2004.1.1

The following key word searches demonstrate ways to go about finding resources for enterprise development and site selection online. You can access all of the search tools demonstrated through .network WebSearch (about websearch).

KWS: enterprisedefinition from InvestorWords.com
search for the word enterprise meaning a business or venture
any business or venture is an enterprise as defined in Investor Words
KWS: site+selection+processeconomic development reference
search economic development terms reference in .network websearch
resource for finding meaning of economic development words
KWS: location+site+selection+toolsGoogle search
search for site selection tools search for location selection tools
find a tool for site selection find the best tool for site selection
KWS: tools+business+enterprise+developmentYahoo search
search for business development tools search for a business tool
find a tool for business development best enterprise development tool
KWS: location+selection+tools+entrepreneurMSN search
search for location selection tools for entrepreneurs
find tools for entrepreneurs to use when searching for a location
KWS: site+selection+tools+entrepreneurAOL search
search for tools the entrepreneur as site selector for facilities
resource for finding a tool for finding a location for a new venture
KWS: small+business+facilities+planningAsk.com search
small business location work tools to help find sites for facilities
help small business find a location for operations being planned
Small business resources featured in previous issue of The Report with more examples of keyword searches. Use the search tool for SLA to find all of issues of the newsletter with resources for small businessessearch for small business.

KWS: industrial+facilities+locationAlta Vista search

back

2004.1.2

The Site Selection Process

A guide provided by the USA General Services Administration more or less defines the process as one of making decisions while recognizing a balance among the initial cost of real estate, the overall cost of executing a development project, and operating cost. In terms of enterprise and economic development the GSA indicates that the site selection process takes into account the benefit (or cost) to a location as well as the environment, saying that ... while the initial cost may be a significant driver, all factors must be considered in order to make the right decision. Yahoo (search) listed the GSA Site Selection Process Overview page near the top of its list of findings when we used its search engine to conducted a key word search for site+selection+process.

GSA Guidebook 1: Acquisition of Real Property focuses on the site acquisition process exclusively. It provides information on appraisals, negotiation, title, closing, and condemnation. It's about the GSA site acquisition process but offers some basic guidance that may be useful.

back

2004.1.3

A link to a online reprint of a article with site selection guidance written by Robert E. Leak for the magazine, Area Development, was at one time published in this space. The link was later broken and, therefore, removed. CLICK HERE if you have a question or want more information about the contents of the article.

back

2004.1.4

12 steps a 12 step program as a decision support tool

... for moving into the site selection process (source acknowledgement):

Site Selection ProcessAlthough the site selection process varies considerably depending on the scale of the project and type of industry, a typical process for a manufacturing facility would include:

1. Defining the facility

2. Analyze the market to be served

3. Decide to do a site search

4. Perform a freight cost analysis

5. Define the site search area

6. Do initial screening using knockout factors

7. Second round screening of information (location data / site data)

8. Site visits

9. Ranking of alternatives (comparative analysis)

10.Due diligence analysis of engineering, legal, and other technical factors

11.Formal decision (EDN website: about decision making)

12.Start-up of new location or facility.

Most Helpful Activities -- According to a survey of manufacturing company representatives the following were deemed the most helpful activities performed by the Economic Developer.

1. Information / assistance in obtaining financial tax incentives

2. Providing general information about locations

3. Contact with local authorities

4. Education (EDN website: Education)

5. Assistance with hiring and the labor market

6. Locating and touring facilities

7. Overriding items is helping move project forward by providing information and cutting through local red tape

Acknowledgement: Above 12-steps that site selectors take and seven most-useful services provided to them by economic developers copied from A Summary of Economic Development Terms. Links added by The Network.

more / back