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Like
a faithful lighthouse guiding ships through rough waters, utility
companies can steer growing companies toward smooth sailing.
Don't be
misled by the idea that utility companies only provide electricity
and gas. Their capabilities go far beyond these core services. But
you don't have to take our word for it. Listen to what experts in
the industry have to say about how they can help your company when
it comes to relocations and expansions.
A
clearinghouse for data
"For one,
we have specific data on available buildings and sites based on locational
criteria," said Fred Gassaway, executive vice president of marketing
for Palmetto Economic Development Corp., in Columbia, S.C.
It is almost
a given that a local utility will have a database, or Web site, or
some listing of the available properties in its area. However, it
is also not uncommon for a utility to suggest a property that is outside
its service territory, even if its own available properties just aren't
a good business fit.
PPL Utilities
developed an innovative feature called the Available Property Locator.
The searchable database can be accessed on the company's Web site
and provides an extensive property listing of nearly 1,000 buildings
and sites throughout 29 counties in central Pennsylvania. All of the
listed properties are pre-screened for availability, market quality,
and proper zoning.
What
will it mean for the bottom line?
Electric
incentive rates are another benefit often provided by utilities under
the right circumstances.
"These rates
are based upon specific loads businesses might have," said George
Powell, director of the Kansas City (Kan.) Board of Public Utilities.
"They generally lower the operating cost to a business for a period
of time while the business is in the start-up phase."
And what
might a company be expected to do in return for receiving special
rates?
"The
return to the utility might be term of service, increased load factor
in the system, job creation, or capital investment in the community,"
said Powell. Special incentive rates take on other forms as well.
In Indiana, companies might be elegible for economic development discounts
and other energy-related products and services that can assist with
construction and start-up costs, as offered by Northern Indiana Public
Service Co.
"We can
also provide energy management and other technical assistance to reduce
power costs," said Palmetto's Gassaway.
A
friend in an unfamiliar land
Utility companies
are bright (smart) sources when demographic questions need to be answered.
The partners
in power generally have an extensive history with communities and
can provide hard numbers for critical data requests.
"We can
provide crucial statistics on the local area and we possess knowledge
and information on the local business climate, quality of life, et
cetera," said Becky Wingenroth, director of economic development for
Reading, Pa.,-based GPU.
Another
strong advantage of utility companies is that they are heavily entwined
in a strong network of influential community people. This is good
news for your company.
"A utility
can provide facilitation and networking with critical community, state
and independent parties," said Diane Thalmann, manager of business
development for NIPSCO.
The utility's
cultivation of good relationships means that they can help put your
business face-to-face with the people you need to talk to. In other
words, a utility can help you get results and answers - fast.
Utilities
can also be of service when it comes to work force matters.
"We can
provide information and help on employee training programs and incentives,"
said Karen Davis, economic development representative for Nevada's
Sierra Pacific Power Co. Utility companies can also help jump-start
relationships between businesses and local educational institutions.
"Utilities,
in conjunction with universities, state and local governments, work
to ensure that new companies are welcomed with the full spectrum of
government incentives, as well as an educational system that can meet
their demands for a skilled work force," said Donna Buchheit, manager
of economic development for PPL Utilities in Pennsylvania. "These
partnerships can even establish accredited courses/degrees that are
tailored to meet the technical work force demands of specific industries."
Personal
service
Utilities
often make a great human resource when your company is expanding or
relocating.
"PPL's prospect
team works with companies to assemble an experienced team of professionals
who can act to quickly respond to predictable and unpredictable start-up
issues," said Buchheit.
"In order
to find the best location in the least amount of time, PPL Utilities
works with the customer to structure
the location process
and develop their unique set of location criteria, such as building
size, lot size, future expansion needs, work force skill requirements,
ceiling heights and transportation needs," said Buchheit.
Many utility
companies even provide such services as export assistance.
Columbus,
Ohio,-based American Electric Power Co. has a program called Going
Global. The program helps growing companies survey the export market.
Throughout
this year, the utility is conducting trade missions to Canada, Argentina,
Chile, Brazil, Mexico and the UK.
Interested
companies first submit an application to AEP. Subsequently, the utility
helps businesses create an international marketing plan and assists
in setting up business appointments in the target country.
AEP representatives
will also arrange for translators, market briefings, local transportation
and negotiated hotel rates.
"AEP developed
Going Global to help its customers benefit from international trade,"
said Christine Sorg, AEP's international development manager. "Going
Global is just one more way of reinforcing our commitment to helping
companies within our service area be successful."
Some utility
companies, such as Southern California Edison, provide potentially
energy-saving audits free of charge.
"We can
assist companies on energy conservation and energy management," said
Grant Thomas, communications manager of economic and business development
for Southern California Edison. "We can assess strengths and weaknesses
in a company's energy use."
A
beacon of stability
Let the utility
be your business' lighthouse during your time of transition. While
its energy will fuel your tangible operations, its people power can
fire up your site search and put your business in contact with the
names and faces who can make an impact on your company's success.
—
Rachael Hedgcoth