Top 10 Markets that Deliver Data (FAST)

By Trisha Ostrowski

In five years as editor with SB&D, I've had the privilege of calling thousands of markets to ask polite little questions like, "Can I please tell thousands of site selectors how great you are?"

Now, commonsense would tell you that these folks would do back flips to get us information and data. Well, let's just say that there's commonsense…and then there's reality.

Truth is, when it comes to delivering data, a handful markets shine. Their economic development groups engage in some respectable practices like returning calls the same day, responding to emails, having multiple people in the office who can answer your question, following up to be sure you have what you need, and generally going above and beyond anytime you ask for anything.

As we planned this issue, we realized that our data-gathering experiences hold real value to you as a site selector. You need to know which markets deliver on their customer- service promises. You want to know who will get you information and data FAST. After all, information is power, time is money, and decisions won't wait.

And with that, here are the 10 best:

State Economic Development Groups

Kansas Department of Commerce
Most Enthusiastic
Site selection, though it's changed over the years, is still about customer service-that's the philosophy in Kansas and it shows. Consistently, this group is highly responsive and eager to assist. The state's economic developers have a talent for making you feel like your needs are priority number one.

Arkansas Department of Economic Development
Most Improved
In the past, Arkansas would have been nowhere near our top 10. Today, this group has radically improved, becoming one of the most customer-oriented in the nation. For prospective companies, Arkansas responds quickly via email with detailed answers and reports. The state also excels at providing community-specific information straight from local economic developers.

Mississippi Development Authority
Greatest Depth of Knowledge
Call Mississippi and it's likely that more than one person can answer your question. This group has a depth of knowledge second to none. Mississippi strives to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours and uses its network of regional and international offices to gather information fast. It also works closely with local development groups and can draw from it s comprehensive database of sites and buildings.

West Virginia Development Office
Most Likely to Return Your Call Within the Hour
West Virginia Development Office will keep you "in the loop" as they are in the process of gathering your data. This agency has a particularly strong communications department that supports its economic developers.

Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Flexible, Fast, and Proactive
Virginia's Economic Development group is well staffed to deliver data fast-and in whatever format you need. Every inquiry is directed to one person who has an unbelievable turnaround time. The group is also blessed with a full-time researcher as well as two public relations professionals to execute a proactive message.

Local Economic Development Groups

Henry County Office of Commerce-Virginia
Most Likely to Stay Up All Night to Get You What You Need

The "make it happen" mentality is alive and well in this rural Virginia market. In fact, the staff at Henry County Office of Commerce thinks for you. This group will listen to what you need and then deliver information you never even thought to ask for. For prospective companies, all materials are customized for each proposal. And in a heartbeat, Henry County will connect you with its existing companies, so that you can get the "real" story.

Winston-Salem Business Inc.-- North Carolina
Most Tech Savvy
This group's high-tech expertise dramatically increases response time. All of Winston-Salem's printed materials are now available in PDF format on the Web site. If a new report is needed, Winston-Salem has the tech skills to customize quickly, even turning information around within an hour if needed.

Roanoke Valley Partnership-Virginia
Most Connected
Even when they are on the road, this snappy staff of three is highly responsive. The policy at Roanoke Valley is to answer to all information requests within 24 hours-by the end of the business day if the request comes before noon. With stellar customer service, this team also has data packages already assembled that can be customized and mailed in record time.

Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation-- Texas
Best Follow-up
Every call is important to Corpus Christi. Call them and you'll likely get a call back asking, "anything else I can do for you?" Wherever duty takes this busy team of economic development professionals, they are consistent in returning calls the same day.

Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce-Florida
Most Professional
This group is both proficient and polite. It not only delivers data fast, but also doesn't skimp on the details.