Spring 2014 - In This Issue

- Food Site Certification

- Metro Employment Growth

- ED Advisory Services

- And The Winner Is......

- Advisory Board Spotlight

- Speaking Engagements

Garner Economics, LLC provides innovative economic development solutions in a competitive global market.

Garner Economics offers site selection, analytical research, industry targeting, strategic planning and organizational development with a wealth of expertise to companies, communities, and organizations globally. Garner Economics is based in Atlanta, GA and has representative offices in both Europe and Asia.

"Primus partners with Garner Economics to provide a full range of site location services to our clients. We use Garner Economics exclusively for these services in conjunction with our corporate clients because the work of Jay and his team is simply outstanding. Our clients are thrilled with the deliverables and outcomes from Garner which means we are happy too".

Tony Pitrone

Vice President, Primus Builders, Inc.

Columbus County, NC Earns Food Site Certification

The 158 acre Southeast Regional Park located in Columbus County, NC, has received the Primus/Garner Certified Food Site designation.

Gary Lanier, director of economic development for Columbus County stated, "We are very excited to have been able to certify our park which will indicate our ability to meet the needs of a food/beverage manufacturer. This industry sector has grown considerably, even during the great recession, and this certification will let those companies that are looking for new locations know that Columbus County is ready for them. This is the first food site designation in North Carolina." Read more by clicking here.

Learn more about the Primus/Garner Economics food site and building certification by clicking here.

Progress Report: U.S. Metros Employment Growth

Tom Tveidt, Research Economist

At the end of 2013, 294 U.S. metros, or 79 percent of the total, were adding jobs. That matches up surprising close to the numbers we saw at the end of 2012, 2011, and even 2010 (see chart below).

So is 2013 just following the same trend that began in 2010? Read more by clicking here.

Our Economic Development Advisory Services Are Having a Positive Impact On The Clients We Serve

Jay Garner

Garner Economics uses its combined 80+ years of economic development experience to craft strategic action plans for its clients with execution guidelines that address product improvement needs and initiatives for the given geography to sustain or grow its competitive advantage. When implemented, the resulting multi-year strategy will enhance the region's quality of place and economic opportunities.

We have just recently completed major strategy initiatives for the Lehigh Valley, PA (Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton; (see related article), and in my hometown of Martinsburg, WV (see related article). Current and active projects include strategic advisory assistance in Midlothian, TX; New Hanover County, NC (Wilmington); and the State of Mississippi (in partnership with Deloitte Consulting, LLP). Learn more about how we can help you identify and create your value proposition by clicking here.

And The Winner Is...

By Jay Garner

The Site Selectors Guild, in which I am one of the founding members, held their annual conference in Denver at the end of February. Over 300 people attended and it was a great success thanks to the sponsors and attendees that participated. This was our third Guild Conference and a highlight of the Conference each year is a talent show that we host. It's a chance for our participants and Guild members to do something different and humanizes our event by showing the attendees a different side of both the Guild consultant and the economic development professional. Read more by clicking here. Enjoy some photos of the show by clicking here.

Rachel Shields accepting the trophy for winning the 2014 Guild Talent Show.

Advisory Board Spotlight - Mary Ann Moon

In addition to our team's operational expertise, Garner Economics is fortunate to have assembled a Board of Advisors representing many of the thought-leaders in the economic development, chamber of commerce and site selection industries. Our Advisors provide a real-time overview of what is needed in the business sectors we serve directly from the leading end users. This allows us to keep our menu of services state-of-the-art and current. Click here to see our full board list.

Mary Ann Moon recently joined Gulf Engineering and

Mary Ann Moon

Consulting, Inc., (G.E.C., Inc.) as Director of Economic Development. GEC provides integrated planning and design services for public and private clients nationwide. Moon provides GEC clients assistance in industrial site selection, community planning, marketing and identification of project funding options. Read more about Mary Ann by clicking here.

Upcoming Speaking Engagements

Our team of experts in economic development and site selection are available to assist communities, economic development organizations and associations as a speaker for your next event. Give us a call or e-mail us to see how we may develop a speaking program that serves your specific needs. Recent or upcoming speeches include:

Lehigh Valley (PA) Economic Development Corp. Annual Meeting

Gonzales (TX) Area Development Corporation Annual Meeting

Univeristy of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute (EDI)

Auburn Univiersty Economic Development Course

Garner Economics, LLC | jay@garnereconomics.com | http://www.garnereconomics.com
Phone: 770-716-9544

715 Birkdale Drive | Atlanta, GA 30215

Jay Garner and Garner Economics is a founding member of the Site Selectors Guild.

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