What does it take to make a great love affair?

In the beginning, it may have something to do with charm or “good looks.”

But what does it take to make a love affair stand the test of time?

It takes commitment, looking out for each other’s interests, anticipating each other’s needs, and responding to those needs eagerly and enthusiastically.

Communities all across the South understand this well.  They are not only interested in wooing new companies, but also in continuing their courtship with existing firms.

By Laura Corbin, Don Hampton and Trisha Ostrowski

Recently, SB&D’s publisher wrote about consultants and economists based outside the South, who are hired by Southern economic development officials to counsel them on the practice of economic development. He wrote, "Getting an economist from the Northeast to teach us about economic development here in the South is like getting someone from Wyoming to teach us about surfing."

After all, the South is where economic development was invented. It is where it was perfected and it is virtually impossible to compare the South's economy to the U.S.'s economy as a whole. They relate, but they are nowhere near the same; never have been and may never be. 

Interestingly enough, our publisher participated in a panel where one of those Northeast-based economist he wrote about -- the economist had already read Randle's quote -- was on the panel as well. That specific economist suggested to our publisher that “all you guys in the South” (we’re guessing that he meant our magazine, government officials, and economic developers in the South) "care about is creating new jobs.  You give little effort when it comes to existing industry, retaining jobs and business retention in general.”

Respectfully Mr. Economist, we couldn’t disagree with you more.  In fact, we respond to you with this article, which profiles some of the South’s “great corporate love affairs.”  It features companies and locations that simply “love each other.” 

The communities have revealed their love by helping companies overcome obstacles to growth and standing behind their success every step of the way with infrastructure, incentives and support. On the other side of the ledger, companies have revealed their love for these communities through consistent growth and investment as well as great corporate citizenship.

Over the last 15 years, we will admit that our magazine has placed much of its emphasis on attracting new companies--educating site selectors outside the region about how the South is the best place to live, operate a business, and work on the planet.  But, truth is, taking care of existing firms is also serious business around the South.  We think it’s high time we dedicated some ink to making that point.

All across the South, you’ll find communities and economic development groups that are ready to be a partner in your success.  And, that “love” won’t end once you’ve made your initial investment. The following includes just a few dozen or so of the "South's Great Corporate Love Affairs." You will learn more about the South's "Great Corporate Love Affairs," when we publish Part II of the series in the Winter edition, which will come out on March 22, 2007.

Austin, Texas and Samsung

It’s been a long and passionate courtship, and still the adoration only grows for Austin and Samsung Austin Semiconductor (SAS).  The semiconductor industry has been part of the region’s corporate landscape since the 1970s, but it took a devastating hit early in the decade when employment declined dramatically.

Struggling to pull itself out, Austin turned to one its key employers – Samsung, which told the Austin Chamber in 2004 that it planned to spend $30 billion globally to upgrade new plants.  Austin began its wooing, and in the spring of 2005, after a series of meetings with the city, county, state, community, business leaders and school officials, a comprehensive incentive package was created, including tax abatements and in-kind investments of $233 million.

Austin was courting Samsung, and it paid off when the company announced in April of 2006 that it would locate its next-generation 300mm wafer fabrication plant in Austin.  The estimated $4 billion capital investment is expected to be the largest by a foreign-based company in the U.S.  The plant will be the size of nine football fields, the largest wafer fab in the country.  Construction is expected to be completed by late 2007 with production of advanced computer memory chips starting in late 2007 or early 2008.

Samsung, which sits on 300 acres and employees 1,100, returned Austin’s affection not only by making this investment, and creating a minimum of 700 permanent jobs plus 200 full-time on-site supplier jobs, but by giving back to the community.  Last year, Samsung and its employees contributed more than $471,000 to regional non-profits and charitable organizations – a total of $2.5 million over the past 10 years.  In addition to its normal school taxes to the Manor Independent School District – the new plant will shore up the district’s shrinking tax base, providing $24 million in additional operations revenue in the next 10 years – MISD will benefit from a $4.5 million Math and Science Academy funded by the state affiliated resources, a $1 million scholarship fund from Samsung that will finance scholarships for many of the graduating seniors, and $500,000 worth of land Samsung would purchase for new schools.

Jones County, Mississippi and Howard Industries Inc.

Jones County, Miss., loves Howard Industries Inc. because it has grown to be the county’s largest employer and because it always has been a true “partner” in the community’s progress and growth.

