Energy is a big deal in economic development. About a tenth of the world's economy and employment revolves around energy production. The energy sector of the global economy has been in flux in the last decade as fossil fuel sources jumped in price and companies shifted their fuel choices to adjust to the challenges from increased energy costs and new energy regulations.

Taimerica's AE database lists 340 announced projects in the USA since July 2008 that collectively represent $67 billion of investment and 60,000 direct jobs. About two-thirds of the nation's electricity generation is now subject to Renewable Portfolio Standards, directives from regulators that require utilities to purchase power from alternative sources like solar, wind or biomass. The US trails Europe by about a decade in its alternative energy mandates.

Shale Gas is revolutionizing energy markets worldwide and causing executives in the oil and gas supply chain to rethink their location decisions and corporate strategies.  Taimerica was recently  engaged by the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance (PRA) to flesh out targets and market opportunities from the Marcellus Shale development.  The project involves a competitive assessment of the region for supply chain activities plus the development of a global marketing strategy.  Shale Gas plays are present in many states across the U.S., and production is growing rapidly around the world.  Shale gas now accounts for 22 percent of the gas produced in the USA, up from an insignificant share as recently as 2005.

Taimerica recently assisted Brunswick-Glynn County Georgia evaluate its competitive position for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from China.  We matched the region's competitive strengths with the Chinese industries that are investing in the USA.  With the help of our new Associate, Dr. Hong Yih Chang, we developed a marketing plan with appeal to Chinese investors and conducted a half-day seminar in Brunswick on Doing Business with the Chinese.  We are offering the same seminar to regional or statewide economic development groups.  Call for pricing.

Taimerica recently assisted the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber identify Central Oklahoma's competitive advantages for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and developed a three year strategy based on these advantages.  We recommended target regions and industries for the region's FDI focus.  The strategy includes a series of concrete actions that the region should implement to accelerate its FDI results.  FDI became of increasing interest in Oklahoma since Chesapeake Energy announced a $1.2 billion investment with CNOOC in a joint venture last fall.  

At the conclusion of the Alternative Energy course the first class of Certified Louisiana Economic Developers graduated. 

The class is shown in the picture with Taimerica and LIDEA.  From left to right in the picture: 
Michael Olivier, Council of 200, (graduation speaker), Ed Bee (Taimerica), Bill Joubert (graduate), Jody Soileau (graduate), Bob Basford (graduate), Stacey Neal (graduate), Scot Byrd (graduate), Mike Tomlinson (graduate), Martin Walke (graduate), Charlotte Batson (Taimerica), and Tommy Kurtz (LIDEA).