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Site Selection Trends and Factors in the Food Processing Industry (as published in Expansion Solutions Magazine)
 By Jay Garner, CEcD, CCE, FM, HLM
President, Garner Economics LLC
Is there such a thing as a recession-proof industry? Despite a protracted and historic economic downturn, the Food and Beverage (F&B) Industry continues to expand. When it comes down to it, people still have to eat, and the F&B industry continually evolves to meet the ever-changing demands of its consumers. Read the entire article by clicking here. |
Primus Builders and Garner Economics Form Partnership for Food Processing Site Certification
Design/Build firm Primus Builders and site location specialist Garner Economics announced in December, a significant partnership which will create one of the most extensive site certification initiatives ever for communities seeking to attract companies in the food and beverage industry.
 According to Tony Pitrone, Vice President of Atlanta-based Primus, and Jay Garner, President of Garner Economics, the rationale behind the certification program is to help communities succeed by giving them a competitive edge in pursuing food & beverage companies.
"Speed to market continues to be an important factor with our clients in selecting sites or buildings. When we evaluate a community for one of our food clients, we analyze hundreds of variables that our clients consider important in the selection process. By having a Primus/Garner Certified Food Site, you are ahead of your many competitors in showing food and beverage clients that your site meets the rigorous criteria that many companies are reviewing in their siting process," commented Pitrone and Garner. To learn more about our food site and building certification program and how you can gain a competitive advantage in attracting F&B companies, click here. Primus and Garner specialize in serving the F&B industry and have assisted the top companies in that industry sector for years. |
Garner Economics Releases Latest Analysis of Metro Job Growth |
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Charlotte Regional Partnership Selects Garner Economics to Conduct an Updated Cluster Analysis, Operational Design and Marketing Plan
 The Charlotte Regional Partnership (CRP) has selected Garner Economics to conduct an updated cluster analysis and other deliverables related to the execution of the findings. Our work will include a labor analysis input/output modeling, Location Quotient and Shift Share, an assets and challenges assessment of the region and then the validation and identification of cluster targets. We will also offer the CRP internal guidelines for the successful execution of our recommendations.
According to David Swenson, Senior Vice President of the CRP, "We are excited to have Garner Economics evaluate our target sectors and define for us a path forward for our organization that will impact the future of our 16 county region. Their work comes at a critical time as our national economy begins to recover and our region looks to diversify and grow our business opportunities." |
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Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana Selects Garner Economics after National Search
 The EDC of Southwest Indiana, a regional economic and community development organization serving four counties in southwest Indiana and based in Evansville, has selected Garner Economics to conduct a regional competiveness and cluster strategy that will include implementable recommendations. Garner Economics has assembled a team to assist in its efforts, including Newmark Knight Frank based in Chicago and led by Bob Hess, and Applied Marketing of Carmel, IN, led by Leigh Howe. According to Greg Wathen, President of the EDC, "the Garner team was selected based on their global experience and their unique approach in helping us differentiate ourselves."
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Veteran Economic Development Practitioner and Garner Economics Advisory Board Member Al Cook to Retire
 | | Al Cook |
Al Cook, director of economic development for the City of Opelika, AL recently announced his upcoming retirement from the City after working for more than 25 years in the economic development profession. According to Jay Garner, President of Garner Economics, "I have known Al for more than 20 years and consider him one of the best practitioners in the profession. His attention to detail and drive for success with the communities he has represented has always differentiated himself as a winner. I worked with Al on both location projects for the corporate clients we represented and for strategic projects he engaged us to do. He is the best at doing both. Our siting projects with Al were flawless. Our strategy projects gave us insight to Al's creative mindset. He will be missed as a practitioner!"
Al Cook joined the City of Opelika as Director of the Economic Development Department in March 2003. Prior to joining the City of Opelika, Cook served as Executive Director for Florida's Great Northwest, Inc. He was responsible for the operations of this regional economic development marketing and research organization.
Prior to joining Florida's Great Northwest, Cook was employed by the Montgomery (AL) Area Chamber of Commerce as Senior Vice President for Corporate Development and Recruitment. At various times during his 11 year tenure, Cook's direct responsibilities included business recruitment, economic research, military and community affairs, and minority business development.
Cook's career previous to joining the Chamber included twelve years in manufacturing, where he was involved with the start-up of five manufacturing facilities in central Alabama.
Al is a Certified Economic Developer and a member of numerous civic and professional organizations. A native of Union Springs, Alabama, he is a graduate of Auburn University and the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute. War Eagle!
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Recent and Upcoming Speaking Engagements
ü Blount County, TN Economic Partnership 1/13
ü IEDC Leadership summit 1/25
ü IDB of Jefferson County, TN 1/27
ü Muncie - Delaware County, IN Economic Development Alliance 2/9
ü EDI, Dallas TX 3/13
ü BEDC Georgia Tech 3/29 If we can be of service to you regarding speaking on site location trends, economic trends or economic development in general, please call us at 770.716.9544 |
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From site location assistance and locational audits to economic assessments, comprehensive economic development strategies, industry target identification, food site certification, workforce evaluation, implementation assistance and more, our talented team of experts offers a full range of economic development services and solutions.
Jay Garner, CEcD, CCE, President 715 Birkdale Drive, Atlanta, GA 30215 | 770.716.9544 (p)
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