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MAY 2004
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION, page 9



Opelika, Alabama's Successes
Due to Short Learning Curve

According to Henry Ford, "Failure is only opportunity to more intelligently begin again."
        The ability to learn from the past, anticipate change, and "more intelligently begin again" acts as the foundation for providing the exceptional service that leads to future success. Such has been the experience of Opelika, Alabama. map
        Attractively located in east central Alabama along Interstate 85 between Atlanta and Montgomery and near Auburn University, Opelika is part of the Auburn-Opelika Metropolitan Statistical Area, Alabama's fastest growing metropolitan area, with a population of more than 120,000.
        Following the creation of its 1,900-acre (769-hectare) Northeast Opelika Industrial Park, Opelika began appearing on site selection short lists. Early success came in 2000, as Wal-Mart opened an 880,000-sq.-ft. (81,750-sq.-m.) grocery distribution center, an investment that leveraged a dedicated Interstate interchange and the placement of all utilities within the park. Opelika's most recent successes, however, stem from the loss of several high-profile projects.
        For two years, teams representing two of the recent southern automotive assembly plant locations pored over the Northeast Opelika Industrial Park, eventually choosing other locations. Instead of viewing these near misses as disappointments, local officials saw the benefits clearly outweighing the losses.
        "The tremendous knowledge and experience we gained over this period of time was invaluable," according to Opelika Mayor Barbara Patton. "Effective selling entails knowing both your customer and your product. We knew we would be more than ready the next time a large project came our way."
        Today, a look at the Northeast Opelika Industrial Park directly displays exactly what Mayor Patton was speaking about. In 2003, two automotive suppliers announced and began construction of manufacturing facilities in Opelika. Benteler Automotive and Mando America Corporation are investing a combined total of $55 million; both companies plan to initially hire 150 associates, and both envision future expansion.
        Opelika's economic development team will continue to learn from the past and grow toward the future. Those interested in learning more about this dynamic area can visit Opelika on the web at www.opelika.org or call (334) 705-5115.
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