Are We Looking At the Same Thing? - Spring 2009 - Vol. 21, No. 1 - available PDF file

This article examines two separate studies that measure the economic competitiveness of the 50 states based on fiscal and economic development measures.  While both studies examine a broad range of indicators, the studies’ findings are surprisingly divergent.  But does either study really evaluate the issues that are most relevant to a company’s industrial site selection decision?

Move Over Jesse: Kerry has his own Rainbow Coalition - Winter 2005 - Vol.16, No.1 - available PDF file

Deeper examination of the now-famous Red-versus-Blue county map adopted by the mainstream media shows surprising diversity in the regions that supported John Kerry in the last presidential election. This analysis compares and contrasts the demographic, economic and educational characteristics of the main regions of the U.S. that supported Kerry.

A recent research study among corporate real estate executives and economic development agencies sheds light on why so few corporate site seekers rely on the Internet as a research tool, and why it’s unlikely to be a valuable aid in the near future.

The Walker Companies have made significant upgrades to our proprietary site selection optimization model, WISER. New data includes county-level inventory tax rates and freeport exemption levels for every county in the United States. In addition, the location of every intermodal facility in the US, as well as every terminal for the five largest LTL trucking firms in the country.

The Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED) grades the economic development climate in each state.

Site selection decisions based on data on the Internet exposes the corporate user to significant risk. The Walker Companies’ WISERsm site selection optimization model eliminates many of these risks and allows access to data on costs and operating environment at the city or county level.

State-by-state trends in the use of incentives and financial inducements to maintain and attract jobs and investment.

The results of a survey of 150 corporate executives on the most important site selection factors considered for their new investments. Labor availability is the number one consideration.

State-by-state comparisons detailing which states have a prepaid tuition plan, passed or pending legislation, full tuition scholarships, or are undergoing a study to test their feasibility for the plan.

State-by-state comparison of manufacturing wages.

Increasing financial obligations due to un-funded mandates from the states are squeezing many of the country’s 3,000+ counties.

Comparison of balance of payments on a state-by-state basis, showing which states receive more in federal funding than their residents and businesses pay in federal income taxes.

Large and small businesses are migrating across state lines in search of lower and more competitive operating cost environments. According to a study by Dun and Bradstreet 56,000 businesses were on the move (1991-1995) mostly to the Southeastern and Mountain states. Includes a state-by-state comparison of net business migration.

A state-by-state comparison of unemployment trust fund reserve levels.

Often overlooked in site selection analyses is the fiscal health of the communities under consideration. A starting point is to review municipal bond ratings, which decipher whether counties will have future problems in taxes, educational environment, etc.

A state-by-state comparison of crime rates.

State economic development agency spending on growth of existing industry is on the rise.

An examination of which site selection incentives are most important to industry, including examples of unique incentives offered to selected corporations.

A country-by-country comparison of health spending as a percent of GNP, showing the staggering amount of money dedicated to healthcare in the US versus other nations.

A country-by-country comparison of manufacturing wage rates, including holiday pay, social security contributions and other benefits

In an effort to attract industry, communities are going beyond the standard enticements to differentiate themselves and elevate their visibility.

As more job opportunities open up and the quality-of-life advantages take precedence over the big town, rural counties grow by the millions.

When it comes to new facilities, relocations, and expansions, the Southeast receives the most attention.

A state-by-state comparison of the change in the percent of persons with no health insurance coverage.

An important variable that impacts SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) performance is the percentage of students who actually take the test. The data presented in the article may prove helpful in verifying the claims made by industrial recruiters regarding the quality of their school system.

An analysis of voter participation shows areas with high levels of voter turnout are more likely to restrict expansion of hazardous waste processing facilities, which may impact site selection decisions of companies that need to be in close proximity to such facilities.

A state-by-state comparison of per capita state government debt.

Urban and exurban counties have experienced the benefits of explosive growth, which are soon to be problematic as landfill capacities are absorbed and tipping fees increase. A solution could be significant amounts of recycling or the discovery of more inexpensive rural property for the landfills.

State-by-state comparison of landfill capacities, and trends in tipping fees by region of the US.

Review of The Walker Companies' proprietary site selection optimization model and how it can be used to address complex location analysis problems.