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The Attraction of Enterprise Zones: Tax Benefits and Incentives for Businesses
By Mark Crawford (Nov 08)
Locating a business in a designated enterprise zone can often provide incentives unavailable in other areas. But the incentives offered are beginning to change — and there may be tradeoffs that could devalue the financial advantages. More
Business Accounting: New Global Standards Impact Business Plans, Location Decisions
By Richard J. Maturi (Nov 08)
Experts believe that adopting uniform global accounting standards will positively impact companies’ business plans, including location decisions. More
Buying Brownfields: Opportunity or Risk?
By Curtis Slocum; Brownfield Development Specialist, Voit Development Company (Nov 08)
Brownfield sites can present opportunities to purchase properties at lower prices and in areas where fewer traditional sites are available — if you can work around liability concerns and cleanup costs. More
Setting Your Company’s Salary Scale to Your Location’s Standards
By Debra Williams (Nov 08)
What are the salary standards in your new location? Your facility’s success — from profit margins to worker satisfaction — depends on getting the numbers right. More
The Site Selection Checklist: Prepare Your Approach
By Brad Lindquist and Phil Schneider, Deloitte Consulting GEO Group (Nov 08)
Regardless of which and how many factors make up the checklist, understanding these decision-drivers, their priority, and potential impact on the project will provide the foundation for the location analysis. More
Expedited Permitting: Time is Money
By Bob Hess and Doug Stachowiak NKF Consulting, Global Location Strategy and Optimization, Chicago (Oct/Nov 08)
The results of Area Development’s 2007 Corporate Survey reflect the growing importance of fast-track permitting as speed to market becomes more and more critical to manufacturers. More
High-Tech Hotspots: a Roadmap
By Cynthia Kincaid (Oct/Nov 08)
New technologies, the demand for quality workers, business-friendly cities, and access to more power are driving high-tech industries toward traditional tech hubs, and to some growing locations that are taking advantage of the boom. More
Tax Incentives Aren’t the Only Value to Going Green
By A. Ridgeway Miller, CPA and Edward D. Meyette, CPA Crowe Horwath LLP (Oct/Nov 08)
Increased awareness about the conservation of resources and global warming is contributing to the increased desire for green buildings. More
U.S. Economic Downturn: A Boom or Bust for Sustainable Development?
By Robert R. AbbergerSenior Managing Director and Chairman-National Task Force on SustainabilityTrammell Crow Company (Oct/Nov 08)
The question may be not if Corporate America can afford to go green, but rather if it can afford not to go green. More
The Business Life Cycle Effect
By Phil Schneider & Raj Vohra Deloitte Consulting LLP (Aug/Sep 08)
An industry’s and company’s life cycle has a direct bearing on its location strategy and site selection decisions. More
Fueling Change in Intermodal Transportation
By Steve Stackhouse (Aug/Sep 08)
The high cost of fuel is leading to fundamental changes in intermodal transportation, putting more emphasis on water and rail. And that’s driving the creation of more intermodal facilities. More
Highway Accessibility Underpins Location Decisions
By David V. Brandon, Senior Vice President, Site Selection Group, LLC (Aug/Sep 08)
Highway accessibility — the number-one ranked factor by Area Development’s 2007 Corporate Survey respondents — undeniably forms the essential nexus between workers, suppliers, producers, distributors, and markets. More
Megasites Equal Megabusiness: Certification Requirements and Processes for Megasites and Supersites
By Mark Crawford (Aug/Sep 08)
Certified megasites are quickly becoming the new standard for large expansions and relocations. What factors qualify a location as a megasite? More
The New Railroad Resurgence
By Lisa A. Bastian (Aug/Sep 08)
America’s railroads are experiencing an unprecedented expansion, and businesses are taking notice as they make their site selection decisions. More
Who Needs — Or Wants — to be Near The Consumer?