The Economic Development Authority of Jones County, the Jones County Board of Supervisors, Jones County Junior College and the Cities of Laurel and Ellisville have worked with Howard Industries to help facilitate expansions for more than 20 years.  The community has shown its love for the Howard family, and their company, by providing land for expansions and for new facilities, working with the state of Mississippi to acquire and use millions of dollars in grants for infrastructure improvements, partnering in agreements that allowed $31.5 million in state incentives for a major expansion, and providing customized training for employees on several occasions.

In return, Howard Industries provides not only more than 4,000 jobs, but also educational grants, recreational investments, and community development assistance.

Martinsville-Henry County, Virginia and West Window Corporation

West Window Corporation was founded in Martinsville in 1949 and moved to its current location in Martinsville Industrial Park in 1964.  Since moving to the industrial park, the company has expanded five times and has never had a losing year.  West Window, which has grown from 4 employees to over 200, attributes success to its employees.  “You won’t find better employees than those in Martinsville-Henry County,” said Chairman/CEO W.E. Giesler.

While many of West Window’s expansions were before the time of modern-day incentives, the company did receive help from both the city and the county on its more recent fourth and fifth expansions.  The city provided water and sewer lines and the county helped obtain waivers that were necessary for continued growth.

West Window has given back in the form of jobs and stability for several hundred residents.  The company provides a living for approximately 200 families and also offers its employees a strong benefits package.  Company leaders of West Window have also had a high level of community involvement dating back well over 50 years.  Past and the current company leaders have served the community as mayor of Martinsville, president of the chamber of commerce, president of the school board, president of the local community college board, and in numerous other capacities.

Richmond, Virginia and Philip Morris USA

Richmond and Philip Morris USA have had a longstanding love affair. Local history for the company, it is the Richmond area’s fourth largest employer with approximately 6,300 employees, began in 1919, and in 1929, it purchased a factory in Richmond to begin manufacturing its own cigarettes.

The relationship has endured through bad times and good, wars and upswings.  Philip Morris has continued to grow, adding its Operations Center, Tobacco Research Center, Manufacturing Center, and Philip Morris USA Operations Center.  In 2003, it relocated its corporate headquarters to Greater Richmond, bringing 450 employees, and invested $300 million in its manufacturing center – the largest single private capital investment in the city of Richmond in 25 years.  Last year, the firm announced its $300 million Research and Technology Center for Richmond – a 475,000 square-foot center that will employ 500 highly paid scientists, engineers and support staff; it is expected to open in 2007.

Support for Philip Morris USA has been a cooperative effort among state, regional and local governments, economic development organizations, including the Governor’s Office, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the City of Richmond, the Greater Richmond Partnership, Virginia Biotechnology Research Park, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Richmond Chamber of Commerce.  This included millions of dollars in Governor’s Opportunity Fund grants, millions in performance-based grants, workforce training services, and additional tax credits.

Columbus, Georgia and Aflac

Aflac has the gift that keeps on giving to the Columbus community.  The number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance in the United States has made three major expansions in the past eight years in Columbus.

The latest, announced in November 2005, is valued at $100 million.  The multi-year building project includes an initial 90,000 square-foot expansion, and once all phases are complete, Aflac will have built 340,000 square feet of additional office space to accommodate 2,000 new employees over the next five to seven years.  This followed the Client Service, Claims, Customer Call Center and Flex One departments’ expansion announced in 1999 that added 1,000 employees to the already 1,200 employees.

Aflac chairman and CEO Dan Amos cited adoration for the community as key to the company’s growth: “We are grateful to Gov. Perdue, along with other state and local development officials, for making it possible for Aflac to continue to grow its business in Columbus, Georgia.”  The company not only lends its internationally known name to Columbus, it provides a model program for minority supplier/vendor relationships and is a great supporter of community projects, including the arts.
 
Little Rock, Arkansas and Dassault Falcon

Little Rock has given each Falcon jet “its individual personality with care, precision and passion,” Dassault Falcon president and CEO John Rosanvallon has said.  Indeed, the Little Rock completion center is known worldwide for quality craftsmanship.

Dassault Falcon Jet has shown Little Rock some of the same passion, doubling the size of the company’s main completion center there for all Falcon jets worldwide now that a three-year expansion project has been completed.  Current production model Falcons are manufactured in France and flown to Little Rock “green” to the completion center, where optional avionics and custom interiors are added and the exterior painted.

The Little Rock complex, the largest operated by Dassault Falcon, was expanded by 73,000 square feet in manufacturing, hangar and office space, and about 400 new employees were added to the 1,500 already there.  The expansion represents some $13 million in investment.  When completed, the physical footprint of the complex will be more than 685,000 square feet, more than 10 times the size of the original facility.  The 30-year-old production center was expanded to support Dassault Aviation SA’s new Falcon 7X jet, which was unveiled in early 2005 in France.  Output at the Little Rock facility is anticipated to increase by 40 percent by 2007.  The expansion adds about 200 jobs.

