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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Advanced Manufacturing

wisconsin-a-launchpad-for-innovation-and-industry

Wisconsin: A Launchpad for Innovation and Industry

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (Q2 2025)

From AI and fusion to biomanufacturing, Wisconsin’s tech economy is attracting global and local bets. More
from-silicon-to-server-mapping-the-data-center-supply-chain

From Silicon to Server: Mapping the Data Center Supply Chain

W. Ford Graham, Partner, Steven Pearce, VP, Infrastructure and Economic Development, Margaret Rockwell, Counsel at McGuireWoods Consulting (Q2 2025)

How suppliers and innovators have powered the explosive growth of America’s data center infrastructure. More
new-rules-for-the-cloud-rush

New Rules for the Cloud Rush

Charles Talbot Nunnally III, Senior Counsel, Nicholas Kemper, Senior Associate, Charlsie Mann, associate in Trusts & Estates and Real Estate at Chamberlain Hrdlicka (Q2 2025)

What developers need to know about how states are regulating data centers—and utilities are shifting the cost burden. More
first-person-david-robey-co-ceo-of-qts-data-centers

First Person: David Robey, Co-CEO of QTS Data Centers

Area Development Research Desk (Q2 2025)

With QTS rapidly scaling to meet hyperscaler and enterprise demand across North America and Europe, Co-CEO David Robey shares his perspective on site selection, utilities, incentives, and what’s next for the industry. Robey, who previously served as COO, brings a tactical mindset to an evolving set of location priorities. More
ai-is-changing-incentives-math

In Focus: AI Is Changing Incentives Math

Brian Eddow, Area Development Staff (Q2 2025)

Headcount-focused incentives punish evolving companies, payroll helps reward a different kind of growth. More
first-person-joe-capes-ceo-liquidstack

First Person: Joe Capes, CEO, LiquidStack

Area Development Research Desk (Q2 2025)

LiquidStack CEO Joe Capes on choosing Texas for expansion, working through AI supply chain shocks, and why hot water is the future of cooling. More
how-to-choose-the-right-site-for-your-factory-in-2025s-volatile-landscape

How to Choose the Right Site for Your Factory in 2025’s Volatile Landscape

Chris Urchell, Consulting Manager, Baker Tilly (Q2 2025)

Why manufacturers should treat site selection as a form of risk management — not just opportunity hunting. More
the-second-space-race

The Second Space Race

Garrison Partridge, Staff Writer, Area Development (Q2 2025)

How spaceport development could drive economic growth in new places. More

First Person: Brent Omdahl, SVP Government Affairs for Global Wafers

Area Development Research Desk (Q1 2025)

The EVP for Government Affairs at GlobalWafers shares insights on a $3.5 billion investment in Sherman, Texas, workforce development, and how the CHIPS Act has reshaped semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. More
is-it-time-to-start-planning-for-quantum-data-centers

Is It Time to Start Planning for Quantum Data Centers?

Lee Walker Helland, Area Development Staff Writer,  (Q1 2025)

It’s looking like a question of when, not if. A look ahead at this emerging technology — and what it means for economic development. More

Editor’s Note: The Future Is Now

Andy Greiner,  Editor, Area Development (Q1 2025)

More
training-them-up

Why Workforce Readiness Can’t Wait

Jeff Troan, Managing Director, Vista Site Selection, LLC (Q1 2025)

The training program for the new facility can no longer be delayed until the new facility is nearing completion. It should be instituted the day after the site selection decision is announced More
tennessee-bold-investment-in-nuclear-innovation-and-workforce

Tennessee’s Bold Investment in Nuclear Innovation and Workforce

Mark Crawford, Staff Editor, Area Development (Q1 2025)

Strengthening its nuclear ecosystem with major investments in workforce training, advanced research, and industry growth. More
the-location-economics-of-advanced-nuclear

The Location Economics of Advanced Nuclear

Courtland Robinson, Director of Business Development, Brasfield & Gorrie (Q1 2025)

