The elusive notion of quality of life will kick in as a major factor. But these experts warn that lifestyle choices vary. One person will consider an urban center essential and another person will want proximity to the out-of-doors.Columbus doesn't share the tourist destination reputation of Vancouver, Arizona or western Massachusetts, but that doesn't mean the Ohio capital doesn't provide a superb quality of life, say local economic developers.
      In fact, McCollister argues that local CEOs call Columbus a "'sticky place,' because people tend to overcome the earlier perceptions and stay."
      Ironically, recruitment often matters most to young biotech companies trying to lure employees to an uncertain future.But this is just the phase, says McCollister, when the employee has the least time to enjoy his or her surroundings.
      "They keep their noses down, work hard and it doesn't matter much what's outside the window. It's really dollars and cents that count."
      Lewis admits it can be hard, initially, to attract young employees to the Midwest who are seeking "mountains or ocean. But once they get here they don't leave. The challenge is getting them to consider this sort of setting."
     

Biotechnology in South Carolina

In South Carolina, biotech companies have the advantages of available skilled labor, an attractive business climate, a low-cost operating environment and unparalleled quality of life.       Reliable, low-cost power generated by Santee Cooper, the state-owned electric and water utility, also has been pivotal in attracting these companies. Santee Cooper provides power to the state's 20 electric cooperatives in addition to its direct-service territories, so it serves as a major coordinator for economic development statewide.       South Carolina's 22,000-square-foot Biotechnology Incubation Facility offers biotech entrepreneurs the unique opportunity to collaborate with the M.D. and Ph.D. geneticists associated with the adjacent J.C. Self Research Institute of Human Genetics. The resources of South Carolina's three research universities provide companies competitive advantages through their commitments to research and access to technology and innovation, and a 500-acre biotechnology park adjacent to the incubator facility will provide attractive sites to locate companies "graduating" from the incubator.       Recognizing the importance of financing, the state has responded with aggressive, front-end incentives and creative financial arrangements that improve profitability and enable companies to start with no "year zero" costs. In addition, the state provides hands-on assistance in developing private-sector partnerships that further offset up-front costs and provide long-term financial security.

For more information, please contact: George Haygood, CEcD, Economic Development Manager Santee Cooper One Riverwood Drive Moncks Corner, South Carolina 29461-2901 Telephone: 843-761-7010, Fax: 843-761-4010 Email: ghhaygoo@santeecooper.com Website: www.scprimesite.com