Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry Magazine
MDDI Article Index

A MD&DI December 1996 Column

Site Selection Directory
Part 1

Contact information for US agencies and organizations that can help companies relocate. Part 2 lists overseas offices.

State and Regional Agencies

ALABAMA

Regions Bank
Mobile, 334/690-1594, fax 334/690-1448

The industrial development department provides general advice and counsel for prospect assistance and program development, and offers financing advice. General site information and research data on Alabama and Mobile are available, including training and educational facilities linkage programs.

ARIZONA

Peoria Economic Development Group
Peoria, 602/486-2011, fax 602/486-2009

Peoria, as part of the Phoenix metro area, has access to a large educated labor base anchored by Arizona State University. Its demographics of a large retired population and an emerging young population are excellent for research-related projects. Sun Health Research Institute, described as a world leader in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, provides leadership. Has assisted several medical delivery, care, and research facilities located in the community.

CALIFORNIA

California Central Valley Economic Development Council
Fresno, 800/676-SITE, fax 916/322-3524

The 17-million-acre region from Stockton to Bakersfield combines low cost with access to California's enormous markets. A dedicated team can provide companies with comprehensive assistance, including site location and employee training. Assistance is free and confidential.

City of Brea
Brea, 714/671-4421, fax 714/671-4480

The city of Brea's commitment to business customer service includes a streamlined permit process, elimination of overlapping fees, special staff training, customized business incentive packages, and the establishment of a business liaison in city hall. The Redevelopment Services Department has a color brochure available.

City of Sunnyvale
Sunnyvale, 408/730-7607, fax 408/730-7696

The city of Sunnyvale is committed to supporting business through the incentives of low taxes, a specially trained biotechnology staff team, low office lease rates, low crime, and a highly educated workforce. The city actively works to retain businesses with its plan called "the Sunnyvale Advantage," which includes a stable cost environment, high quality of life, and a quick permit process. The city's zoning provides for biotech facilities and has assisted medical device manufacturers in finding sites for manufacturing, laboratory, and research facilities and corporate headquarters.

Economic Development Corp. of Shasta County
Redding, 916/225-5300 or 800/207-4278, fax 916/225-5303

Shasta County is a business-friendly California alternative for companies seeking market presence, lower cost, and high quality of life. Advantages for medical device manufacturers include local job credit incentive programs, state tax credits, a large enterprise zone, and medical technician training programs. Has assisted medical device companies in finding sites for manufacturing, laboratory, and research facilities.

Northern California Industrial Development Executives Association (NorCal IDEA)
Sacramento, 800/726-IDEA, fax 916/322-3524

Northern California is a region of opportunity for suppliers to the medical services industry. The opportunity is illustrated by low-cost improved industrial land and buildings, a dedicated workforce, and aggressive communities--armed with tax, financing, and training incentives--that understand the needs of the medical products industry. The region is home to three state universities that specialize in technology transfer. Has assisted manufacturers of laser equipment, dental equipment, dental chairs, ultrasound equipment, and other medical devices.

COLORADO

Colorado Office of Business Development
Denver, 303/892-3840, fax 303/892-3848

Colorado Institute for Research in Biotechnology offers seed grants for faculty projects with commercial value; matching funds for student internships in biotechnology companies; and support for graduate students. Other resources include the Colorado Bioprocessing Center at Colorado State University, which offers process development assistance, facilities, and operator training for biotechnology companies; the Colorado Biomedical Venture Center, a business incubator for biomedical and biotechnology companies; enterprise zones throughout the state; and local economic development programs.

Greater Colorado Springs Economic Development Corp.
Colorado Springs, 719/471-8183, fax 719/471-9733

Since 1990, more than 110 companies have relocated to or established new or expanded facilities in Colorado Springs, creating more than 14,500 new jobs. The area offers a trained and available labor force, low operating costs, reasonable tax policies, financial incentives, below-average cost of living, and affordable housing.

CONNECTICUT

Connecticut Innovations, Inc.
Rocky Hill, 203/563-5851, fax 203/563-4877

Connecticut Innovations, Inc., is the state of Connecticut's high-technology investment agency. For the medical products and instrumentation industry, it provides capital to emerging companies for invention and innovation. It also sponsors research grant programs for small businesses and universities and works to increase the state's share of federal science and technology grants.

Newtown Economic Development Commission
Newtown, 203/270-4271, fax 203/270-4205

Located in northeastern Fairfield County along the I-84 corridor, Newtown has a business climate that is attractive to medical and technological companies seeking a quality community. The commission has a professional staff that will assist companies in establishing a Newtown location.