Technology gains traction as a strategic investment, with evolving reactor designs, streamlined site selection, and regional incentives shaping the future of clean, reliable power. More
ohios-dynamic-approach-to-economic-development-empowers-inclusive-prosperity

Ohio’s Dynamic Approach to Economic Development Empowers Inclusive Prosperity

JobsOhio (Q1 2025)

Ohio’s big cities and small towns thrive with a mix of economic development initiatives that drive momentum. More
us-tariff-outlook-key-signals-to-watch-in-2025

U.S. Tariff Outlook: Key Signals to Watch in 2025

Charlie Smith, Managing Director, Geopolitical Strategy at Newmark (Q1 2025)

How economic developers, manufacturers, and policymakers can prepare for potential trade shifts. More
siting-for-things-that-go-boom

Siting For Things That Go Boom

Tyler Keel, Engineering Project Manager, Burns & McDonnell and Courtney Dunbar, Site Selection & Economic Development Leader, Burns & McDonnell (Q1 2025)

Site selectors and engineers must be extra cautious dealing with energetics, like ammunition and explosives. More

All Roads Lead to Washington

Ken Biberaj, Executive Managing Director, Savills  (Q1 2025)

We are at the dawn of America’s next Industrial Revolution, and it will be shaped in large part by the convergence of technological innovation, climate change and geopolitical pressures. More

Unlock Efficiency and Performance in Data Centers

Fred Miller, Project Executive, Gresham Smith (Q1 2025)

Aging data centers face mounting pressures to evolve as 55 percent of facilities are over a decade old. Strategic upgrades can unlock new levels of reliability, scalability, and energy efficiency. More

How Automation Is Actually Closing the Labor Gap

Courtney Dunbar, Site Selection & Economic Development Leader, Burns & McDonnell and Alfredo Valadez, Automation Consultant and Project Manager, Burns & McDonnell (Q4 2024)

Robotics and automation offer solutions to the critical labor shortage in the U.S., enhancing efficiency and worker safety and preparing the workforce for the future. More

Real Estate Hurdles for Cell Therapy

Myung Kim, Project Director, Project Management Advisors, Inc. (Q4 2024)

For startups hoping to jump on the CGT bandwagon, decisions around real estate can be a significant obstacle. While CGT research can often be carried out in relatively standard lab spaces, transitioning from research to production can be a leap of faith. More

Driving the Future of Domestic Battery Recycling: A Conversation with Steven Wu, COO of ABTC

Area Development Research Desk (Q4 2024)

In this exclusive conversation with Area Development, Steven Wu, the newly minted Chief Operating Officer of American Battery Technology Company (ABTC), discusses ABTC’s strategy to play a pivotal role in the U.S. domestic supply chain. More

Editor's Note: Raising a future American

Andy Greiner,  Editor, Area Development (Q4 2024)

As site selectors, we seek communities that nurture versatile talent pools. And as parents, we’re working to prepare our kids to be part of that future workforce. In the end, both parenting and site selection come down to building for the future. More

How OH!Tatoes Managed to Build a 100,000-Square-Foot Facility That Bakes and Freezes Potatoes

Kimberly Graulein, Staff Writer, Area Development (Q4 2024)

The companies flexible, efficient facility allows for a whole new baked potato market. More

AEP Ohio Proposes Controversial Data Center Rate Hike Amid Power Demand Surge

Dan Emerson, Staff Editor, Area Development (Q4 2024)

AEP Ohio, the state’s largest power provider, has proposed a controversial new rate structure targeting data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations, prompting strong opposition from tech giants such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta. More

Semiconductors’ Fragile Relationship With Water May Be Tested

Catherine Tymkiw (Q3 2024)

Exploring the water dilemma in semiconductor manufacturing: how the industry's growth is increasing demand for a scarce resource and the innovative strategies companies are adopting to manage their water use in water-stressed regions. More

From Steel to Silicon: Chicago’s South Works Site to Host Largest U.S. Quantum Computing Hub

