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2019 Mac Conway Awards

McKinley “Mac” Conway, founder of Conway, Inc. and Site Selection Magazine, was truly an icon in the fields of corporate real estate and economic development. “Mac essentially invented economic development as it exists today,” wrote a rival publisher upon Conway’s death in 2011.

Site Selection’s Mac Conway Awards for Excellence in Economic Development recognize the top local and regional economic development agencies in the U.S. for their roles in helping to deliver prosperity to their communities. While not a ranking, objective criteria are used to identify the top performers, which are listed here alphabetically by group name.

This year’s Mac Conway Award winners have been determined by an index that examines 2018 corporate facility investment projects in U.S. metro areas as tracked by Site Selection’s proprietary Conway Projects Database, part of the Conway Analytics toolbox. Scores are awarded based on six criteria: total projects, total investment associated with those projects and jobs associated with those projects. The remaining three criteria represent a per capita calculation of those same metrics.

“We are part of the development process,” wrote Conway. “We play a role in the future. And we help bring a better quality of life to areas today.” In that spirit, Site Selection recognizes the groups who pursue that ideal as their daily mission.

Charlotte Regional Business Alliance 

Charlotte

Janet Lebar
CEO

charlotteregion.com

Significant Projects:
AvidXchange (automatic payments), Honeywell (technology), LendingTree (financial services)

Programs & Initiatives:
Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, officially launched January 1, 2019, resulted from the merger of the Charlotte Chamber and Charlotte Regional Partnership. “The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance will be a robust and effective development engine by uniting exceptional and diverse strengths of all the counties in the Charlotte region,” says Jesse Cureton, chairman of the board. Services include project management, customized research, real estate and workforce development.

Did You Know?
Downtown Charlotte is known as “uptown.” It sits at a higher elevation than the rest of the city.

“We selected Charlotte because it offers a great business environment along with access to a workforce that has the skillset Honeywell will need to be competitive over the coming decades.”

— Darius Adamczyk, Chairman and CEO of Honeywell, on the move of its global HQ to Charlotte from New Jersey
 

 

Columbus 2020

Columbus

Kenny McDonald
President & CEO

columbusregion.com

Significant Projects:
Olive, AEP, DollarTree

Programs & Initiatives:
Columbus 2020 serves as the economic development organization for the 11-county Columbus region. Among its goals set in 2010 for the year 2020, the region already has added the targeted 150,000 net new jobs, has achieved its goal to generate $8 billion of capital investment and is on track to reach and exceed its goal to raise per capita income by 30 percent.

Did You Know?
With its easy river access, Columbus was designed and built to be Ohio’s capital. The city did not exist until an act of the Ohio legislature in 1812.

“Root’s growth since we were founded in 2015 is due in no small part to the strong talent we continue to find in Columbus.”

— Alex Timm, CEO of Root
 

 

Dallas Regional Chamber

Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce

 Dallas Ft. Worth    

Dale Petroskey
President & CEO

www.dallaschamber.org

Bill Thornton
President & CEO

www.fortworthchamber.com

Significant Projects:
General Electric, Qorvo, Equinix

Programs & Initiatives:
Programs & Initiatives: Noting the Dallas Regional Chamber’s success at courting “HQ1”s from such firms as McKesson and Core-Mark, Mike Rosa, senior vice president, economic development, says the team in 2019 plans to increase its marketing trips and corporate calls by 50 percent. The Fort Worth Chamber has launched “Fortify,” a four-year development initiative whose goals include attracting four Fortune 1000 headquarters, attracting 20 Inc. 5000 companies and increasing business startups by 10 percent.

Did You Know?
The microchip was invented in Dallas on September 12, 1958, by Texas Instruments engineer Jack Kilby. With an average age of 31.5, Fort Worth is the youngest city in Texas.

“As we looked at the different markets across the country where we wanted to expand, it was clear that the density and growth of Dallas, and the DFW area in general, was going to be our best bet.”

— Matt Genes, CEO of Fit Factory
 

 

Detroit Economic Growth Corporation

Detroit

Kevin Johnson
President & CEO

degc.org

Significant Projects:
Fiat Chrysler, Arbe Robotics, Flex-N-Gate

Programs & Initiatives:
DEGC’s land assembly strategy includes preparing various sized parcels for industrial and commercial use, including manufacturing, warehousing, R&D and other sectors. DEGC’s Business Development team is leading Detroit’s first and only global commerce initiative.

Did You Know?
In 1879, Detroit became the first city to assign individual phone numbers, thus making the party line outdated.

“Detroit has always moved the world, both in body and soul, through its industry and art. Our Detroit office is an opportunity to build upon this rich history of innovation.”