Southwestern Area Commerce & Industry Association
Stamford, 203/359-3220, fax 203/967-8294

Southwestern Connecticut is located 45 minutes away from New York and New Haven. Medical firms in the area include U.S. Surgical, Circon ACMI, Miles, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Bristol-Myers Squibb. A large population of affluent investors and 40 venture firms are in the region. Innovative state financing and technology programs are offered.

DELAWARE

Delaware Economic Development Office
Dover, 302/739-4271, fax 302/739-5749

DEDO has created a public and private Delaware Innovation Fund, which provides funding to assist high-technology businesses in obtaining patent protection, as well as in marketing and further developing the technologies for the consumer. Located in the heart of the East Coast's biotechnology corridor, Delaware is strategically situated near Washington, DC, New York, and Philadelphia. Delaware also has one of the most rapidly growing labor forces in the country.

FLORIDA

City of Sunrise
Sunrise, 954/741-2580, fax 954/746-3439

The Office of Economic Development allows medical device manufacturers to focus on industry concerns rather than on new facility issues such as complying with permitting procedures, zoning, and ordinances.

Gainesville Council for Economic Outreach
Gainesville, 904/378-7300, fax 904/378-7703

The University of Florida Health Science Center has gained international recognition in medical research that involves more than 900 faculty members in six colleges. Technology transfer is facilitated through a biotechnology incubator and one of only three Technology Innovation Centers in Florida. The council assisted a manufacturer of a blood treatment device in locating laboratory and research facilities.

St. Petersburg/Clearwater Economic Development Council
Largo, 813/541-8080, fax 813/541-8585

Pinellas County's officially designated economic development office, the council is capable of handling all relocation or expansion needs. The organization has facts on labor, infrastructure, international trade, foreign trade zone and enterprise zone benefits, incentives, financing, and available real estate for sale or lease. More than 100 medical and pharmaceutical companies have relocated to the area.

Sarasota County Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100
Sarasota, 941/955-2508, fax 941/951-7837

The Sarasota County Committee of 100 is the professional economic development entity for Sarasota county. Its purpose is to attract and retain quality jobs, solicit new business, promote the county's business image, assist expansion of existing companies, and enhance the quality of life. Medical device manufacturing is a valued industry in Sarasota County. The committee can provide assistance in accessing NASA-supported technology transfer programs, programs sponsored by the University of South Florida's Small Business Development Center, and a listing of potential sources of investment capital.

Southeastern Realty Group, Inc.
Orlando, 407/629-6660, fax 407/645-2035

The group offers confidential up-front site location research. It has
Contacts with government agencies--local, regional, or state--that have incentive programs for new and expanding industry. Valencia Community College and University of Central Florida (home of the Center for Research in Electro-Optics and Lasers and the Institute for Simulation and Training) are located in central Florida.

GEORGIA

Athens Area Chamber of Commerce
Athens, 706/549-6800, fax 706/549-5636

The University of Georgia's program in Biomedical Resources and Biotechnology involves 100 faculty members in research at the molecular level as well as broad-based studies of microorganisms, plants, animals, and whole ecosystems. The program includes education and training, interdisciplinary research centers, central research support facilities, industrial interface, and technology transfer. Has helped locate manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, in vitro clinical diagnostic products, and biotechnology firms.

Clayton County Chamber of Commerce
Jonesboro, 770/478-6549, fax 770/478-0226

The area offers the Georgia QuickStart training program at Clayton State College, the Georgia Research Alliance in Atlanta, a jobs tax credit program, foreign trade zone, low taxes, low cost of living, property available for development and redevelopment, close proximity to Atlanta International Airport, a local airport, and many business parks.

Georgia Department of Industry, Trade, and Tourism
Atlanta, 404/656-7795, fax 404/657-4309

Georgia offers biomedical research centers, a large and growing pool of talents and specialized support services, low taxes and operating costs, free state assistance in start-up recruiting and training, and sources of financing. The Clifton Corridor Council offers one-stop shopping for companies considering a move to Georgia. Has assisted numerous medical device companies in expanding or relocating manufacturing and warehouse facilities and corporate headquarters.

Lockwood Greene
Atlanta, 404/525-0500, fax 404/818-8100

Lockwood Greene describes itself as one of the world's leading business location and site- selection consultants. One of its major focus industries is manufacturing of health-care products, including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and other materials. The firm has helped manufacturers of medical devices and in vitro diagnostics find manufacturing, warehouse, laboratory, and research facilities.

Macon Economic Development Commission
Macon, 912/750-9900, fax 912/741-8021

Mercer University School of Engineering offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in biomedical engineering. Since 1991, students and faculty have participated in the National Science Foundation's Bioengineering and Research to Aid the Disabled program. The Mercer University School of Medicine has affiliations with 14 hospitals and health centers. Work is under way to expand the medical school's research facilities; the growing research program includes numerous nationally funded research projects.

