ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTICIPANTS
Business Facilities LiveXchange connects economic developers with site selectors in pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings. These conversations will give you the best opportunity to learn about the incentives and benefits these organizations are offering to expanding or relocating companies.
virginia
Host Sponsor
Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Virginia’s premier talent base makes for a world-class labor pool ready to meet business needs in all key employee profiles. Across industries, Virginia’s workforce is one of the most educated populations in the country – nearly 42% of the population has a bachelor’s degree or higher, making the Commonwealth the eighth most educated state in the country (and first in the South).
Virginia continues to raise the bar when it comes to talent development. Programs such as the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program and the Tech Talent Investment Program make sure Virginians are prepared for the jobs of today and the future.
Northeast
CONNECTICUT
Metro Hartford Alliance
The MetroHartford Alliance is the region’s business and economic development organization that drives economic prosperity by leading a collaborative and unified strategic effort to retain and create jobs and to promote the Greater HartfordRegion as an exceptional place to build a business, an industry, a career and a future.
new york
Empire State Development
New York State is attracting the companies of the future and committed to helping your business thrive and grow, with:
• World-class infrastructure
• 0% corporate income tax for manufacturers
• Creative incentives, including refundable tax credits– applicable without existing corporate income tax liability
• A diverse and talented workforce
To find out more about how New York State can help your business grow, visit esd.ny.gov.
learn moreMid-Atlantic
virginia
Dominion Energy
Every day, we work to grow economic opportunities for communities across America. Our team of energy experts assists with site selection, infrastructure design, and establishing critical business relationships to help you expand, relocate, and bring your business to our service territory. Our vision is to be a valued, premier economic development partner and solution provider that is best in class for making win-win connections between people, places, and business.
virginia
Greater Richmond Partnership
Greater Richmond is a vibrant and growing community with over 1.3 million people, gaining 26 net new people daily. Our stable and diverse economy includes 8 Fortune 500 headquarters, ranking 2nd for the total number of firms compared to our peer cities. And since Greater Richmond’s economy isn’t dependent on one or two industries, the region hasn’t been as affected by economic disruptions compared to peer cities.
The region’s low cost of business includes commercial electric rates that are 8 percent below the national average, with unionization and unemployment insurance among the lowest in the U.S. Virginia’s long-standing and affordable corporate tax rate of 6 percent hasn’t changed since 1972.
virginia
Prince William County Department of Economic Development
With unparalleled access to the nation’s largest tech talent pipeline, Prince William County is uniquely positioned to access the workforce and strategic location for your business. As the second-largest county in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Prince William County is a community of choice with a strong, diverse economic base, where businesses choose to locate.
virginia
Roanoke Regional Partnership
Businesses want to get in on what’s happening in the Roanoke Region of Virginia. From advanced manufacturing to shared services to national breweries to life science, we’re rippling with new opportunities. And hiking, biking, and paddling are so close that work-life flows seamlessly into play life. It’s what makes the Roanoke Region the natural choice for talent and business.
Roanoke is located equidistant from New York City and Atlanta and accessible to two-thirds of the U.S. population in a day’s shipping time. Add in Virginia’s pro-business climate with low business costs in a right-to-work state with a cost of living below the national average.
From business quality to quality of life, the Roanoke Region is a well-rounded East Coast location.
virginia
Waynesboro Economic Development
Strategically located in the I-81 corridor in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Waynesboro is a city of approximately 22,000 people, nestled in the folds of the Blue Ridge Mountains with the beautiful South River bisecting our downtown. Our manufacturing prowess dates to the 1800s when companies flocked to the area to take advantage of the water and transportation access. Stoves, doors, furniture, bricks, barrels, dairy products, paper, and matches all carried the “Made in Waynesboro” label.
Products made here played an important role in furnishing American homes, shaping the fashion industry, and landing men on the moon.
U.S. South
alabama
Gadsden-Etowah Industrial Development Authority
Located strategically in the center of the southeast automotive industry, Gadsden is ideal due to its proximity to several major OEMs and key transportation networks. Gadsden also hosts a thriving workforce that is highly equipped in different skills from the variety of local and state-wide training programs.
florida
Hernando County Office of Economic Development
Hernando County, situated on the west coast of Florida within the highly regarded Tampa Bay Region, offers the perfect blend of opportunity for business expansion and leisure. With a 2400-acre Aviation Tech Center that includes airside parcels and CSX rail access, your business will find the ideal site or facility to call home. Speaking of home, located in the geographic center of Florida, Hernando County is the most affordable county in Tampa Bay offering a plethora of residential choices.
Whether you live along the Gulf of Mexico, in the country or the suburbs, you and your employees will enjoy the benefits of an outstanding work location plus Adventure Coast recreational activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing and let’s not forget those picture-perfect sunsets.
