< Previous98 MAY 2021 S I T E S EL E C T I O N INVES TMENT PROFILE: CONSUMERS ENERGY Sustainability Is Accelerating Business In Michigan It starts with a nation-leading commitment to go net-zero. Alot of companies like to talk about their sustainability goals. Few are as aggressive at charting a course as Consumers Energy. Michigan-based Consumers Energy is pioneering sustainability initiatives on behalf of both its natural gas and electric business. The company’s nation-leading plans call for zero-methane emissions from its natural gas delivery system by 2030 and to achieve net zero carbon emissions, end coal use and dramatically increase clean energy resources by 2040 in its electric business. Consumers Energy is doing all this through comprehensive action plans that support the electric vehicle movement, electrification, energy conservation, renewable natural gas and wide-scale adoption of solar and wind power. Just as Consumers Energy is transforming its business to become more sustainable for future generations, Michigan’s largest utility is supporting businesses to do the same. Energy experts work with companies to understand their goals, operations and long-term plans to create integrated solutions that balance operational efficiencies with clean, renewable energy. Meanwhile, the diverse portfolio of customer programs can improve business’ operations by reducing energy waste, optimizing energy rates and meeting sustainability goals through a variety of renewable energy options. This no-holds-barred approach to sustainability is touching almost every corner of Michigan, from international Fortune 500 companies to local hometown breweries. Powering the Automotive Sustainability Journey The longstanding partnership between Consumers Energy and General Motors showcases what is possible when two industry leaders work together to take a stand for our planet. For over 20 years the two organizations have been tackling energy waste at facilities and have optimized the electric grid by supporting Demand Response programs. Now the two are working together to help suppliers of America’s largest auto manufacturer do the same. Through GM’s Supplier Energy Symposium, suppliers and partner organizations like Consumers Energy have strengthened relationships, deepened collaboration efforts and increased energy efficiency projects across GM’s value chain. Each organization is sharing insight into Over the next three years, Consumers Energy plans to help 200 fast charging locations — and over 2,000 chargers at homes and businesses — start powering electric vehicles across Michigan.. Photo courtesy of Consumers Energy by RON STARNER ron.starner@siteselection.com S I T E S E L E C T I O N MAY 2021 99 energy management strategies and best practices to support others in their sustainability journeys. Moving beyond efficiency, Consumers Energy and GM are partnering to accelerate the development of renewable energy resources in Michigan and advance electric vehicle (EV) technology, policy and customer programs across the nation. In September 2020, Consumers Energy announced joining a first-of-its- kind pledge to make interstate travel easier for EV owners by 2022. A coalition of energy providers including Consumers Energy will facilitate construction of a vast network of fast charging stations across the Midwest from Michigan to the Colorado border, making it possible for EV owners to drive longer distances without worrying about their next charge. This initiative dovetails with GM’s all-electric future and its commitment to 30 new global electric vehicles by 2025. All roads lead to thinking differently and bringing creative solutions to make a meaningful impact toward building a zero-emissions future. Brewing Up Energy Star Success From global to local, customized collaboration remains the same. Perhaps nowhere is it more evident than in the Michigan town of Comstock, where Bell’s Brewery is setting a new standard in energy efficiency. Bell’s utilizes an Energy Concierge Service offered by Consumers Energy, where a dedicated energy engineer supports their sustainability goals by identifying energy efficiency projects, building business cases and leading projects from start to finish. Through a series of energy efficiency improvements enacted over the past two years, Bell’s received the U.S. EPA Energy Star Challenge award for the company’s sustainability efforts. Since 2019, the largest independent craft brewery in Michigan has reduced its energy per barrel packaged by 10.35%. Bell’s shipped almost 500,000 barrels of beer in 2019. The Energy Star Challenge for Industry is a