Issue link: http://businessnc.epubxp.com/i/611454
25 North Carolina Economic Development Guide Georgia's Port of Savannah, the nation's fourth busiest container port. "Savannah's strategy was based on improved interstate access and product development," Yost says. "We believe that could work here." With easy access to interstates 95 and 40, ILPNC is situated to become a major jumping of point for imported goods, especially with the Panama Canal expansion, which will allow direct East Coast access for large container ships from Asia. "We're also getting looks from U.S. manufacturers that rely on imported components for their domestic markets." The park's convenience also works in reverse. It can serve North Carolina-based manufacturers who export fi nished products to markets worldwide. The park's utilities include water, sewer, natural gas and high-speed telecommunications. It's state certifi ed, too, adding "peace of mind" for clients and consultants considering a multimillion-dollar investment at a newly developed park. "By gathering the data required for the certifi ed-site designation, we are doing much of the due diligence now that a client would have to do on the site later," Yost says. "In today's highly competitive global business environment, that ultimately reduces the risk for future employers." North Carolina categorizes each of its 100 counties into one of three tiers based on economic health. While the rankings are no longer directly tied to state economic- development incentives, they still have a function in economic development. "That distinction is still important when determining discretionary incentives and can help reduce a company's operating costs," Yost says. At ILPNC, the state will lean toward more generous benefi ts, regardless if a tenant settles on the economically distressed Tier 1 Columbus County side or the more prosperous Tier 3 Brunswick County portion. Heart of North Carolina MegaPark is a nearly 3,000-acre industrial park that's being developed by Moore and Montgomery counties. "It's got a lot of attributes," says Pearson, whose consulting fi rm did the initial feasibility study on the land. The park abuts the future Interstate 73/74, a well-traveled thoroughfare connecting the Carolinas with the industrial Midwest. The property is served by a shortline railroad — Candor-based Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway Co. — which links industrial tenants to mainline service via either Jacksonville, Fla.-based CSX Corp. in Norwood and Aberdeen or When Greenheck was looking for a new facility, they looked no further than Charlotte USA. Our in-depth evaluation and market analysis of multiple sites helped convince Greenheck to build in Cleveland County. This convenient location better serves their customers, reduces costs and drives business growth. Find out how at CharlotteUSA.com. We blew Greenheck Fan Corporation away. We mean business. International Logistics Park of North Carolina is near Port of Wilmington, a perfect spot for importers and exporters. Photo courtesy of Columbus County EDC.