Which raises the issue at hand: What's behind the statistics that comprise Site Selection's keenly watched analyses?

The short answer: a lot. Site Selection's annual analyses have not become the unrivaled industry standard for assessing business expansion patterns by dint of luck (or, for that matter, by dint of the fragmentary, sadly diluted efforts made at copying our approach).

What's behind Site Selection's standard-setting analyses is a rigorous, year-round effort in thoroughly covering the business expansion beat. No other publication comes remotely close to putting so much expense and effort into systematically tracking, storing and analyzing the vast storehouse of knowledge that we compile each, and every, year.

Our analytical modus operandi evokes another Mark Twain quote: "When in doubt, tell the truth." Here's a brief look at the basic truths behind our analyses:

Data Storage System: Site Selection's state, metro and industrial group location analyses are derived from data stored in our massive New Plant database, widely regarded as the world's largest, most exhaustive reservoir of corporate location data.

And with good reason. New Plant mirrors SS's 30-plus years in methodically tracking corporate expansion. The database currently contains detailed profiles of 80,800 new and expanded corporate location projects dating from 1989, including manufacturing, distribution, office, research, headquarters and other facility types. SS editors tap this valuable resource throughout the year.

Data Sources: A deep, broad pool of sources provides an ongoing data stream, with new information entered in New Plant year-round. More than 1,000 worldwide state/provincial, local and regional reporting teams are surveyed quarterly for new facility and expansion data. In addition, we gather data through online searches (a particularly valuable tool in tracking the latest developments), news clippings, press releases and telephone contact with expanding firms.

Time Frame for Annual Analyses: Site Selection's 1999 analyses cover the period from Dec. 15, 1998 to Dec. 15, 1999 (the general time frame covered in each year's analyses). New projects identified during the final two weeks of a year are not included in year-end totals and analyses, but they certainly aren't lost. Each year, those few projects are rolled over into the following year's SS totals. That ensures complete coverage and eliminates any disadvantage for sources that can't compile complete data by our reporting deadline.

Criteria for Project Inclusion: New Plant focuses on new corporate location projects with significant impact. SS does not track retail and government projects, or schools and hospitals. New facilities and expansions included in our analyses must meet at least one of three criteria: (a) involve a capital investment of at least US$1 million, (b) create at least 50 new jobs or (c) add at least 20,000 sq. ft. (1,858 sq. m.) of new floor area.

For more information on New Plant, contact Tim Venable at 1-770-446-6996 (USA) or by e-mail at tim.venable@conway.com.