AdvantageSite is a voluntary industrial site preparedness program created in
order to make the state more competitive for companies considering a location
in Alabama.
“What it means,” said David Hutchison, business development director for the Alabama Development
Office, “is that when an industrial contact comes to us and your site meets their
qualifications, it will be the first of 15 sites in the state they will see.”
Hutchison and Tammy Radmard, senior economic development analyst of business
information with the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, recognized
that the Fayette Industrial Park was included in the program by presenting a
plaque to Fayette Mayor Ray Nelson during the Fayette City Council meeting on
Tuesday, Jan. 26.
The AdvantageSite program requires that community economic development
organizations provide documentation specific to a proposed industrial site,
including a set of standard data related to ownership/control, environmental
and geotechnical conditions and infrastructure status. Sites must also meet
size, zoning and accessibility requirements.
Hutchison added that the reason the park received the designation was because of
the dedication of the community and its leaders in getting the site prepared to
program standards. He reminded those present that the program was through a
voluntary commitment from city and county leaders to make sure the site met
those requirements.
Greg Knighton, EDPA vice president and director of business information, stated,
“We have a close relationship with communities in West Alabama and know that this
announcement marks an important milestone for Fayette.” He stated that this would be an important tool for Fayette as it continues to
sharpen its economic development focus.
“This is a big deal,” said Fayette County Probate Judge William Oswalt, who was present during the
meeting.
“It came about through a lot of hardwork, and I congratulate the officials
involved.
“This most sought after designation confirms that Fayette is fully prepared to
offer industrial prospects site ready opportunities.”
Nelson asked Hutchison to comment on the current atmosphere regarding industry
recruitment in Alabama.
“We still have a lot of prospects in the state,unfortunately we don’t have a lot of decisions being made [to locate here],” Hutchison said. “Gov. Riley is still being aggressive in recruitment.”
Hutchison stressed that many organizations and agencies helped ADO in marketing
the state. The AdvantageSite program is jointly sponsored by the ADO, Alabama Gas Corporation, Alabama Power Company,
EDPA, the North Alabama Industrial Development Association and PowerSouth
Energy Cooperative.
Nelson then thanked everyone involved in making the AdvantageSite designation a
reality for the Industrial Park.
“The Fayette community is very excited,” said Nelson. “The state recognition demonstrates the strong commitment to economic development
shared by the city of Fayette and the Fayette County Commission.”
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