— Dug Song, CEO of Ann Arbor–based Duo Security, which shortly after announcing the new office was purchased by Cisco Systems for $2.35 billion
 

 

Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce

Austin

Michael Rollins
President

austinchamber.com

Significant Projects:
Apple, Madison Street Capital, Greenbrook TMS

Programs & Initiatives:
Opportunity Austin encompasses initiatives for economy, talent and place. Key target industries include advanced manufacturing, creative and digital media, clean energy, life sciences, data management, corporate headquarters and regional offices. Through Opportunity Austin, the Chamber’s staff is able to provide specific details for site selection processes.

Did You Know?
Hippie Hollow Park on Austin’s Lake Travis is the only nude beach in Texas.

“Our success in Austin has been incredible, and we’re fortunate to be based in such a thriving, creative and supportive city.”

— Max Hoberman, President of Certain Affinity
 

 

Greater Des Moines Partnership

Des Moines

Jay Byers
CEO

dsmpartnership.com

Significant Projects:
Waldinger Corp., UPS, Facebook

Programs & Initiatives:
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is collaborating with the City of Des Moines on a Downtown marketing campaign and has assisted efforts to create a Downtown Public Market.

Did You Know?
Ben Silbermann, founder of Pinterest, was born and raised in Des Moines.

“Britton began operations organically two and a half years ago in Des Moines, and over that time we have seen extensive growth in the Iowa market.”

— Jim Stockeland, President of Britton Transport
 

 

Louisville Forward

Greater Louisville, Inc

 Louisville

Mary Ellen Wiederwohl
Chief

www.LouisvilleKY.gov

Kent Oyler
President & CEO

www.greaterlouisville.com

Significant Projects:
Chewy, Inc., Haier, Heaven Hill Distilleries

Programs & Initiatives:
Louisville Forward aims to maximize Louisville’s potential for its 19 Opportunity Zones by providing concierge project management, offering incentives for projects in CDBG-eligible census tracts, and working to accelerate the permitting process. Greater Louisville Inc.’s Greater Louisville 2020 initiative seeks to recruit businesses, attract startups, grow employment, recruit and retain workforce and advocate for a strong business environment.

Did You Know?
Louisville is the starting point for Kentucky’s wildly popular 16- distillery Bourbon Trail.

“Louisville’s pro-business attitude and diversified economy make it the prime market for our first geographical expansion beyond Central Ohio.”

— Tom Harris, President & CEO of HMB
 

 

Greater Omaha Chamber

Omaha

David Brown
President & CEO

omahachamber.org

Significant Projects:
Mutual of Omaha, Nebraska Colocation Centers, Yahoo

Programs & Initiatives:
CODE (Commitment to Opportunity, Diversity and Equity for Greater Omaha) seeks to address diversity, inclusivity, equity and access to opportunity in Greater Omaha. The Strategic 4Sight initiative works across the region to identify critical trends and plausible futures.

Did You Know?
Omaha is the birthplace of the TV dinner and the Reuben sandwich.

“This city continues to produce seasoned, hard-working professionals with top-notch transferable skills as well as college grads ready to start their careers in tech.”

— Brent Brummer, VP Business Strategy of Sojern
 

 

Greater Phoenix Economic Council

Phoenix

Chris Camacho
President & CEO

gpec.org

Significant Projects:
Infosys, Iron Mountain Data Centers, Aerocircular

Programs & Initiatives:
The Global Partnership Program is a collaborative and solutions-oriented initiative to help grow and support international business activity in the Greater Phoenix region. The GPEC Global Growth Accelerator helps international firms accelerate growth plans.

Did You Know?
Located in a county (Maricopa) about the size of New Hampshire, metro Phoenix is not only home to nearly 200 golf courses, but also the largest municipal park in North America: South Mountain Park and Preserve covers more than 16,500 acres and has more than 50 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails.

“We decided to move our headquarters from California to Arizona after working closely with the Phoenix Economic Development Council due to its friendly government, pro-business stance and available technical talent due to a strong semiconductor base.”

— TWill Salhuna, President & CEO of RJR Technologies
 

 

Huntsville/Madison County Chamber

Huntsville

Chip Cherry
President & CEO

huntsvillealabamausa.com

Significant Projects:
LG Electronics, Star Belt, BOCAR GmbH

Programs & Initiatives:
The Chamber Foundation’s Industry Insight Program focuses on the professional development of teachers, coaches, educators and counselors in the Huntsville, Madison County and Madison City school districts. Training conferences provide educators with information they need to prepare their students for career path opportunities in the region.

