Following are profiles, in alphabetical order, of the other states that were serious contenders for the 2001 Governor's Cup. Site Selection salutes these and all the states that worked hard to compile the necessary data for the competition.

Gov. Don Siegelman

More than 65,000 new jobs and more than $10 billion in new investment over the past few years give Alabama some serious bragging rights, particularly where automotive industry investments are concerned. In November 2001, the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama announced that Honda Manufacturing of Alabama would begin mass production of the Odyssey minivan and its V-6 engine at its new Lincoln plant six months ahead of schedule.
        "Alabama is moving further and faster than ever before," says Gov. Don Siegelman. "When it comes to recruiting high-paying jobs for working families, no state can compete with Alabama."
        In mid-2001, insurer Allstate announced it would locate 300 employees in a new regional customer service center in Birmingham. And Canadian plastic injection manufacturer Hunjan Molded Prodcts plans to move into a 96,000-sq.-ft. (8,900-sq.-m.) building on the grounds of the former Fort McClellan Army base in Anniston.
        "I will continue to recruit new business and new jobs with the same energy and enthusiasm that has defined this administration for the past three years," says Gov. Siegelman. "There are certainly more announcements on the way."

Gov. Roy Barnes

The Peach State didn't let a recession get in the way of its business expansion efforts. In its fiscal year 2001, the Georgia Dept. of Industry, Trade & Tourism (GDITT) landed 71 new business locations or expansions, bringing 12,000 jobs and a capital investment of $1.1 billion to Georgia.
        "What GDITT has achieved over the last year proves that Georgia continues to be competitive and that we are continuing to grow and prosper," says Gov. Roy Barnes.
        Among Georgia's business expansion announcements in 2001 was a $30.5 million expansion of Honda supplier HL-A Co.'s Bremen plant, which will create 125 new jobs. HL-A joins four other Honda parts suppliers locating in the state in the past few years, resulting in $188 million in new investment.
        In December, Gov. Barnes announced the imminent arrival of two textile companies in Thomaston, a town hit hard by the closing of Thomaston Mills. Standard Textile Co., based in Cincinnati, plans to occupy 700,000 sq. ft. (65,000 sq. m.) of space at the closed facility, employing up to 200 people. And 1888 Mills, headquartered in Griffin, Ga., plans to purchase the Thomaston Mills Finishing Division, which occupies a 542,000-sq.-ft. (51,350-sq.-m.) facility. Both deals are subject to bankruptcy court approval.

Gov. Frank O'Bannon

The Hoosier State's efforts to attract a more diverse industrial base paid off with a 5th place finish in the Governor's Cup. "I am truly gratified that the efforts we've made in Indiana are being recognized in the Governor's Cup competition," says Gov. Frank O'Bannon. "The progress and success can be attributed not only to the diversity of our economy, but to the strength and dedication of our entire economic development community, and we are proud of its efforts."
        The automotive, agriculture and manufacturing sectors remain key to the state's employment base. But so-called new economy industries are making substantial inroads, as well (see "Indiana Is Emerging as a Digital Heartland" in the November 2001 issue of Site Selection). Among the industries finding a home in Indiana are advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, information technology, life sciences and logistics and distribution.
        "This broad range of industry sectors has sustained us through the tough economic times and will ensure that we can continue to compete no matter what the economic climate brings," says Gov. O'Bannon.
        The year ahead could see even more business expansion activity, if a tax reform package makes it through the legislature and is signed into law. The plan calls for eliminating the corporate gross income tax; increasing the research and development tax credit, making it the largest in the nation; eliminating the inventory tax; and creating a credit on personal property to provide incentives for capital investment. "If passed by the 2002 legislature, this will revolutionize economic development in Indiana and will make us even more competitive," says the governor.

Gov. Bill Graves

"I am extremely pleased with the strong showing Kansas made in this year's Governor's Cup," says Gov. Bill Graves. "Kansas places a high priority on economic development and business expansion. It is rewarding to see our efforts recognized by Site Selection Magazine."
        The state's central location, diverse workforce and transportation infrastructure lured a number of key projects in 2001, including the North American headquarters of Danish industrial pump manufacturer Grundfos. The 59,000-sq.-ft. (5,500-sq.-m.) facility, in an Olathe, Kan., industrial park, will consolidate headquarters and operations facilities currently in Fresno, Calif., and Allentown, Pa., respectively. The second phase of the project will involve the development of a 75,000- to 100,000-sq.-ft. (7,000- to 9,300-sq.-m.) build-to-suit headquarters, as well as a maintenance/service center and a 100,000- to 150,000-sq.-ft. (9,300- to 14,000-sq.-m.) distribution center.
        Cessna Aircraft Co. plans to construct a new, 443,000-sq.-ft. (41,100-sq.-m.) Citation Service Center in Wichita, which will double to size of the existing facility. The $60 million project will employ an additional 500 to 600 workers.
        "Kansans bring a strong work ethic, and that is not overlooked by business and industry today," says Gov. Graves. "I plan to work with the 2002 Kansas Legislature on measures that will boost economic confidence and maintain financial security in our state budget. In Kansas, our people are our greatest resource."