December 2015

2015 | December 2015 | In FocusGoing Green in FloridaCity of Coconut Creek, FL

2015 | December 2015 | In Focus

Going Green in Florida

City of Coconut Creek, FL

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.

2015 | December 2015 | In FocusA World of Opportunities in Canada’s Bright Light of the NorthHappy Valley-Goose Bay

2015 | December 2015 | In Focus

A World of Opportunities in Canada’s Bright Light of the North

Happy Valley-Goose Bay

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.

2015 | December 2015 | In FocusOpen for BusinessPassaic County

2015 | December 2015 | In Focus

Open for Business

Passaic County

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.

2015 | December 2015 | In FocusPreserving Heritage while Preparing the FutureThe Economic Development Association of Skagit County

2015 | December 2015 | In Focus

Preserving Heritage while Preparing the Future

The Economic Development Association of Skagit County

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.

2015 | December 2015 | In FocusThe Little Train that CouldFTZ #271

2015 | December 2015 | In Focus

The Little Train that Could

FTZ #271

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.

2015 | December 2015 | In FocusDrawing on its StrengthsNorthwest Illinois Development Alliance

2015 | December 2015 | In Focus

Drawing on its Strengths

Northwest Illinois Development Alliance

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.

2015 | December 2015 | In FocusIn the Middle of it AllMiddlesex County, ON

2015 | December 2015 | In Focus

In the Middle of it All

Middlesex County, ON

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.

2015 | December 2015 | In FocusThe Best of Both WorldsCounty of Brant

2015 | December 2015 | In Focus

The Best of Both Worlds

County of Brant

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.

2015 | December 2015 | In FocusProviding Innovative Worldwide Energy SolutionsSarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership

2015 | December 2015 | In Focus

Providing Innovative Worldwide Energy Solutions

Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership

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.

2015 | December 2015 | In FocusYou’re Makin’ a List, They’re Checkin’ it TwiceBig Business and the Holiday Shopping Experience

2015 | December 2015 | In Focus

You’re Makin’ a List, They’re Checkin’ it Twice

Big Business and the Holiday Shopping Experience

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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