By Chris Steele, President; Real Estate Line of Business, TranSystems (Aug/Sep 08)
Proximity to major markets was only ranked 10th in importance by the respondents to Area Development’s 2007 Corporate Survey, but economic and environmental trends may increase this factor’s relevance. MoreBusiness Drivers When Constructing a Bio-Sciences Facility
By Jerry Guillorn and Stephen Neeson, LEED® AP, Structure Tone
(Biotech Location Guide, May 08)
The life sciences company’s construction services
partner must understand the firm’s present and — more importantly — future business model before work begins on a new facility. More 
How ICT Affects Your Site Decision
By Gary Yates, Director Site Selection, and Craig McKesson, Principal, The Staubach Company (Apr/May 08)
Think speed, capacity — and taxes — when considering information and communications technology issues in the location process. More
Emerging Industries, Emerging Locations
By Jennifer LeClaire (Dec/Jan 08)
New technologies are pushing the development of new industry clusters. Here are some consultants’ ideas about which locations might be on the fast track for growth. More
Innovation Zones: New Jersey’s Newest Technology Neighborhoods
By Lisa A. Bastian, CBC (Dec/Jan 08)
Companies operating inside of “Innovation Zones” in Greater New Brunswick, Camden, and Newark enjoy access to world-class commercialization facilities as well as enhanced financial incentives. More
How Important is Quality of Life?
By Susan Avery (Dec/Jan 08)
As competition for talent becomes more intense, this hard-to-define concept may have more significant impact on future location decisions. More
Permit Us to Help
By Cynthia Kincaid (Dec/Jan 08)
A growing number of municipalities are implementing procedures and using technology to make the permitting process faster and easier for companies and developers. More
A Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Site
By Tim Feemster, Senior Vice President, Global Logistics, Grubb & Ellis Company (Nov 07)
A five-phase process can take your company from defining the key attributes for its success to picking the optimal PLACE and site to do business. More
“Final Five”Eye National Bio Defense
By Patrice D. Bucciarelli (Oct/Nov 07)
Only one of the sites in five states with long-established connections to public and private bio- and agro-research operations will be chosen— but they all feel like winners. More
Brownfield Redevelopment Helps Communities and Businesses Prosper
By Jon Walker, Managing Director; Corporate, Legal, and Government Services; EDR (Aug/Sep 07)
Brownfields are no longer considered economic, social, and environmental burdens for the communities, corporations, and developers that have started to place an unprecedented interest in redeveloping these environmentally contaminated properties and restoring the sites to productive uses. MoreDoing Business at the Border
By Jennifer LeClaire (Aug/Sep 07)
The logistics and distribution benefits of border locations are continuing to increase — and foreign-trade zones are adding to the equation. MoreDowntown on the Upswing
By Cynthia Kincaid (Aug/Sep 07)
Working together, government officials and businesses are utilizing careful planning and strategic vision to revitalize the nation’s once-thriving town centers. MoreOpting for Better Logistics Locations
By Rick Underwood, APL Logistics (Aug/Sep 07)
An engineering process known as supply chain optimization can help companies site their next distribution centers. More
Managing Corporate Real Estate In Mergers or Acquisitions
By Jonathan A. Keyser, Principal, CRESA Partners (Aug/Sep 07)
Getting an early handle on a company’s real estate and facilities can be a powerful tool in increasing the profitability of a merger or acquisition. More
Maximizing Sale & Leasebacks
By Jay Koster, Managing Principal, Staubach Capital Markets, Inc. (Aug/Sep 07)
Ownership may work for some of your corporate real estate holdings, but sale and leasebacks offer distinct financial advantages. MoreNew Spaces on Old Bases
By Susan Avery (Aug/Sep 07)
Forward-thinking reutilization strategies can turn military base closures into surprisingly positive developments for their surrounding communities. More
Ranked #7: Occupancy or Construction Costs
By Les J. Cranmer, Senior Managing Director; and Art M. Wegfahrt, Corporate Managing Director; Studley, Inc. (Aug/Sep 07)
A closer look at the Corporate Survey reveals that the occupancy or construction costs factor is not as critical to the location decision as it first appears. MoreCapitalize on Your Due Diligence
