< Previous8 JULY 2025 SITE SELECTION IAMC International Calls on T he IAMC International Forum took place at the Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars in mid-June, beginning with a welcome reception at the Swan London Bar & Restaurant at the Globe eatre, overlooking the ames River and the city’s skyline from London’s Bankside. Senior leaders in corporate real estate, economic development and service provider organizations convened for two days of global insight, peer-to- peer knowledge exchange and strategic connections that kicked off with a keynote by renowned BBC broadcaste Justin Webb. Sessions addressed U.S.– Europe trade & tariff policy topics; corporate real estate portfolio resilience amid global disruption; workforce evolution in property careers; and technology’s impact on logistics and James, Chavez, president and CEO of South Carolina Power Team, and Kevin Harrington, head of real estate EMEA-APAC for CHEP, moderate the Get Some Help! Session in London. SITE SELECTION JULY 2025 9 industrial space. And members led IAMC’s signature interactive programs like Peer-to-Peer (corporates only) and Get Some Help! (all attendees), off ering opportunities for real-time problem solving. IAMC Executive Director Tate Godfrey notes two takeaways from London: Tariff s and trade issues are causing uncertainty and risk. And “portfolio management and building in resilience has become a top-of-mind priority for our Corporate members.” Meanwhile, developers are still bullish on industrial and warehousing/ logistics projects. Attendees came from diff erent countries. “ is demonstrates the continued importance of value-based networking among our members,” Godfrey says. The view from Swan London Bar & Restaurant at the Globe Theatre overlooks the Thames River and the London skyline. Photos by Rya Hazelwood10 JULY 2025 SITE SELECTION A s IAMC continues to grow and strives to exceed member needs and expectations, so does our commitment to providing exceptional value through high-quality professional education, strategic leadership development and world-class programming. We’re excited to welcome two dynamic professionals to the IAMC staff who will help further elevate our off erings and member experience. Joining our team are Charlene Manuel, our new Director of Education & Research, and Andrea “Andi” Rawl, who steps into the role of Director of Professional Development. Each brings a unique background, deep expertise and infectious enthusiasm — and we’re thrilled to have them on board. Charlene Manuel brings years of strategic leadership experience transforming organizational vision into measurable outcomes. At AESC, Charlene led the association’s education programs — supporting revenue initiatives and delivering learning experiences designed to advance member skills at every stage of their careers. Charlene holds a B.S. from NYU, an M.B.A. from Georgia Tech, and is currently pursuing her Ed.D. at UGA. With energetic enthusiasm, she looks forward to connecting and collaborating with IAMC members. Andi Rawl brings more than years of experience in business associations to her role as Director of Professional Development at IAMC. Andi is a seasoned professional association executive with expertise spanning management, budgeting, fi nance, marketing, event planning and professional development. By aligning content with strategic goals and emerging trends, she has consistently helped build informed, connected communities that support both personal growth and organizational success. Andi earned a B.S. in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management from the University of South Carolina. She is also a graduate of the South Carolina Economic Development Institute and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute of Organizational Management (IOM). Please join us in welcoming these talented professionals to the IAMC team. eir expertise will be instrumental as we continue to build innovative learning experiences, foster leadership growth and strengthen connections across the IAMC community. — Rya Hazelwood, Senior Director of Communications & Marketing, IAMC Welcoming Two New Team Members to IAMC Charlene Manuel, IAMC Director of Education & Research Andrea “Andi” Rawl, IAMC Director of Professional DevelopmentSITE SELECTION JULY 2025 11 F or more than 20 years, one guiding principle has shaped the way our community connects and grows: When relationships come first, business naturally follows. This philosophy is at the heart of everything we do, from Forums and webinars to leadership development initiatives. But the true foundation of this legacy is the strength and diversity of our members. In early June, we launched “I am IAMC,” a new social media spotlight series that recognizes the individuals who bring our mission to life. From corporate end users shaping global strategies to economic developers driving regional growth and service providers advancing solutions that turn vision into reality, this series gives voice to the people behind the progress. Each story highlights not only professional experience but also personal reflections on community, leadership and connection in a fast-moving industry. These spotlights aim to inspire, foster belonging and invite others to see themselves as part of something greater. Each perspective brings something different, and valuable, to the table. By showcasing this diversity, we reaffirm IAMC’s commitment to an inclusive, member-driven community where insight is shared, leadership is developed and relationships are built to last. Whether you’ve been part of IAMC for years or are just beginning your journey, your perspective adds meaning to our community and inspires others across the network. Response already has been enthusiastic. You are IAMC. Let’s share your story. Reach out to us rya. hazelwood@iamc.org, and we’ll send you a few quick questions to get started. — Rya Hazelwood Celebrates a Community Where Every Voice Matters ‘I Am IAMC’12 JULY 2025 SITE SELECTION The dividing line between the Southwest U.S. and La Frontera is ripe for industry. F rom Baja to Brownsville, the U.S.