The shift away from carbon-emitting fuels and the unexpected spikes in natural gas pricing in 2022 have made industrial customers increasingly sensitive to energy costs in their location decisions.
Q1 2023
Industrial customers are increasingly sensitive to energy costs in their location decisions. In order to minimize risk, my clients are digging into the details of utility projections more than ever before, asking questions about rate structure, demand management, fuel costs and futures projections, fixed pricing options, taxes and fees, and long-term energy mix — in addition to energy availability, reliability, and availability of carbon-free or renewable sources. Utility pricing models, unique to each state and subject to often opaque regulation, make sorting through such comparisons a complex endeavor, and having a responsive and knowledgeable economic development utility team is critical to getting to a bottom line.
Utility partners have always been a critical part of the economic development team to attract new business to communities and states, but looking ahead, they will play an even bigger role in 2023 to win (or lose) large industrial site selection projects.
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Lauren Berry, Manager, Location Analysis and Incentives, Maxis Advisors
As a leader in Maxis Advisors’ Location Advisory and Incentives group, Lauren Berry works to create a win for both client and community through the site selection and incentives negotiation process. In this role she leverages her robust economic development experience to advise both domestic and international clients on meaningful talent, location analysis, and credits and incentives solutions for projects of all sizes. Prior to joining Maxis, Lauren began her career in economic development at the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber in Ohio. She earned the Ohio Certified Economic Developer (Ohio CED) credential and served on the board of directors for the Ohio Economic Development Association. She is a graduate of Patrick Henry College and active member of the PHC Alumni Association. She and her husband reside in Charlotte.
Project Announcements
Bakery Express MidWest Establishes Boone County, Kentucky, Operations
06/30/2023
Eastern Light Distilling Establishes Rowan County, Kentucky, Operations
06/30/2023
France-Based Mersen USA Expands Bay City-Greenville, Michigan, Operations
06/30/2023
Musser Biomass and Wood Products Expands Wythe County, Virginia, Operations
06/30/2023
EAM-Mosca Expands Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, Operations
06/30/2023
Averitt Express Expands North Charleston, South Carolina, Operations
06/29/2023
South Korea-Based Enchem America Plans Brownsville, Tennessee, Electrolyte Manufacturing Plant
06/28/2023