MEAG Power
Atlanta, 800/WIN-IN-GA, fax 770/563-0004

The Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia provides electricity to 48 participant cities and complete site selection services for companies seeking to locate in those cities as well as in other cities in Georgia. The Georgia Resource Center offers interactive tours of all sites available in the state. MEAG Power also offers lower taxes, reasonable land prices, and reasonable energy costs through special rate structures that include additional credits for jobs created. Georgia is a right-to-work state with aggressive tax credits and business incentives, and it is the ninth-ranked state in the U.S. in numbers of institutions of higher learning.

ILLINOIS

Fairfield Area Development Commission
Fairfield, 618/842-4802, fax 618/842-5654

The Fairfield area offers tax increment financing benefits, Illinois enterprise zone benefits including sales tax exemptions on materials used in construction, and property tax abatement for taxes on increases in assessed value. The city also offers low-interest loans, job training assistance, sites up to 600 acres, low utility rates, and an available workforce.

Lake County Economic Development Commission
Waukegan, 847/360-6350, fax 847/360-6734

Lake County is home to Abbott Laboratories and Baxter Healthcare. As a result of their presence, many medical device manufacturers and other health-product-related companies continue to locate or expand facilities in Lake County. Lake County is home to more than 35 medical device manufacturers and more than 30 medical supply distributors.

Richland County Development Corp.
Olney, 618/392-2305, fax 618/392-2405

The Richland County Development Corp. provides free and confidential plant site services to expanding companies (including medical firms). Available incentives include new building leases, low-interest loans, limited venture capital, customized workforce training and internship programs, and access to regional hospital/clinic resources.

INDIANA

Anderson Corp. for Economic Development
Anderson, 317/642-1860, fax 317/642-0266

The organization has two business parks. It also has access to local investors who have financed three office buildings and three industrial buildings. A city revolving loan fund and access to other state programs are useful to the medical industry.

The Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce
Fort Wayne, 219/424-1435, fax 219/426-7232

The Fort Wayne Medical Society and the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce have formed a partnership called the Medical Economic Development Council. The council's primary objective is the recruitment of medical device, medical component, and biotechnology companies. The partnership provides free reports on demographics, available land and buildings, analysis of current labor costs, skills and training programs, estimates for electrical and natural gas and energy costs, and confidential site and community tours of Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana.

PSI Energy, A Cinergy Co.
Plainfield, 317/838-2000 or 800/688-0688, fax 317/838-1950

As Indiana's largest electric utility, PSI is now part of Cinergy, an energy services company. Encouraging economic growth in Indiana, PSI offers an independently researched medical device industry report that provides business data such as costs of property, investment, utility, labor, and freight. Taxes and transportation access are also covered.

IOWA

IES Utilities
Cedar Rapids, 319/398-4542, fax 319/398-4567

IES is a progressive, diversified utility company dedicated to the growth and economic development of its customers and Iowa communities. Development specialists provide professional, confidential consulting services to assist clients in their search for a new location in the Midwest. Iowa has the fifth-lowest workers' compensation rates in the nation, no corporate income tax on profits from sales outside of Iowa, and no property, sales, and use taxes on industrial machinery, equipment, and computers. It also has the lowest new employer unemployment insurance rate in the nation and low property taxes, and is a right-to-work state.

KENTUCKY

Greater Louisville Economic Development Partnership
Louisville, 502/625-0200, fax 502/625-0211

Louisville, which has a high concentration of health-care professionals, is located near two research universities: the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky. Offering quick turnaround, UPS International Air Hub repairs diagnostic equipment and other time-sensitive medical devices.

LOUISIANA

The Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership, Inc.
Baton Rouge, 504/381-7125, fax 504/336-4306

The Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership is working to recruit companies in the medical device industry to any of Baton Rouge's selected area research facilities, such as the Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, and other corporate R&D facilities. Several sources of venture capital, such as the LSU Board of Regents Funds, Premiere Venture Capital, and Louisiana State Business Technology Center, are available. Major tax incentive programs are offered to companies locating in one of the above-listed research parks.

MetroVision Economic Development Partnership
New Orleans, 504/527-6943, fax 504/527-6970

MetroVision markets and coordinates the use of public and private resources for medical industry development. General and industry-specific tax incentives for R&D and manufacturing are available. Cost-free employee training is offered and assistance with the acquisition of state-based and national venture capital is available. Allied health education is offered through community colleges.