- Mexico border has proved to be a magnet for automotive, technology and other companies looking to grow their footprints. The nearly 2,000-mile-long region separating Mexico and the United States continues to capture the attention of corporate and industrial investment even as suspense lingers around the potential impact of steep American tariffs on the supply chain and cost of imports. Site Selection spoke with stakeholders in Arizona, Monterrey and Mexicali about the state of the economy at the border and what should be considered when bringing business to either side of the national boundary. Uncertainty Over Tariff Impacts Following changes to American tariff policies enacted by the Trump Administration in early 2025, passenger vehicles, automotive parts and steel imports from Mexico are some of the products now facing a 25% ad valorem tax. The impact of these policy changes on critical products from Mexico, by KELLY BARRAZA kelly.barraza@siteselection.com U.S.–MEXICO BORDER Drivers Economy of the Unilever Chief Supply Chain and Operations Officer Willem Uijen announced the company’s Nuevo León expansion will take place from 2025-2028. Photo courtesy of Unilever SITE SELECTION JULY 2025 13 known for these manufacturing sectors, has already been felt by some companies. Jonathan Keyser, managing partner of Keyser, an Arizona-based international, full-service commercial real estate brokerage firm, has seen the dynamics shift in the U.S. and Mexico following the arrival of the new tariffs. “There is a ton of upheaval, and it’s interesting to see it play out. Some of it good, and some of it, I’d argue, not so good,” Keyser says. “Arizona is a border state, and we do a lot back and forth. We’ve had multiple projects. One example: We have a project where, because of the tariffs [in China], the company was looking to take workers out of Asia and move them nearshore to Mexico. Because of the tariffs [in Mexico], that project has been killed. In fact, that 10% to 20% minimum tariff killed the company’s business model, and they’re going into Chapter 11.” Still, Keyser is seeing company projects that are racing to start operations in North America, with an eye on Mexico to set up shop. “We are working on a couple of active ones right now. They are moving from other geographies to set up operations in Mexico believing it will give them better access to the U.S. market,” Keyser says. Mexico continues to be a critical nearshoring location, as seen in manufacturing projects like the recently completed A.O. Smith facility in Juarez and Missouri-based Emerson Electric’s new Chihuahua plant. North of the border, electronic equipment manufacturer Schneider Electric just broke ground on a facility expansion in El Paso, Texas — a $50 million project that is expected to bring another 300 jobs to its campus in the next few years. Nuevo León Leverages Industry and Workforce British-owned company Unilever recently announced a $407 million manufacturing project in Salinas Victoria, north of Monterrey in Nuevo Leon, which is part of $1.5 billion the multinational consumer goods company plans to invest in Mexico over the next four years. The Ministry of Economy of Nuevo León has worked closely with Unilever in the areas of site selection, incentives, infrastructure alignment, permitting and workforce development and will likely continue to foster this project, which will generate 1,500 new jobs in the state. In an April 2025 visit to London, Nuevo León Governor Samuel García and Unilever executives jointly announced a new investment of $800 million by the company. Officials of the State Ministry said the facility will serve as a regional production and logistics hub, benefiting from Nuevo León’s strengths in industrial 14 JULY 2025 SITE SELECTION infrastructure, supply chain networks and access to North American markets via the Columbia-Laredo border crossing. Between October and February , Nuevo León confi rmed foreign direct investment (FDI) projects, totaling $ billion and generating more than , new jobs, according to the State Ministry of Economy. is includes new investments and expansions. is FDI momentum is underpinned by Nuevo León’s status as the top contributor to Mexico’s national economic growth, responsible for .% of the country’s economic activity increase in Q , according to Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI). Continued interest from foreign fi rms looking to develop in Nuevo León has solidifi ed the state’s position as the leading hub for foreign investment along the U.S.-Mexico border, favored due its nearshoring potential, geopolitical realignment and supply chain resilience. Changes in Mexican Government and Economic Strategy In January , Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum announced her national economic development strategy “Plan Mexico” that has a portfolio of nearly $ billion reserved for national and foreign investments aimed at boosting the Mexican economy and reducing poverty and inequities within the country. Goals of the plan include: • Making Mexico the th largest global economy (currently th) • Generating . million jobs • Increasing Mexican manufacturing so that % of domestic supply and consumption is made in Mexico (with focus on textiles, footwear, furniture and toy sectors) • Increasing Mexico’s share in global exports to % • Cutting processing time for investments and new businesses in Mexico in half • Increasing vaccine manufacturing. Prodensa is a professional services fi rm started in that has assisted with the start-up and expansion Photo: Getty Images Talent development is a major strategic priority for us.” — Miguel Olivares , Liaison Coordinator, Ministry of Economy of the State of Baja California Talent development is a major SITE SELECTION JULY 2025 15 of over 1,000 business projects across Mexico. Juan Carlos Posada, business development manager at Prodensa, spoke about the impact of the new Mexican administration on business in Mexico. “We’re seeing a more structured channel for public- private dialogue through the commission established by President Sheinbaum,” Posada explains. “This has improved communication with her cabinet and created new opportunities to collaborate more closely with the federal government. From a business