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who Needs Data?
Every community is so vastly different from each other community. That’s fairly we have the largest certified site in the state of over 700 acres and other smaller
obvious however it provides a huge challenge for site selectors, businesses and options around the community.
economic development organizations. Within thirty miles of us there are four When site selectors do choose an area to do more research, how they are received
very different yet similarly sized communities that all do economic development by that community is important. While we certainly are competitive amongst the
work different. different municipalities here, the greater good of the larger community is what
Our chamber, economic development organization, young professional group and we all seek. Our governmental units work well with the state. Our chamber (us)
leadership programming are all under one umbrella. If we are chosen as the entry works well with government. Our entrepreneurial ecosystem appreciates the
point by a site selector of business, that makes life a little simpler in the process. benefit of a diverse business community. The business community understands
The first step we do is bring in other resources to help with the process. We have the importance of a quality education system. And we are all willing to sit at the
worked hard to build trusting relationships with the municipalities, education and same table to solve challenges and engage businesses.
business community. This pays off when we can collaborate within our ecosystem.
Sometimes the process begins without the site selectors. Our visitors and
One of the key starting points for a site selector is the economic data about a travelers appreciate the community in which we live and work. With our new talent
community. There are certain benchmarks that must be achieved for a community to attraction website, businesses and potential employees can do more research
rise to the top of the list, or more correctly get removed from the list of consideration. at everythingpointshere.com. The technical site selector data can be found at
I understand the need for data with the vast variety of communities looking to portagecountybiz.com. Our convention and visitors bureau continues to break
grow. What data doesn’t reveal is what we have to offer in terms of work ethic and records for attracting folks to the area. That bodes well for our businesses and
enthusiasm. So, while we may never get a Red Lobster due to the data, there is a employees and is a welcome indicator for site selectors beyond the data.
great deal of economic development activity in our community. Building on that, Quality of life is now an overused but critical term. It is Overused in the sense that
92 FDI ALLIANCE | SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2018
