< Previous118 MARCH 2025 SITE SELECTION the number of projects, landing the No. spot again in . Burlington, North Carolina, was one project shy of Siouxland, rising fi ve ranks from the previous year to No. , a positive indication of growth. In fourth place are Lima, Ohio, and Sherman- Denison, Texas, which both secured projects. Kenosha, Wisconsin, entered the Top in , coming in at No. with nine projects. From there it is a trove of ties. Southern Georgia’s Valdosta region rose one spot to No., sharing the rank with Rocky Mount, North Carolina, at eight projects each. Five metros — Ames, Iowa; Columbus, Indiana; Decatur, Alabama; Owensboro, Kentucky; and Paducah, Kentucky-Illinois — rounded out the Tier rankings as they all secured seven projects in a tie for ninth place. It is important to note that Paducah left behind its micropolitan status as a new Tier metro in , according to Core-Based Statistical Area changes from the Offi ce of Management and Budget. Fruits of Our Labor In January , the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce announced that in the city welcomed $ million in new attraction projects and $ million in expansion projects, resulting in a combined jobs added in the region. For Bowling Green Mayor Todd 2024 TIER 3 TOP METROS PER CAPITA 2024 2023 METRO STATE PROJECTS PER CAPITA 1 2 Bowling Green KY 24 127.1 2 4 Lima OH 10 99.2 3 – Columbus IN 7 83.3 4 1 Sioux City IA-NE-SD 12 83.1 5 – Paducah KY-IL 7 68.4 6 – Sherman-Denison TX 10 68.1 7 – Owensboro KY 7 62.2 8 – Burlington NC 11 61.4 9 – Ames IA 7 55.9 10 – Rocky Mount NC 8 55.0 Source: Conway Projects Database, Conway Data Inc./Site Selection We were asked to double down on our Transpark with the belief from our Chamber of Commerce that if we did this, they would come. We stood united with our county government and our city government, mutually investing over $20 million each.” — Todd Alcott , Mayor of Bowling Green, Kentucky We were asked to double down on our Transpark with the belief from our Chamber 120 MARCH 2025 SITE SELECTION Alcott this recognition is almost years of work coming to fruition. A focus on introducing state-of-the-art infrastructure like the , -acre Kentucky Transpark has been key to attracting industries to Warren County. Years ago, the Transpark was initially viewed in a negative light by the community. Now it is considered the area’s crown jewel. “We were asked to double down on our Transpark with the belief from our Chamber of Commerce that if we did this, they would come,” Mayor Alcott says. “We stood united with our county government and our city government, mutually investing over $ million each. Since that day, we’ve watched these jobs continue to transpire and come to fruition beyond our worst fears.” e Kentucky Transpark was a hotspot for new activity in , as Tyson Foods opened doors to its fi rst Kentucky-based operations with a new $ million, , -sq.-ft. food production facility, in addition to a $ million transfer and distribution center investment from a branch of Southern Coil Solutions (SCS) which is set to open in mid- . “ is new facility signifi es more than just an expansion; it refl ects our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence,” said SCS- LLC CEO Mark Loik in a release. “By selecting Bowling Green for this project, we leverage not only its strategic location and infrastructure within the Kentucky Transpark but also contribute signifi cantly to local economic growth and industry diversifi cation.” One of the projects that drove Burlington, North Carolina, from No. 8 last year to No. 3 this year is a $71 million investment from LabCorp. Photo by hapabapa: Getty Images is new facility signifi es more than just an expansion; it refl ects our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence.” — Mark Loik , CEO, SCS-2 LLC is new facility signifi es more 122 MARCH 2025 SITE SELECTION The largest project splash came from Clark Beverage Group and Clark Distributing Company (Clark Group), which announced a nearly $130 investment to expand and establish a new HQ in Bowling Green where its distribution operations first began in 1969. “They’re investing in their own community in ways they never dreamed they could,” says Alcott. “That is the best American story there can be, when not only do you have a company that invests in your community, but a local company that reinvests and grows in your community.” Project details include a new 300,000-sq.-ft. corporate office and distribution facility catering to growing demand for the company’s distribution of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. An official timeline of the project has not yet 2024 TIER 3 TOP METROS BY TOTAL PROJECTS 2024 2023 METRO STATE PROJECTS 1 1 Bowling Green KY 24 2 2 Sioux City IA-NE-SD 12 3 T8 Burlington NC 11 T4 T3 Lima OH 10 T4 – Sherman-Denison TX 10 6 – Kenosha WI 9 T7 – Rocky Mount NC 8 T7 T8 Valdosta GA 8 T9 – Ames IA 7 T9 – Columbus IN 7 T9 – Decatur AL 7 T9 – Owensboro KY 7 T9 – Paducah KY-IL 7 Source: Conway Projects Database, Conway Data Inc./Site Selection SITE SELECTION MARCH 2025 123 been disclosed, although it is reported that new jobs will be created. “We are thrilled to expand our operations with a new, state-of-the-art headquarters and distribution facility in Warren County,” said members of the Clark family. “ is investment represents our commitment to both innovation and the communities we serve. Warren County’s strategic location, talented workforce and welcoming business environment made it the perfect choice for our continued growth. We look forward to building on our -year