June/July 2009 Editors Note: The Next Wave
Needless to say, the effects of the economic downturn have been widespread, hurting consumers and the companies they support across a broad range of industry sectors.
June/July 09
We also take a close look at the renewable energy sector in this issue in our "Clean Energy, Green Economy" special report. Renewable energy companies - be they wind, solar, geothermal, tidal, biomass, etc. - and the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) involved in making the parts for these firms hold the promise of restoring U.S. economic growth. This is the next "wave" of technology.
Sixteen states have taken the lead in funding for renewable energy projects, which are extremely capital-intensive, through tax and production incentives, rebates, grants, and loans. Further details on these programs - as well as a presentation that highlights many of the alternative energy OEMs and displays clusters of growth throughout the United States - can be found on our website at www.areadevelopment.com/
alternative-energy. The presentation will continue to evolve as new information is received and the alternative energy industry matures.
Although we're not out of the woods yet with regard to the recession, an early June Federal Reserve snapshot of economic conditions found that five out of the Fed's 12 regions indicate the "downward trend is showing signs of moderating." This is consistent with observations made by Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke that the recession - which started in December 2007 and is now the longest since World War II - is loosening its strong hold on the economy.
Other analysts at the National Association for Business Economics also predict the recession will end this year, although the recovery is not likely to be smooth. Of course, companies will not be in rush to start hiring until they feel certain that economic growth is sustainable. Nevertheless, the projects and job growth reported in our special Shovel Awards and Renewable Energy reports in this issue present some glimmer of hope in what has otherwise been a bleak economic picture.
Project Announcements
Flash Steelworks Expands St. Clair County, Michigan, Operations
02/09/2025
Coast Packing Company Establishes Amarillo, Texas, Operations
02/09/2025
CC Patio Establishes Phoenix, Arizona, Manufacturing Operations
02/09/2025
Cold-Link Logistics Plans Lumberton, North Carolina, Warehouse Operations
02/09/2025
PBS Aerospace Plans Roswell, Georgia, Headquarters-Research Operations
02/09/2025
Aster Brands Plans Little Traverse Township, Michigan, Headquarters Operations
02/09/2025
Most Read
-
2024's Leading Metro Locations: U.S. Cities on the Rise Amid an Economic Reshuffling
Q4 2024
-
The Workforce Factor: How States Are Competing to Build Tomorrow's Talent
Q4 2024
-
Best Practices in Incentives Procurement
Q4 2024
-
NEW NIMBYism: A Threat to The U.S. Economy
Q4 2024
-
Five Strategies to Tackle the Data Center Talent Shortage
Q4 2024
-
Microsoft-Three Mile Island Deal Could Signal Path for Nuclear Power to Strengthen Partnerships with Big Tech
Q4 2024
-
Industries Look for Employees in Nontraditional Spaces Amid Labor Shortage
Q4 2024