"Tweeners"
As the economy continues to recover, some companies are rethinking their location decisions, as overall operating costs surge to the factor forefront. When crunching operating cost factors, you'll find that small and mid-markets in the South are hard to beat, especially those that are located between and amongst large markets. The following are profiles of what we are calling "tweener" markets in the South, or small and mid-markets where commerce in two or more larger markets can be easily be served. We hope the profiles help you as you find an economic foothold in the American South, the world's fourth-largest economy.
ALABAMA
Montgomery: Strategically Located at the Conflux of I-85/I-65
Montgomery’s excellent transportation infrastructure and its proximity to large, rapidly growing consumer and industrial markets are among the most important factors contributing to its vibrant economic growth. Located in central Alabama, Montgomery is strategically located at the conflux of I-85 and I-65, and is served by five U.S. Highways. With the addition of the $300 million expansion to the Port of Mobile, Montgomery businesses also make use of the Alabama River and its terminal access to the Gulf of Mexico. Montgomery is served by CSX Transportation and its 1,200 miles of track. National and multinational corporations, such as Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, US Foods, Rheem Water Heaters, and Big Lots Stores Inc., have discovered and are utilizing Montgomery’s geographical location and its exceptionally diverse transportation infrastructure as vital resources of commerce.
ARKANSAS
Little Rock: Easy Access from All Points
The metro Little Rock region is a crossroads of all modes of transportation. Distribution centers of materials, supplies and finished goods enjoy easy and affordable access to distribution and logistical support activities. With a population of nearly 1,000,000, the metro Little Rock region has a well-educated and abundant workforce. Located at the intersection of Interstate 40 and Interstate 30, Little Rock has easy access from all points, including outstanding port, rail and airport facilities.
FLORIDA
Lakeland/Polk County: Succeeds at the Center of Florida’s Super Region Between Tampa and Orlando
Within a 100-mile radius of Polk County, Fla., which is situated neatly between Tampa and Orlando on Interstate 4, reside 8.6 million people – the largest population center in the Southeast. Because of its outstanding logistics and great business climate, Polk County has emerged as one of Florida’s leading office, manufacturing and distribution centers. Going forward, the thriving community is capitalizing on a different natural asset -- its brain trust -- to develop technology sectors. A recent Industry Cluster Analysis by SRI International revealed that the primary business sectors that will thrive in this environment going forward are Life Sciences & Medical Services, Research, Engineering & High Tech, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Business & Financial Services and Agribusiness & Agritechnology.
This hot market’s bright future is ensured by new industrial and business parks coming on line along Interstate 4, U.S. Highway 27, State Road 60, County Line Road and within the interior of the massive county that's larger in square miles than the state of Rhode Island. Major national, regional and local developers have acquired more than 5,000 acres of Business Park and industrial property which will support up to 25 million square feet of office and industrial space. These certified sites are supported by a full complement of utilities and are permitted for construction.
GEORGIA
Macon: Ideally Situated to Serve Georgia and Florida Markets
Ideally situated in the Heart of Georgia at the intersection of I-75 and I-16, Macon offers convenient access to the entire world through Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and the port cities of Savannah, Brunswick, Charleston and Jacksonville. Its location is strategic in that business can serve both the massive Atlanta markets and markets throughout north, central and west Florida. In addition, Macon is home to the largest rail switching center on the East Coast.
KANSAS
Emporia: Outstanding Location by Road and Rail
Emporia, Kansas is strategically located in east central Kansas at I-35, I-335 and U.S. Highway 50. Two Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad lines pass through Emporia, which are a major corridor for intermodal unit trains from the west coast ports in the Los Angeles area. If you are looking for a market where you can serve much of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and parts of Arkansas, Emporia is a good fit.
KENTUCKY
Northern Kentucky: Opportunity Central and the Gateway Between the South and the Midwest
The three-county Northern Kentucky region, across the river from Cincinnati, offers historic urban riverfront towns as well as build-ready master planned campus sites with short commutes. Travel is easy through the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and the convergence of three major interstate highways – 20 major metro areas are only a day’s drive away and 30 additional markets within second-day service. The workforce is educated, trained and affordable with 12 colleges and universities nearby. The region is a strong home for technology, advanced manufacturing, aviation and office headquarters.
LOUISIANA
Lafayette: At the Center of Louisiana's Crossroads
Not only is Lafayette, La. a cultural crossroads, it is physically located at Louisiana’s crossroads— the intersection of Interstates 10 and 49— offering a strategic advantage in transportation and accessibility into and out of the parish (county). Additionally, Lafayette can be easily reached by rail, air and water. Lafayette is only a two hour drive from New Orleans and four hours from Houston (less than one hour by air), making it an ideal central location from which area businesses can offer services across multiple industries, particularly the energy, health care and entertainment industries.
