Lehigh Valley ranks #2 on site selection list

BETHLEHEM – Friday, March 12 – Site Selection, a magazine that covers corporate real estate and economic development, has recognized the Lehigh Valley among the very top performing regions in its prestigious Governor’s Cup Awards rankings for 2009, released Monday.rn rnThe Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, New Jersey region placed second overall with populations between 200,000 and one million people throughout the nation. A total of 31 new and expanded corporate facility projects were completed in the Lehigh Valley last year. Dayton, Ohio finished first with 46 projects.rn rnThe selection is further evidence the Lehigh Valley is creating a pro-growth environment by providing a location that will help businesses create and advance their agendas.rn rn”We’re pleased that a respected trade publication has acknowledged our region’s continued efforts to retain existing businesses and attract viable target industries despite the challenging economic landscape,” says Philip B. Mitman, President & CEO of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. “Our collaboration with Northampton and Lehigh counties helps make our region a success story at national standards. During 2010 LVEDC’s focus will remain on creating short- and long-term job growth.”rn rnThe latest attraction regional development project in the Lehigh Valley was Tuesday’s announcement that Voltaix LLC would move their specialty gas and chemical production operations to Upper Mount Bethel Township in Northampton County. The New Jersey-based manufacturer will construct a production plant, warehouse and office building at the Portland Industrial Park that will ultimately create 53 positions.rn rnLehigh Valley Economic Development worked with the company and the Governor’s Action Team, (GAT) along with Northampton County, the Bangor Area School District Economic Development Authority and other local partners to bring the attraction project to fruition.rn rnDuring 2009 LVEDC partnered with GAT to foster new job growth on several projects, including Zep Inc., which provides chemical products to a litany of industrial, institutional and retail clients, made the Lehigh Valley home in Upper Macungie Township. Other new projects during the calendar year included B & G Foods, Smuckers, Tree of Life and manufacturing company fiberAmerica.rn rnTo qualify, the new facilities and expansions must have at least $1 million in new investment or re-investment, 20,000 or more square feet of new construction or they must create at least 50 new jobs. The projects cannot be government, educational, retail or residential construction.rn rnIn addition, Pennsylvania ranked fourth nationally with 333 projects. Ohio was first with 381 projects.rn rnPublished by Conway Data, Site Selection is the oldest publication in the corporate real estate and economic development field, and has been awarding its prestigious Governor’s Cup annually since 1978 to states and metropolitan areas with the most capital projects and investments. The magazine’s circulation base consists of 44,000 executives involved in corporate site selection decisions.rn rnFor further information, contact Mark Arend of Conway Data, at 770-325-3438 or at [email protected] rnLehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) is a one-stop, full-service business and economic development agency. Created to promote and foster economic prosperity in the Lehigh Valley, LVEDC assists businesses by providing them with regional, economic and demographic information, finance and business incentives, site and facility availability, business networking, and workforce services. By coordinating with state, county, and municipal governments, chambers of commerce, industry organizations, educational institutions and utilities, the award-winning LVEDC streamlines the relocation and expansion process for businesses. Visit LVEDC online at www.lehighvalley.org.rn# # #rn rn