MAINE

Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of Business Development
Augusta, 207/287-3153, fax 207/287-5701

Maine offers a wide variety of financing programs, loan guarantees, investment tax credits, and worker training programs for business. Of interest to medical device manufacturers is the manufacturing machinery and equipment tax credit that can be claimed for 1% of federal tax basis up to $25,000 per year for five years, and the jobs and investment tax credit (10%) on personal property investments exceeding $5 million and where at least 100 jobs are created. A program reimburses taxpayers for local property taxes paid on business machinery and equipment placed in service after April 1995 for up to 12 years. The Maine Quality Centers provide workers who are trained to a company's individual specifications at no cost. A new financing program pays expanding and relocating businesses between 30 and 50% of employees' state income tax withholdings for 10 years.

MARYLAND

Harford County Economic Development
Bel-Air, 888/I95-SITE, fax 410/879-8043

The Office of Economic Development supports a collaborative environment among business, education, and federal and local government for technology advancement. The opening of the Higher Education and Applied Technology (HEAT) Center in Aberdeen combines over 17 advanced academic and technical training programs with the opportunity for businesses to locate in a campus-like setting at I-95 midway between Baltimore and Philadelphia.

University of Maryland Baltimore County
Baltimore, 410/455-3222, fax 410/455-1050

The campus has a business incubator, the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) Technology Enterprise Center, for technology-based companies. The center offers companies at the R&D stage inexpensive space, shared facilities and equipment, and access to university resources (library, computing facilities, labs, faculty, and students). A 41-acre research park is being planned and will be under construction by summer 1997.

MASSACHUSETTS

City of Cambridge

Cambridge, 617/349-4600, fax 617/349-4669

Home to 83 of the Cambridge-Boston region's 117 biomedical firms, Cambridge offers resources including the MIT and Harvard research facilities and faculties, the Whitehead Institute, and proximity to the region's world-class teaching hospitals. Programs designed to make Cambridge a congenial host for the biomedical industry include a biomedical careers training program; a financing program for the fit-out of laboratory space; ready-to-go zoning designed to accommodate a range of uses, from R&D to manufacturing and company headquarters; customized site searches; and job shadowing and mentoring programs.

MICHIGAN

Midland County Economic Growth and Development Corp.
Midland, 517/839-0340, fax 517/839-7372

Midland County, home of the Dow Chemical Co. and the Dow Corning Corp., is an ideal base for high-technology companies. Companies in Midland are involved in technology transfer and high-technology medical devices and diagnostic enhancers. Tax abatement, training grants, scientific grants, as well as venture capital companies and the Mid-Michigan Venture Capital Forum, are available to provide start-up services and funding.

MINNESOTA

City of Maple Grove
Maple Grove, 612/494-6041, fax 612/494-6420

The city offers many benefits to manufacturers, including hundreds of acres of available land, freeway frontage for development, financing programs, a skilled labor force, high-quality business parks, and proximity to Minneapolis/St. Paul. The University of Minnesota and technical and community colleges are nearby. The city has assisted manufacturers with locating sites for manufacturing, corporate headquarters, laboratory and research facilities, and warehouse facilities.

Minnesota Power
Duluth, 800/228-4966, fax 218/723-3983

As upper Minnesota's chief source of electric power, the company has firsthand knowledge of facilities and workforce capability. Its staff is also familiar with the state's regulatory environment and the area's academic and medical research centers, and can help arrange cooperative research ventures. Through connections with venture capital and financial institutions, the company can help acquire needed support.

Northern States Power Co.
Minneapolis, 612/330-6746 or 800/367-7414, fax 612/330-5878

Contact: Economic Development
The company offers free professional business development assistance including site and facility searches, business cost comparisons, energy- efficiency and conservation incentives, facility design consultation, project financing recommendations, and business source referrals. The company has assisted medical device and in vitro diagnostic companies find sites for manufacturing, corporate headquarters, and laboratory, research, and warehouse facilities.

The Northspan Group, Inc., Arrowhead Business Connection Program
Duluth, 218/722-5545, fax 218/722-2335

The Northspan Group, Inc., is a private nonprofit corporation whose mission is economic and community development. Its Arrowhead Business Connection Program is the northeastern Minnesota regional
Contact point for all of the region's incentive programs. These include community and utility-sponsored incentives, and
Contact with the University of Minnesota and investment capital firms in northeastern Minnesota.

St. Cloud Area Economic Development Partnership
St. Cloud, 320/252-2177, fax 320/251-0081

The St. Cloud Area Economic Development Partnership represents the three-county St. Cloud Metropolitan Statistical Area, which has a rapidly growing population of about 200,000. The partnership offers site location assistance, access to a variety of public and private finance options, training, and technology assistance.

Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency
Rochester, 507/285-0478, fax 507/287-9506

Located in Minnesota are more than 500 medical- related companies and institutions that are involved in research and development, manufacturing, and distribution. The agency can provide information on marketing opportunities as well as information on lowering manufacturing costs.

University of Minnesota, Office of Research and Technology Transfer
Minneapolis, 612/624-9398, fax 612/624-4843

Research faculty each year disclose about 70 new medical and diagnostic technologies to the Office of Research and Technology Transfer. The office currently has license agreements with more than 80 medical companies. Services offered by the office include assisting start-ups based on medical technologies, providing technology development funding, and working with public and private economic developers to locate sites in Minnesota's "Medical Alley" of more than 300 companies.

MISSISSIPPI

Harrison County Development Commission
Mississippi Coast, 601/863-3807, fax 601/863-4555

Benefits of locating in Harrison County include competitive wage rates in manufacturing, good labor-management relations, proximity to various raw material sources, moderate land costs for industrial and land development, favorable levels of labor productivity, central location to Gulf Coast markets, adequate energy capacity at competitive rates, and availability of large tracts of fully served industrial land.

MISSOURI

Jackson County Department of Economic Development
Independence, 800/881-4105, fax 816/881-4511

The Jackson County Department of Economic Development serves as a central source of information on the 19 communities that comprise this metropolitan Kansas City market. The department provides population, education, workforce, business, tax, incentive, building and site, cost of living, and community information essential to businesses considering expansion.

St. Louis Regional Commerce & Growth Association
St. Louis, 314/231-5555, fax 314/444-1122

St. Louis is a major center of the biotechnology industry with prominent medical schools at Washington University and St. Louis University, Monsanto's headquarters and Life Science Research Center, and Mallinckrodt's headquarters. The Biomedical Technopolis Foundation will create a biomedical enterprise center and an urban research park and provide technology transfer support.

NEBRASKA

Nebraska Public Power District
Columbus, 800/282-6773, fax 402/563-5090

Nebraska Public Power District offers free and confidential plant location assistance. Information can be provided on communities in Nebraska, available industrial sites and buildings, energy costs, and financing. Free copies of a study on opportunities for medical and surgical product manufacturers are available.

Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce
Norfolk, 402/371-4862 or 800/558-3792, fax 402/371-0182

Norfolk offers excellent industrial sites and a qualified team of financial institutions, builders, planners, educators, and developers. Recent industrial expansions have occurred in the steel and medical equipment industries. Norfolk enjoys a strong retail and industrial environment, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Omaha Economic Development Council
Omaha, 402/346-5000, fax 402/346-7050

The Omaha Economic Development Council serves a five-county metro area and offers a full range of services, including current data on available sites and buildings; manpower availability, wage rates, and productivity levels; energy rates and availability; training programs to assist new and expanding employers; and major tax credits, refunds, and exemptions for qualified new and expanding businesses.

Omaha Public Power District
Omaha, 800/648-2658, fax 402/636-3922

OPPD's Area Development Department will provide available industrial sites and facilities, manpower data, raw materials resources, wage information, transportation analysis, financing, waste disposal, energy sources, and cost, education, housing, zoning, and planning outlines.

NEVADA

Commission on Economic Development
Carson City, 800/336-1600, fax 702/687-4450

The commission offers sales and use tax deferral and abatement, business tax abatement, and a customized job training program. The University of Nevada--Las Vegas Center for Business and Economic Research encourages technology transfer, and the university has an engineering school that offers testing services to private industry. The University of Nevada--Reno has a program that offers biomedical research expertise to the biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry. The commission has found sites for medical device manufacturing facilities and laboratory and research facilities.

Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada
Reno, 702/829-3700, fax 702/829-3710

Reno/Sparks/Lake Tahoe is a growing midsized metro area with a strong and active University of Nevada Medical School and university engineering schools. An incentive package includes tax deferrals, tax abatements, and training funds. The organization has helped find sites for medical device manufacturers' corporate headquarters and laboratory, research, and manufacturing facilities.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Public Service of New Hampshire
Manchester, 800/490-7764, fax 603/634-2367

PSNH works as a team with the state and communities to assist companies moving to New Hampshire. The company offers an economic development incentive rate and other relocation services.

NEW MEXICO

New Mexico Economic Development Dept.
Santa Fe, 505/827-0300, fax 505/827-0328

Offers incentives that include tax abatements, credits, loans, and training funds. The New Mexico Biomedical Alliance is working on issues affecting the industry. New Mexico INC Manufacturing Extension Program ties the research conducted at Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories with manufacturing in New Mexico. Has assisted a medical device manufacturer with finding a site for a manufacturing facility and its corporate headquarters.