Little Rock’s endearing qualities included a skilled workforce, Dassault officials said at the time of the expansion announcement, pointing to “great artisans, cabinet-makers, electricians and many other skilled workers” they said will enable the company to accommodate the “next generation of business jets” for the firm.

Pointing to Little Rock as the “focal point” for Dassault-Falcon’s global expansion, corporate officials note that every aircraft the company makes goes through the Arkansas community.  The community, in turn, benefits as the presence of Dassault-Falcon, encouraged by regional support of entrepreneurial activities, draws suppliers to the aviation industry in the region.  Educational centers – universities, community colleges and other facilities – have expanded their aviation programs to education and train skilled workers.

Louisville, Kentucky and UPS

A May 2006 editorial in Business First of Louisville described the romance perfectly: “The Louisville-UPS marriage was made in heaven.  It is the perfect example of how economic development should work.  A well-run, fast-growing company makes a long-term commitment to a community.  In return, the political and business leaders of that community (and state) help provide the infrastructure and tax incentives that the company needs to keep expanding.”

The reflection came as UPS announced in May that, for the second time in eight years, it plans a billion-dollar-plus expansion of its Worldport air-package hub at Louisville International Airport.  Nearly 1,300 new full-time jobs and 4,000 part-time jobs will be added, raising total employment to 23,000.  The size of the facility will increase by 1.1 million square feet to 5.1 million square feet.

Louisville has benefited not only from UPS’s own expansions over the years, but by the nearly 100 companies, with an estimated annual payroll of $400 million, that have moved to the community or have been created as a result of the firm’s presence.  The company’s growth at the airport has provided hundreds of millions of dollars in construction work for local companies.

The region benefits greatly from having UPS, beyond the direct impact.  UPS is the largest single contributor to Metro United Way.  It and its workers donated more than $5.4 million in 2005 to charitable and civic groups.  Employees performed more than 128,000 hours of volunteer work.  Young people in the community can go to college or technical school for free while working at night at UPS, thanks to the creation of Metropolitan College.

Polk County, Florida and Publix

George Jenkins had a vision to improve people’s grocery shopping experience. In 1930, he opened a store in Winter Haven, Florida that would be so successful it would eventually become the largest corporation in the state and the largest employee-owned grocery chain the country.

Today Publix is a $21 billion corporation that is still located in Polk County, moving its headquarters to Lakeland in 2001. But the company remains committed to the values of community that were important to their founder – a man renowned for his generosity.  In 2004, Publix raised $15.2 million for United Way, in addition to numerous other charities the company supports.

Publix the grocer is not only in love with Lakeland and Polk County, Fla., it has become a dominant force in the food business in the South over the last decade adding stores at an incredible rate. While this article is all about "love," it is also about success and much of Publix's success has come at the expense of Florida-based Winn Dixie, another grocery chain in the South.

Round Rock, Texas and TECO (Taiwan Electric Co.)-Westinghouse

The Round Rock Chamber is serious when it comes to business retention and expansion, so serious in fact that the organization has a staff person dedicated to existing industry. That dedication has paid off with many area firms.  But for one company in particular, TECO-Westinghouse, the Chamber’s involvement has helped the company thrive, grow, and enter new market segments.

The Westinghouse part of TECO-Westinghouse has been located in Round Rock for more than 25 years.  In recent years, the Round Rock’s Westinghouse was bought out by TECO, a Taiwanese company and worldwide conglomerate.  While the company could have moved its Round Rock jobs to Taiwan in an effort to cut costs, TECO-Westinghouse remained headquartered in and committed to the Round Rock community.  And though job numbers have dipped as low as 130, the company has remained committed to increasing the number of jobs.  This manufacturer of electric motors and generators currently employs 330 in the area. 

In the most recent show of its love for Round Rock, TECO-Westinghouse has chosen to expand and broaden its product base manufactured in this central Texas market.  In November 2006, the company announced that through an alliance with a California company, it will produce wind turbine components at its Round Rock facility.  The company could add as many as 150 additional workers.

While Round Rock Chamber leaders have made significant efforts to reach out to TECO-Westinghouse leaders, the company leaders have also “reached back” by becoming actively involved in the Chamber.  Chamber officials have also helped open the door with state officials as TECO-Westinghouse recently worked to secure funding from Texas’ Emerging Technologies Fund.  In addition, the Chamber is also working to secure state work force training funds for the new jobs that the company plans to create.