Dan Emerson, Staff Editor, Area Development (Q3 2024)

The $2.2 million project will transform the former industrial site into a cutting-edge quantum computing facility, advancing Chicago’s role in the tech industry. More

The Impact of the November Election on the Auto Industry: Navigating a Revolutionary Transition

John Rakolta Jr., Chairman, Walbridge (Q3 2024)

Continuation or expansion of current mandates and incentives would accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, while a rollback might provide temporary relief for ICE manufacturers but hinder long-term progress towards cleaner technologies. More

The Challenge of Securing Sufficient Electrical Power for Battery Cell Plants

Gregory Burkart, Principal - Site Selection Services, Walbridge  (Q3 2024)

Power generators and grid operators are investing more capital than originally forecasted, disrupting the supply chain with spiking equipment prices and extended delivery times. Revised forecasts show a significant increase in capital expenditures, causing delays and cancellations. More

Middlesex County Attracts High-Technology Investments

Middlesex County, NJ (Q3 2024)

With robust infrastructure, cutting edge technology, a skilled workforce, a pro-business climate, and comprehensive supply chain support, Middlesex County nurtures a thriving business community. More

Foreign Direct Investment in Canada – Grace Under Pressure

Gabriel Dion, Managing Director, Global Strategy, Newmark (Q3 2024)

Foreign Direct Investment in Canada faces new challenges and opportunities as the country navigates economic shifts and evolving investment strategies in key sectors like electric vehicles, clean energy and advanced manufacturing. More

Reaching for the Stars: Space Industry Creating Opportunities Across the Country

Steve Kaelble, Staff Editor, Area Development (Q3 2024)

Opportunities Expand Nationwide, Creating a New Era of Economic and Job Growth Across the U.S. More

Understanding AI’s Place in Capital Construction

Brian Gallagher, Vice President, Corporate Development, Graycor (Q3 2024)

Adopting AI in capital projects could revolutionize planning, design, and construction, driving efficiency and sustainability while addressing challenges like limited expertise and data complexity. More

What the Latest Tech Hubs Funding Means for Site Selection Executives

Area Development Research Desk (Q3 2024)

Manufacturing executives must consider the diverse locations, supply chain resilience, workforce development, and governance structures of the Tech Hubs. Aligning new facility plans with these hubs can enhance competitiveness, reduce operational risks, and contribute to long-term growth. More

EDA Designates Two Tech Hubs in Illinois

Intersect Illinois (Q2 2024)

Program spurs technology development, innovation, and economic growth within dynamic quantum and biomanufacturing industries. More

Mitigating Labor Challenges in Life Sciences Manufacturing

Adam Bloom, President, Stevenson Search Partners (Q2 2024)

Why executives facing manpower shortages must consider a menu of location planning, automation, and fostering a learning culture to meet current challenges and drive efficiency. More

Midwest becomes hotspot for semiconductor manufacturing and supply industries

Taylor Stepp, EY (Q2 2024)

Midwestern states compete for semiconductor investments, leveraging new incentives and educational partnerships to attract major industry players. More

America’s New Tech Hubs Are Calling for Manufacturers

Area Development Research Desk (Q2 2024)

One of the main questions facing the new program is about funding. Can $500 million help change the backbone of American manufacturing? More

The CHIPS and Science Act will bring jobs back to the United States

Francesco Renna, Director of Consulting and Senior Labor Economist, Chmura Economics (Q2 2024)

Amidst global shifts and challenges, the U.S. policy is injecting billions to reclaim a stronger position in semiconductor manufacturing and aiming to revitalize a critical sector by 2030. More

How to Overcome NIMBYism in Data Centers

W. Ford Graham, Senior Vice President, McGuireWoods Consulting and Christopher D. Lloyd, Senior Vice President and Director, Infrastructure and Economic Development, McGuireWoods Consulting (Q2 2024)

A guide to turning community opposition into constructive criticism and assuaging fears about data center development. More

Exclusive Research