Chamber to announce new development alliance

The Fayetteville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce is preparing to announce some big changes in its role in economic development.

A new, autonomous board will lead the job-creating efforts in this community. It's name is the Economic Development Alliance of Fayetteville and Cumberland County, North Carolina - or the Alliance, for short - led by outgoing chamber board Chairman Chris Bostock of Merrill Lynch.

The chamber still has policy-making and fiduciary responsibilities for economic development, but the Alliance will be similar to a separate division of the organization, said chamber President Doug Peters.

At the same time, the chamber will return to its traditional roots. More here.

Tulsa County seeks fund to attract, assist potential employers

A deal closing fund is needed to be more competitive with what other cities are offering to companies will take jobs from Tulsa to their communities, the senior vice president for economic development at the Tulsa Metro Chamber says.More here.

Indiana county works to attract medical packaging business

Following the completion of industry market research, the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has launched an intensive and targeted initiative to attract and develop a new medical-focused packaging concentration for the region.

"Regional market research confirmed that Whitley County is well-positioned for the development of a medical device and disposable-centered packaging concentration," said Alan Tio, president of the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation. "

In concert with the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation now plans to conduct an intensive outreach effort to establish a new concentration of packaging capabilities to support the array of full-service medical and other manufacturing companies. More here.

Norfolk Southern Highlights Economic Development In New Television Ad

Norfolk Southern has launched a new television commercial that showcases the railroad’s role as a creator of economic possibilities – a powerful force for growth among the industries and communities served by the line.

“City of Possibilities” begins airing Monday in 30- and 60-second versions on CNN, Fox News, and other channels. It will run during the Republican and Democratic national conventions and through the presidential election in November, appearing as well in event sponsorships at the convention sites in Tampa Bay and Charlotte, and in various digital venues.

The spot is a whimsical portrayal of a boy and his dog, and the steady growth of a railroad-served community that springs up while they sleep.

In the last decade, NS has participated in the location and expansion of more than 1,000 factories, distribution facilities, and other businesses along its lines, representing an investment by NS customers of $30 billion and some 46,000 jobs. More here.

Should California economic development go for gold, or set stage for jobs?

Whether California's economy is broken, merely hobbled or on the road to recovery is a matter of debate, but one area in which state government has clearly failed is economic development.

Now, a California  has put together what he calls "Gold Team California" to aggressively solicit out-of-state companies to move to California. More here.

Crafty Americans are trying to woo corporate headquarters away from Toronto

Office space in Toronto is in high demand—and is therefore expensive—which means some companies may succumb to the pull of cheaper digs in the U.S. More here.

Hamilton video extols the virtues of going Toronto-free

Trying to appeal to the tired commuter, Hamilton’s Economic Development office has commissioned a short animated video as a marketing tool to encourage businesses to invest in Hamilton.

The “Wake Up From Your Commuting Nightmare” video, which runs about two minutes, was designed to promote living and working in Hamilton as a viable alternative to Toronto and neighbouring cities. More here.

Marketing plan showcasing Grand Forks

The first phase of a marketing plan is underway to showcase what Grand Forks, N.D., has to offer for companies looking to do business in the west, but expand east.

The community — public and private entities — raised $130,000 for the marketing campaign, which is expected to run for at least two years. This campaign includes placing ads in specific oil industry trade publications, talking to direct contacts made at the conference, a mix of public relations, news coverage, radio and billboards. More here. 

Pure Michigan: Branding the Great Lakes state for 6 years

Many are unfamiliar with how Pure Michigan became one of the biggest travel campaigns in the U.S., one that has generated more than $1 billion, bolstered The Great Lakes State’s image across America and helped sell the idea that Michigan isn’t just a destination but also a state of mind.

Recently, the brand was extended to business attraction efforts.  Read more here.

Midwest cities get smart about economic development

For cities, economic development is not a zero-sum game. Chicago, Milwaukee and Gary, Ind. are joining forces to drive growth. More here.