Greenville, South Carolina and Michelin

Michelin has had great staying power in South Carolina’s Upstate and each decade this company has chosen to locate another part of its operations in Greenville. Michelin built its first U.S. manufacturing plant in Greenville, South Carolina in 1976.  Today, that plant employs around 1,400.  Later, in the early 1980s, Michelin made the strategic decision to also move its headquarters from the Northeast to Greenville where it today employs over 1,700.  Then, in the 1990s, Michelin established and has since grown its research and development function in Greenville, today employing more than 800.

“A quality work force and a low-cost and pro-business environment were drivers in bringing Michelin to Greenville,” said Kevin Landmesser, vice president of the Greenville Area Development Corporation.  “In addition to those factors, our community offers exceptional quality of life, which is key to executives and the headquarters.”

The community couldn’t be happier to have them there. “Michelin is involved in many facets of the community – business, charity, education,” Landmesser said. “The company was instrumental in bringing the Diversity Leadership Academy to Furman University.”

Memphis, Tennessee and FedEx

As a $30 billion network of companies that spans 220 countries and territories and created a “world with no borders, just time zones,” FedEx is one of the world’s most recognizable brands.  The company was founded in Little Rock in 1971, but moved to Memphis two years later in 1973 and has grown up with the Memphis market.  In 1981, FedEx opened its Superhub adjacent to Memphis International Airport.  The presence of that Superhub, along with the company’s around-the-clock operations has combined to make the Memphis International Airport the busiest cargo airport in the world.  In addition, FedEx is far and away the largest employer in Memphis providing some 30,000 jobs to the area’s economy.  Without a doubt, it has become one of the largest driving forces in Memphis-area economic development, turning the area into a key logistics center for the country. 

In addition to its highly regarded, well-known brand, FedEx is also widely known for its philanthropy, especially in the Memphis region.  Its employees are heavily involved in volunteerism; it’s embedded in the corporate culture.  Every year, the company gives millions to charitable organizations like the United Way, the March of Dimes, the American Red Cross and numerous others. 

Because Memphis is the company’s home, FedEx also demonstrates its generosity through contributions to the University of Memphis.  The company’s initial gift of $5 million in 2001 produced a public-private partnership that launched the FedEx Institute of Technology, which is focused on the development of real-world ideas and solutions to improve quality of life.  In 2002, FedEx donated $250,000 to launch the FedEx Institute’s new Center for Supply Chain Management.  Then, in 2005, FedEx gave an additional $5 million to the Institute of Technology to support research, facilitate the recruitment of world-renowned faculty, and fund other initiatives.  FedEx has also lent its leadership, expertise and influence to the Institute and to Memphis as a whole.

The Charlotte Region, North Carolina and Freightliner

Over the last 30 years, the leading manufacturer of heavy trucks Freightliner has invested and reinvested in the Charlotte, N.C. region.  The company now has plants in the Rowan County community of Cleveland and Gaston County communities of Mt. Holly and Gastonia.

Expanding a significant number of times at its Charlotte area facilities, Freightliner provides a huge number of high-paying, high-quality jobs.  The company employs about 4,500 in Rowan County and around 2,000 in Gaston County.  Employment numbers have grown substantially over the years and the company provides strong wages and benefits to area workers.  The company also gives to its communities through donations to purchase or update emergency medical vehicles and is a large-scale supporter of the United Way.

Rowan and Gaston Counties as well as the State of North Carolina have given back to Freightliner by investing in training and retraining of the work force.  In addition, they have helped the company tap into a number of incentive programs for infrastructure improvements, equipment, and expansion.

Northeast Tennessee and DTR

When DTR came to the Northeast Tennessee community of Tazewell, company officials planned to hire around 500 people at their manufacturing facility. But the company just recently announced that the nearly 1,400 employees they have at their two facilities aren’t enough. So, for the third time, DTR has announced an expansion of the company’s manufacturing facility. Ryusuke Kito, DTR’s president, said the expansion is a direct result of the “hard work and dedication” of the employees the company has found in Northeast Tennessee.

Making a commitment to work together long-term was a natural outgrowth of the relationship the company and community have built with one another over the past ten years. DTR employees have been active in the community as members of local volunteer boards and civic organizations and by participating in job fairs and plant tours for students – the kind of little things that endear a company to its community.

Ardmore, Oklahoma and IMTEC

With no lack of suitors, IMTEC has stayed true to its hometown despite tempting offers. Ardmore is the place where Drs. Ron Bulard and Eddie Gillispie founded IMTEC in 1990, and have watched it grow from an idea into a dental manufacturing resource offering more than 600 products.