worldwide call to action for industrial end-users to reduce their energy intensity by 10% within five years. Over the last few years, the two companies have also partnered to help Bell’s significantly save energy costs. “Being good stewards of our environment has always been a priority,” said Larry Bell, president and founder of Bell’s. “Sure, we save money. That’s good business. More importantly, we’re helping to secure and protect our environment for generations to come.” The brewery partnered with Consumers Energy to make these upgrades at the main brewery operation in West Michigan. “We love working with customers like Bell’s who share our vision that reducing their carbon footprint and using energy more efficiently are important aspects of a cleaner energy future,” said Lauren Youngdahl Snyder, Consumers Energy’s vice president of customer experience. “Our energy efficiency programs have helped customers save over $3 billion on their bills in the last decade.” Building Sustainable Michigan Communities Part of making Michigan more sustainable involves the continued focus of Consumers Energy and others to make its communities a go-to destination. On that scorecard, Consumers Energy partners with Traverse Connect to make sure Michigan remains a preferred destination for remote workers and employers who want to diversify the location of their operations. “We are already on the map from a quality-of-life standpoint, but we want to make sure people understand they can live here and work here year-round,” says Warren Call, president and CEO of Traverse Connect in Traverse City, Michigan. “We are on the top 10 lists for Best Small Towns in America and Best Places to Visit. But we want folks to know we are way more than a beach town. We have cultural amenities like an opera house, and we are building out our talent recruitment efforts to get the word out.” Hence, the creation and launch of Michigan’s Creative Coast and corresponding website, www. michiganscreativecoast.com. “Our community partners worked with us to build a comprehensive site that incorporates every aspect of our entrepreneurial ecosystem and highlights the many fantastic careers and industries available right here on the shores of Traverse Bay,” says Call. “People have moved here from the West Coast. We had over 1,000 views of our job board in just February alone. We partnered with Michigan Economic Development Corp. and Consumers Energy to create this, and it is already paying huge dividends for our region.” Call adds, “Talent today wants the complete package. They want to know there is a cultural depth to a place. That is a big part of our place-making. And this year, we are going even deeper into entrepreneurial attraction. Our message to them is simple: You can do your work from anywhere and hire from anywhere. Why not do it here?” From a chilled craft beer to endless adventures, the fresh coast of the Great Lakes State is filled with pure Michigan opportunities. This Investment Profile was prepared under the auspices of Consumers Energy. For more information, contact Valerie Christofferson at 616-648-2777 or valerie.christofferson @cmsenergy.com. On the web, go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com/econdev. Consumers Energy aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Bell’s Brewery brews up Energy Star success. Photo courtesy of Bell’s Breweryby GARY DAUGHTERS gary.daughters@siteselection.com TO P EC ONOMIC DEVEL OPME NT GROUPS There may never have been a more challenging year than was for those who work in the vital fi eld of economic development. As businesses reeled and supply chains shuddered, this singular group of professionals stepped forward to help steer communities through the pandemic, the battle against which remains unfi nished. “In some ways this has been the fi nest hour for the economic development community,” says Kenny McDonald, president and CEO of One Columbus, the economic development organization for the Columbus, Ohio region. McDonald served as Chairman of Board of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). “We really had to come together,” says McDonald. “I’ve been amazed at how, across the country, we have able to respond. Companies needed an extraordinary amount of help. It was a test of trust, and a test of whether you had built your collaborative networks. Our community has responded to meet this demand of our time, everything from the shutdown to the fl urry of capital investment that’s now happening under a diff erent environment.” McKinley “Mac” Conway would have been proud. Our swashbuckling founder was an icon in the