Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Is Charlotte in the running for Sherwin-Williams HQ?


By Ashley Fahey, Charlotte Business Journal

It's still highly speculative, but Charlotte may be a candidate for the headquarters of painting and coatings manufacturer Sherwin-Williams Co. — that is, if the company decides to leave its current headquarters city of Cleveland.

Well-known site-selection consultant John Boyd of The Boyd Co., whose New Jersey firm works on economic development projects and corporate relocations across the country, said last week he believes the Queen City could be in the running — and high on the list. Boyd is not working on the Sherwin-Williams project but, based on his knowledge of it, he believes four cities are being seriously considered: Atlanta, Houston, Dallas and Charlotte.

The Sherwin-Williams Co. (NYSE: SHW) disclosed last month that it had begun a process to "explore options" for a new research and development facility and global headquarters, both within and outside of Cleveland. CEO John Morikis said at the time that the company's growth has resulted in a "less than optimal" configuration of headquarters, offices and R&D facilities in multiple locations.

To read the full article email Alexia Eanes

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Jefferson City Chamber seeks community input through online survey


By Emily Cole, News Tribune

As part of an ongoing strategic plan, Jefferson City and the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce are seeking input from the community through an online survey.

Missy Bonnot, director of economic development for the chamber, said the Jefferson City, Missouri Community and Economic Development Strategy hopes to examine the community to figure out what changes are needed to improve it.

The process should take six months — from September 2019 to March 2020.
The strategy is being conducted with help from Market Street Services Inc., an Atlanta-based economic development consulting firm.

As part of the first of four phases in the strategy, the survey was released in mid-September to gather public opinion and comment. Bonnot said they've already passed their initial goal of 1,000 responses and hope to have many more.

"Our hopes in the survey is to get varying opinions about Jefferson City and the assets that we have and the challenges that we have in Jefferson City, and just get as many people to take that survey so we can have varying perspectives," Bonnot said.

The survey shouldn't take more than five to 10 minutes to complete, according to the chamber. The survey starts with some basic information like employment status, schooling, and family and demographic information. The survey is anonymous.


To read the full article email Alexia Eanes

Friday, October 4, 2019

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANNING BEGINS


By Alan Miles

Expanding developments of businesses and homes are imperative to a growing city that may need guidance to strategic structure of its communities. This planning can lead to prosperous businesses as well as joyful citizens embracing their new beginnings. Speaking with Ranada Robinson from Market Street Services the ideas presented are attracting more building in Jefferson City.

CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT YOURSELF AND MARKET STREET SERVICES?

Market Street was founded in 1997 by J. Mac Holladay, the only individual to head state level economic development organizations in three different states. We recently celebrated 20 years of serving as a trusted advisor for a wide range of clients in more than 165 communities and regions across 34 states. The majority of our work is focused on applying a holistic approach to strategic planning for community and economic development in communities of all sizes, and we also provide assistance with research and strategic planning that is more narrowly-focused on a specific issue (i.e. entrepreneurship, workforce development, cluster development).

I have worked at Market Street for 11 years, and in that time, I’ve worked in dozens of communities, leading research, facilitating focus groups and stakeholder input, and advising clients on strategic actions. Outside of work, I’m very involved in my own community, where I’m usually focused on economic empowerment and providing various opportunities for kids. I’m also a supermom to my 7-year-old named Frederick and my 11-year-old mini schnauzer Smokie Robinson!



To read the full blog post click here or email Alexia Eanes.