The community, watching the company’s amazing growth, recognized they had a new problem on their hands – how do you keep a growing company happy enough to stay at home? So Ardmore focused on helping IMTEC succeed. While the company expanded to include sales and marketing offices in Frankfurt, Toronto, Mexico and London, they had that success upheld by the community. As Dr. Bulard says, “Without the Ardmore Development Authority, we might not be here today and if we were, it would be a much smaller company.”

Lafayette, Louisiana and Stuller

Matt Stuller has an unadulterated love for his community. “I don’t think we could have accomplished everything we have anywhere else,” he says. That’s pretty high praise from a man who runs the largest manufacturer and distributor of fine jewelry and jewelry-related products in North America.

Stuller has had offers from other metropolitan areas, but Lafayette is home. “There were too many positive attributes and compelling reasons not only to remain here, but to take part in and contribute to Lafayette’s growth,” he says. That contribution is substantial. The company, which began out of the trunk of his car in 1969, now employs 1,600 people - which makes Stuller a local treasure to the people of Lafayette.

Horry County, South Carolina and Integra Fabrics

It might have been the long walks on the beach or the quiet sunsets of Horry County. Something unmistakably drew Integra Fabrics here 14 years ago. And here they intend to stay.

The company, a manufacturer of one of the leading lines of fabrics for the hospitality market, has intricately woven itself into the community. “We’re proud to be an active part of the community,” says President Debbie Purcell.

And the community, conversely, has embraced Integra. “They’re good people,” says Jim Papadea of the Myrtle Beach Economic Development Corporation. “Their business has grown every year they’ve been here and they do a ton for our community as well.”

Savannah, Georgia and Gulfstream

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., manufacturer of the world’s most technologically advanced aircraft, could be anywhere in the world.  Its heart, however, is in Savannah.  “Savannah has the best workforce in the world,” says Ira Berman, senior vice president of administration and general counsel for the manufacturing and service facility.  “They’re dedicated; they’re loyal; they’re smart; and they care about each other.  That’s why we have the best safety record in the industry.”

It wasn’t hard, then, for Gulfstream to get a little local assistance with its planned $300 million, seven-year expansion in the community.  The Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) provided economic benefits through its programs as well as serving as liaison with all state, local and county government agencies.  SEDA also helped to implement training programs with the state of Georgia and Savannah Technical College that will allow the company to hire directly from those programs as it adds an estimated 1,100 jobs as a result of the expansion.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Quad/Graphics

While Quad/Graphics and Oklahoma City have only known each other since 2003, their relationship is strong.  Quad/Graphics, the world’s largest privately held printer of magazines, catalogs and other commercial products, has increased its number of employees and building space four-fold, and has invested $286 million in equipment since opening its Oklahoma City plant.

The close relationship Quad/Graphics has with the business community, the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, the city and the state, and the ability of those entities to “get the job done” – along with Oklahoma’s Investment Tax Credit and Quality Jobs Package – have contributed to the company’s success.  In return, Quad/Graphics provides support to various local charities through the Windhover Foundation, including community arts programs and food pantries.  In addition, the company is a contributor to the Greater OKC Chamber’s Forward OKC III program, a five-year economic development initiative geared toward building a vibrant business environment.

Guntersville, Alabama and Kappler

Absence does, indeed, make the heart grow fonder.  After a five-year hiatus from the industrial apparel market, Kappler, manufacturer of branded apparel for industrial Hazmat, military and healthcare markets headquartered in Guntersville, is re-entering the business it once dominated.  In 2001, after years of leading the world in limited-use protective apparel, Kappler formed an alliance with a fabric producer to become an OEM apparel contractor, taking the company name off of industrial market products.  As of November 2006, that has changed.

The company became convinced that the Kappler brand was much missed, along with the company’s customer service and technical support.  That means more work for the company’s 200 workers in Alabama. Founded in 1976, Kappler’s commitment to the community of Guntersville includes many educational initiatives, and support for the United Way, the Marshall County Christmas Coalition, and other charities.

Huntsville, Alabama and Boeing

Along with love come the moon and the stars – quite literally when talking about Boeing Co. in Huntsville, which produces key components of the International Space Station and key missile defense products at nine complexes.

The firm contributes $1.2 billion a year to Alabama’s economy, according to a recent University of Alabama study, and Boeing plans to keep reaching for the stars from Huntsville, with $26 million budgeted over the next six years in capital investment and improvements alone.  >From 2000 to 2004, Boeing Huntsville doubled sales from $1.2 billion to $2.5 billion.

