While the Internet provides a speedy way for collecting data that used to come in the form of paper, paper and more paper, pinpointing key Web sites is not always as speedy. But we are here to help. Consider this article your own personal cheat-sheet when it comes to getting a good start on finding the best sites for site location data.

Our encyberpedia begins with an overview, and then is organized alphabetically, just like the Encyclopedia Britannica you grew up with.

An Overview

www.expansionmanagement.com - Always a great starting point as you embark upon your cyber journey of virtual sites. Access the article archives of Expansion Management Magazine as well as a directory of economic development contacts.

www.iwgc.com/ - Keep up with manufacturing trends, news and hot topics on Industry Week's Web site.

Demographic data

www.census.gov - The U.S. Census Bureau site offers a wealth of comparative data on national and local levels. From construction activity to population estimates, homeownership to education statistics, you can spend hours unearthing information on people, business and geography, as well as economic indicators and projections.

www.nahb.com/facts/hoi/2001_Q2/complete_alpha.html - Want to know what percentage of a city's population can afford to buy a home at that city's median home price? The National Association of Home Builders' "Housing Affordability Index" will provide you with that valuable information. This page presents the 2nd Quarter 2001 index, with cities listed in alphabetical order.

www.census.gov/statab/ranks/rank14.txt-Visit this Census Bureau page for state-by-state personal income per capita averages.

Economic data

www.economy.com/dismal - Once you become a subscriber to Economy.com's Dismal Scientist site, you will have access to comprehensive and timely analysis, data, tools, and other features designed to keep you informed regarding the world economy.

www.bea.gov - Get an up-to-date picture of the U.S. economy with the Bureau of Economic Analysis' statistics. The site is comprised of key national, regional, industry and international economic data critical to business investment plans.

www.econdata.net - For a convenient and comprehensive treasury of socioeconomic data, visit the Economic Development Administration-sponsored EconData.net. Check out their listing of "Ten Best Sites."

www.fedstats.gov - This site is a virtual reference shelf for anyone seeking links to over 100 federal agencies.

Labor Force

www.bls.gov/ - The Bureau of Labor Statistics site is a must-visit address on any virtual site location quest. The BLS is the authority on monthly, quarterly and annual employment, unemployment and wage data.

stats.bls.gov/news.release/laus.t03.html - Get a glimpse of the current unemployment and employment figures around the country. This Bureau of Labor Statistics page provides seasonally adjusted rates for states and selected metros.

www.dol.gov - Search by topic on the Department of Labor's site for labor-related information on wages, workers' compensation, laws and regulations and unemployment insurance. The site is a gold mine of work force statistics and research.

Real estate

www.commpronet.com - Get a snapshot of commercial real estate, residential lots, subdivisions, and business opportunities in the New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Rhode Island area on CommPro Network's Web site. Search listings by county, property and price.

www.loopnet.com - Make LoopNet your virtual personal real estate broker. This real estate site has free commercial property listings and extensive market coverage. LoopNet members can list, search, market and finance commercial real estate properties over the Internet.

Search Assistants

www.ecodevdirectory.com - This helpful site is a one-stop-shop for links to consultants and economic development agencies around the world. This directory provides thousands of Web sites in the United States, Canada and most Latin American, European and Asian countries.

www.hoovers.com -- If you're looking for a quick profile on a company, this is the site to go to first. You can search information by company name, ticker, or key word as well as by executive name, just to name a few choices. The site showcases a wealth of other comprehensive company, industry, and market information.

www.callcentersites.net -- Updated daily, CallCenterSites.net is the premier keeper of information on call centers, contact centers, customer service centers, data centers and back office locations worldwide. Categories include site selection, economic development, available buildings, and recent industry news.

State & Local Information

www.southernidaho.org/ - Get to know a community via its Web site. Many community organizations, such as Southern Idaho Economic Development, showcase local and regional information on local statistics, major employers, business costs and training and support programs.

www.thinkkentucky.com - When you can't be there in person, a state's Web site can be the next best thing when you need information fast. Kentucky's newly redesigned Web site has links to a site and building database, business location, international trade, small and minority businesses, and trade shows, among a host of other features.

www.locate.ca.gov - Within the California Technology, Trade & Commerce Agency's Web site, you will find the California Location Handbook. It's in a printable format and covers the state under 10 sections including regional data, quality of life, and permitting. The site links back to the Trade & Commerce page as well.

Site consultants

www.lasconsulting.com - There are a host of site selection experts out there to help with your project. New Jersey-based Location Advisory Services, headed up by Saul Grohs and Ronald Ruberg, is an independent management consulting firm specializing in business location and relocation, site selection and other location-related issues.

www.jmmullis.com - Benefits such as objectivity, anonymity and negotiating assistance come with the territory when you enlist the help of professional location experts. J.M. Mullis, Inc., located in Tennessee, works with numerous projects including headquarters, manufacturing, R&D and teleservices operations, to name a few.

Taxes

www.taxadmin.org/fta/rate/ind_inc.html -Want to check out local and state tax information about a particular state or states? The Federation of Tax Administrators Web Site will provide you with details on corporate and individual state income tax rates for each of the 50 states, as well as information such as state and local retail sales taxes. Information is current as of January 1, 2002.

Utilities

www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/electricity/page/restructure.html - Still mystified by the electric restructuring and deregulation scenario? Get enlightened here. With the help of the Energy Information Administration, you can get educated on the ongoing status of deregulation in each state. Read about industry forecasts, current federal restructuring legislation, and access links to related sites.

www.aep.com - Utility companies are important partners in the site selection process. Most utilities, such as American Electric Power, for example, have extensive Web sites featuring energy service information, service territories and electric deregulation information.

www.pplweb.com/delivering_energy/a/econdev/index.html - Some utilities, like PP&L, offer rates and tariff information on their Web sites. Growing companies can also browse available real estate on PPL's site by using its online Available Property Locator database.

Worldwide

www.embassy.org/embassies - If you are setting your business sights overseas, embassies are a great initial source of assistance. The Electronic Embassy provides all the contact information you need for the embassies in Washington, D.C., in a quick index format.

Of course the above Web addresses represent only a sampling of the Web sites available in the highlighted categories. There are countless more site selection sources you can find on the Web. A vast amount of helpful information is just floating out there in cyberspace; yours for the asking.

As you continue your online data collection activities, remember that you must use good judgement and common sense. Do not take everything you read at face value. Check to see if sites are regularly updated. And keep in mind that data can change rapidly, while the Web site may not reflect up-to-the-minute changes.

Of course, nothing takes the place of face-to-face contact, but Web sites can get you well on the way to obtaining the answers you seek.