During the past 13 years, I've had the
outstanding opportunity to work as the
executive director, for the Northern
Nevada Development Authority in Carson
City. Recently, I've changed careers and
now work for Shaw
Construction in business
development.
My responsibilities
in economic development
included
assisting company
expansion and new
business recruitment for the region. It was
a very rewarding experience as over 200
companies moved into the area and 98
expanded their operations, creating
approximately 5,000 new, primary jobs.
Anyway, I wanted to share some
insights as to what these clients were looking
for when they examined areas to relocate
their families and companies. Based
on specifications submitted by these
clients, and on final location or expansion
decisions made, there emerges a picture of
the community which the average business
considers "perfect." Here is my outline:
"Model City, USA" is a small city with
a steadily growing population. (About two
- thirds of all of relocating or expanding
clients were moving to communities of less
than 100,000 population, or communities
close to major cities.)
The "Model" community has an honest
government that delivers maximum
service to the people for each tax dollar.
Model has a professional county or city
manager who reports to a board of directors
or supervisors which includes responsible
local business and civic leaders. There
is an active two-party system and a high
percentage of the voters cast ballots in
every election.
Model has a comprehensive planning
and zoning program delivered with professional
advice and assistance. Residential
areas are protected from industrial growth,
and industrial area is protected from residential
encroachment. There is a longrange
plan for providing major roads and
bypasses as required by increasing traffic.
Construction of school facilities in
Model is keeping pace with rising
enrollment, so there are no double sessions
or overcrowded classrooms. The
high school and community college are
protective and responsive to reflect
changing business needs.
Model has an effective law enforcement
program, as indicated by a crime rate substantially
below the national average.
Similarly, a good insurance rating indicates
the fire department is efficient.
There have been no water shortages in
Model or limitations on the use of water.
The sewer system and wastewater treatment
plant are totally updated.
Model can offer a new resident
excellent medical facilities. The ratio of
hospital beds per 1,000 population is
well above the national average, as is
the ratio of doctors per population.
There are churches for all of the faiths,
and local membership is high.
Evidence of local interest in cultural
pursuits may be seen in many local museums
-- not musty vaults, but active community
centers rich with art and music
classes for youngsters and adults alike.
Keen civic awareness is further evidenced
in Model by the existence of an alert
newspaper and busy radio stations.
When you visit Model, you can
choose between a new hotel on the
outskirts of town or a newly remodeled
hotel downtown. You'll find good food
and service at reasonable prices. For a
city of its size, Model has fine transportation
service regarding air, truck
and nearby rail. Utility rates are fair
and their services are exceptional.
A firm locating a plant in Model will
have no difficulty finding adequate
employees. This does not mean that there
are large number of unemployed, but that
such trends as a vital, growing economy
are resulting in an increased pool of available
labor. Further, the new employer is
happy to note good relations between
labor and the industries already located in
the area. Model is in the state with a Right
To Work Law and intends to keep it.
There are no unions in manufacturing.
The cost of producing goods in Model
is below the national average, not because
of low wage rates, but because of high efficiency
and productivity inherent in the
character of the labor force.
The distribution of the tax burden on
industries, individuals and other interests is
considered to be fair and reasonable in
Model. The per capita debt is low. There
are no giveaways or freebies for the industry,
but government officials are noted for
fine cooperation.
There are alert groups in Model ready
to assist in financing a new plant or helping
with an expansion.
Model is fortunate in that its well-balanced
economy includes such major
sources of revenue as farm products, government,
retail services, mining, tourism,
and a variety of manufacturing. No one
operation dominates the economy.
In short, Model is a healthy community
in every respect. It's a city without
urban congestion, growing with a minimum
of growing pains. It's prosperous
now, and it's going to be even more prosperous
in the years ahead. Its citizens take
pride in its accomplishments and share a
determination to make Model even more
of a model in the future.
One of the outstanding factors in
Model's favor is the wealth of recreational
opportunities available. The climate favors
outdoor activities and there are wide
opportunities for swimming, boating,
camping, fishing, hunting, skiing, and
many other events. Tourism is, in fact, a
substantial business area. "Quality of Life"
is the icing on the cake.We let visitors
know that they can have their cake and eat
it too. You can be a yuppie, cowboy or live
whatever lifestyle you want. It's one of the
last frontiers in this world.
Can you hear me now?
Kris Holt is longtime observer of civic and
business developments in the region.