NEW YORK

Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corp., Economic Development Div.
Poughkeepsie, 914/486-5215 or 800/255-CHGE, fax 914/486-5544

New York's Mid-Hudson Valley is near Manhattan's cultural and economic resources, yet marked by rolling hills, orchard lands, grand mountain views, and fertile vineyards. Home to one of America's newest international airports, the region offers educational institutions and a multitalented workforce, as well as affordable commercial and industrial electric and natural gas rates.

Operation Oswego County, Inc.
Oswego, 315/343-1545, fax 315/343-1546

Oswego County offers significant tax incentives through two New York State­designated economic development zones. Incentives include up to 19% investment tax credits, a $7500-per- employee tax credit, a 50% reduction in electric costs, low-cost financing, and proximity to central New York's medical-care industry in Syracuse. More than 35 colleges and universities are in the area, including SUNY Health Science, Cornell, Syracuse, and Colgate universities.

Southern Tier Economic Growth, Inc.
Elmira, 607/733-6513, fax 607/734-2698

Elmira is a New York State­designated economic development zone. New businesses can receive benefits such as special utility reductions, investment, employment tax credits, tax exemptions, and low-interest loans. The area is close to Cornell University. Has assisted a prosthetic and orthotic laboratory with finding a facility.

NORTH CAROLINA

AdvantageWest
Arden, 704/687-7234, fax 704/687-7552

AdvantageWest works with the North Carolina Department of Commerce to assist companies during the location process. The organization is also available to pinpoint specific ways in which companies or industries may benefit from being located in one of western North Carolina's 23 counties. This region offers a strategic location, excellent training resources, a skilled workforce, and a probusiness environment.

Pitt County Development Commission
Greenville, 919/758-1989, fax 919/758-0128

Beyond the traditional incentives of low taxes, low workers' compensation and hospitalization premiums, and relocation assistance, Greenville offers specific inducements for the medical technology industry. The ECU Biotechnology Center is affiliated with the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, offering grants for research and training. Technology transfer is accomplished through the ECU Center for Applied Technology and the Small Business Development Center. Capital is available from several nearby venture capital funds.

Tri Properties, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, 919/941-5745, fax 919/941-6319

Has an ongoing relationship with one of the largest financial institutions in the country, the Principal Financial Group of Des Moines, IA. The firm has developed more than $3 million of R&D, office, and warehouse facilities along the I-40 corridor during the past 12 years and is developing more than $6 million on the remaining 200 acres. Expertise is offered in construction and management of R&D facilities, offices, labs, and distribution facilities for the medical industry.

Winston-Salem Business, Inc.
Winston-Salem, 910/723-8955, fax 910/761-1069

Located in Winston-Salem is the Piedmont Triad Research Park, which includes a research component of the Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest University. Available for medical device manufacturers interested in research and development in close association with a major medical school, the park is located five minutes from the main campus.

OHIO

Edison BioTechnology Center
Cleveland, 216/229-0400, fax 216/229-7323

Ohio offers a strong research base and an expanding population of over 350 medical and biomedical companies. The Edison BioTechnology Center is committed to accelerating the growth of Ohio's biomedical and biotechnology industry. Founded in 1987, EBTC works closely with medical research institutions, biomedical and biotechnology companies, and community development organizations within the state to commercialize research, foster company formation and growth, and promote the state's resources to regional and national audiences. The center, part of the Ohio Department of Development's Thomas Edison Program, has offices in Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus.

OKLAHOMA

Ardmore Development Authority
Ardmore, 405/223-6162, fax 405/223-7825

The development authority offers quality jobs incentive payments of 5% of payroll for central administrative offices, manufacturers, and R&D. Companies can receive reduced land costs and buildings for sale or for lease with option to buy. The firm has assisted medical device manufacturers and sterilization companies in finding sites for manufacturing and laboratory facilities and corporate headquarters.

The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce
Oklahoma City, 405/297-8956 or 800/616-1114, fax 405/297-8908

Oklahoma City is the home of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, which has approximately 50 adjoining acres set aside for biomedical companies. The state has an incentive program that will pay up to 5% of a company's gross payroll for up to 10 years.

OREGON

Salem Economic Development Corp.
Salem, 503/588-6225, fax 503/588-6240

Economic development services are provided in the North Willamette Valley area, which includes the communities of Salem, Stayton, Woodburn, McMinnville, and Dallas. Services offered include recruitment of foreign/domestic enterprises, retention/expansion of existing business, and management of Salem's enterprise zone. Information can be provided on building and site locations, infrastructure data, and other location-related issues.