By Anne L. Leifer, PG, LSP, and Catherine Gabis Johnson, PG; GEI Consultants (Jun/Jul 07)
More than just a step in the site selection process, comprehensive due diligence uncovers important information that can save time and prevent costly mistakes. MoreLocation Texas: Wide Open For Business
By Steve Stackhouse (Jun/Jul 07)
As Toyota was searching for a place to build a new truck plant, San Antonio was bubbling to the top of the list. MoreRetooled Websites - Help Ease the Location Search
By Phillip M. Perry (Jun/Jul 07)
Communities are reacting to site selectors’ needs by posting solid data on their websites as well as incorporating GIS and other interactive capabilities. MoreWhy It’s Still A Good Idea to Invest in America
By Geraldine Gambale, Editor (Jun/Jul 07)
According to President Bush, “The U.S. has a key stake in promoting an open investment regime.” MoreBiotech Location Guide: Biotech Incentives Help Create Winning Locations
By Jonathan Sangster, Senior Managing Director, CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) (Apr/May 07)
Biotechnology has been and remains one of the most sought-after industries in economic development. The huge opportunities, dynamic growth, and high talent pool skill sets generated by the industry make biotech companies very attractive candidate companies in the eyes of state and local economic development officials. MoreCalifornia: Where Emerging Technologies Converge
By Susan Avery (Apr/May 07)
The Golden State continues to expand upon its longstanding reputation for innovation. MoreControlling Land-Use Challenges
By Benjamin H. Bamford, Senior Development Manager, High Real Estate Group LLC (Apr/May 07)
Collaboration and creative approaches to land use can result in projects that benefit your business and the community. MoreRelocation: An Executive Team Effort
By Mike Forsyth and Dutch Holland, Ph.D., Holland & Davis LLC (Apr/May 07)
A new location means new opportunities, so it’s vital for the CEO and other executives to actively participate in a relocation plan. MoreSecuring Your Facility Inside and Out
By Patrice D. Bucciarelli (Apr/May 07)
High-tech security measures are part of the solution, but so are time-tested low-tech ideas — and the people to make them all work. MoreWell-Connected Locations
By Mark Crawford (Apr/May 07)
From VoIP to Wi-Fi and WiMAX, the latest telecom technologies are positioning communities to attract and retain industry. MoreEnvironmental Liability Protection for Tenants
By Jonathan W. Redding and Greggory C. Brandt, Attorneys; Wendel, Rosen, Black & Dean LLP (Feb/Mar 07)
Facility lessees may be held responsible for contaminations that occurred under previous owners or tenants. How can you minimize the legal risk? MoreMaximize Your Incentives
By Michael R. Press, Managing Director, and Cole Morvan, Director, Business Incentives Advisory; Duff & Phelps LLC (Feb/Mar 07)
These 10 key negotiation strategies will help you unlock the full value of your relocation or expansion incentives package. MoreRanked #1: Labor Costs
By John M. Rhodes, Senior Principal; Moran, Stahl & Boyer, LLC (Feb/Mar 07)
The respondents to the 2006 Corporate Survey conducted by Area Development identified the cost of labor as the number-one factor for making site selection decisions. Here is some insight into the importance of labor costs. MoreRanked #2: Highway Accessibility
By Rick Thomas, Director; Managed Transportation, CEVA Logistics (Feb/Mar 07)
Highway accessibility was ranked as the #2 factor by the respondents to Area Development's 2006 Annual Corporate Survey for a myriad of reasons. MoreThe Value of “GREEN”
By Theddi Wright Chappell, Managing Director of Advisory Services, Pacific Security Capital, and CEO, Sustainable Values, Inc. (Feb/Mar 07)
The decision to ignore the growing trend toward “green” development could have a greater impact on a company’s bottom line than just the actual physical expense. MoreExpanding Options in Overseas Markets
By Mark Crawford (Dec/Jan 07)
The nations of the European Union and the Asia–Pacific region offer prime opportunities for foreign direct investment. MoreOpportunities Abound in the Americas
By Mark Crawford (Dec/Jan 07)
Free trade and economic stability arecreating new channels for foreign direct investment in the Western Hemisphere. MorePlanning a Brownfield Cleanup
By Jim Ash, PE, LSP, Vice President, and Patrick King, PE, Environmental Division Manager; GEI Consultants, Inc. (Dec/Jan 07)
Avoid a "one size fits all" approach when considering a contaminated site remediation. MoreWhat Is Quality of Life?
