Dallas Consultant Calls

Just returned from Dallas for a visit with seven sonsulting groups. I have a sense that there is slow improvement and things are getting better, just not as quickly as we would like. Most of the consultants we met with advised that deal flow is picking up but clients are very reluctant to spend money and are progressing cautiously. It reinforces my feelings that this is going to be a long and treacherous recovery and we will all be tired and bruised before things reach the levels of employment that we desire. I am attaching a press release from the Piedmont Triad Partnership below that fills in the details.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 25, 2010






Contact: Don Kirkman

President & CEO

Piedmont Triad Partnership

336-369-2200



Piedmont Triad Representatives Marketing the Region to
Dallas Area Site Location Consultants


(PIEDMONT TRIAD, N.C.) Feb. 25: Representatives from the Piedmont Triad traveled to Dallas, TX this week to call on site location consultants. Piedmont Triad regional representatives include Penny Whiteheart, Executive Vice President, Piedmont Triad Partnership; Alan Wood, Director, Stokes County Economic Development and Steve Googe; Executive Director, Davidson County Economic Development



While in Dallas, the regional representatives will meet with site selection consultants and national real estate development firms based in the area. The trip is a continuation of the Piedmont Triad Partnership’s ongoing direct-contact program targeting third-party advisors to businesses on matters regarding facility expansion and relocation.



“We receive approximately 30% of our new projects from national consultants and real estate brokers. Projects led by consultants tend to be larger in terms of employment and investment,” says Don Kirkman, President and CEO, Piedmont Triad Partnership. “Many of the advisory groups with offices in the Dallas area serve clients with operational interests that include the southeastern United States. Therefore, we want to make sure that those advisors are regularly updated on the advantages and assets available to companies operating in the Piedmont Triad,” adds Kirkman.



Piedmont Triad regional representatives met with seven firms while in Dallas