Matt Trice, Sr. Vice President of Economic Development at the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, said the ranking really is a useful feather in the cap of those promoting economic development in Gainesville.
"When we sit down with prospective companies and talk about a location here or talk about an expansion with existing companies they know that they're speaking with and dealing with a community that has a proven track record," said Trice.
Trice said "corporate facilities" refers to industrial-type locations traditionally put in industrial parks. The magazine ranked cities based on new and expanded industrial facilities from 1998 to now. It ranked cities with populations between 10,000 and 50,000.
Trice attributes Gainesville's ranking to leadership figures, over the years, having the foresight to plan for the future. "Not only water, sewer, electricity and telecommunications, but also land and building availability so that we have something to market out in the world.
Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kit Dunlap said, "The community's exposure in Site Selection Magazine further stakes our claim that we we are committed to growing the tax base and providing quality jobs for the citizens of this community."
Trice said the listing didn't come as a total surprise, because Gainesville/Hall County is not a stranger to the publication. He said it was listed about a year and a half ago as one of the leaders in the Southeast when it comes to attracting European companies.
Trice said the number one town in the corporate facilities ranking was Mooresville, North Carolina.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/3/197122