PENNSYLVANIA

Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry
Wilkes-Barre, 717/823-2101, fax 717/822-5951

Wilkes-Barre's five area colleges and two area vocational technical schools provide fertile opportunities for recruitment of skilled technical and professional workers. Technology transfer programs, like the Ben Franklin Partnership and Penn-Tap and the easy market access through highways I-81, Pennsylvania Turnpike's northeast extension, I-80, I-84, and I-380, make Wilkes-Barre a profitable location.

Mifflin County Industrial Development Corp.
Lewistown, 717/242-0393, fax 717/242-1842

With a developing core of ultrasound companies, the development corporation encourages medical suppliers and vendors, particularly to the ultrasound industry, with financing at low fixed rates, a health occupation tech-prep training program, and grant and loan financing for equipment. Has assisted three ultrasound manufacturers in locating sites for manufacturing facilities.

Pennsylvania Power Co.
New Castle, 412/656-5377, fax 412/656-5435

Western Pennsylvania offers a unique opportunity for the location of medical device manufacturers. The location allows manufacturers to reach the major medical markets located in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Buffalo. The region has a skilled labor force and nonprofit development corporations that can provide manufacturing facilities.

The Scranton Plan
Scranton, 800/722-5289, fax 717/347-6262

There are 16 colleges and universities in Greater Scranton that collectively enroll more than 54,000 students. Faculty from the University of Scranton's Technology Center, with expertise in CAD and chemical and biotechnology, assist private industry. R&D sites can be purchased in the new Scott Technology Park, which is 15 minutes from the central city.

PUERTO RICO

Government of Puerto Rico Economic Development Administration / Industrial Development Company
New York, NY, 212/245-1200, fax 212/581-2667

Puerto Rico offers tax incentives, venture capital funding, low-interest AFICA revenue bonds, research funding, training, and plant improvement grants for eligible projects. Many of Puerto Rico's more than 15,000 medical device workers are college educated. The development administration has assisted medical device companies, artificial prosthesis manufacturers, genetic engineering biotech firms, and anesthesia companies in finding sites for manufacturing, laboratory, research, and warehouse facilities.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Palmetto Economic Development Corp.
Columbia, 803/254-9211, fax 803/771-0233

Palmetto Economic Development Corp. provides industrial site, available building, and community data for 35 of South Carolina's 46 counties. Representing the state's electric cooperatives, the corporation offers incentive rates and coordinates site location visits for companies interested in worker training programs, special tax exemptions, and financing programs.

SOUTH DAKOTA

Governor's Office of Economic Development
Pierre, 605/773-5032, fax 605/773-3256

South Dakota offers no corporate income tax, no personal income tax, no personal property tax, and no business inventory tax. Assistance with financing and training is available.

TENNESSEE

C/J/WC Economic Development Board
Johnson City, 423/975-2380, fax 423/975-2385

Johnson City is developing a Med-Tech park in support of its resident health-care facilities and the Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University. The center of the fourth-largest metropolitan statistical area in Tennessee (population of almost 450,000), Johnson City is the hub of an emerging health-care service area for the Southeast. The city is accessed by I-81 and I-26 (under construction as 181), Tri-City Regional Airport (with foreign trade zone status), and CSX and Norfolk Southern railways.

Memphis Area Chamber of Commerce
Memphis, 901/575-3500, fax 901/575-3510

Memphis is an ideal location for a medical product business. The healthcare, medical research and medical education industries employ almost 10% of the total workforce and contribute more than $5 billion to the Memphis economy. Memphis's medical complex and Federal Express Superhub offer location benefits for the manufacture and distribution of time-sensitive medical products. Medical device manufacturing companies in the Memphis area include Smith & Nephew, Sofamor Danek Group, and Wright Medical Technology, Inc.

TEXAS

McKinney Economic Development Corp.
McKinney, 972/562-5430 or 800/TEX-MCKY, fax 972/547-0433

McKinney, located 18 miles north of Dallas and 35 miles east of DFW Airport, offers the ideal setting for facilities in Stonebridge Ranch Corporate Park. MEDC can provide incentives to financially sound companies, including land contribution, infrastructure, and training assistance.

UTAH

The Economic Development Corp. of Utah
Salt Lake City, 801/328-8824, fax 801/531-1460

More than 125 biomedical companies take advantage of doing business in Utah. The state's business advantages include a $10-million revolving loan fund, customized training, and tax increment financing. The Research Park at the University of Utah is a leader in biomedical design and research.

Utah Department of Community and Economic Development

Salt Lake City, 801/538-8775, fax 801/538-8773

The department has assisted medical device companies in finding sites for manufacturing, corporate headquarters, warehouse facilities, and sterilization facilities.