Boeing Huntsville is one of the state’s largest employers, with 2,700 employees, and for every 100 direct jobs at the facility, 185 indirect jobs are created, translating to more than 9,000 direct and indirect jobs.  Huntsville’s support of the nation’s space program since the 1970s, and now military programs, has laid the foundation for Boeing Huntsville’s success today.  The area’s workers demonstrated their engineering and integration abilities, and have shown “agility and innovation” in supporting Boeing’s products, officials say.  Here on earth, Boeing Huntsville will play a significant role in building a multibillion-dollar border security system, awarded recently by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Charlotte, North Carolina and Bank of America

In recent years, Charlotte has grown into the second largest banking center in the U.S. behind New York.  A large part of Charlotte’s rise as a financial services hub can be attributed to the presence of Bank of America, one of the area’s two dominant banks.

Today, one out of every five people in the region now has a finance-related job.  More than 32,000 of them work for either Charlotte-based Bank of America, the nation’s largest financial institution, or Charlotte-based Wachovia, the nation’s fourth-largest.

Bank of America has been instrumental in the redevelopment of Charlotte, which the company viewed as necessary to create a city that met the requirements for the headquarters of a major bank.  Charlotte’s downtown redevelopment was largely financed by the Community Development Corporation (CDC), a non-profit subsidiary of Bank of America.  In total, Charlotte’s private firms, led by Bank of America, had invested more than $2.3 billion in the center of the city between the late 1970s and 1995.  And by 2005, private investment had completely revitalized Charlotte’s center city.

Pryor, Oklahoma and G-P Gypsum/NGC Industries

Firms supplying the construction industry are important to the economy of the Pryor, Okla. area.  Approximately 540 are employed by construction-industry suppliers at local MidAmerica Industrial Park alone.

G-P Gypsum and NGS Industries have both been located at MidAmerica since the mid-1950s, initially choosing the location for low operating costs along with accessibility for transporting products.  Over the years, both companies have remained stable employers and have continued to benefit from those same advantages. 

In addition to providing jobs, leaders and employees of both companies are active in civic organizations. In addition, company officials are involved in local economic development efforts, telling other companies about the pro-business environment they have found in Pryor, Okla.

Winston-Salem, North Carolina and R.J. Reynolds

R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company first opened its doors for business in Winston-Salem in 1875.  The primary decision for the location there was based on transportation systems including road and rail.  The company cites several reasons it has chosen to remain and grow in the area such as the affordable cost of living, solid infrastructure, and the quality of life in Winston-Salem that makes it a great place to operate a business and raise a family.  Over the years, the company has expanded dramatically in terms of size and employment base and R.J. Reynolds remains one of the largest employers in the Winston-Salem area.

R.J. Reynolds and its employees have a strong relationship with the Winston-Salem community.  The company has a long and rich history in the area, especially supporting the area’s growth and economic development.  For example, Winston-Salem State University, Reynolda House art museum, and the area’s Tanglewood Park, were all started with support or donations of land and property from the Reynolds family. 

Columbus, Mississippi and Baldor Electric

Love has been purring along for Baldor Electric Co. and Columbus, Miss., especially since the first motor rolled off the line in July 2006 at the company’s new 350,000 square-foot facility.  The Fort Smith, Arkansas-based marketer, designer and manufacturer of industrial electric motors, drives and generators, Baldor completed the move to its new facility, which is twice the size of the one it replaces – providing much-needed additional manufacturing capacity and improved process flow.

Increasing capacity and output has been possible through the “dedication and commitment of the quality workforce” in Columbus, according to company officials.  Local officials provided Baldor with a number of incentives, including workforce training. Baldor employs 268 people, 16 of whom have been hired since the beginning of 2006. Company officials say they hope to continue to increase employment as production expands.

Orlando, Florida and Darden Restaurants

Darden Restaurants, Inc. is the largest publicly held casual dining restaurant company in the world, operating more than 1,300 restaurants in 49 states.  The company came to Orlando (as part of General Mills before its spinoff) in 1968.  The company has grown up with Central Florida and proudly calls this southern market home.  Accessibility was the number one factor that drew the restaurant company to the area.  Founder Bill Darden opened the first Red Lobster in Lakeland, Fla.  Orlando was then a natural to open corporate offices because it was a transportation hub in the middle of the state.

Because of Darden’s mutually beneficial relationship with the Orlando community, the company has chosen to stay in the area and build a new corporate headquarters campus.  Darden gives back to the community by striving to be a good neighbor through volunteer and financial contributions.  Darden’s community foundation in central Florida is responsible for matching employee giving to educational organizations, arts, and charities.

