The value of a site evaluation certification program

©2013 Ady Voltedge

The Value of aSite Evaluation & Certification Program

January 10, 2013

©2013 Ady VoltedgeWyoming Economic Development Association January 2013

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Today’s GoalsShare what we’ve learned in working directly with site selectors, the companies they represent, and the EDOs who are trying to market to them

©2013 Ady VoltedgeWyoming Economic Development Association January 2013

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About Ady Voltedge

©2013 Ady VoltedgeWyoming Economic Development Association January 2013

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Some of Our Clients

©2013 Ady VoltedgeWyoming Economic Development Association January 2013

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Overview of this Presentation• The site selectors’ frame of mind• The competitive situation for available

projects• Implications for states/regions• Developing a certification program in

Wyoming

©2013 Ady VoltedgeWyoming Economic Development Association January 2013

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Site Selectors’ Frame of Mind

• Responsibility for the biggest picture to the smallest details

• Time compression• Data overload• High stakes

©2013 Ady VoltedgeWyoming Economic Development Association January 2013

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Competitive Situation for Projects

• Over 3,000 counties in the United States alone• Over half of the states – as well as various

utilities– now have “certification” programs

Indiana

©2013 Ady VoltedgeWyoming Economic Development Association January 2013

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Implications for States and Regions

• NOT having an available property is the #1 reason for elimination

“If you don’t have a site,

you don’t have a product,

and if you don’t have a product,

you don’t need

a business attraction program!”

©2013 Ady VoltedgeWyoming Economic Development Association January 2013

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What Is a “Certified” Site?• Has documented some level of readiness on

key criteria such as:– Ownership– Utilities and Infrastructure– Physical aspects of site – Associated programs known (such as permitting,

incentives)– Accessibility to/from the site

©2013 Ady VoltedgeWyoming Economic Development Association January 2013

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Benefits of Site Certification • Promotes key industrial/office sites• Minimizes risk• Speeds implementation of prospect startup• Major marketing tool for business attraction• Indicates professionalism of economic

development group• Assists in economic development team building• Differentiates community from others

©2013 Ady VoltedgeWyoming Economic Development Association January 2013

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Not All “Shovel-Ready” Certifications Are Alike

• There are no standards as to what constitutes a “shovel-ready site” leading to vastly different criteria and processes.

• Site Selection magazine ranks the best as:– Georgia, Missouri, and Tennessee

• Question: How would the “best” programs be defined?

©2013 Ady VoltedgeWyoming Economic Development Association January 2013

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Best Practices in Shovel-Ready Certification

• Is meaningful, not just a “rubber stamp”• Includes a preliminary stage to identify fatal

flaws before the whole process is undertaken• Reflects the characteristics of the State, its

properties, and the EDO’s

©2013 Ady VoltedgeWyoming Economic Development Association January 2013

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What Wyoming EDO’s Can Do To Prepare

1. Make sure all viable properties are entered into the Sites and Buildings database tool. Fill in as many gaps as possible.

2. Start prioritizing your “property pipeline.”

3. Listen for future updates from Wyoming Business Council.

www.wyomingbusiness.org/properties

©2013 Ady VoltedgeWyoming Economic Development Association January 2013

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Thinking Ahead:Marketing Certified Sites

• As your sites get certified, they will be promoted on the State website

• Include in your own promotional and direct marketing materials

• Integrate within other marketing activities

©2013 Ady VoltedgeWyoming Economic Development Association January 2013

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Questions?

Janet L. AdyAdy Voltedge 608.663.9218jady@adyvoltedge.com