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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

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In Focus: Last-Mile Distribution Drives Industrial Demand in Secondary Markets

Ben Newell, Senior Vice President, Logistics Group, Transwestern Development Company (Q3 2019)

Retailers are rethinking their supply chain management and locating closer to the end customer to meet their lightning-fast delivery expectations. More

First Person: Globalization, E-Commerce, Last-Mile Delivery, and Other Supply-Chain Challenges

Steve Hess, Vice President, Development Americas, DHL Supply Chain (Q3 2019)

Area Development recently asked Steve Hess, VP of Real Estate Development at DHL Supply Chain, about issues affecting companies’ global supply chains. DHL is the largest global operator of logistics space, having acquired and/or developed over 20 million square feet of industrial space in the last several years alone, providing both internal and external customers with individually tailored real estate solutions, says Hess. More

Editor’s Note: Can the U.S. Win the Trade War With China — and at What Cost?

Geraldine Gambale, Editor, Area Development Magazine (Q2 2019)

Although the Trump administration has argued that newly imposed tariffs on China are necessary to curb its abuse of global competitors, industry leaders are saying the tariffs are disrupting their supply chains and adding costs that they will need to pass on to consumers. More

Editor’s Note: To Incent or Not to Incent?

Geraldine Gambale, Editor, Area Development Magazine (Q1 2019)

Research indicates that incentives “tip” only 20 percent of location decisions, but it seems that’s a percentage that states and communities aren’t willing to relinquish. More

How LEED Certification Transformed Industrial Development Standards

Randy Thompson, Senior Managing Director, Build-to-Suit Advisory Group, Cushman & Wakefield (Q1 2019)

Today’s businesses aren't pursuing LEED certifications to the extent that they did in the past because sustainable development is now a given — it’s demanded by the market. More

Frontline: What’s Driving Down FDI?

Dan Emerson, Staff Editor, Area Development (Q1 2019)

The fear of trade wars and protectionist policies are being blamed for the overall decline in global foreign direct investment. More

In Focus: Rise of Natural Disasters Affecting CRE Markets

Rick Kalvoda, Senior EVP, Altus Group (Q1 2019)

With the rise in natural disasters over the past few years and as climate change continues to be a challenge, natural disaster resiliency is top of mind for commercial property executives. More

In Focus: Taking Advantage of the Remote Working Trend

Wood Caldwell, Southeast Venture (Q1 2019)

With the majority of employees worldwide spending at least a portion of their time working remotely, facility mangers need to alter their workspaces. More

First Person: Creating a Pipeline for Site Selection

Michael Kruklinski, Head of Real Estate , Siemens Gas & Power and Siemens USA (Q1 2019)

When it comes to site selection, constant monitoring of market trends will allow a company to balance its space with the total costs to occupy the space More

In Focus: Capitalizing on the Speed of 3D Printing

Matt Exline, Engineering Manager, Romeo Rim Inc. (Q4 2018)

3D printing, rapid prototyping isn’t just for product development; it has helped to create a culture where waste reduction is a priority. More

First Person: Internet Security for the Manufacturing Industry

Oliver Dehning, CEO, Hornetsecurity (Q4 2018)

Cybersecurity has become an increasingly important concern for businesses of all types and sizes. To find out more about the cyber threats these companies are facing, Area Development recently interviewed Oliver Dehning, CEO for U.S. operations at Hornetsecurity, a cybersecurity firm focused on cloud-based solutions. More

In Focus: Technology and the Evolution of the Real Estate Industry

Robert G. Thornburgh , Executive Vice President & Partner, Kidder Mathews (Q4 2018)

The marriage of physical and digital technologies is having a transformative effect on real estate markets — from industrial and distribution to office. More

What Is the Future of Work?