Did You Know?
The Mercury Redstone Rocket that lifted astronaut Alan Shepard into space was developed in Huntsville, also known as “Rocket City.”

“Given the top-tier talent at the University of Alabama-Huntsville’s Propulsion Research Center, the exceptional level of rocket engine expertise at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and at our teammate, Dynetics, and in the local community, Huntsville is the logical choice to locate the new production work on the AR1 engine.”

— Eileen Drake, President & CEO of Aerojet Rocketdyne
 

 

Indy Chamber

Indy Chamber

Michael Huber
President & CEO

indychamber.com

Significant Projects:
Eli Lilly and Company, Republic Airlines, FedEx

Programs & Initiatives:
The Indy Resource Navigator is the Chamber’s online portal for business growth initiatives and services. Indy Chamber Entrepreneur Services helps local entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. The Business Ownership Initiative aims to help Central Indiana residents start businesses through coaching, access to financing, workshops and on-line courses.

Did You Know?
Indianapolis-based Taggart Baking Company launched Wonder Bread in 1921, becoming the first major company to distribute sliced bread. Van Camp’s Pork and Beans was launched by Indianapolis grocer Gilbert Van Camp.

“Formally establishing our global headquarters in Indianapolis just makes sense considering the incredible pool of local talent and the positive business environment supported by both local and state government.”

— Josh Ross, CEO of Kerauno
 

 

Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation

Lehigh Valley

Don Cunningham
President & CEO

lehighvalley.org

Significant Projects:
Atas International, B Braun Medical, Automatic Data Processing

Programs & Initiatives:
“Made Possible in the Lehigh Valley” is a newly-launched marketing initiative touting the area’s workforce. A new strategic initiative work group at LVEDC will focus on the increasing need for talent, which meshes well with the organization’s continuing focus on downtown development in Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton.

Did You Know?
The Lehigh Valley’s GDP in 2017 reached a record-high $40.1 billion, and nearly every economic sector saw year-over-year growth.

“There is a great vibe in Allentown with the arts and music culture. We want to build on that and offer something unique.”

— Jerry Deifer, Developer
 

 

Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce

Invest Atlanta

 Atlanta

Hala Moddelmog
President

metroatlantachamber.com

Eloisa Klementich
President & CEO

investatlanta.com

Significant Projects:
BlackRock, Norfolk Southern, Thyssenkrupp Elevator

Programs & Initiatives:
The Metro Atlanta Chamber’s Backed by ATL program provides customized assistance to a select group of high-potential companies to accelerate their growth and fuel economic impact across the metro Atlanta region. Global Health ATL is designed to drive Atlanta’s reputation as a center for global health. The Creative Industries Loan Fund, supported by Invest Atlanta, offers low interest loans with flexible terms for local creative entrepreneurs.

Did You Know?
Twenty-six companies headquartered in metro Atlanta were among the 2018 Fortune 1000, with 15 of them ranked in the 2018 Fortune 500 (Norfolk Southern will make it 16).

“Atlanta is a fantastic market for world-class talent, and we’re thrilled to grow our presence in the region.”

— Warren Wick, EVP Commercial Sales of Salesforce
 

 

Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce

Nashville

Ralph Schulz
President & CEO

nashvillechamber.com

Significant Projects:
Amazon, Bridgestone Americas, Asurion

Programs & Initiatives:
Partnership 2020 is the Nashville region’s public/private economic development initiative responsible for the creation of jobs and capital investments through business expansions and relocations, talent development and enhanced livability. Talent development initiatives include YP Nashville and Middle Tennessee Reconnect Community.

Did You Know?
Nashville has the world’s highest per-capita concentration of people working in the music industry.

“Nashville is one of the fastest growing markets in the United States. The access to talent and centralized location make it an excellent gateway to clients and carriers in the southeastern United States.”

— Mark Kummer, President of Mid America Logistics
 

 

REDI Cincinnati

Northern Kentucky Tri-ED

 Kentucky

Kimm Lauterbach
President & CEO

www.redicincinnati.com

Lee Crume
President & CEO

www.northernkentuckyusa.com

Significant Projects:
R.A. Jones, Kroger, U.S. Bancorp

Programs & Initiatives:
REDI Cincinnati leads a business retention and expansion program in Brown, Butler, Clermont Hamilton and Warren counties to fuel expansion for fast-growing companies. Northern Kentucky Tri-ED led the creation of the NKY Entrepreneurship Council, which aims to establish an innovation cluster focusing on informatics, health innovation and logistics in northern Kentucky.

Did You Know?
Cincinnati is the nation’s 28th-largest economy, and the sixth-largest economy in the Midwest.

