2023 Shovel Awards
EV and Semiconductor Projects Stand Out in States Receiving Area Development’s 18th Annual Shovel Awards

With concerns about climate change now supplanting pandemic fears, projects to produce EVs — and the semiconductors used by vehicles and other high-tech goods — come to the forefront in this year’s Shovel Awards report.
Boosting Semiconductor Manufacturing in America
Often referred to as “fabs,” the plants producing semiconductors are all big-money investments promising big job counts.
Charging Up the Electric Vehicle and Battery Sector
More than half a dozen of this year’s Project of the Year awards are related to EVs or the batteries that will power them.
Recent Features
Automotive
Last Word: A Second Wave of EV Investment

The rapid transition of the auto industry from internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEs) to electric vehicles (EVs) has set off a rush of new investment in new EV assembly plants and battery cell plants.
ContinueData Centers
Data Center Sites: What’s Your Connection?

Those seeking a location for a data center need to consider fiber connectivity, access to power, cooling capabilities, risk mitigation, and security, among key requirements.
ContinueBiotech / 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.
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.
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.
ContinueAutomotive
Building the Nation’s EV Charging Infrastructure

Public-private partnerships can help states and cities expand their electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
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.
ContinueContributed Content
New York City Emerges as a Global Life Sciences Hub

In NYC, the stage is set like no other city for life sciences companies of all sizes to thrive.
ContinueContributed Content
Capitalizing on Washington, DC’s Economic Opportunities

Companies looking to expand their operations will find the talent, funding, and support they need in the DC region.
ContinueConstruction / Project Planning
Development Land Demonstrates Resilience in a Volatile Market

Land development is a fluid sector that tends to follow the wave of national trends and demand, creating pockets of positives throughout a troubled marketplace.
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.
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.
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.
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
Applied Physics Technologies Expands McMinnville, Oregon, Operations
06/02/2023
Bosch Expands Lincolnton, North Carolina, Operations
06/02/2023
Little Leaf Farms Establishes McAdoo, Pennsylvania, Greens Production Complex
06/02/2023
Swiss-Based Sulzer Pumps Solutions Plans Easley, South Carolina, Operations
06/01/2023
Finland-Based ADMARES Plans Waycross, Georgia, U.S. Manufacturing Plant
06/01/2023
Toyota Plans Georgetown, Kentucky, Electric Vehicle Operations
06/01/2023
Ranger Design Establishes North Charleston, South Carolina, Operations
05/31/2023
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37th Annual Corporate Survey: Economic Pressures Exerting Greatest Effect on Decision-Makers
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Is a Flurry of Fads Shaping Economic Development Policy?
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Nearshoring — North America’s Next Factory
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Front Line: Water Supply Increasingly Affecting Location Decisions
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Life Science Conversions in Real Estate
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First Person: Labor Crunch in the Construction Industry
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Companies Are Recalibrating Their Priorities
Q1 2023