VERMONT

Vermont Department of Economic Development
Montpelier, 802/828-3211, fax 802/828-3258

Vermont offers the medical device industry below-prime loan packages, $10-million nontaxable bond issuance, $50-million taxable bond issuance, training funds, tax stabilization, and marketing assistance. The department has assisted medical device companies in finding sites for manufacturing and corporate headquarters.

VIRGINIA

Department of Development
Norfolk, 757/664-4338, fax 757/664-4315

The city of Norfolk, in joint partnership with the state of Virginia, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Children's Hospital of the King's Daughter, and Eastern Virginia Medical School, has made a commitment to develop a public health center with 20,000 sq ft devoted to biomedical research firms. Local universities and Eastern Virginia Medical School work together on biomedical research. The project will be completed by late 1997. The city has implemented an innovative program to assist companies relocating to Norfolk.

Industrial Development Authority of Halifax County
South Boston, 804/572-1734, fax 804/572-1762

The Halifax County/South Boston Community is located in South Central Piedmont, contiguous to North Carolina and convenient to its Research Triangle Park. Halifax Regional Hospital is the primary health-care provider in the region. The community is centrally located to the University of Virginia Medical Center, Medical College of Virginia, Duke Medical Center, and North Carolina Memorial Hospitals.

Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Richmond, 804/371-0096, fax 804/786-1121

The partnership assists in locating or expanding bioscience operations. Virginia's research parks provide laboratory space adjacent to major universities and share resources, such as management expertise and locating capital, with developing companies. Another resource is Virginia's Center for Innovative Technology, which brings together academic researchers and company representatives, cosponsors research conducted through partnership, and creates mechanisms for technology transfer and patent/licensing activities.

Virginia Power Economic Development Department
Richmond, 804/771-3406, fax 804/771-3782

The agency has assisted state, regional, and local groups with location. Virginia Power also helped a medical device company find a site for warehouse facilities.

WASHINGTON

Spokane Area Economic Development Council
Spokane, 509/624-9285, fax 509/624-3759

Low operating costs, sales tax exemption on manufacturing equipment, a quality workforce, and an intercollegiate research and technology institute make Spokane, Washington, a healthy location for medical device manufacturers to locate their company. The Spokane EDC is a private, nonprofit organization working to promote quality growth and development of the region's economy.

WEST VIRGINIA

Berkeley County Development Authority
Martinsburg, 304/267-4144, fax 304/267-2283

Berkeley County is located near Interstate 81, close to its interchange with Interstate 70, just west of Washington, DC, and Baltimore. Incentives offered by the state include low-interest loans for land, buildings, and equipment; the Governor's Guaranteed Workforce Program for employee training; and the Super Tax Credit program.

Business & Industrial Development Corp.
Charleston, 304/340-4253, fax 304/340-4275

Metro Charleston is the state's business, financial, medical, and government center. Incentives include employee training assistance, venture funds, and low-interest loans. The area has five higher- education institutions and a medical school.

Ohio Valley Industrial and Business Development Corp.
Wheeling, 304/232-7722, fax 304/232-7727

The 20-acre Millenium Centre Technology Park offers low-cost office space and build-to-suit arrangements for medical device and biomedical companies relocating to the 160,000-person community. The National Technology Transfer Center in Wheeling provides a gateway to federal laboratory research and development. West Virginia offers a Technology Loan Program, Super Tax Credit, venture capital, conventional financing, and local tax incentives.

West Virginia Development Office
Charleston, 304/558-2234, fax 304/558-1189

Advanced technology and a commitment to education, training, and research ensure business success. Incentive programs such as the Leveraged Technology Loan Program, Super Tax Credit, and the Governor's Guaranteed Workforce Program give West Virginia strategic advantages for the medical device industry.

WYOMING

Campbell County Economic Development Corp.
Gillette, 307/686-2603, fax 307/686-7268

Wyoming has low corporate and individual taxes. Nonmining companies are not subject to income or inventory taxes, and property taxes are low. Campbell County Economic Development Corp. is prepared to customize relocation packages and incentive offerings on a case-by-case basis.

Nationwide Agency

NCS International
Omaha, 402/453-9292, fax 402/453-8452

NCS International works with hundreds of U.S. cities and towns that offer incentives to relocating and expanding businesses. These incentives include tax credits, loans, grants, free land and/or buildings, and training programs. Many NCS International communities have substantial health/ medical centers, such as hospitals, universities, and specialized clinics. The company can assist by screening communities, arranging site visits, and negotiating an incentive package.

Part 2, international agencies.