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Top 10 Southern Economic Development
Groups the Last 10 Years
By Charles Dexter Ward
Over the last decade of economic development in the
South, fierce competition has produced a cadre of leaders.
These consistent performers post high job-creation and
investment numbers year after year. They have each garnered
a well-earned reputation for responsiveness, professionalism
and service that continues long after the "sale."
After working closely with so many economic development
groups across the South, determining who should make
the cut was not an easy decision for SB&D. Clearly,
our region has no shortage of hard-working, results-driven
organizations that go above-and-beyond for every prospect.
However, we believe that the groups in our "Top
10" stand out as the best in the South-for that
matter, the best anywhere. If your company is fortunate
enough to have the opportunity to work with one of them,
we think you'll agree.
What makes these economic development groups so successful?
We asked their leaders to give us insights. Here's what
we learned:
Memphis Regional Chamber
The
most excited and enthusiastic of any group
Great leadership that won't quit until the job is done
"We stress speed and accuracy in responding to
inquiries, explained Marc Jordan, president and CEO
of Memphis Regional Chamber. "Our goal is always
be the first community to get back to a prospect with
a complete response. We work every project-- large or
small-- as if it was our biggest deal of the year."
"What we do particularly well is involve our business
community, local governments, and other economic development
groups in a 100 mile radius of the central city. We
recognize that each partner has unique insights, which
need to be respected, used, and honored."
Greater Richmond Partnership Inc.
The
most professional economic development group anywhere
Gregory H. Wingfield, founding president/CEO, identified
staff with a passion for professionalism. "With
more than 200 years of combined economic development
sales and marketing experience at state, regional and
local levels; and private-sector experience in pharmaceuticals,
transportation and information services, we understand
the needs of many types of businesses. We know when
to listen and when to ask questions," he said.
"That, plus the combined support of local government
and access to one of the nation's best funded budgets--
thanks to public and private partners-- allows us to
aggressively meet and exceed goals set by this community."
Virginia Economic Development Partnership
It's
made Virginia a powerhouse in attracting new business
Executive Director Mark R. Kilduff cited "structure"
as a key element-- "especially in breakthrough
projects in semiconductors, bioscience, and technology
industries."
"Structured as an independent state authority,
we've been highly successful emulating the fast-paced
environment of the private-sector businesses we court
with an aggressive, professional approach from knowledgeable,
dedicated employees. An improved relationship with our
community partners, and the strong support of Virginia's
Governor and General Assembly also fuel our continued
success," he said.
South Carolina Department of Commerce
A
consistent performer, strongly committed to "service
after the sale"
A Governor's cabinet agency, the South Carolina Department
of Commerce reliably provides company executives direct
communication with every level of its economic development
team. As a result, growing businesses that need questions
answered or red tape eliminated always find that "Team
South Carolina," gets the job done.
Across the board, Team South Carolina is living up
to its slogan: "We perform. You win." And
the winners are companies like Michelin, Fujifilm, BMW
and numerous other that have recognized the major benefits
of the team approach, whether for expediting the permitting
process or improving infrastructure.
As South Carolina Secretary of Commerce, Charles S.
Way, Jr. explained, "Team South Carolina can get
a company up and running quicker, then make success
happen faster and last longer than any other economic
development group."
Tampa Bay Partnership
Proves
that with an all-for-one attitude, regionalism has great
advantages
Successfully representing seven counties, five cities,
and over 150 companies requires three things according
to Chris Steinocher, vice president, marketing &
strategic direction: 1. Community support and leadership
2. Determination and commitment for the long-haul 3.
A willingness to allocate necessary resources to achieve
success.
"Many regional organizations have struggled because
of a lack of communication with, and trust from, their
respective communities," he said. "We can
reach our potential because we have the full support
and backing of our community-with articulate and passionate
volunteer leadership, patience for the process of economic
development, and a commitment of all the time, money
and services needed to make the progress we desire."
Economic Development Partnership of Alabama
A
private organization instrumental in attracting three
huge automotive projects in ten years
As president and CEO Jacque Shaia explained, "Private-sector
support and the leadership of a board of directors composed
of Alabama's top CEOs engaged in economic development
give our organization the additional resources, talent
and flexibility to help bring great companies such as
Mercedes-Benz and Boeing to our state.
"Our partnerships with others committed to Alabama's
economic development, especially the business community,
have kept us successful."
Jackson (Tennessee) Area Chamber of Commerce
Extremely
consistent and high performing
For Paul Latture, president/CEO, a team approach "is
the single most important factor in our economic and
industrial development successes."
"Team Madison County members include the Chamber,
City of Jackson, Madison County, Jackson Energy Authority,
state of Tennessee, West Tennessee Industrial Association,
our two local hospitals and other health care professionals,
existing industry leaders, Jackson Downtown Development
Corporation, representatives from educational institutions,
and other individuals and professionals as required
on a per-project basis. They know the steps that must
be taken to win a project and we have no trouble bringing
the decision-makers to the table during each prospect
visit," Latture said.
Community Development Foundation, Lee County, Mississippi
A
Willingness to think and work "outside the box"
"Very focused long-range strategic plans for industry
attraction executed by a professional staff of 17 and
experienced volunteers play a big part in how we successfully
develop the industrial, community and civic potential
of our region and maintain our 'number one' manufacturing
ranking in the state of Mississippi," said President/CEO
David P. Rumbarger.
"A strong working relationship with our local
government officials-- focused on regional and economic
growth, and developing innovative ideas, programs, projects
and facilities for our area-- has also been one of our
strengths," he added.
Charlotte Regional Partnership
Proud,
well-funded, and generating impressive investment figures
Michael A. Almond, president and CEO, attributed CRP's
success to "our achievement of true partnerships"
with other business, municipal, and civic entities and
local economic development organizations region-wide.
"Fostering good cooperation among them is key,"
he said. "Leveraging contacts of our private and
public investors and their ready involvement also helps
us achieve strategic goals for promoting our region."
Tennessee Economic and Community Development Department
Turns
deal after deal
Has transformed Memphis and Nashville into "destination
markets"
Tennessee Economic and Community Development Department
has an aggressive approach and the ability to work with
private- and public-sector partners to produce results
quickly.
"Our economic development team has aggressively
marketed our states many advantages with an unyielding
determination to help businesses succeed," explained
TEDC Commissioner Tony Grande. In addition to attracting
industry leaders such as Dell, Nissan and many others,
Tennessee's ECD has garnered a record-breaking $40 billion
in private capital investment during the last eight
years.
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