NEW CASTLE, Pa. – Economic development starts long before a company chooses a site. Regional leaders say preparation, partnerships and ready-to-build properties are what win today’s projects.
John Timney, senior director of business investment for the Allegheny Conference, and Kolt Codner, chief operating officer of the Allegheny Conference, discuss key economic development strategies during the Forward Lawrence Chamber and Economic Alliance’s Real Estate Development Breakfast.
Timney says Lawrence County is positioning itself to compete for new investment by organizing available development sites and preparing them for rapid response when site selection opportunities arise. He highlights Pennsylvania’s PA Sites program and the importance of maintaining accurate property databases so state and regional economic development organizations can quickly connect businesses with shovel-ready locations.
Codner explains that the Allegheny Conference and Pittsburgh Regional Alliance help communities navigate complex development projects by providing policy support, research, site selection assistance and project management. He says strong regional partnerships allow local organizations to compete for transformative investments that create jobs and strengthen local economies.
Both say collaboration between regional organizations and local economic development agencies such as Forward Lawrence is critical to attracting new employers, supporting existing businesses and ensuring Lawrence County remains competitive for future investment opportunities.