fi elds of corporate real estate and economic development. “Mac essentially invented economic development as it is today,” wrote a rival publisher upon Conway’s death in . Site Selection’s Mac Conway Awards for Excellence in Economic Development recognize the top local and regional economic development agencies in the U.S. Our honorees, presented here in alphabetical order, have been determined by an index that examines corporate facility investment as tracked by Site Selection’s proprietary Conway Projects database. Scores are awarded based on six criteria: total projects, total investment associated with those projects and jobs associated with those projects. e remaining three criteria represent a per capita calculation of those same metrics. We’re more pleased than ever to be able to shine a light on some of the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes in service to their communities. 100 MAY 2021 S I T E S EL E C T I O N this singular group of professionals stepped forward to help steer communities through the pandemic, the battle against which remains unfi nished. “In some ways this has been the fi nest hour for the economic development community,” says Kenny McDonald, president and CEO of One Columbus, the economic development organization for the Columbus, “We really had to come together,” says McDonald. “I’ve been amazed at how, across the country, we have able to respond. Companies needed an extraordinary amount of help. It was a test of trust, and a test of whether you had built your collaborative networks. Our community has responded to meet this demand of our time, everything from the shutdown to the fl urry of capital investment that’s now happening under a diff erent environment.” McKinley “Mac” Conway would have been proud. Our swashbuckling founder was an icon in the fi elds of corporate real estate and 102 MAY 2021 S I T E S EL E C T I O N Jay Byers CEO dsmparntership.com Signifi cant Projects Helena Agri-Enterprises (farm machinery), Electrical Power Products (electronics), The Weitz Company (machinery), The Printer, Inc. (paper products), Road Machinery and Supplies Co. (machinery), Schimberg (metals). Programs and Initiatives For the last 35 years, the Greater Des Moines Partnership has presented Economic Impact Awards to companies in the region that have made a substantial impact to greater Des Moines. We’re proud to share our growth with the community by making a signifi cant investment at the Des Moines site.” — Philip Berryman, President & CEO, Helena Industries We’re proud to share our growth with We’re proud to share our growth with GREATER DES MOINES PARTNERSHIP Chip Cherry President & CEO hsvchamber.org Signifi cant Projects Mazda Toyota (automotive), Facebook (social media), Blue Origin (aerospace), Palco Telecom (communications), Dormakaba USA (metals), Benchmark Electronics (electronics), Toyota Tsusho America (automotive), Daikyonishikawa USA (automotive), Ykta (automotive), Dynetics (life sciences), Torch Technologies (life sciences), Programs and Initiatives The Huntsville/ Madison County Chamber is active in promoting economic development, workforce & education, small business events, marketing & communications and government outreach on behalf of the local business community. We are on the path to deliver on our promise to end the reliance on Russian- made engines — and it’s all happening right here, right now, in the great state of Alabama.” — Bob Smith, CEO, Blue Origin behalf of the local business community. We are on the path to deliver on our behalf of the local business community. We are on the path to deliver on our HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER Bob Harvey President & CEO houston.org Signifi cant Projects Axiom Space (aerospace), Shanghai United Imaging Healthcare (life sciences), Home Depot (distribution), Bimbo Bakeries (food), ConocoPhillips (energy), Greentown Labs (financial services), Compass Real Estate (financial services). Programs and Initiatives Future of Texas gives Partnership members access to elected officials on some of the state’s most pressing issues. The Partnership’s priority issues include improving student outcomes, public school finance and flood mitigation. ... [Houston’s] reputation grows as a place where people can dream big and succeed.” — Smithsonian Magazine ... [Houston’s] reputation grows as ... [Houston’s] reputation grows as GREATER HOUSTON PARTNERSHIP Chris Camacho President & CEO gpec.org Signifi cant Projects Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (electronics), Apel Extrusions (metals), Kroger Co. (food & beverage), Amazon (transport & logistics), Vital Pharmaceuticals (pharmaceuticals). Programs and Initiatives Launched in conjunction with other regional partners, “The Connective, Greater Phoenix’s Smart Region Consortium” is an effort to build what it calls “the nation’s largest smart region” by developing and deploying technology solutions rooted in connectivity, mobility, equity and sustainability. The partnership is a consortium of public, private, university and community partners. ere’s a huge demand for these high performers who are coming out of Arizona State University with engineering degrees.” — James Murphy, CEO, Willmeng Construction ere’s a huge demand for these ere’s a huge demand for these GREATER PHOENIX ECONOMIC COUNCIL INDY CHAMBER Michael Huber President & CEO indychamber.com Signifi cant Projects Innovation Associates (machinery), Greenleaf Foods (food & beverage), Medioh (communications), Advanced Accelerator Applications (life sciences), Blue Marble Cocktails (food & beverage), POINT Biopharma (life sciences), Technical Youth (communications). Programs and Initiatives Accelerate Indy, launched in conjunction with regional partners and with financial sponsor JPMorgan Chase, is aimed at supporting small business growth, existing business expansions and new business relocations. We are pleased to establish our next generation, high-tech manufacturing base in Indiana, a state with a robust talent pool, a rich life science ecosystem, and an excellent business-friendly environment.” — Joe McCann, CEO, POINT Biopharma new business relocations. We are pleased to establish our next new business relocations. We are pleased to establish our next Bob Trezise President & CEO purelansing.com Signifi cant Projects Bridgewater Interiors (automotive), Techsmith Corporation (communications), Site Selection Group (consulting), Set Seg Insurance Services Agency (finance). Programs and Initiatives As the economic development organization representing Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties, LEAP focuses on attracting new businesses from outside the region, expanding and retaining existing businesses, supporting entrepreneurs and startups and marketing the Lansing Region. We look forward to providing a quality workspace and state-of-the-art amenities to our amazing team, which not only better equips us to attract world-class talent, but also deepens our company’s sense of commitment to and passion for Michigan State University and the Lansing region.” — Wendy Hamilton, CEO, Techsmith startups and marketing the Lansing Region. We look forward to providing a quality startups and marketing the Lansing Region. We look forward to providing a quality LANSING ECONOMIC AREA PARTNERSHIP (LEAP)104 MAY 2021 S I T E S EL E C T I O N AUSTIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Laura Hu man President & CEO austinchamber.com Signifi cant Projects Tesla (automotive), Apple (technology), Bold Commerce (technology), Digital Realty Trust (finance), Amazing Magnets (manufacturing), Katana Graph (software), Literati (internet technology), BAE Systems (aerospace). Programs and Initiatives Opportunity Austin, the Austin Chamber’s five-county economic development initiative, spearheads programs related to economic growth, talent and place. ATX Helps is focused on raising money to provide emergency shelter and outreach for people living on Austin’s streets. Austin is the perfect place for Airtable to be investing in because it truly is one of the most tech-forward, innovative, and creative cities in the U.S.” — Brian Hagen, O ce Manager, Airtable Austin is the perfect place for Airtable Austin is the perfect place for Airtable COMMERCE LEXINGTON Robert L. Quick President & CEO commercelexington.com Signifi cant Projects Georgia Pacific (paper products), Amazon (logistics), Axcis Information Network (technology), Everburn Manufacturing (electronics), Quality Logistics (logistics), Summit Biosciences (life sciences), Fresh Bourbon (beverages). Programs and Initiatives The Bluegrass Business Development Partnership (BBDP), funded by the City of Lexington, is a one-stop shop that provides entrepreneurs with the information they need to be successful, including assistance in fi nancial planning, business plans, funding sources, real estate, and service providers. Commerce Lexington’s Minority Business Development Program strives to promote and sustain the growth and development of minority-owned businesses in the seven-county Lexington MSA. Everything you need is in Lexington.” — Bill Quigg, President, More Than a Bakery Everything you need is in Lexington.”Everything you