2012 Gold & Silver Shovel Awards: Recognizing Excellence in U.S. State Economic Development and Job Creation

Area Development Special Presentation

Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Utah are being awarded Gold Shovels. These states' innovative economic development policies attracted new employers in 2011, as well as catalyzing investments in facility and operating expansions by existing local businesses, driving significant in-state job growth.

Advanced Manufacturing Will Drive U.S. Economic Engine

Mark Crawford Staff Editor Area Development

Although advanced manufacturing is ready to surge ahead, it needs 600,000 qualified workers to do so.

Workforce Mobility Technologies and Business Location Strategy

John Hampton Senior Vice President, Solutions Development Jones Lang LaSalle

The drive toward increased employee productivity enabled by work force mobility technologies is changing how location decisions are made.

Infrastructure Lessons for Economic Growth and Business Success

Leslie Wagner Senior Principal Ginovus

The quality of a state's/community's infrastructure has a profound effect on its ability to attract development and the success of companies that choose to locate there.

U.S. Business Expansion Overseas: Opportunity and Surprise

U.S. companies accustomed to markets and business principals at home should be aware of significant differences that exist overseas with regard to labor laws, facility acquisition or lease, and more.

Workplace Design Trends Support Collaboration

Steven Schrader Senior Project Manager American Insitute of Architects (AIA) — JCJ Architecture

Open workspaces, strategically placed support spaces, and employee "amenities" factor prominently into the design of a flexible, collaborative work environment.

First Person: Lexington and Louisville Mayors Form a Strategic Economic Development Partnership

Greg Fischer, Mayor, Louisville, KY

By leveraging combined assets, the two cities aim to create a stronger workforce and further the region's position as an advanced manufacturing hub.

In Focus: Re-Stack Brings Efficiency, Collaboration to the Workplace

Lawrence F. Lander Workplace Strategist Planning Design Research Corporation

A re-thinking of the workplace to create a more efficient, collaborative setting that integrates functions so that workers come together in a way that mirrors the flow of the organization and reflects an organization's objectives.

Birmingham's Economy Strengthens, Largely Unaffected by County Bankruptcy

Mark Crawford Staff Editor Area Development

Emerging from a recession is always tough for a city - it's even harder when the home county is in bankruptcy proceedings.

Get the Green Light to Go Greener: Next Steps to Reducing Your Facility's Carbon Footprint

Bob Sawhill CFM eBusiness Strategies

Sophisticated tools and methodologies are needed to find the best solutions for sustainability and get the go-ahead to proceed with green facility projects.

Three Mistakes CEOs Must Avoid When Relocating a Business

James T. Berger

The smooth transition from one location to another demands careful planning, management, and execution.

Intermodal Services Efficiencies Bolsters Freight Rail

Mali R. Schantz-Feld

More and more, shippers look to intermodal freight rail as a cost-efficient and flexible option within the supply chain solution

New U.S. Patent Office Branches Will Promote Innovation

John K. Borchardt

The overhaul of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) - mandated by last September's passage of the America Invents Act - is aimed at promoting innovation.

Market Report:The Appliance Sector Is Coming Back

Clare Goldsberry Staff Editor Area Development

When the housing market hit the skids, the appliance sector also slumped badly. As building permits fell for new homes - a huge market for the appliance industry - bulk demand for new appliances fell also. But the good news is that the appliance sector is coming back, both literally and figuratively.