36th Annual Survey of Corporate Executives Commentary
Companies Are Recalibrating Their Priorities
In recent years many companies have been propelled to recalibrate priorities for their location strategies and resulting real estate footprints. The top site selection factors for occupiers today include the following:
Corporate Decision-Makers Face a Challenging Environment
The rankings clearly reflect the impact of geopolitical and economic instability, as well as technology.
Energy Costs Come to the Forefront
The shift away from carbon-emitting fuels and the unexpected spikes in natural gas pricing in 2022 have made industrial customers increasingly sensitive to energy costs in their location decisions.
Federal Legislation Affects Companies’ Investment Plans
Companies looking to grow are facing an historically tight labor market and rising costs, but their plans to invest may be buoyed by recent government legislation.
Labor Related Factors Are Key
Companies are searching for the right balance of labor — at all skill levels — that can satisfy their needs not only now but also into the future.
Recent Features
Biotech / Life Sciences
Life Science Conversions in Real Estate

Among the key legal issues to be considered when converting office to life science space are credit enhancements, expansion/contraction options, use segregation, and zoning.
ContinueTaxes / Incentives
Is a Flurry of Fads Shaping Economic Development Policy?

Chasing the latest flurry of fads may not help business leaders or the communities in which they locate achieve long-term success.
ContinueContributed Content
Georgia Power: Meeting Industry’s Demand for Cleaner Energy

By investing in a diverse mix of renewable energy sources, including nuclear, Georgia Power is recognizing the needs of its customers.
ContinueBusiness Globalization
Nearshoring — North America’s Next Factory

Its strong maquiladora program, skilled labor, and favorable geographic location have made Mexico a top choice for nearshoring to the U.S. market.
ContinueAutomotive
Building the Nation’s EV Charging Infrastructure

Public-private partnerships can help states and cities expand their electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
ContinueWorkplace Trends
Raising Local Labor Force Participation
In an attempt to help businesses find the workers they need, economic development organizations are working with community partners to reduce barriers to work through a mix of strategies.
ContinueAdvanced Manufacturing
Last Word: The CHIPS Act

How is the Chips Act driving investment in the U.S., and how can local initiatives help?
ContinueAerospace
The Top Investment Location Prospects for Aerospace Manufacturing

Which are the most promising states and countries for aerospace production in a rapidly evolving sector-wide landscape?
ContinueWorkplace Trends
Key Steps to Satisfying Workforce Needs

Businesses can fulfill their labor requirements by creating a positive company culture where employees are not only well compensated but also provided with training and growth opportunities.
ContinueConstruction / Project Planning
First Person: Labor Crunch in the Construction Industry

The construction industry continues to face a skilled labor shortage, with worker scarcity worsening since the beginning of the pandemic. With this in mind, Area Development’s staff editor Lisa Bastian asked Joseph Natarelli, Marcum’s National Construction Leader, to share his perspective on this issue.
ContinueTaxes / Incentives
Manufacturing and Distribution Trends Impact the Value of Credits and Incentives

Credits and incentives are just one consideration among many factors that need to be taken into account as your company begins its location search.
ContinueSite Selection Factors / Strategy
Front Line: Water Supply Increasingly Affecting Location Decisions

Over the last few years, there has been a heightened focus on abundant access to water for companies seeking new locations.
ContinueContributed Content
Diversifying the Economy Puts Kansas in Driver’s Seat

As a new era of transportation in America charges up, Kansas’ vision is helping companies electrify the next generation of driving.
ContinueAsset / Facility Management
First Person: Putting a Cyber Defense Plan in Place

To find out more about the current cyber threats companies are facing and their responses to such threats, Area Development’s staff writer, Lisa Bastian, interviewed Michael Morris, a managing director in Deloitte’s Cyber Detect & Respond practice.
ContinueConstruction / Project Planning
Deploying Location Strategy + Incentives to Meet ESG Goals

CFOs and business leaders can utilize location strategy as part of their ESG mission through their workforce, workplace, and sustainability strategies, as well as by demonstrating social responsibility and good governance.
ContinueProject Announcements
Hanon Systems Establishes Bulloch County, Georgia, Operations
05/26/2023
GE Vernova Expands Schenectady, New York, Operations
05/26/2023
Southern Rock Energy Partners Plans Cushing, Oklahoma, Crude Oil Refinery
05/26/2023
ForwardEdge ASIC Establishes St. Paul, Minnesota, Operations
05/26/2023
Spain-Based Cosentino Group Plans Jacksonville, Florida, Manufacturing Plant
05/26/2023
Michelin Expands Junction City, Kansas, Operations
05/26/2023
Italy-Based Alpitronic Americas Plans Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. Headquarters-Operations
05/25/2023
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