Midland's been recognized once again for its business-friendly attitude, this time by
Business Facilities magazine, a national site selection magazine.
Midland was ranked in the top 10 nationally by the magazine for its economic growth and new manufacturing. Specifically, the Midland area was ranked third in the magazine's list of Top 10 Metro Areas in the nation for economic growth potential in an area with less than 200,000 residents. First place was Panama City, Fla. and Manhattan, Kan.
Midland also took third place in the Top 10 Alternative Energy Industry Leaders. First place in that category was Tucson, Ariz. and Albuquerque, N.M. Midland's growing alternative energy industry also helped Michigan land in third place in the Top 10 states for alternative energy ranked by the magazine.
"Over the last several years, Midland, Michigan has become a hotbed for alternative energy manufacturing," says Scott Walker, CEO of Midland Tomorrow, which is the economic development organization for the Midland area. He lists several entrepreneurial businesses in the alternative energy industry, like Midland Solar Applications, Fulcrum Composites, Kinetic Wave Power, Advanced Battery Concepts, and Point Hope Energy.
The Dow Chemical Company and Dow Corning Corporation also are headquartered in Midland, both of which are international chemical companies that are making strides in alternative energy applications. Hemlock Semiconductor is another major company in the area that is active in alternative energy projects, and Midland developers have been seeking and encouraging alternative energy industry in the region
The rankings in
Business Facilities were determined by recently announced projects, strategic development, state incentives, and growth potential, among other criteria and statistics. The full rankings can be found
online.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Scott Walker, Midland Tomorrow
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