Cheryl Cran, Founder, NextMapping (Workforce Q4 2018)

As they look to the future, today’s HR leaders need to quickly adjust to change and technological innovation in the 21st century. In this interview, Cheryl Cran, a “future of work expert,” discusses why companies must build “future-ready” workplaces that are attractive to multiple generations of diverse workers. They also need to locate these workplaces in dynamic communities that will provide the workforce with a fulfilling lifestyle. More

In Focus: Examining Commerce’s Misguided Auto Imports Investigation

Nancy McLernon, President & CEO, Organization for International Investment (OFII) (2018 Auto/Aero Site Guide)

With international auto companies responsible for more than three quarters of U.S. auto manufacturing job growth from 2010 to 2015, an examination of foreign imports as a threat to national security may just backfire. More

Editor’s Note: Rising Above the Flood of Data

Geraldine Gambale, Editor, Area Development Magazine (Q3 2018)

Companies are dealing with a deluge of data, but only necessary data should be collected and, importantly, it needs to be analyzed in order to be useful. More

In Focus: Make Way for the Game-Changers

Alec Humphries, Senior Vice President, JLL (Q3 2018)

Organizations that encourage and foster innovation — at all levels — will stay ahead of the curve. More

First Person: “New Collar” Workers Needed to Support Manufacturing

Sarah Boisvert, Founder, Fab Lab Hub (Q3 2018)

Support for fab labs in high schools, trade schools, and community colleges will increase the number of workers with the skills manufacturers want, thereby creating a “new collar” workforce. More

Front Line: Union Activity Showing Recent Spikes

Dan Emerson, Staff Editor, Area Development (Q3 2018)

Although unions’ influence in the U.S. has diminished over the last four decades, they are still playing a key role in manufacturing and, more recently, the distribution sector. More

In Focus: The Pitfalls of Being in the Running for Amazon HQ2

Tim Cook, CEO, KSM Location Advisors and Katie Culp, President, KSM Location Advisors (Q3 2018)

Only one city can win the project, leaving the losers to explain why they were so heavily invested in trying to land the HQ2, which may ultimately come with its own set of challenges. More

Editor’s Note: Deconstructing Legislative Outcomes

Geraldine Gambale, Editor, Area Development Magazine (Q2 2018)

Policy and legislative changes may cause business leaders to hesitate before making their next move. More

In Focus: Steel Tariffs to Prevent U.S. Economic Growth

Stephen Gray, CEO, Gray Construction (Q2 2018)

The recently enacted tariffs on steel and aluminum have created an uncertain investment climate for both domestic and foreign firms, causing companies to rethink their supply chain strategies and put their expansion plans on hold. More

In Focus: E-Tail Creating Demand for Urban Warehouses

Joseph Panepinto, Panepinto Properties (Q2 2018)

In order to be close to their target markets, e-retailers are locating warehouses in urban locations and taking advantage of these densely populated areas’ built-in employee bases. More

In Focus: How to Negotiate a Better Real Estate Contract

Dean Kaplan, President, The Kaplan Group (Q2 2018)

When moving or expanding, taking your time, doing your research, and thinking through your strategy can save you money and stress in the long run. More

First Person: The Indy Region Is Getting Its Story Out

Maureen Donohue Krauss , Chief Economic Development Officer , Indy Chamber (Q2 2018)

The Indy region offers great diversity when it comes to lifestyle and the pillars of the business community. More

First Person: Disruptive Technologies Changing the Business Landscape

Jack Uldrich (Q2 2018)

Area Development recently asked Jack Uldrich, a global futurist and author, about today’s disruptive technologies and what business leaders need to do to stay ahead of the curve. Uldrich frequently speaks about technology, change management, and leadership to Fortune 100 corporations, venture capital firms, associations, NGOs, and government bodies around the world. More

America’s Economic Strength Built on Global Connections

Nancy McLernon, President & CEO, Organization for International Investment (OFII) (Q1 2018)

Considering the fact that global investment from foreign-based companies supports 6.8 million American jobs, U.S. trade policy should not be viewed as an “us vs. them” proposition. More

First Person: Apprenticeship Programs Are a Win-Win for Industries and Workers

Kim Nichols, CEO, Franklin Apprenticeships (Q1 2018)

Area Development’s editor recently asked Kim Nichols, the CEO of Franklin Apprenticeships, about how modernized apprenticeships can change the perception of the manufacturing industry while helping to satisfy its workforce needs, as well as the needs of other advanced industries. More

Front Line: Will the Latest Round of Minimum Wage Increases Affect Employment Levels?

