Annual Econdev "Shovel" Awards
2022 Gold & Silver Shovel Awards Project of the Year: Apple to Open East Coast Campus in North Carolina and Invest in Local Schools
The North Carolina project is part of Apple’s plan to boost its overall U.S. investment by $430 billion and the creation of 20,000 jobs in several states.
2022 Gold & Silver Shovel Awards Project of the Year: Blue Star Manufacturing Ramps Up PPE Production in Virginia
The establishment of a facility for the production of medical-grade gloves in Virginia is an important step in alleviating supply chain issues with Asian-made products.
2022 Gold & Silver Shovel Awards Project of the Year: Chipmaker Intel Adding Semiconductor Facilities in Arizona
Intel’s two new Arizona fabs that represent a $20 billion investment will make an impact on the semiconductor shortage resulting from pandemic-induced supply chain snarls.
Recent Features
DCs / Warehousing
In Focus: Demand for Industrial Land Surges
The exponential growth of e-commerce has, in turn, accelerated the need for both warehouse and data center space.
ContinueConstruction / Project Planning
Supply Chain Disruptions and Construction Industry Transformation

Planning ahead, running different scenarios, identifying labor needs, and employing technology will help to improve project costs and schedule on today’s jobsite.
ContinueContributed Content
Offshore Wind Is Coming to New York City

Wind turbines do not ordinarily come to mind with thoughts of New York City, but if current plans go forward, that will change dramatically in the near future.
ContinueGovernment Policy / Business Climate
First Person: ESG Propels Honeywell in New Directions

Policies with regard to environmental, social, and governance issues have become increasingly important to all companies, as well as their shareholders, in the 21st century’s “sustainability revolution.”
ContinueConstruction / Project Planning
Five Ways for Manufacturers to Manage Global Market Volatility

To survive and advance in manufacturing, it’s critical to have future-proof, flexible facilities.
ContinueBusiness Globalization / Next Shoring
Foreign-Trade Zones: The Best, Zero-Cost Incentive for Your Business

FTZs can bring in millions of dollars in additional profits and cost very little to maintain relative to the investment.
ContinueAdvanced Manufacturing
Front Line: Performing Physical Tasks Remotely

Rapid advances in automation are even allowing some tasks in manufacturing facilities to be tackled remotely.
ContinueSkilled Labor / STEM
Taking Action Now for An Increasingly Automated Future

The jobs created by automation will ultimately exceed those that are lost, but a federal program is needed to successfully navigate the transformation of the labor force.
ContinueSite Selection Factors / Strategy
The Evolution of the Megasite

As the need for next-generation megasites continues to grow, economic development professionals are helping end-users reimagine the site selection and site preparedness process.
ContinueSkilled Labor / STEM
People Power: How Talent Data Is Advancing Location-Based Decisions
Companies that embrace a talent-first approach using deep-mined data and analytics are more likely to attract the best and brightest, which can, in turn, help unlock the full value of their real estate portfolios.
ContinueU.S. Regional Reports
Louisiana: Global Challenges Create Opportunities

Louisiana has stepped up the development of environmentally friendly technologies, water management, and coastal protection, while also tapping its strong resources in healthcare, life sciences, aeronautics, and traditional economic sectors.
ContinueBiotech / Life Sciences
Retrofitting Office Space to Attract Life Sciences Companies

In the life sciences industry, business is booming; here’s how office buildings can satisfy the sector’s unflagging demand for space.
ContinueManufacturing / Industrial
In Focus: The Impact of E-Commerce on Industrial Real Estate

E-commerce fulfillment often demands three to four times the logistics space of traditional brick-and-mortar retail replenishment.
ContinueTaxes / Incentives
Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Presentation of Incentives Information to the Media

Make sure the media gets it right when reporting on your company’s incentives.
ContinueBiotech / Life Sciences
Innovative and Collaborative Design Sets the Stage for Life Science Innovation

Life science labs need to accommodate present and future equipment needs and, most importantly, collaboration among the scientists and others who work there.
ContinueEnergy / Clean Tech
The Energy Transition: Moving Toward Renewable and Carbon-Neutral Solutions

The massive shift from fossil fuels to cleaner-sourced energy is not a simple or linear path forward.
ContinueSkilled Labor / STEM
How to Effectively Hire During the New Normal

Consider the benefits of internal recruitment, the use of agency software, as well as engaging a recruitment service provider when updating your industrial talent acquisition and hiring process.
ContinueProject Announcements
Gavco Plastics Expands Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Operations
06/27/2022
Twisthink Establishes Grand Rapids, Michigan, Operations
06/27/2022
Okabashi Brands Expands Buford, Georgia, Operations
06/27/2022
General Dynamics Information Technology Opens New Orleans, Louisiana, Operations Center
06/27/2022
Carolina Food Service Expands Loris, South Carolina, Operations
06/27/2022
Funai Lexington Technology Expands Lexington, Kentucky, Operations
06/27/2022
Mayfield Consumer Products Expands Graves County, Kentucky, Operations
06/27/2022
Most Read
-
Area Development’s 17th Annual Shovel Awards Recognize State and Local Economic Development Efforts — First Two Platinum Shovels Awarded
Q2 2022
-
The 2021 Top States for Doing Business Reflect Their Locational Advantages
Q3 2021
-
36th Annual Corporate Survey: Executives Focus on Labor, Energy, Shipping Costs
Q1 2022
-
The Evolution of the Megasite
Q2 2022
-
Rail Gains Advantage Amidst Supply Chain Snarls
Q2 2022
-
Trends in Data Center Site Selection
Q2 2022
-
Five Ways for Manufacturers to Manage Global Market Volatility
Q2 2022