The weather forecast in Hernando County is as sunny as the pro-business climate, and another compelling reason you will find Hernando County is a Great Place to START, the Best Place to STAY!
georgia
Liberty County Development Authority
Liberty County offers companies the opportunity to succeed in the global economy! The county boasts two large parks, Tradeport East Business Center and Tradeport West Business Center, both designated Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) sites by the Georgia Allies. The centers are minutes from Interstate 95 and just 30 minutes from the Port of Savannah, a gateway to the world.
The county offers aggressive tax incentives in addition to job tax credits offered by the state. Private developers also offer available buildings.
Soldiers leaving the military, their spouses and military retirees associated with Fort Stewart enhance Liberty County’s traditional workforce. Each month 300-400 soldiers exit the military, and many elect to stay in the area. These “Heroes for Hire” are cross-trained, computer savvy, accustomed to working in teams, and possess a strong work ethic.
There are also 10,000+ military spouses living in the Liberty County area. It is estimated 95% of those spouses have high school diplomas with approximately one-third possessing some type of post-secondary education.
Selected by Target, Hugo Boss, SNF, Howmet Aerospace and others, Liberty County has proven to be a place where companies can Come Grow Global!
LOUISIANA
Louisiana Economic Development
Capitalizing on aggressive tax incentives, low business costs, a favorable business climate, and workforce, companies locating or expanding to Louisiana find unprecedented economic support and success.
When it comes to workforce training, no state does it better than Louisiana, offering unparalleled recruiting and training with the No.1 workforce training and talent attraction program in the U.S.for the past 13 out of 14 years. Providing customized employee recruitment, screening, training development and delivery for eligible, new or expanding companies— LED FastStart® is available at no cost to qualified companies.
Learn how Louisiana’s strength in traditional and new energy, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, agribusiness, digital media, life sciences and water management can help your company.With over $60 billion in new capital investments since 2021, the time is right to research how Louisiana can support your success.
south carolina
North Eastern Strategic Alliance
The North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) is a non-profit economic development organization that represents a nine-county region in Northeastern South Carolina.NESA’s mission is to promote continued economic growth throughout the region by providing research and site selection assistance to companies as they develop and implement their strategic plans to expand their footprint.
south carolina
Santee Cooper
As South Carolina’s largest power producer, its first to produce renewable Green Power, and its only state owned electric and water utility, Santee Cooper is committed to: providing low-cost, reliable energy, water and other essential services, providing excellent customer service, operating according to the highest ethical standards, maintaining a quality workforce, being a steward of the environment, and being a leader in economic development.
U.S. Plains
illinois/missouri
Ameren
Ameren powers the quality of life, as an investor-owned utility and Fortune 500 company operating in both Illinois and Missouri. Access to sites, accelerated speed to market, reliability, and affordability make doing business in the Ameren Illinois and Ameren Missouri service territory a smart choice. The Ameren service area is competitively positioned as a hub for distribution, advanced manufacturing, and agribusiness; coupled with a workforce energized by education and experience with the famous Midwest work ethic creating a talent pool that is both dependable and highly productive.
kansas
GO Topeka
GO Topeka creates county wide economic success for all companies and citizens through implementation of an aggressive economic development strategy that capitalizes on the unique strengths of the community.
The passage of the half-cent sales tax generates $5 million a year and is set to be used specifically for economic development related activities such as site acquisition, infrastructure, equipment, employment, wages, training, etc.
Highlights about Topeka:
• Topeka Regional Airport (new 12,800ft runway)
• 400,000 workforce within a 45 minute commute
• We can cover the cost of land in our industrial park as part of the incentive package
• Transportation:
- Rail: service from Union Pacific and BNSF Railway
- Air: 50 minutes from Kansas City International Airport
- Highway: at the crossroads of I-70 and Highway 75
• Logistics: Target Distribution, Home Depot Distribution, Walmart Distribution
• Food Processing/Pet Food: Hills Science Diet (HQ), Mars Chocolate, Frito-Lay, Resers, Big Heart Pet Brands
• International Professional & Financial Services: Federal Home Loan Bank, Security Benefit, Advisors Excel
Minnesota
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
In Minnesota, we’re home to an extraordinary concentration of diverse Fortune 500 companies, and are home to a fast-growing startup ecosystem that pulls in venture capital from investors around the world.
Our strong economy is diverse and has the right components to help you succeed. Minneapolis-St. Paul rank as the 17th most diverse economy among all 384 metropolitan areas in the U.S.
And, we're better at growing new businesses than any other state in the nation: data shows that if you start a business here, it's more likely to survive beyond five years than anywhere else in the country.