“Southwest Ohio is uniquely positioned to support our growth. This infusion of non-dilutive capital from REDI Cincinnati and JobsOhio accelerates our progress.”

— Dr. Gavi Begtrup, CEO of Eccrine Systems
 

 

Regional Growth Partnership (Northwest Ohio)

Ohio

Dean Monske
President & CEO

www.rpg.org

Significant Projects:
Mobis North America, Faurecia USA, Credit Adjustments, Inc.

Programs & Initiatives:
The Regional Growth Partnership’s business development efforts are focused on energy, logistics and transportation, automotive, food processing and advanced manufacturing. RGP offers site and facility searches, incentive packaging, project development services and provides access to venture capital.

Did You Know?
Toledo’s Inverness Club is to host the LPGA’s 2021 Solheim Cup, pitting the best women golfers from the United States against the best from Europe.

“We look forward to building on Toledo’s reputation for automotive expertise and excellence as we provide our customers with high-quality products.”

— Donald Hampton, Jr., President of Faurecia USA
 

 

Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA)

Savannah

Hugh “Trip” Tollison
President & CEO

seda.org/home

Significant Projects:
Crane Worldwide Logistics, Wayfair, Inc., Gulfstream Aerospace

Programs & Initiatives:
The Business Retention Action Team works to support established businesses in Savannah and Chatham County. The Creative Coast initative helps bring technology companies to Savannah.

Did You Know?
Chatham Artillery Punch, a local mix of brandy, whiskey, rum, lemon and sugar, was served to George Washington during his 1791 presidential tour of Savannah. The drink is considered to be one of the strongest alcoholic beverages ever concocted.

“Our Savannah expansion is … the direct result of our strong partnership with Savannah Technical College. The school’s aviation programs, which have provided us with more than 500 knowledgeable and skilled employees over nearly 20 years … will help us meet the workforce needs this expansion creates.”

— Mark Burns, President of Gulfstream Aerospace
 

 

The Right Place (Grand Rapids/Western Michigan)

The Right Place

Birgit Klohs
President & CEO

rightplace.org

Significant Projects:
Bissell, Roksam Baking Company, Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing

Programs & Initiatives:
The Right Place’s business development team in 2018 met with nearly 400 individual businesses in the manufacturing, agribusiness, IT and medical device/life sciences industries. Engineers accounted for more than 11 percent of those firms’ in-demand jobs and occupations. According to EMSI analysis conducted by The Right Place, there are more than 13,500 engineers in West Michigan’s 13-county region.

Did You Know?
The Grand Rapids metro area has more LEED-certified buildings per capita than any other U.S. city.

“Grand Rapids has been a great city for Allegiant, with solid demand and steady growth over the years. It’s a perfect location for a permanent base.”

— Keith Hansen, Vice President of Government Affairs at Allegiant Air
 

 

Washington DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP)

Washington

Keith J. Sellars
President & CEO

wdcep.com

Significant Projects:
Amazon, PM Realty Group, Samsung, YELP

Programs & Initiatives:
Aimed at entrepreneurs, retailers, restaurateurs and brokers looking to open or expand their businesses in Washington, D.C.’s neighborhoods, WDCEP’S Space Finding Tours feature updates and information on emerging neighborhoods and commercial corridors throughout the District.

Did You Know?
Metrorail, operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, is the second largest heavy rail system in the United States. Its 91 stations, 118 miles and six lines in 2017 saw average weekday ridership of 626,000.

“Washington, D.C. and northern Virginia are emerging as one of the country’s major hubs for tech talent, which was a key factor in our decision to expand in the area.”

— Howard Lerman, CEO of Yext
 

 

World Business Chicago

Chicago

Andrea Zopp
President & CEO

worldbusinesschicago.com

Significant Projects:
CDW Corporation, Google, C.H. Robinson, Solstice

Programs & Initiatives:
World Business Chicago’s 12 core initiatives include the Blackstone Inclusive Entrepreneurship Challenge, Chicago Anchors for a Strong Economy (CASE, focused on linking anchor employers with regional suppliers and service providers) and ThinkChicago, a twice-yearly event during the Lollapalooza music festival and Chicago Ideas Week when top university students are invited to town to meet with Chicago technology leaders, explore companies and soak up the full Chicago experience.

Did You Know?
The buildings and streets of Chicago were raised by six feet with hydraulic jacks in the 1850s to elevate ground level significantly higher than the shores of Lake Michigan.

“Chicago was our preferred choice with its close proximity to our customers and access to the area’s diverse high-technology talent pool.”

— Arjun Rao, CEO of ValueLabs