Hot Springs and Arkansas Aluminum Alloys

Arkansas Aluminum Alloys (AAA) has been located in Hot Springs for 30 years.  During that time, it has expanded production capability to more than double its original design and now services high-end alloy markets across North America.  The company’s Arkansas location allows for easy access to high-end alloy markets, especially along the growing Southern Auto Corridor.

While smart management of its operations and markets has helped AAA remain competitive, the company also cites the tremendous support it has received from local, state, and federal leaders.  In particular, the State of Arkansas has been very pro-active in providing AAA with assistance expanding into new markets and identifying new opportunities.

One way that AAA has been a good corporate citizen is by recently installing one of the industry’s most state-of-the-art air quality control systems, making it the only secondary aluminum smelter in the U.S. to currently comply with the EPA’s air-quality standards.  “That commitment cannot be overstated for a company that sits in a community named after a National Park, surrounded by a National Forest, anchored by four lakes, and nestled in the midst of mountains,” explained CEO/President of the Garland County Economic Development Corporation Dave Byerly.

Paducah, Kentucky and Dippin’ Dots

Microbiologist Curt Jones was just across the river from Paducah in Southern Illinois when, in 1987, he had come up with the idea of using cryogenics to make ice cream beads. Lo and behold, it was an instant hit and he started searching for the right place to grow the business. With its logistical prowess of multiple interstate access, Paducah vaulted to the top of the list.

Today, Dippin’ Dots is an international company, still headquartered and manufacturing in Paducah, but with a worldwide market.  A second manufacturing facility has been opened in South Korea. Phenomenal growth has not lessened Dippin’ Dots’ dedication to their West Kentucky location. And the feeling is mutual with the community.  “Our product is in theme parks, baseball stadiums and malls all over the world. Every week, I hear a story about how someone from the area has been on a trip and proudly explained how Dippin’ Dots is made in his hometown of Paducah. The community loves that we’re here and we recognize that we represent more than just our company,” says Terry Reeves, director of corporate communications.

And, even though you might not think cryogenic refrigeration specialists grow on trees, they’ve got their fair share home-grown in Paducah. “A lot of companies feel like they have to look in metro areas for experts. We have found our experts right here, whether it’s a lab manager or brand manager.  We have the largest two-story freezer in the world and it was designed and built right here,” confirmed Reeves.

Rutherford County, Tennessee and Nissan North America

Nissan North America has had a love affair with Rutherford County, Tenn. since 1982.  The company has expanded many times with the company’s total work force now topping 10,000 in this southern market.  Nissan’s plant is continuously rated among the most efficient plants in the world and company leaders largely attribute their success to the Rutherford County work force. 

To help the company grow, Rutherford County Industrial Development Board (IDB) has approved several bonds for the company over the next 30 years, allowing Nissan to expand and re-tool as necessary with a much simpler process.  For example, IDB recently approved up to $370 million in bonds for retooling, and in 2000, approved bonds for another line to be added to the facility.   In addition, the community works closely with Nissan to be sure that infrastructure needs are met.

Nissan has expressed its love for Rutherford County by being an excellent corporate citizen.  Company executives facilitate the Business Education Partnership, part of the Rutherford County Chamber that works with K-12 students and teachers.  In addition, Nissan officials provide support to local organizations including the Rutherford County Chamber and are actively involved in economic development.

“The best testimony to the corporate love affair is the continuous expansion of the manufacturing facility and the move of the company’s headquarters to the Nashville area,” said Holly Sears, director of economic development for the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce.  “Nissan knows this is the place to be in order to remain successful.”

Tupelo, Mississippi and Day-Brite

Day-Brite/Capri/Omega, which focuses on lighting for commercial and industrial applications, has been a major factor in Tupelo’s industrial employment and economic growth since 1947.  The company was the first major industry to locate in Tupelo/Lee County following World War II, and within 10 years, its payroll was larger than the net income of all cotton farmers in Lee County.  Over the years, Day-Brite has expanded its operations in the area several times, moving its corporate headquarters and later a national distribution center to Tupelo.

Tom Lynch, operations manager at Day-Brite said, “We are committed to North Mississippi.  The company invests somewhere between $2 and $4 million annually on new product development and capital equipment.”  The company is also seeking to build a $1.7 million Lighting Tech Center, where it can bring architects and lighting specifiers from around the nation to Tupelo. The center will also be open to area students interested in architecture, electronics and lighting design.