need is in Lexington.” Maureen Donohue Krauss President & CEO detroitregionalpartnership.com Signifi cant Projects E.W. Grobbel Sons (food & beverage), Amazon (transportation & logistics), Detroit Manufacturing Systems (automotive), Beximco Pharmaceuticals (life sciences), Walbridge Aldinger (machinery), Coyote Logistics (transportation & logistics). Programs and Initiatives D2D is a local procurement program dedicated to strengthening business-to-business connections to increase the local spend of larger corporations with Detroit-based businesses. Motor City Match supports entrepreneurs to locate workspaces and sources of funding. Motor City Restore offers grants to neighborhood businesses to improve their storefronts. e population number is the number by which we either win or we lose.” — Mike Duggan, Mayor of Detroit e population number is the number e population number is the number DETROIT REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP Ron Bunch President & CEO bgchamber.com Signifi cant Projects Nova Steel (metals), Crown Holdings (metals), Ball Corporation (manufacturing), Material Handling Systems (machinery), B & R Electrical (machinery), Dollar General (transportation & logistics), Kentucky Bio Science International (life sciences). Programs and Initiatives Leadership Bowling Green, a leadership development program coordinated by the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, involves seven day-sessions and two overnight retreats. Bowling Green Young Professionals encourages young talent by engaging and empowering the next generation of business and community leaders. BOWLING GREEN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE We believe that Bowling Green is the ideal location to achieve our growth plans and look forward to a long and successful relationship with the community.” — Tom Stearns, Vice President, Nova Steel of business and community leaders. We believe that Bowling Green is the of business and community leaders. We believe that Bowling Green is the CHARLOTTE REGIONAL BUSINESS ALLIANCE Janet LaBar President & CEO charlotteregion.com Signifi cant Projects Truist Financial Corporation (finance), Lowe’s (machinery), Centene (financial services), Microsoft (technology), Arrival Ltd. (automotive), Intercontinental Capital Group (finance), Patton’s Inc. (manufacturing), Teguar (technology). Programs and Initiatives Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, officially launched January 1, 2019, resulted from the merger of Charlotte Chamber and Charlotte Regional Partnership. The Economic Development Advisory Council comprises economic development professionals from each of the 15 counties in the Charlotte region. Charlotte has all the elements of a great city: successful schools, impressive infrastructure, great diversity and tremendous opportunity for upward economic mobility.” — Michael Neido , CEO, Centene Charlotte region. Charlotte has all the elements of a great Charlotte region. Charlotte has all the elements of a great We are thrilled to initiate our Industrial Automotive activities in the USA in such a historical location as Chattanooga, Tennessee, serving our valued customer Volkswagen, and more so on their all-new electric vehicle models.” — Alfonso Sesé, President, Grupo Sesé We are thrilled to initiate our We are thrilled to initiate our Charles H. Wood VP Economic Development greaterchatt.com Signifi cant Projects Sese Industrial (automotive), Gestamp Chattanooga (automotive), Echelon Fitness Multimedia (consumer products), Confluent Medical Technologies (life sciences), Southern Champion Tray (packaging), Zeus Industrial (plastics). Programs and Initiatives GCEP is a public-private, regional economic development partnership representing a 16-county region in Northeast Alabama, Northwest Georgia and Southeast Tennessee. The group provides expertise in site selection, workforce support and incentive support. GREATER CHATTANOOGA ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP S I T E S E L E C T I O N MAY 2021 105 DALLAS REGIONAL CHAMBER // FORT WORTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DALLAS REGIONAL CHAMBER Dale Petroskey President and CEO dallaschamber.org FORT WORTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Brandom Gengelbach Chief Executive O cer fortworthchamber.com Signifi cant Projects: Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (pharmaceuticals), Kehe Distributors (food & beverage), Amazon (logistics), The Freeman Company (financial services), Quality Sausage (food & beverage), Teledyne Instruments (electronics). Programs and Initiatives