We have a strong foundation of workforce and talent, innovation and technology, infrastructure and quality of life that fuel our businesses success and growth. That's why so many global giants grow here.
U.S. Great Lakes
michigan
Consumers Energy
If you’re considering expanding, consider Michigan and Consumers Energy.Let’s work together to accelerate your business.We’ll assign a business energy professional to work with your team every step of the way.Together with our state and local allies, we’re ready to deliver an exceptional customer experience to help your business grow and thrive.We’ve been powering corporate leaders, innovators and industry game changers for more than a century.We can introduce you to key contacts and facilitate your progress for a solid start and promising future in Michigan.Choose Michigan and benefit from special economic development rates and a world-class talent pipeline.This is all fortified by a nation-leading clean energy plan that includes zero coal by 2025.
ohio
JobsOhio
JobsOhio, Ohio’s unique private economic development corporation, acts as a catalyst for high-growth business investments and job creation that are helping propel the state’s ingenuity and ambitions forward. Founded 12 years ago, JobsOhio is a first-of-its-kind, state-authorized, nonprofit built with private stable financial resources, seasoned professionals with private sector expertise, a statewide network of economic development partners, and the long-term investment outlook needed to attract, retain, and expand businesses, payrolls, and career opportunities across the state. Ohio’s thriving business landscape is not a product of pure chance.We make it our mission to invest in the state’s most valuable assets to ensure the long-term success of the companies, talent, and investors that come here from around the world.
Our project-ready sites, modern logistics and distribution infrastructure, diverse urban ecosystems, cutting-edge Innovation Districts, and skilled workforce training and job-matching initiatives come coupled with an extensive array of loans and grants programs for enterprises and entrepreneurs eager to grow. Add one of the lowest costs of doing business in the nation with thriving communities and an unmatched quality of life, and you can understand why Ohio consistently ranks as one of the best states for business.
ohio
Regional Growth Partnership of NW Ohio
A dynamic transformation is taking place across Toledo and northwest Ohio and we invite you to meet with the Regional Growth Partnership (RGP) to learn about it and be a part of the new manufacturing economy. The RGP is a regional economic development agency funded 100% by private business and is dedicated to creating wealth for individuals, companies, and communities.We serve the 17 counties in northwest Ohio; home to cities such as Toledo, Findlay, Lima, and Defiance. Our region boasts world class facilities such as CSX’s National Gateway Intermodal Yard, Norfolk Southern Railway’s second largest freight yard, the Toledo Seaport connected to the world via the Saint Lawrence Seaway, the three most traveled interstates in America, and fabulous air service through both Detroit Metro Airport and Toledo Express Airport.
These assets and our award-winning workforce have attracted advanced manufacturing, agriculture and food processing, automotive, energy, and logistics and distribution operations to our region where they continue to grow. If you are assisting or considering an investment in any of these areas, we would love the opportunity to learn more about your needs and see if northwest Ohio is a match for you. Simply put, the RGP team works to reduce your risk, lower your costs and increase your profits, and expedite your timelines.
Southwest
arizona
City of Tucson Economic Initiatives
A diverse and welcoming community, Tucson offers an outstanding quality of life along with a low cost of doing business. Our manufacturers lead the way in innovation, in sectors as varied as aerospace, biotech, defense, healthcare, information technology, optics, solar, and water. Just 60 miles from the Mexico border, with high-capacity border and transportation infrastructure, Tucson is the natural choice for companies doing business in the U.S. and Mexico.
arizona
Maricopa Economic Development Alliance
The City of Maricopa, located in Pinal County, just 35 minutes south of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, exists as an affordable, diverse community that offers an amazing small town feel with urbanized benefits.Moreover, the city’s pro-business climate with simplified approval and permitting processes showcase the community’s dedication as a young, vibrant, smart city whose enthusiasm can only be superseded by the heart of the community itself.
This untapped, desert gem, is home to the new Exceptional Health Community Hospital, the upcoming S3 Biotech medical and innovation campus, as well as numerous businesses that make up the city’s “Adventure Corridor” including Arizona Soaring, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, APEX Motor Club, Sky Dive Phoenix, and the long-awaited, 74-acre Phx Surf and waterpark oasis, with construction slated to begin in late 2023.