Tulsa and Bama Foods

In the late 1920s, The Bama Pie Company began cranking out pies from the family kitchen.  The Tulsa-based company, which now boasts sales in the $300 million range, started out with just $1.73 in working capital.  The company now has four plants, including two facilities in Beijing, China.  Bama is still the sole supplier of apple pies to McDonald’s, along with biscuits.

The Bama Foods plant, which opened in 1989, has grown to 900 employees and the company continues to grow its presence in Tulsa.  And while its location has benefited the company, Bama has continually strengthened its commitment to the community with financial support, employee volunteer hours, and product donations.  This commitment was formalized in 1987 when Bama’s Community Development department was created.  To head up that department, a new position was added on the management team to be responsible full-time for integrating community involvement throughout the company.

Continental Structural Plastics and Springhill, Louisiana

Michigan-based Continental Structural Plastics initially invested $15 million to establish a facility in Springhill, La. in northern Webster Parish.  The plant now employs about 220 in rural Louisiana and supplies automotive companies across the South.

Since its original decision to locate, Continental Structural Plastics has added more space, machinery, production capacity, and employees to its Springhill compression molding facility.  Citing satisfaction with the local work force, the company has expanded several times and is ahead of schedule in terms of the number of jobs created and investment in Webster Parish.

To facilitate Continental Structural Plastics’ expansions, the North Webster Parish Industrial District Board has passed bonds to assist with construction of buildings and acquisitions of the property.  The board has also worked closely with company officials, helping them tap into state incentives and financing programs to fuel growth.

Pinellas County, Florida and Nielsen Media Research

Pinellas County, Florida-based Nielsen Media Research (NMR) is nationally recognized as the leader in television and radio audience measurement, print readership, and custom media research services.  In 1999, the need to significantly expand forced NMR to relocate from its site in the Pinellas County community of Dunedin.  Company executives began identifying potential locations, short-listing Oldsmar (also in Pinellas County) and sites in Georgia.

Pinellas County Economic Development and officials from the cities of Oldsmar and Dunedin were quick to meet with representatives with NMR, explaining job creation incentives for staying in Florida.  County and City leaders worked with NMR staff to identify creative incentive programs.  Then, in 2003, NMR officials announced that the company would remain in Pinellas County, citing the incentives through County, the City of Oldsmar, and the State of Florida that made it financially feasible to remain in Pinellas.

Since its original decision to locate in Oldsmar, NMR has also completed a second phase of its complex, which has pushed project costs beyond $100 million.  The second phase expanded the company’s total square footage in Pinellas County to a whopping 612,000 square feet.

Today, NMR remains a global giant, providing more than 2,500 information technology-sector jobs in Pinellas County.  The company’s presence has spurred additional development and business relocations in Oldsmar.  NMR has shown its “love” for Pinellas County by being active in several area chambers of commerce and industry groups such as the Tampa Bay Technology Forum.  The company also has a commitment to diversity and strongly supports the arts and education in Pinellas County.

Pensacola, Florida and GE Wind Energy

GE Wind Energy is engaged with Pensacola, Fla., and has been since it located there in 2000, acquiring a 400,000 square-foot manufacturing plant on more than 100 acres.

Producing several different iterations of electrical generating equipment in Pensacola, the facility is now the major production site for GE’s wind energy turbines.  A rapidly growing sector for GE’s power systems unit, the company’s total local workforce is about 230.

GE Wind Energy received strong love from Pensacola and the state of Florida when it first located and during its transition form the original product line of combined cycle generators to windmill blades, and then to wind turbines, mostly through local workforce training assistance.  Through it all GE has maintained its staffing levels with only temporary disruptions through retooling, and the company and its employees have been very involved in the community.

Northern Kentucky and Fidelity Investments

Nothing says love like more jobs.  Fidelity Investments soon will become a Kentucky “top 10” employer in 2007 with the addition of 1,500 jobs and the completion of the fourth building at its Midwest Regional Center in Northern Kentucky.  By 2008, a total of 4,200 employees will report to the company’s 188-acre Covington, Ky., campus.

In return, nothing says love like economic incentives.  Fidelity Investments’ expansion was made possible with $27.5 million in state incentives, including construction of a 1.7-mile connector road to Kentucky Highway 17 to facilitate the traffic generated by the increase in employees and up to $10 million in Kentucky Development Finance Authority tax credits tied to the jobs.  Fidelity has continued to grow its presence in Northern Kentucky since 1994, when the company located in Covington and brought 500 jobs to the region.

The highly skilled and educated workforce in Northern Kentucky was an integral component of Fidelity’s decision to continue expansion in the region. In return, Fidelity’s employees are very involved in the local community donating time and resources to a variety of activities and organizations.