standpoint, it’s fostering a more coordinated environment for investment and trade discussions, particularly with U.S. counterparts.” Sheinbaum has indicated her intent to not increase funding through raising taxes, but through a more efficient process of collecting tax dollars — a fiscal strategy she employed during her tenure as the mayor of Mexico City. “At the same time, Mexico’s tax authority has been intensifying its audit efforts, especially within the maquiladora sector,” Posada adds. “This aligns with the new administration’s fiscal strategy to reduce the federal deficit, which reached 5.9% of GDP in 2024, without increasing tax rates. President Sheinbaum has stated her goal of narrowing the deficit to approximately 3% of GDP, which implies a greater emphasis on enforcement, compliance, and targeted audits to strengthen tax collection. As a result, companies operating in Mexico should expect stricter oversight and should reinforce their compliance practices accordingly.” Miguel Olivares, liaison coordinator at the Ministry of Economy of the State of Baja California, notes that previous efforts at the federal level placed strong emphasis on development in southern Mexico, while the current administration is working to expand that focus and strengthen regional development strategies based on each state’s economic vocation. “Under President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration, we see a clear strategy to promote regional development based on industrial strengths,” Olivares says. “For example, Nuevo León leads in heavy industry and steel. Baja California, in contrast, offers strong capabilities in aerospace, advanced electronics, medical devices, semiconductors, electric vehicles and automotive components.” Olivares also notes that workforce and talent development is thriving in the Baja region. Overall, the availability of skilled labor in Baja and in border cities is a big draw. “Talent development is a major strategic priority for us. Rather than relying heavily on incentives, we focus on long-term competitiveness through workforce development and strong collaboration between academia, industry and government — the triple helix,” says Olivares. Prince Edward Island Touts New District Energy System C anada’s most densely populated province, Prince Edward Island, is updating its existing district energy plant that recycles waste and biomass into sustainable heating and cooling for over 145 buildings in its capital city of Charlottetown. In September 2022, tropical storm Fiona rolled across Prince Edward Island, battering the idyllic province with hurricane-force winds and torrential rain that delivered significant damage to the island’s coastlines, trees and electric grid. Hurricane season is just one of many aspects being considered in the new district energy plant project from Toronto-based Enwave Energy Corporation. “Extreme weather events on the Island underlie a further need for a reliable and secure supply of energy,” says Enwave CEO Carlyle Coutinho. “Storms are more frequent. Resilient energy systems are important.” Rob Thornton, president and CEO of the International District Energy Association, says none of the buildings powered by the existing energy district plant in PEI went offline during Fiona, a notable show of resilience for a plant nearing the end of its roughly 30-year lifecycle. Different entities in PEI are still working on fortifying their infrastructure post-Fiona against future extreme weather events on the isle, which by KELLY BARRAZA kelly.barraza@siteselection.com ATLANTIC CANADA 16 JULY 2025 SITE SELECTION A view of sunrise across the ocean from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island Photo by onurkurtic: Getty Imagesare common due to its maritime location and climate. Coutinho notes several other reasons why PEI is a prime location for energy projects: • PEI aspires to decarbonization/net zero, with clear targets set for 2030 and 2040 GHG emissions. • Due to location and limited space, PEI imports a lot of energy. There is opportunity to improve security of energy supply. • Government has a desire to innovate and a strong ability to partner. “Decarbonization and electrification of the economy is a real challenge for buildings,” Coutinho says. “People are looking to partners with focused expertise in developing low-carbon energy systems on a commercial basis to help them create value for their companies and institutions.” District energy leverages heat generation through combined heat and power plants and technologies, boiler systems and heat pumps. The district energy plant upgrade in PEI has been ongoing since 2017, pursued by Enwave through the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain constraints and tariff challenges. “What is really commendable about this expansion is that it involved many layers of government — local, federal and provincial,” Thornton says. “It isn’t government funds per se, but the many layers of government that are involved in this investment. These projects take time.” With the cooperation of the Province of Prince Edward Island government, Enwave plans to build the new waste-to-energy facility adjacent to the existing one, which will provide heating to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the University of Prince Edward Island, schools and residences in Charlottetown. As stakeholders and building owners “move to electrify their building, they are also taking on the risk of being in the retail electric market when power prices have been increasing rapidly,” Thornton explains. “[District energy] in PEI is more elegant because the system has the thermal scale ... By expanding their energy-to-waste system, they are expanding the circular economy of that system and area. Instead of having landfills maxed out, or waste exported, they are exporting a waste stream into a fuel, into a benefit.” The expansion in PEI is maintained financially by the Infrastructure Bank through an aggregate C$600 million supporting innovative energy projects across Enwave’s portfolio, including Lakeview Village in Mississauga, Ontario, and the Etobicoke Civic Centre in Toronto. SITE SELECTION JULY 2025 17Next >