Dan Emerson, Staff Editor, Area Development (Q1 2018)

Since the tight labor market has already pushed up wages, studies have shown an increase in the minimum wage will have minimal negative impact on employment levels. More

In Focus: The ELD Mandate - How It Will Change Your Business Operations

Brian Fielkow, CEO, Jetco Delivery (Q1 2018)

The ELD Mandate, which will change how truckers operate, will ultimately benefit both the trucking industry and the shippers/manufacturers that utilize the industry’s services. More

In Focus: Anticipating the Workplace Needs of Generation Z

Robin Weckesser , President & Founder, a3 Workplace Strategies (Q4 2017)

The new kids in the workplace differ from previous generations and present major implications for workplace design. More

In Focus: Doing Business Without Talking — Millennials’ Impact on CRE

Brian Zrimsek, Industry Principal, MRI Software (Q4 2017)

Those involved in corporate real estate are increasingly adopting a digital approach to conducting business. More

First Person: Siemens Real Estate’s Use of Intelligent Space Design Impacts Employee Productivity and the Bottom Line

Michael Kruklinski, Head of Real Estate , Siemens Gas & Power and Siemens USA (Q4 2017)

Area Development’s editor recently asked Michael Kruklinski about intelligent space management at Siemens and how office configuration can play a role in employee satisfaction and productivity. More

First Person: Ontario’s Investment Office Is a One-Stop Information Source for Investors

Allan O'Dette, Chief Investment Officer, Ontario Investment Office (Location Canada 2017)

Allan O’Dette was appointed as Ontario’s first Chief Investment Officer (CIO) in April 2017. He leads the newly created Ontario Investment Office, which has both a domestic and international facing mandate to secure increased investment in key sectors while strengthening the overall competitiveness of Ontario firms. More

First Person: A 20-Year Take on the Supply Chain Revolution

Rich Thompson, International Director and Leader, Supply Chain & Logistics Solutions, JLL (Q3 2017)

Supply chain and logistics activities have become a much more visible part of the real estate industry and crucial among developers over the past 20 years. As the Trump administration prepares to renegotiate NAFTA and possibly other free trade agreements, Rich Thompson, JLL’s Global Head of Supply Chain and Logistics Solutions, has been consulting with the firm’s clients about what the future might bring. In this interview, Thompson discusses how supply chain and logistics has been a major driver of industrial development over the last couple of decades — and where it’s headed next. More

In Focus: Taking A “Servant Leadership” Approach to Culture Change

Randy Johnson, President & CEO, Romeo RIM and Honey Dennison, Director of Human Resources, Romeo RIM (Q3 2017)

A focus on core behaviors — which can be observed and measured — is the first priority in a company’s cultural transformation; it will clarify which behaviors are acceptable and deter the formation of any subcultures. More

First Person: Education and Perception Struggle to Keep Up with Modern Manufacturing

Dr. David B. Williams, Dean, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University (Q3 2017)

As new manufacturing processes and technologies come on board at an increasing rate, educational institutions must provide manufacturers with the prepared work force they need; parents may also need to rethink their perceptions of manufacturing of what a manufacturing career is and is not. More

First Person: Finding and Preparing the 21st Century Manufacturing Workforce

Larry E. Fast, Founder & President,  Pathways to Manufacturing Excellence (Q2 2017)

Larry E. Fast, a 35-year veteran of the wire and cable industry and author of The 12 Principles of Manufacturing Excellence: A Lean Leader’s Guide to Achieving and Sustaining Excellence, 2nd Edition. In this interview, Fast explains how manufacturing plants can institute a strategy for excellence on the shop floor and why soft skills are as important as hard ones. More

In Focus: Alternative Workplace Strategies: Open Offices Gaining Traction

Robin Weckesser , President & Founder, a3 Workplace Strategies (Q2 2017)

An open or hybrid office can help to promote employee collaboration and boost productivity, while also resulting in cost savings. More

In Focus: Why America’s Supply Chain Is Shifting East

KC Conway, Senior Vice President, SunTrust Bank (Q1 2017)

With a vast rail and intermodal network, East Coast ports are well positioned to support the growing e-commerce trend. More

Editor’s Note: Manufacturing Execs Offer Insights on the Effect of Trump Administration’s Policies on Growth

Geraldine Gambale, Editor, Area Development Magazine (Q1 2017)

75% of C-level manufacturing executives surveyed believe that economic conditions under the new Trump administration will be favorable to moving ahead with new facility or facility expansion plans. More

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