The Dallas Regional Chamber’s “Building Tomorrow Together” initiative seeks to increase economic growth, enhance quality of life, strengthen the local talent pipeline, and to advocate for pro-business policies. It works with hundreds of member companies and regional partners to advocate for pro- business, pro-growth public policies. The Fort Worth Chamber’s “Fortify” is a four-year development initiative whose goals include attracting four Fortune 1000 headquarters, attracting 20 Inc. 5000 companies and increasing business startups by 10%. Dallas became the fi rst city in Texas where the Uber app was available in 2012, and since then Texas has been a hub of innovation for our platform.” — Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO, Uber Dallas became the fi rst city in Texas where the Uber app was Dallas became the fi rst city in Texas where the Uber app was GREATER MEMPHIS CHAMBER // EDGE (ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GROWTH ENGINE) EDGE Reid Dulberger President/CEO growth-engine.org GREATER MEMPHIS CHAMBER Beverly Robertson President & CEO memphischamber.com Signifi cant Projects: Mullen Technologies (automotive), Varsity Spirit (financial services), UPS (transportation & logistics), Fedex Freight (transportation & logistics), ULab Systems (life sciences), Amazon (electronics), Medtronic (life sciences), Barrett Distribution Centers (transportation & logistics). Programs and Initiatives Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) is an EDGE initiative allowing for a temporary, partial reduction of future real and/or property taxes for projects that benefit the community that would not otherwise launch. We Build 901, sponsored by the Greater Memphis Chamber, focuses on building a talent pipeline for the construction industry. Memphis’ location makes it a primary logistical hub for distribution throughout the U.S. and will provide Mullen with key strategic advantages.” — John Taylor, VP of Manufacturing for Mullen Memphis’ location makes it a primary logistical hub for Memphis’ location makes it a primary logistical hub for 106 MAY 2021 S I T E S EL E C T I O N LOUISVILLE FORWARD // GREATER LOUISVILLE, INC. LOUISVILLE FORWARD Rebecca Fleischaker & Je O’Brien Co-chiefs louisvilleky.gov GREATER LOUISVILLE, INC. Sarah Davasher-Wisdom President & CEO greaterlouisville.com Signifi cant Projects Eberspaecher North America (automotive), Brown Forman (beverage), Haier US Appliance Solutions (electronics), Buildmyplace.com (consumer products), Universal Medical Supply (life sciences), Eckart America Corporation (consumer products), Healthcare Asset Network (life sciences). Programs and Initiatives Louisville Forward aims to maximize Louisville’s potential for its 19 Opportunity Zones by providing concierge project management, offering incentives for projects in CDBG-eligible census tracts and working to accelerate the permitting process. We are very proud to continue our growth path with a new facility in Louisville.” — Thomas Waldhier, COO Exhaust Technology, Eberspaecher Group We are very proud to continue our growth path with a new facility in Louisville.”We are very proud to continue our growth path with a new facility in Louisville.” S I T E S E L E C T I O N MAY 2021 107 REDI CINCINNATI // NORTHERN KENTUCKY TRI-ED REDI CINCINNATI Kimm Lauterbach President & CEO redicincinnati.com NORTHERN KENTUCKY TRI-ED Lee Crume President & CEO northernkentuckyusa.com Signifi cant Projects Gravity Diagnostics (healthcare), Trihealth (life sciences), KAO USA (cosmetics), Nestle-Purina Petcare (food), Saica Group (paper products), Protective Life Corporation (financial services), Boston Beer Company (food & beverage), American Craft Brewery (food & beverage), Salyers Group (consumer products). Programs and Initiatives In addition to representing the entire tri-state region, REDI Cincinnati leads a business expansion and retention program in Brown, Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties to fuel expansion for fast- growing companies. Northern Kentucky Tri-ED led the creation of the NKY Entrepreneurship Council, which aims to establish an innovation cluster focusing on informatics, health innovation and logistics in Northern Kentucky. My hometown of Cincinnati has always played an important role in the Samuel Adams story. It is where I found my great-great grandfather’s recipe for what is now known as Samuel Adams Boston Lager.” — Jim Koch, Founder, Samuel Adams My hometown of Cincinnati has always played an important role in the Samuel My hometown of Cincinnati has always played an important role in the Samuel Next >