Site Selection magazine has selected its 2015 Top Utilities in Economic Development, and NPPD earned Honorable Mention for its commendable efforts and for strides made in the area of economic development. In fact, the District was one of just three public power utilities (out of 20 total) to earn a Site Selection award.
Utilities were chosen based on the following mix of objective and subjective criteria:
- Analysis of corporate end-user project activity in 2014 in that company’s territory based on the Conway Data New Plant Database and submitted materials from utilities
- Website tools and data
- Innovative programs and incentives for business, including energy efficiency and renewable energy programs
- The utility’s own job-creating infrastructure and facility investment trends
“The award also takes into consideration overall corporate initiatives which, in our case, would include our economic development incentive rate and the arrangement with BD to help them meet corporate renewable energy goals,” said CGO Economic Development Manager Rick Nelsen.
“This recognition is a reflection of the work our team does to support our communities, not only in business attraction but in retention and expansion and the ‘behind the scenes’ services we provide,” Nelsen said. “It is obvious Site Selection took notice of the work NPPD does in these areas, as well as our revamped website. All of NPPD should be proud to earn this award.”
“This year’s Top Utilities are the class of their field when it comes to economic development teamwork,” says Adam Bruns, Site Selection managing editor. “Like the best athletic teams, they know how to look for the open opportunity, turn on a dime when circumstances require it, communicate with teammates and move without the ball so they’re ready when the time comes to close the deal.”
The winning utilities, in alphabetical order, are: ComEd (Exelon), Chicago, Ill.; Dominion Virginia Power, Richmond, Va.; Duke Energy, Charlotte, N.C.; Entergy, New Orleans, La.; FirstEnergy, Akron, Ohio; Florida Power & Light, Juno Beach, Fla.; Georgia Power, Atlanta, Ga.; Hoosier Energy, Bloomington, Ind.; South Carolina Power Team, Columbia, S.C.; and Tennessee Valley Authority, Nashville, Tenn.
Those qualifying for Honorable Mention include: Alabama Power, Birmingham, Ala.; Ameren, St. Louis, Mo.; American Electric Power, Columbus, Ohio; Black Hills Corp., Rapid City, S.D.; KCP&L, Kansas City, Mo.; LG&E-Kentucky Utilities, Louisville, Ky.; Mississippi Power, Gulfport, Miss.; Nebraska Public Power District, Columbus, Neb.; PG&E, San Francisco, Calif.; and Southern California Edison, Rosemead, Calif.
“I especially want to thank and congratulate my teammates within the Economic Development Team for their efforts to make this happen,” said Nelsen. “They truly care for the communities and customers we serve, take pride in seeing them be successful, and don’t look for recognition. It is nice when someone from the outside takes notice, especially a trade publication who truly understands challenges involved in economic development.”
“Utilities play a key role as participants in the economic development efforts of cities, regions and all areas working to improve their local business climate,” says Mark Arend, Site Selection editor in chief. “This year’s Top Utilities were particularly successful in this endeavor in 2014.”
View Site Selection’s entire article on its top utilities online.