Muncie, Indiana “Shovel-Ready” Site is the First Food Processing & Beverage Industry Location in the U.S. to Achieve Specialized Designation
Muncie, IN (August 16, 2010) – Tara Smalstig, Chair of the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance, announced that an 80-acre property at 900 Fuson Road (northeast corner of the old SR-67 and Cowan Road intersection) has been designated as the first “Shovel-Ready” Food Processing and Beverage Industry site in the United States. The announcement was held August 16th at the site in Southwest Muncie. Smalstig commented, “We are proud to have the very first “Shovel-Ready Food Processing and Beverage Industry Site right here in Delaware County.” “Working with the Ady-Austin group has been a wonderful experience and a real privilege to be asked to be a leader in launching their site designation initiative,” added Smalstig.
The food and beverage industry is undergoing tremendous change, as manufacturers and distributors face intense competition from both domestic and overseas markets; higher energy and marketing costs; plus greater consumer demand for quality, convenience and variety. These and other challenges are requiring food and beverage companies to re-evaluate business strategies to increase operational objectives and consumer satisfaction. Muncie offers these businesses many competitive advantages to help them prosper and grow, including lower operating costs, a quality workforce and a well-connected location. This designated site is located near four-lane SR-67, providing easy access to Interstates 69 & 70 and throughout the Midwest and North America.” The “Shovel-Ready” designation is valid for two years. The entire site consists of approximately 80 acres complete with all utilities at or nearby, is rectangular in configuration and located adjacent to the Industria Centre Industrial Park in an established and well-developed industrial area.
ISDA Director Joe Kelsay is very excited for the announcement made today that Muncie-Delaware County will have the first in the nation "Shovel Ready Site Designated Site for Food Processing and Beverage Industry". "This speaks volumes to the support that community leaders give to promoting and growing agribusiness in Indiana. We are very pleased to have this recognition for Indiana, thanks for all the hard work and dedication to make it happen."
“Ady-Austin reviewed and evaluated over 200 location variables of critical importance that companies in the food processing industry consider when siting a new facility. Based upon original document review, in-site inspections, and signed letters of data confirmation by appropriate parties, the 80-acre property was given our first “Shovel-Ready” designation award for the food processing industry. This property is available for immediate occupancy,” commented Bob Ady, President, Ady Industrial Company.
Critical variables were evaluated in major categories such as: labor, network logistics, transportation, utilities, communications, taxes/incentives, business/community climate, building/site characteristics, quality of life and environmental regulations. As part of the process, Ady-Austin principals involved in the analysis performed a detailed field investigation of the site including meetings with economic development utility officials and governmental leaders representing the city and county.
Frank Spano, Director of Austin Consulting, added, “Our approach to designating a site as being “Shovel-Ready” for the food and beverage industry is a practical and efficient way for a community to elevate it from countless other sites across the U.S. that are competing for new investment. In addition to a quality site which is present at the 80-acre Muncie property, the Ady-Austin methodology also depends on receiving information from a professional economic development agency in a timely manner. Bob and I were very impressed with the commitment shown by the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance and the Muncie community regarding all their efforts in providing quality and complete information necessary for Ady-Austin to designate the site as being Shovel-Ready for the food processing industry.”
Terry Murphy, Vice President, Economic Development for the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance,” noted “this is a very valuable designation and tool to use as we seek to attract food processing businesses. The information compiled can be used by businesses and consultants saving months of investigative research. I’m excited about marketing the opportunities to companies throughout the world.”
“Being the first site in the country will elevate our community’s standing to companies and site location specialist searching for a site. That is a tremendous asset,” noted Jay Julian, President and CEO of the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce.
“The attraction of businesses in the food processing industry allows us to further diversify our economic base while bringing new jobs and investment to our community,” said Todd Donati, President of the Delaware County Commissioners.
About Ady International Company
Ady International Company was established in 2001 by Robert M. Ady, its president and founder. Mr. Ady has over 30 years of corporate site selection experience. Before founding Ady International Company, Mr. Ady was president of PHH Fantus, a premier site selection firm. He is credited with identifying prime locations for more businesses in the United States than any other person. www.adyinternational.com
About Austin Consulting
Austin Consulting is an objective in-house team of location consultants offering specialized experience in identifying the right location for each client’s specific requirements. Austin’s team helps clients identify and prioritize location factors, saving them time and money and helping them realize long-term success by choosing the best location strategy. Austin Consulting has experience in almost every major industry.
www.theaustinconsulting.com