The Business Facilities Blog

Talk to the hand

On the verge of bankruptcy, California is preparing to send out nearly $600-million worth of IOUs, including a batch to residents expecting income tax rebates from the state.
Posted by Jack Rogers on 7/2/09 at 4:59 p.m.

Edelweiss meets Evita

Trying to explain the Bank of America affair, the Fed Chief gets lost in an Appalachian Trail of excuses.
Posted by Jack Rogers on 6/25/09 at 11:37 a.m.

Last call in Steel City

Squeezed out by international giants and an exploding micro-craft beer industry, Pittsburgh's oldest brewery is producing its last batch of suds this week.
Posted by Jack Rogers on 6/24/09 at 2:47 p.m.

Return to sender

Caught in the pincers of a deep recession and an ongoing migration to electronic billing, the U.S. Postal Service may close up to 10 percent of its facilities in October.
Posted by Jack Rogers on 6/15/09 at 11:26 a.m.

The mouse that roared

Scientists have succeeded in implanting inside a mouse the human gene for language and speech. Turns out, the mouse has a lot to say.
Posted by Jack Rogers on 6/5/09 at 11:36 p.m.

Business Facilities Breaking News

Algenol, Dow Partner to Build $50-Million Biofuel Plant

An algae-to-fuel pilot facility will be developed in Freeport, TX, with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy.
BF Editorial Staff on 7/2/09 at 4:04 p.m.

Gestamp to Build $90-million auto parts plant in Chattanooga

The stamping facility will create 230 jobs as a Tier 1 supplier to VW's new assembly plant.
Business Facilities Staff on 6/26/09 at 10:30 a.m.

DaVita Picks Denver For Corporate Headquarters

The leading provider of health-care services for chronic kidney disease patients is moving its home base from California to Colorado.
Business Facilities Staff on 6/15/09 at 4:45 p.m.

GM opens $25-million battery lab in Michigan

The embattled automaker's Warren tech center, along with facilities in New York and Germany, will spearhead the development of power units for electric vehicles.
Business Facilities Staff on 6/11/09 at 4:45 p.m.

Belgium's Umicore to Build in Oklahoma

Belgium-based Umicore chose Oklahoma over Arizona and New Mexico to build its $51-million, 40,000-square-foot germanium production plant.
BF Editorial Staff on 6/11/09 at 3:30pm

From the current Business Facilities Issue

From the Desk of the Editor in Chief

Prepare To Surface

Bridging the Digital Divide

Innovative communities, big and small, are connecting to the global marketplace.

Governor's Report - A Bevy of New Business in the Bluegrass State

Gov. Steve Beshear's team has been outpacing the field with bold strides in economic development. From its traditional whiskey to advanced batteries and nanoneedles, Kentucky is racing ahead with an incredibly diverse blend of job-creating enterprises.

LiveXChange Event

Inside LiveXchange

Business Facilities LiveXchange is an invitation-only event for corporate executives responsible for choosing a new location for their companies’ next facility. Delegates meet with senior economic developers from across North America; attend seminars, workshops, and think tanks led by experts in the field of relocation and expansion; and network with other corporate executives faced with the same corporate growth challenges. This month, we preview the expansion of LiveXchange into an international venue and the launch of Commercial Property Navigator LiveXchange, aimed at the real estate services sector.

Tip of the Month

Eric Stavriotis Eric Stavriotis,
Vice President of Strategic Consulting,
Jones Lang LaSalle, Chicago, IL

Make your own clusters.

When considering relocating your office facility, it is always tempting to locate near an existing cluster of skilled labor and suppliers serving your industry, and to tap those resources when building your business. Although that often is the best choice, it may make more sense for your firm to locate in an area where you have the ability to create your own cluster.

Through partnerships with colleges, junior colleges and, in some instances, high schools, businesses get an opportunity to train and tap into the next-generation labor market by helping to set courses and curriculum; providing internships; establishing public/private campuses with call centers and R&D facilities; and providing professorial access to company research. 

When approached correctly, these partnerships will create a strong bond between the local community and your company.

 

Location Reports

Bavaria: Idyllic, Iconic Germany (5/09)

Luster, muster and clusters—the State of Bavaria has it all. A magical capital, an indefatigable work ethic and a sound economic development model ensure this German giant’s overwhelming success.

Mayor’s Report: New Lenox, Illinois — Mayor Tim Baldermann (5/09)

Home of Proud Americans - Located in Will County, among the 10 fastest-growing areas of the nation, the Village of New Lenox offers businesses and residents a progressive local government, a key location on Interstate 80 and I-355, low Will County taxes, and an unbeatable quality of life.

Metro Spotlights

Metro Spotlight: Mission, Texas

The U.S.-Mexico border towns of McAllen and Mission, TX have seen tremendous development during the last decade, and some investors are discovering a modern-day gold rush.

Metro Spotlight: San Antonio, Texas

As the seventh largest city in the U.S., San Antonio offers a variety of reasons for businesses to consider expansion or relocation, including a thriving economy, reliable and affordable utilities, a qualified labor pool, a low cost of living and an excellent quality of life.

Corporate Moves

Corporate Moves: Virginia

• Linden Lab Taps Terremark for Critical IT Infrastructure of Virtual 3D Environment
• Wood Furniture Maker Expands in Galax

Corporate Moves: California

• Quallion Lithium Battery Plant Boosts Green Jobs
• $100-Million Bleach Plant To Open in Pittsburg, CA

Monthly Survey Question

Ask the Expert

Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

In the current economic environment, many projects are getting put on the back burner. Key players should be prepared to leverage this situation to their advantage.

Q: In the current financial crisis, in which many projects have been indefinitely put on hold, what steps can be taken to keep a development on track and avoid having to start from “square one” if and when it is reactivated?

Special Reports

An Epicenter of Industry in Illinois

From the rolling hills of Southern Illinois, to the hustle and bustle of Chicago's Loop, the Land of Lincoln is a diverse state that offers businesses a wide array of options for locating or expanding.

Logistics Gets Lean, Mean and Green

These days you've got to choose a warehousing site that keeps your supply chain costs and your carbon footprint in check. Here are the locations that provide great transportation infrastructure and a business-friendly atmosphere.

Business Facilities LiveXchange







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