history and delivering the highest quality products and service to our customers across the region.” Continued economic development growth within one of Kentucky’s fastest growing cities is working in what Alcott says is much like string theory. As new job opportunities draw in more talent it presents the metro with new ways to work together to boost its resources. Upgrades to Bowling Green’s roads, sewers, power, fi ber internet and aff ordable housing, combined with new off erings such as parks and greenways, all join forces to provide the quality of life residents and companies desire in a community. “Our future is unlimited,” says the mayor. “We can be a beacon of light to the nation on how to work together economically, on social issues, quality of life and how to collaborate on ideas that are successful beyond party and politics. I think Bowling Green is the epitome of that.” Built to Make and Move It’s no secret that the nation’s smallest communities are the backbone of manufacturing and distribution operations. Of the qualifying projects among the top metros, % of these investments were new or expanded manufacturing facilities and distribution warehouses. Notable projects within this realm show a mix of investment from the life sciences, energy and Our future is unlimited. We can be a beacon of light to the nation on how to work together economically, on social issues, quality of life and how to collaborate on ideas that are successful beyond party and politics. I think Bowling Green is the epitome of that.” — Todd Alcott , Mayor of Bowling Green, Kentucky Our future is unlimited. We can be a beacon of light to food and beverage industries. Eli Lilly and Company’s $3 billion, 750-job expansion in the Kenosha- area city of Bristol was the largest Tier 3 metro manufacturing project announced in 2024. The injectable medicines facility expansion project was the company’s largest U.S. investment outside of its Indiana home base. “We look forward to bringing high-wage, advanced manufacturing, engineering and science jobs to people in Wisconsin, a state that is becoming a critical geography in our global manufacturing operations,” said Lilly Manufacturing Operations President Edgardo Hernandez. Rocky Mount drew the second largest project with a $1.4 billion sodium-ion battery gigafactory from Natron Energy. The company is the only U.S. commercial manufacturer of sodium-ion batteries for the EV, construction equipment and data center markets. The new facility, announced in August 2024, will be constructed at the 2,187-acre Kingsboro CSX Select Megasite in Edgecombe County and create 1,000 new jobs. Bowling Green Snags Top Per Capita Rank In addition to securing the No. 1 rank for total projects, Bowling Established in 1870, Fountain Square Park is located prominently in the heart of downtown Bowling Green, Kentucky. Photo: Getty Images SITE SELECTION MARCH 2025 125 Green cleans up with the No. rank for projects per capita. Lima follows close behind despite pulling in fewer projects. e massive jump that landed the metro at No. is thanks in part to a $ million manufacturing facility expansion from PCS Nitrogen and a $ million oil refi nery expansion by Cenovus. Sioux City found itself behind No. Columbus but fi nished ahead of Paducah within the top fi ve. Sherman- Denison, Owensboro, Burlington, Ames and Rocky Mount — which all entered the Tier top metros in — respectively round out the per-capita rankings. We look forward to bringing high-wage, advanced manufacturing, engineering and science jobs to people in Wisconsin, a state that is becoming a critical geography in our global manufacturing operations.” — Edgardo Hernandez , Operations President, Lilly Manufacturing We look forward to bringing INVESTMENT PROFILE: VIRGINIA V irginia takes keeping its tech-talent pond well stocked very seriously. Its Tech Talent Investment Program, for example, is investing $ billion to double the number of graduates annually in computer science and related fi elds at four-year institutions and the Virginia Community College System. It’s working better than expected. e goal for new bachelor’s degrees through FY was ,. e program has produced ,. Master’s degrees? e goal was , from the graduate programs at Virginia Tech and George Mason University. ey produced ,. Many of the , tech degrees awarded annually by Virginia higher education institutions are in cybersecurity, a technology sector of great importance given the Commonwealth’s proximity to defense contractors, federal agencies and critical infrastructure in and around Washington, D.C. Nearly two dozen Virginia higher education institutions are designated Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) by the DOD and off er degrees in Cyber Operations, Cyber Research and Cyber Defense among other cybersecurity programs of study. “ e rapid evolution of cyber threats requires continuous upskilling and hands- on technical experience,” says Meghan Welch, vice president, knowledge work, at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. “A vast number of higher education cyber programs now integrate such industry-recognized certifi cations as CISSP, CompTIA Security+ and CEH to ensure graduates are prepared to meet employer needs – in addition to many organizations hosting training programs for veterans and those looking for a career switch.” Is it enough? “Virginia’s public and private sectors have roughly , open cybersecurity positions, the highest in the country,” says Welch. “But our ability to fi ll them is improving thanks to targeted talent pipeline programs. Virginia has seen