So, if you’re looking for incredible value, speed to market, a highly skilled, diverse, and educated workforce, housing and land availability, market access and an incredible location with an unparalleled quality of life, look no further than Maricopa, Arizona.Come build a city with us!
arizona
Pima County Economic Development
The mission of Pima County Economic Development is to create a vibrant, diverse, and resilient economy that allows for upward economic mobility for our community, broadens and stabilizes our tax base, and promotes economic well-being and quality of life for our residents. Through business attraction, retention and expansion, job creation, infrastructure development, and workforce development, we aspire to create and retain head-of-household wage jobs, train and retain a qualified workforce, develop a vibrant community, and improve overall quality of life.
arizona
University of Arizona Tech Parks
Tech Parks Arizona creates the place, environment, and interactive ground that generates, attracts and retains technology companies and talent in alignment with the research, mission, and goals of the University of Arizona (UA).Tech Parks Arizona directs the UA Tech Park at Rita Road, UA Tech Park at The Bridge and the University of Arizona Center for Innovation with the highest priority of recruiting companies with connections to the UA to locate at these facilities.
oklahoma
Choctaw Nation Business and Economic Development
Choctaw Nation is passionate about creating jobs, improving outcomes, and building workforce development initiatives, along with enhancing the economic vitality and sustainability of communities. Tribal leadership is committed to building rural America and takes great pride in the past, continually works to improve the present, and looks ahead for opportunities to connect people in meaningful ways.
texas
Amarillo Economic Development Corporation
The Amarillo Economic Development Corporation knows companies want to be confident in its future while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.You deserve to have both a thriving career and family.To do that, you must live in a vibrant community that supports you.
For more than 30 years, the Amarillo EDC has supported hundreds of businesses in their relocation, growth, and expansion process.We want to make Amarillo a place where businesses and individuals can prosper.Learn more about how Amarillo can help you succeed.
texas
Council for South Texas Economic Progress
Welcome to Rio South Texas, where vibrant communities on both sides of the Rio Grande River come together to create unparalleled global opportunity and a richer, more rewarding setting for life and work.
No other single location can supply what Rio South Texas offers as one region: The best of the U.S. and the best of Mexico, allowing your enterprise to leverage an incomparable wealth of North American assets.
texas
TexAmericas Center
Ranked the 3rd best industrial park in the USA, TexAmericas Center offers certified shovel-ready greenfield sites, Build-To-Suit options for lease, lease-with-option-to-purchase or purchase, 12,000 development ready acres, over 3.5MSF of existing manufacturing, warehouse, storage, and office space. As well, the organization provides in-house 3PL & Rail logistics services, access to federal, state and local incentives, and access to project financing.
Located on the Texas-side of the Texarkana MSA, TexAmericas Center, a State of Texas special purpose district called a local redevelopment authority, we offer: 38-miles of owned rail; interstate access; reliability, favorable costs, and excess industrial capacity for all infrastructure; abundant and available human resources; and, the Texas business climate and culture which understands, appreciates, and encourages business growth.
Focused on Speed-to-Market and Speed-to-Profit, TexAmericas Center is a quasi-governmental organization that functions like a unique combination of municipal government, regional economic development organization, and private sector industrial real estate development & management company that also offers value-added logistics, financing, and incentive services.
Best-Fit Industries: Alternative Energy (Creation & Equipment Manufacturing); Automotive (On & Off Road), Rail, & Transportation Equipment Manufacturing; Data Centers; Defense (Small Arms, Ammunition, Weapons Systems & Tactic Wheeled Vehicles); E-Commerce; Electronics; Food & Beverage Processing; Forestry, Paper & Wood Products Manufacturing; Fulfillment; Mining; Industrial Machinery, Oil & Gas Equipment Manufacturing; Pharmaceuticals & Supplements; Plastics & Rubber Manufacturing; Recycling; Transload and Third-Party Logistics; and Wholesale Trade.
Canada
Niagara Economic Development
If you’re looking to grow your business in one of North America’s fastest-growing, most dynamic communities, you’ve come to the right place. As companies who have done the same will attest to, Niagara is an ideal place to do business, with easy access to a variety of markets by land, sea, rail and air, generous and flexible incentive programs, and world-class research and post-secondary institutions.
Niagara has much to offer not only your business, but your employees too. Care-free commuting, a small-town feel, competitive housing prices and a whole host of amenities are all hallmarks of the community we are excited to share with you.
Invest Alberta
Long known as the energy capital of Canada, Alberta has a propensity for problem solving that has made us a leader in the energy transition. Alberta is home to some of Canada’s best renewable resources – from wind and solar to bioenergy and geothermal – as well as the country’s first industrial hydrogen hub. In fact, tech giant Amazon – which is investing $4.3 billion here – also chose Alberta for its largest renewable energy project in Canada.
As the world’s population grows, our agriculture companies are pioneering new ways to increase yield and improve energy efficiency. In fact, forecasts show our agribusiness sector will invest $246 million in digital transformation by 2024. In healthcare, the new Calgary Cancer Centre will become the second-largest comprehensive cancer care and research centre in North America when completed this year. Alberta is also a hub for new technologies ranging from remotely piloted aircraft systems to Artificial Intelligence. Here, future-forward thinking and a can-do attitude are part of our DNA.
learn more