Kate and Matt are information brokers. More specifically, they are information brokers for executives in the process of looking for a place to expand or relocate their companies ... people just like you.

Most of you are currently engaged in the site selection process. That's why you're receiving this magazine. And most of that process involves gathering and evaluating information -- tons of data gathered from a number of sources that will allow you to identify the best candidate locations for your new facility.

That's where Kate and Matt come into the picture. They may not know the answers to all your questions, but they know exactly where to go for the answer. Their job is to identify your needs, and to put you in contact with people who can satisfy those needs.

Look at it as if you were walking into the Library of Congress. This issue of Expansion Management Magazine -- our annual Atlas & Guide -- is like the old card catalog file (InfoCat for all you computer savvy, non-Baby Boomers). If you already know specifically the type of information you need, the Atlas & Guide can tell you exactly where to look to find that information in its most recent form.

But sometimes you need a little bit more help, so you go to the librarian and ask him. In our case, that would be Kate and Matt, who are the heart and soul of Expansion Management Magazine's industry-leading reader service department.

To follow the analogy a bit further, they are economic development librarians. If you have questions about the availability of labor -- both in terms of quantity and quality -- in a number of communities, they can put you in contact with the person who has up-to-the-minute, first-hand information.

Sometimes that person might be a member of our award-winning research department. In other cases, it might be the local economic development professional in that community who usually can put together a thorough packet of statistical economic data, or any other information you say you need, and have it in your hands within 24 to 48 hours.

The reason Kate and Matt are such important people in your lives is that time is your No. 1 enemy. Chances are great that, if you're looking for another place to set up operations, you need to be there as quickly as possible. In fact, yesterday wouldn't be too soon as far as you're concerned.

You don't have time to flounder about, guessing where to go for the information you need to make an informed business decision on where to build or buy a facility. Just like that friendly librarian, Kate and Matt will help you get started and headed in the right direction. Just fill out one of the reader service cards -- you know, the one with the words FAX BACK in big bold letters at the bottom -- and send it in to us.

After that, just let your good business judgment take over. After all, that's what's gotten you this far in the first place.

<