distinguish each individual community and make it more competitive on the world market.
In Site Selection‘s survey of global economic development groups many communities are addressing the No. 1 global issue of labor with various tax and work-force incentives. Other programs include tax reductions, novel financing programs, and Web sites with interactive request forms.
Bartlesville, Okla., Bartlesville Development Corporation.A Build-to-Suit Program is the new brainchild of the BDC. The program will allow the BDC to provide clients with a building site, fund the design, construct to specs and lease the new facility back to the clients. BDC has also been instrumental in the organization of a childcare center within the Washington County Industrial Park to be used primarily by the park’s tenants.
Bartow, Fla., Central Florida Development Council. The CFDC has developed an award-wining Work Force 20/20 Program, designed to recruit, train and retain labor. The CFDC also produces tailor-made demographics reports for various clients.
Bethlehem, Pa., Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation. Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley area continue to market to the plastics, food processing and technology industries. The LVEDC developed a “Virtual Tour” program, enabling prospects to view building properties as well as available land via computer. The group also developed a comprehensive site excursion guidebook.
Covington, Ky., Tri-County Economic Development Corporation TCEDC opened an office in Malen, Switzerland to increase client contact with European projects seeking US locations. Tri-Ed also launched, in cooperation with the US Labor and Kentucky Dept. of Labor, a “Virtual Interviewing” program on closed-circuit TV. This program is designed for employers and US military personnel discharged from military installations.
Hattiesburg, Miss., Greater Hattiesburg MSA To recruit businesses involved in the plastics and polymer industries, Greater Hattiesburg has created a web site for the industry and area. The site offers specific information regarding polymer science and plastics industries and highlights the abundance of available resources in the area for firms associated with those industries. Child-care assistance is also offered through the group via Area Development Partnership. The ADP finds affordable child care and accommodates the needs of local employees in the Hattiesburg/Forrest County Industrial Park.
Metairie, La., Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission.Jefferson Parish launched a unique marketing program, called “Big Box,” to attract call-center or back-office operations within the parish. The campaign was accompanied by financial incentives. JPEDC also initiated a web site with on-line submissions for site requests.
Miami, Fla., The Beacon Council. The Beacon Council reports 4,673 new jobs in the last year. Part of the attraction may be the Targeted Jobs Incentive Fund. The TJIF provides up to $1,500 a job for new and expanding business in Miami-Dade County. The Beacon Council created the fund in partnership with Miami-Dade County.
Scranton, Pa., The Scranton Plan. The Scranton Plan partnered with the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business & Industry and CAN-DO/Hazleton to form the Great Valley Technology Alliance. The Alliance will develop a venture capital fund to attract advanced-technology firms to Northeast Pennsylvania. The group also anticipates forming an advanced tech incubator.
Statesville, N.C., Greater Statesville Development Corporation. Greater Statesville has sponsored a new revolving loan program to assist developers in constructing speculative facilities within the community. Developers will be able to access a pool of loans below prime rate to build within the area and alleviate the building shortage within the community.
St. Louis, Mo., St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association. The SLRCGA has developed an Internet-based site with an interactive building inventory in response to prospective inquiries. The group also hosts an Internet portal for aggregate job postings, candidate profiles and regional training programs.