MARYLAND
Hagerstown-Washington County: The Crossroads of Commerce
Located at the Crossroads of I-81 (accessing the Nation from North to South) and I-70 (connecting the Nation from points East to West), Washington County, Maryland is in the Crossroads of Commerce. Trains, planes and automobiles provide easy access to some of the largest and most lucrative markets on the eastern seaboard. Within an hour’s drive of both Washington DC and Baltimore, MD, Washington County is the hub of regional commerce.
A productive, dedicated, and well-rounded regional workforce of 400,000, has made the county a choice destination for manufacturing, financial service, and logistics companies. Strong industry combined with a public school system ranked among the best in Maryland, a variety of higher education options, and a growing cultural and entertainment district, help make Hagerstown-Washington County the Crossroads of Commerce.
The County’s pro-business climate continues to be a winning component of success in landing expansion and relocation projects. Capital investment for Washington County in 2008 set a record high of over $212 million – about 62% higher than in 2007. Two organizations with substantial local presence, FedEx Freight and FedEx Ground, are currently expanding both of their local hubs in Hagerstown.
The relationship between education and business in the Hagerstown-Washington County community is very important. According to U.S. News & World Report rankings of the country’s best high schools, four were listed from Washington County. With more than 30 institutions of higher learning within a 70-mile radius of Hagerstown, the area offers an array of educational opportunities. Hagerstown Community College (HCC), the fastest growing community college in the state, has biotechnology degree programs and leases wet lab space in its Technology Innovation Center (TIC). The TIC, one of the largest business incubators in the state, provides business development assistance, laboratory, flex space, and offices for technology start-ups, manufacturers, and biotechnology firms.
There are numerous affordable housing options in Washington County, ranging from historical to the more modern and everything in between. From the convenience of condominiums, the freedom of a rural property, or the atmosphere of a development, there are choices to meet residents’ needs. Living costs are equal or below the national average and range from 1% to 27% less than other Northeast cities.
A revitalized Arts & Entertainment District in downtown Hagerstown complements shopping, historical sites, and museums in Washington County. Residents and visitors experience a wonderful collection of beautifully renovated retail shops, restaurants, and condominiums all within walking distance of cultural attractions such as the historic Maryland Theatre and the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. For more information, visit www.hagerstownedc.org
MISSISSIPPI
Tupelo/Lee County: On the South's Newest Interstate
Located at the intersection of U.S.-45 and I-22, Tupelo/Lee County features a dense manufacturing labor force, with nearly 33% of workers employed in manufacturing. All industrial parks are located adjacent to US-45, offering easy access to transportation corridors. Tupelo is strategically located between two major metropolitan areas: Memphis, TN (90 miles) and Birmingham, AL (120 miles). Other alternative transportation infrastructure is well established throughout the region including: Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway access; existing rail capacity through Kansas City Southern and Burlington Northern Santa Fe; and current expansion of Tupelo Regional Airport with extension of the runway allowing air freight traffic.
MISSOURI
Joplin Metro: Central, Connected, Capable
For companies seeking a central location that reaches numerous major metro areas, excellent transportation connections and a capable, labor force, the Joplin, Missouri metro area is a great place to locate.
The Joplin Metro area, in southwest Missouri, is in the center of the U.S. and North American markets. Major metro markets, such as Dallas, Kansas City, St. Louis, Tulsa, Little Rock and Memphis are just hours away. Transportation to those markets is effective and efficient, thanks to Interstate and Federal highways and substantial rail connections. Commercial air service is available at the Joplin Regional Airport and three other major airports within 90 minutes drive time.
Companies in the Joplin Metro area benefit from a productive, available labor pool of 93,000 people. Missouri Southern State University in Joplin offers a broad range of standard and business-specific classes. Southern also has a strong industrial technology program ranging from applied engineering to quality control and international trade. Crowder College is a source for customized technical training. Crowder is also home to the Missouri Alternative and Renewable Energy Center, a twenty-year old initiative with classes in wind and solar energy systems.
A key emphasis in the area is education. The Joplin Public Schools are Accredited with Distinction, the highest recognition of quality given by the state. Thanks to strong voter support, the school district is building two new middle schools and substantially expanding a third. Two elementary schools have also been expanded. Overall, between the Joplin schools and MSSU, more than $100,000,000 is being spent on educational facilities right now.
Arts and music play a big role in the Joplin area as well. Joplin Little Theater is the oldest, continuously operating community theater west of the Mississippi River. The renowned Spiva Art Gallery is host to numerous touring exhibits as well as displaying the works of the many local artists. And the Third Thursday art and music walks draw hundreds of people downtown during the summer and fall.
Joplin’s quality of living is enhanced with two major regional medical centers, more than 150 restaurants and eateries, a wide variety of retail from locally-owned shops to the 114-store Northpark Mall and some of the finest golfing in the Midwest.
NORTH CAROLINA
Statesville: Between Most Everything in N.C.
