Nestled between Miami and Palm Beach, Coconut Creek, Florida is more than just another suburb. Money Magazine named the planned community one of the “Best Cities to Live in America,” while Movoto and NerdWallet ranked it as a Top Ten Place to Live in Florida. Home to 58,000 residents, Coconut Creek is garnering attention for its green spaces, sustainable development, and healthy lifestyles.
December 2015
Chisago County, MN
A Natural Resource for Business
Chisago County is home to a population of over 53,000 highly skilled workers, seventy-eight percent of whom travel outside of the county each day for employment. With an abundance of natural assets and a growing economic base in Chisago County, the goal is to bring some of those quality jobs into the county, saving the commute.
Happy Valley-Goose Bay
A World of Opportunities in Canada’s Bright Light of the North
Once a remote and undeveloped home to Labrador’s indigenous and settler population, Labrador entered a modernization period in 1941. It was then that the Royal Canadian Air Force built a military base at Goose Bay, a location recognized by both the U.S. and Canada for its strategic location to support the war effort. Workers flocked to the region during construction of the airbase, and by 1942, the nearby town of Happy Valley was established as a residential community for air base employees. This airfield became the largest in the Western Hemisphere by 1943.
Passaic County
Open for Business
Passaic is a county which showcases all of the qualities for which New Jersey is best known: a can-do attitude and a no-nonsense approach to business. Although the area has seen substantial growth and economic development in recent years, it is the people at the heart of Passaic that remain its greatest asset. Deborah Hoffman, the director at Passaic County’s Division of Economic Development, gave us some insight into the area’s recipe for success.
The Economic Development Association of Skagit County
Preserving Heritage while Preparing the Future
Skagit County in the state of Washington – nestled between Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia – is known worldwide for its year-round natural beauty. From the Cascade Mountains to the Skagit River, to Fidalgo Island and the Samish Bay, this historic county is proving itself to also be a choice for new residents and businesses wanting the amenities of places like Seattle, without the traffic, congestion and high costs.
City of East Lansing, MI
Innovative Spaces, Vibrant Places
East Lansing, Michigan is creating inclusive, inspiring spaces where innovation and economic prosperity flourishes and a sense of community is built. Through collaboration, it is enhancing and marketing its assets to the world, while celebrating a diverse and vibrant community.
The Economic Alliance of Kankakee County
Growth through Innovation
Kankakee County has seen its share of adversity, but the county has persevered through the challenges to become a thriving jobs center with a diverse economy, a place for recreation and a community with a vision for the future.
FTZ #271
The Little Train that Could
In a nutshell, the purpose of a foreign trade zone (FTZ) is to provide an environment in which U.S. companies or companies that manufacture in the U.S. can obtain foreign materials more competitively as part of the manufacturing operation and export more competitively and, therefore, participate more in the global economy. A virtual line is drawn around a building or an industrial park and, for all import, regulatory, tax purposes, that area is considered to be outside the United States.
Northwest Illinois Development Alliance
Drawing on its Strengths
The Northwest Illinois Development Alliance (NIDA) is a not-for-profit economic development corporation with a focus on retaining and expanding businesses and diversifying the economic base of the city of Freeport and Stephenson County. The area boasts a major agricultural base to complement its sizable manufacturing industry and its proximity to major urban centers such as Chicago and Madison, Wisconsin, and close ties with three states adds to the appeal. Business in Focus spoke with Executive Director Dave Young to learn more.
Calumet County
The “Quiet Side of the Lake” Has a Lot to Offer
The eastern shore of Lake Winnebago is known as the “quiet side of the lake”. Calumet County, Wisconsin, however, is not so quiet right now. The county has been experiencing a wave of growth and has been acknowledged as the second-fastest-growing county in the state, which means that there is opportunity aplenty.
Rock County Economic Development Alliance
Ready to Go in Rock County
Building strong regional economies is no easy task. It takes not only strategic goal setting and the implementation of tools to monitor success, but also diligence in collaboration and communication to address constantly evolving economic conditions.
Town of Groton, CT
A Maritime Treasure
Groton, Connecticut is known for its waterfront charm and business opportunities. This winning combination has made the town of 40,000 an economic success story as well as Connecticut’s number one tourist hotspot.
Middlesex County, ON
In the Middle of it All
Though largely rural, Middlesex County’s chief sectors are not limited to manufacturing and agri-business, but also include tourism and small business enterprises, which make up a significant percentage of its economic engine. Skilled labour comes from the University of Western Ontario and Fanshawe College. Competitive labour costs and lower taxes become incentives for businesses to come here and, with the assistance of Cara Finn, the newly appointed Director of Economic Development, this county is set to grow by leaps and bounds.
County of Brant
The Best of Both Worlds
The next best place for both business investment and superb quality of life is a small, rural community located in the heartland of south-central Ontario, known as the County of Brant. With a moderate population size of approximately 36,000 people and the convenience of having a major Provincial 400-series highway running throughout, the municipality is poised to meet the rising demand on business and residential fronts.
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
Providing Innovative Worldwide Energy Solutions
Sarnia-Lambton is ideally situated at the point where Lake Huron flows into the St. Clair River, the international boundary between Ontario and Michigan. It is one hour north of Detroit and three hours west of Toronto. The City of Port Huron, Michigan, lies just across the Blue Water Bridge, which connects Ontario’s 402 highway to U.S. I-94 and the US interstate system.
Big Business and the Holiday Shopping Experience
You’re Makin’ a List, They’re Checkin’ it Twice
Holiday shopping trends change from year to year as hot new gift ideas emerge and new trends take root. From toys to tech, consumers strive to find better deals each year, going to great lengths to satisfy every want and need for their loved ones on their holiday gift lists – decking the halls, hanging the stockings, and being sure there is no shortage of holiday cheer.
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