Adaptive Reuse and Infill Projects Change the Urban Landscape

Michael McCormick President & CEO McCormick Construction

Although there are some challenges to adaptive reuse and infill projects, they can help to develop creative office space in historic, vibrant metro areas, while boosting ROI and environmental sustainability, and catering to the local community and talent pool.

Intermodal Continues to Revolutionize Logistics and Industrial Real Estate Strategies

Walter Kemmsies, Ph.D. Managing Director, Economist and Chief Strategist, U.S. Ports, Airports and Global Infrastructure Group JLL

Growing Intermodal volumes are promoting investments by port authorities in inland ports and by railroads in logistics centers.

Healthy Workspaces Boost Employee Morale and Productivity

Janine Grossmann Practice Leader, Interiors Perkins+Will

While most employees would agree that their environment has an impact on their health — and evidence-based research supports this — how many have considered whether the workplace promotes a healthy lifestyle and helps them achieve their wellness goals?

2016 Top States for Doing Business: Georgia Back in Top Spot Again

Steve Kaelble Staff Editor Area Development

There are many factors that go into being a “top state for business” — from labor and real estate costs to the tax and regulatory environment to workforce development programs and more; the states that made the 2016 Top States for Doing Business list scored high in each category.

Mexico Positioned to Attract Increased Foreign Investment, Anchored by Manufacturing

Mark Crawford Staff Editor Area Development

A solid economic performance and a pro-business climate — enhanced by political reforms and improved government stability — are helping to attract FDI to Mexico.

First Person: The Importance of Manufacturing to the U.S. Economy

Stephen Gold

Stephen Gold, President & CEO of the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI), discusses the true impact of manufacturing on the nation’s economy and standard of living.

In Focus: To Address Energy Goals, Remember the Building Envelope

Darlene Pope Senior Vice President, JLL Energy and Sustainability Services JLL

A preventative approach from the outside in draws on roofs, walls, and windows to save energy.

Cities Pledge to Reduce and Track Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Tom Ewing Staff Editor Area Development

With the formation of the Compact of Mayors, cities worldwide are preparing GHG inventories for buildings and transport and hope to link this data to development priorities.

Forward-Thinking Companies Leveraging Additive Manufacturing

Mark Crawford Staff Editor Area Development

Companies with visionary leaders who are proactive and invest in emerging technologies now will reap the payoffs in the future.

First Person: Robots Fueling the Next Wave of Transformation in Manufacturing

Jim Lawton Chief Product & Marketing Officer Rethink Robotics

One of Area Development’s staff editors recently interviewed Jim Lawton, Rethink Robotics Chief Product & Marketing Officer, about the impact of robots on the labor force and on manufacturers, in particular.

Location Notebook: Tennessee A Growing Hub for Logistics

Steve Kaelble Staff Editor Area Development

With an already powerful industry cluster and a strong multimodal transportation infrastructure, Tennessee’s transportation / distribution / logistics sector continues to add jobs and investment.

“Smart Cities” Use Technology & Data to Improve Citizens’ Lives

Dan Emerson Staff Editor Area Development

The DOT has awarded a grant to Columbus, Ohio, so that the city can employ numerous “smart mobility” technologies that will help improve citizens’ lives, with the added benefit of showcasing the city to the tech community.

Regional Talent Attraction Study Results: It’s Not All About Core Cities

Joshua Wright VP, Economic and Workforce Development Emsi

As many regions have become equally or more concerned with supporting existing companies than with recruiting new businesses, attracting and retaining talent has become a focal point. Which counties are standing out with high net migration and skilled job growth?

Small Manufacturers: Dealing with the New Overtime Rules Challenge

Dan Emerson Staff Editor Area Development

In order to comply with the new rules, small and mid-tier manufacturers may opt to increase salaries or cut OT hours and increase workforce productivity, among other strategies. For many, there will be a wait-and-see approach while absorbing the initial shock.

Location Notebook: West Virginia’s Economic Diversification Helping the State to Meet Challenges

Steve Kaelble Staff Editor Area Development

The P&G win was an important one for the state, providing validation that West Virginia can be a competitive place to do business.

In Focus: Interior Wall Protection Upgrades Help Meet Facility Management Benchmarks

David Bronovicki Senior Manager, Product Marketing Construction Specialties

An upgrade in interior wall protection is more than just a facelift; it can reinforce branding as well as reduce long-term maintenance and repair costs.