steady growth in our supply-demand ratio – growing from % in to % today, meaning we’re fi lling demand at a higher rate than in the past.” Southeast Virginia’s Cyber Anchor Give some credit for that to the Virginia General Assembly, which in approved funding for the Commonwealth Cyber initiative (CCI). Its role, says Welch, is to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and cyber industry needs by developing talent, conducting cutting-edge research and fostering collaboration. CCI is organized into four nodes around Virginia, including one in southeast Virginia called Coastal Virginia (COVA) CCI anchored by Old Dominion University (ODU), in Norfolk, and its School of Cybersecurity. Eight two- and four-year academic institutions, researchers and industry partners are also active in COVA CCI. ODU is an NSA/DHS Center of by MARK AREND mark.arend@siteselection.com 126 MARCH 2025 SITE SELECTION Is in the Commonwealth’s DNA The School of Cybersecurity at Old Dominion University anchors the Coastal Node of the Commonwealth Cybersecurity Initiative. Photos courtesy of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership SITE SELECTION MARCH 2025 127 Academic Excellence. Its base in Norfolk puts COVA CCI in close proximity to Naval Station Norfolk and the Port of Virginia, both of which require the best cybersecurity talent and the latest in cybersecurity systems. “ODU faculty have worked with the Port of Virginia on several efforts to help strengthen port security,” says ODU School of Cybersecurity Director Daniel Takabi, Ph.D, who also serves as COVA CCI director. “These include a suite of experiential learning modules developed for the Port’s Cybersecurity Monitoring Command and Control Center (CMCC) and used to train cybersecurity interns, and in turn, establish a workforce pipeline for port cybersecurity. COVA CCI has supported several cybersecurity research projects focused on maritime industry needs. These projects were focused on security issues faced by the Port of Virginia and conducted by researchers from ODU, Christopher Newport University and William & Mary in collaboration with local companies.” These are among the initiatives that make COVA CCI a key part of southeast Virginia’s economic and innovation engine, Takabi notes. “During the past five years, COVA CCI has made significant strides in attracting research funding, fostering educational programs and building collaborative networks contributing to CCI’s mission of establishing Virginia as a leader in cybersecurity.” Private-Sector Participants The private sector sees this and is investing capital to participate in the region’s cyber community and broader innovation environment. Takabi sees a demonstrable uptick in such investment. “I have been at ODU less than two years and have seen the increase in cybersecurity activities,” he points out. “Large companies such as Booz Allen Hamilton and Deloitte have been increasing their footprint in the region. Other companies have been opening offices in the region such as Jazz Solutions, Inc. and Sirius Analysis, a defense contractor based in the UK. In addition, local companies such as G2 Ops Inc, Valor Cybersecurity, AERMOR and Cybrex LLC have been expanding.” In November 2023, DOMA Technologies, a software and digital transformation company, announced a $3.7 million investment to expand in Virginia Beach, creating 307 new jobs. “It’s our vision to be the premier software company for the city, state and the broader region,” said DOMA Founder and President Pat Feliciano. “By leveraging innovative machine learning and artificial intelligence tools to bridge the gap between our customers’ data and the decisions they need to make, we believe we are building something unique to the area.” Node Leads New College Institute Lead: Virginia Tech Radford University University of Virginia’s College at Wise Mountain Empire Community College New River Community College Southwest Virginia Community College Virginia Highlands Community College Virginia Western Community College Wytheville Community College Regional Node Institutions Northern Virginia Node Southwest Virginia Node Central Virginia Node Coastal Virginia Node Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Higher Education Network The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative consists of 40 institutes of higher education, organized through four regional nodes across Virginia and Washington, D.C. William & Mary Christopher Newport University Lead: Old Dominion University Norfolk State University Regent University ECPI Tidewater Community College Thomas Nelson Community College Camp Community College Lead: George Mason University The George Washington University James Madison University Marymount University Shenandoah University Northern Virginia Community College Laurel Ridge Community College Lead: Virginia Commonwealth University University of Virginia Virginia State University Longwood University Virginia Union University Brightpoint Community College Reynolds Community College Piedmont Virginia Community College Liberty University Virginia Military Institute Danville Community College The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research Germanna Community College University of Mary Washington Dr. Daniel Takabi, Director, School of Cybersecurity, Old Dominion University Note: Additional higher education institutions have joined CCI since this map was produced in 2021. This Investment Profile was prepared under the auspices of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. For more information, visit vedp.org.Next >