By Susan Avery (Dec/Jan 07)
This abstract concept, so difficult to define and quantify, is nonetheless a vital component of the location decision-making process. More"Feasability Studies"
By Matt Twomey, President; High Construction Company (Nov 06)
Before spending on due diligence for a construction project, a smaller investment could save you time and money. More“Micropolitan” America’s Place in the Location Decision
By Lisa A. Bastian, CBC (Nov 06)
“Micros,” which tend to have healthy economies, are attracting businesses of all types with their ample, qualified labor and enviable quality of life. MorePlanning for the Long Run
By Scott Kupperman, Senior Vice President, A. Epstein and Sons International, Inc. (Nov 06)
Can you anticipate your company’s future facility needs? Eliminate tomorrow’s challenges with practical strategies today. MorePutting the Location Decision into a Business Context
By Linda G. Tresslar, Managing Director; Strategic Consulting Group, Grubb & Ellis Co. (Nov 06)
Find the right place to do business first and the best site will follow. MoreWorkplace Strategies
By Debra Moritz and Jennifer Samuells, Jones Lang LaSalle (Nov 06)
Developing, promoting, and implementing a “Workplace Strategy” (WS) brings new challenges as well as new opportunities. MoreHigh-Tech Development: What’s Next?
By Mark Crawford (Oct/Nov 06)
The science may be changing, but high-tech companies’ need for skilled people and low costs remains the same. MoreOffshoring Financial is Here to Stay
By Peter Lowes, Principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP (Oct/Nov 06)
Dabblers and dawdlers beware: Despite lingering uncertainties about exactly how to approach offshoring, it could be even riskier not to jump in. MoreRanked #9: Proximity to Major Markets
By Les J. Cranmer, Senior Managing Director, and Art M. Wegfahrt, Corporate Managing Director, Studley, Inc. (Oct/Nov 06)
It’s clear from the responses to Area Development’s 2005 Corporate Survey that proximity to major markets is increasingly driving the location decision. MoreEminent Domain Requires a Balanced Approach
By Thomas J. Erman, SIOR, Vice President; NAI DESCO (Aug/Sep 06)
Eminent domain is in the headlines, on televised news shows, and on the lips of every property owner from coast to coast. But the aspect of the story that is rarely, if ever, reported is “balance.” MoreAutomotive Site Guide: Site Selection: Getting Closer to Automotive Manufacturers
By Steve Kowalkoski, Vice President of Automotive; TNT Logistics awards. (Aug/Sep 06)
Logistics outsourcing has grown in size and scope over the past 20 years. MoreBack to Basics: Finding Skilled Workers
By Debra Williams (Aug/Sep 06)
Your facility’s success depends on workers with solid basic skills. How can you effectively assess a location’s potential employee pool? MoreLogistics Distribution & Warehousing 2006: Business Parks: A Logistics Site Selector’s Advantage
By Aaron H. Paris, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, DP Partners (Aug/Sep 06)
Logistics facilities will benefit from the unique amenities parks can offer over stand-alone sites. MoreLogistics Distribution & Warehousing 2006: Green Building: A New Priority
By Jack Rizzo, Managing Director of Global Development, ProLogis
(Aug/Sep 06)
Environmentally friendly warehouse design is increasingly necessary to satisfy both government agencies and customers. More
The Rebirth of the “MG” in America
By Lisa Bastian (Aug/Sep 06)
A new version of a famed English sports car will be built in Oklahoma for a Chinese automaker. MoreKeeping Contruction Projects on Schedule
By Matt Twomey, President, High Construction Company (Jun/Jul 06)
Some delays are inevitable, but a realistic timeline and attention to detail can help you manage costs and avoid major work stoppages. MoreRenewing Your Office Lease: Why Some Succeed While Others Get Fleeced
Frank D. Ricca, Senior Vice President, The Staubach Company (Jun/Jul 06)
Statistics show that typically 70 percent of all tenants renew their leases upon or before lease expiration, as renewing an office lease and staying in place is often the best solution for a company. From a landlord’s standpoint, a renewal tenant often is the holy grail towards profitability. MoreWeb Surfing for Great Locations
By Lisa A. Bastian, CBC (Jun/Jul 06)
Listen to what the experts have to say about using the web for your location search. MoreIs Wireless the New Wired?
By Steve Stackhouse (Apr/May 06)
States and municipalities are scurrying to provide border-to-border wireless communication access. But there’s still lots of room — and use — for fiber. MoreSecurity: The Big Picture
By Cynthia Scanlon (Apr/May 06)
New technology is valuable, but facility planning and operations execs should remember — it’s not all about the gadgets. MoreSTATE RESOURCES
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