Located at the intersection of I-40 and I-77, 38 miles north of Charlotte and 39 miles west of Winston-Salem, Greater Statesville is consistently ranked a top location for new and expanding industry by national publications. Statesville offers a can-do business environment which features one of the lowest tax rates in North Carolina; excellent highway connectivity; a thriving regional airport with a 7000’ runway; a skilled workforce at attractive wage rates; highly-ranked schools; shovel-ready business park sites; a 62,000 sq./ft. (expandable to 250,000 sq./ft.) ready-to-move-in shell building; and easy access to both the great outdoors and the amenities of a major city.
OKLAHOMA
Ardmore: A Great Location for Business
Located on Interstate 35, between Oklahoma City and Dallas, Tex. (97 miles from each), Ardmore, Oklahoma is the ideal location for transportation sensitive companies. Within a 100 mile radius of Ardmore is a population of over 7 million. The compass of Ardmore’s economic map focuses on five major points: aviation, research, industry, energy and agriculture.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Florence: At the Intersection of Two of the South's Busiest Roadways
Interstate 95 and Interstate 20 are two of the most traveled roads in the South. Where I-20 ends (or begins) at I-95, is where you will find Florence, S.C. Florence, with a metro population of about 133,000, is situated quite nicely, about mid-way up the Southeast Atlantic Coast between the Raleigh and D.C. regions and the port centers of Charleston, Savannah and Jacksonville.
TENNESSEE
Chattanooga: 'Tween Nashville and Atlanta is a Chattanooga Advantage
Nestled in a bend of the Tennessee River and surrounded by mountains and lakes, Chattanooga's attractive location is getting better every year. As Nashville continues to grow south and east and with Atlanta growing to the north, it is a no-brainer decision for companies wishing to serve both markets to check out Chattanooga. Three Interstates converge in Chattanooga (I-59, I-24 and I-75) and rail service is outstanding. Location advantages factored in Volkswagen's decision to pick Chattanooga for its first U.S. automotive assembly plant in more than 20 years.
TEXAS
McAllen/Reynosa: THE U.S./Mexico "Tweener"
Things don’t look like they used to and businesses continue to transform in order to compete. Opening or relocating your company to the McAllen, Tex./Reynosa, Mexico NAFTA metro provides a unique opportunity as this location offers the best of two worlds – the United States and Mexico. McAllen is strategically located on the U.S.-Mexico border, in the middle of North America’s population center. The McAllen/Reynosa metro offers companies one of the most competitive “tweener” locations for manufacturing, distribution and logistics.
Companies can utilize two governments, two tax structures and two labor forces. Working within this bi-national area allows companies to lower costs, access a young, educated workforce, be close to customers while remaining globally competitive. McAllen/Reynosa’s location provides savings in logistics, labor and operations. Currently two international airports, two rail systems and two international bridges connect to McAllen/Reynosa. The Anzalduas Bridge, the third in this NAFTA MSA, is set to open by December 2009 and will connect a 6,000-acre, master planned community in McAllen to a 16,000-acre master planned community in Reynosa.
For more than 20 years, the McAllen Economic Development Corporation has helped hundreds of companies find customized solutions that use the best of both countries and the local supply chain. MEDC provides free consulting and site visits to companies and access to professional services such as attorneys, custom brokers and developers in the United States and Mexico.
McAllen consistently ranks as one of the fastest growing regions and as one of the best places to recover from this tough economic time. The University of Texas-Pan American and South Texas College, both in the McAllen MSA, along with MEDC are founding members of the NAAMREI Advanced Manufacturing consortium which focuses on building the region into the top location for advanced manufacturing. Both continue to grow their 40,000-plus student body and expand course offerings tailored to the current and future needs of advanced manufacturing local companies. They work with the K-12 systems to develop the math, science, technology and innovation necessary for future success. This represents the commitment of this “tweener” community to provide for the future of the community and companies like yours.
Yes, the world is changing, yet McAllen has provided opportunities for companies to thrive. A location in McAllen/Reynosa might provide that option between off-shoring and manufacturing in America that many of you look for.
VIRGINIA
Williamsburg: Smack Dab in the Middle of Richmond and Hampton Roads
On busy Interstate 64, the main artery running from Virginia's capital city to its second-largest market, Hampton Roads, is Williamsburg and James City County, Va. The county is 45 miles from Richmond and the ports in and around Norfolk, at the head of the Virginia Peninsula, where America's business began. James City is also located within a 500-mile radius of all major northeastern markets plus Toronto, Detroit, Indianapolis and Atlanta.
WEST VIRGINIA
Charleston: A Location that Links the Midwest, Northeast and Southern Regions
There's no place in the South that can say it is located within a short drive of states in three different U.S. regions. But that's exactly where Charleston is located amongst the states of Ohio (Midwest), Pennsylvania (Northeast), Kentucky and Virginia (South). Three Interstates converge in Charleston and the market is located within overnight trucking distance to more than 50 percent of the U.S. population and more than a third of the Canadian population.