Our Top States for Doing Business Survey polls the site consultants who help companies make their new facility and expansion decisions, and ranks the states based on their number of mentions in 17 categories. More

Features

High Tech/Nano/Electronics >>

Right-Shoring: The Regionalization of the High-Tech Supply Chain

Steve Stackhouse-Kaelble (Q3 / Summer 2013)

Technology companies are bringing product manufacturing and assembly closer to the customer and — more importantly — to R&D. More

Logistics/Infrastructure >>

“Logistics, Labor, and Love”: Aligning Supply Chain and Corporate Real Estate Objectives

Tim Feemster, Managing Principal, Foremost Quality Logistics (Q3 / Summer 2013)

A five-step manufacturing site selection process that aligns the goals and objectives of logistics and corporate real estate functions within an organization, providing a consistent roadmap to a successful location outcome with lowest total cost. More

Site Selection/Facility Planning >>

Determining Facility Requirements for Mission-Critical Data Centers

Tracey Hyatt Bosman, Managing Director and Midwest Practice Leader, Biggins Lacy Shapiro & Company (Q3 / Summer 2013)

Although there is no perfect data center site, by vetting prospective sites to see if they meet specific requirements, a company can find one as close to ideal as possible. More

Energy/Sustainable Development >>

The ABCs of “Greening” the Warehouse Facility

Rajiv Saxena, Vice President, Global Supply Chain Engineering, APL Logistics (Q3 / Summer 2013)

Determining the warehouse facility’s carbon footprint — and then reducing it as much as possible — can put your company on the road to environmental sustainability. More

Labor/Education/HR >>

Work Force Development Programs Can Make or Break a Site Selection Deal

Mark Crawford (Q3 / Summer 2013)

With scant time and resources for recruiting and training workers, companies are looking at states that will help them to quickly satisfy their labor force needs. More

Departments

Asset Management >>

In Focus: Nature’s Cleanup Crew - Peace of Mind for Site Managers

Dr. Aaron Peacock , Environmental Scientist, Haley & Aldrich (Q3 / Summer 2013)

New advancements in the application of biological treatments and analytical technologies are reducing redevelopment and remediation risks at formerly contaminated sites. More

Plastics >>

First Person: A Frank Discussion on 3D Printing's Evolution and Future

David Cox, President/CEO, Purple Platypus (Q3 / Summer 2013)

Recently, we spoke with David Cox, president/CEO of Purple Platypus, a 3D printing technologies seller, and Purple Porcupine, a service bureau with 12 machines that print 3D parts for a variety of customers and markets. 3D printing hasn’t exactly been an overnight success, after 25 years, the industry is finally getting the attention it deserves — some good, some bad. More

Energy/Sustainable Development >>

In Focus: The Changing Role of Architects in Building Performance Analysis

Dr. Craig Wheatley, Director, IES (Integrated Environmental Solutions Ltd.) (Q3 / Summer 2013)

The use of energy modeling as part of an integrated design process has become increasingly important in the role of the architect, and firms are now realizing that they must adopt new design practices to remain competitive. More

Michigan >>

First Person: Michigan Recalibrates Economic Development Strategy and Initiatives

Michael A. Finney, President and CEO, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (Q3 / Summer 2013)

Hit hard by the recession, Michigan is now offering a variety of initiatives and programs to address company needs and create jobs. Area Development discussed these tools with Michael A. Finney, President and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). More

Ohio >>

First Person: With its Economic Future at Stake, Columbus, Ohio Invests in Itself

Kenny McDonald, Chief Economic Officer, Columbus 2020 (Q3 / Summer 2013)

Kenny McDonald, Chief Economic Officer at Columbus 2020, explains how a public-private coalition has come together to take a firm grip on the Columbus region’s economic future. More

Front Line

Business Globalization >>

Momentum Builds for U.S.-India Trade Agreement

James T. Berger (Q3 / Summer 2013)

The time appears to be ripe for the enactment of a bilateral investment treaty to reinvigorate commercial ties between the world’s two biggest democracies, the United States and India. More

North Carolina >>

North Carolina’s Research Triangle To Land New Information Superhighway

Beth Mattson-Teig (Q3 / Summer 2013)

North Carolina’s Research Triangle hopes to gain an edge with high-speed connectivity with a local, public-private initiative aimed at providing open access, ultra-high-speed bandwidth at affordable prices to both residents and businesses throughout the region. More

Special Investment Report

Ohio >>

Special Investment Report: Ohio

Dave Claborn , Director of Development and Community Relations, Ohio State University, Marion (Q3 / Summer 2013)

Sixty percent of the U.S. and Canadian population lies within a day’s drive, making Ohio an ideal location for manufacturing — machinery, automobiles, plastics, appliances, and steel, among others. More

Exclusive Online Content

High Tech/Nano/Electronics >>

Hot Markets for High-Tech Manufacturing Jobs

Greg Matter, Vice President, Tenant Representation, Jones Lang LaSalle (Q3 / Summer 2013)

Access to skilled labor, customers, and suppliers is paramount to high-tech firms’ location decisions, often trumping cost considerations when making technology manufacturing location decisions. More

Logistics/Infrastructure >>

Intelligent Rural Cities Offer Big-City Benefits Without the Urban Challenges

Robert Bell, Co-founder, Intelligent Community Forum (Q3 / Summer 2013)

The broadband connectivity of the 21st century has made rural areas vital places to grow a business and a career. More

Labor/Education/HR >>

Employers Grapple with Higher Workers’ Compensation Costs

Phillip M. Perry (Q3 / Summer 2013)

Employers, who are getting hit with higher workers’ compensation costs as the insurance industry changes premium calculations, are instituting programs to control the impact of workplace accidents. More

Site Selection/Facility Planning >>

Reality Check: Making Data-Driven Decisions to Optimize Your Workplace

Dr. Tracy Brower, Director of Performance Environments , Herman Miller (Q3 / Summer 2013)

The use of both quantitative and qualitative metrics allows facility managers to make better use of their real estate footprints, positively affecting their businesses and their employees. More