Dallas-Fort Worth Ranks #3 in National Site Selection Competition

DALLAS/FORT WORTH RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF TOP MARKETS FOR CORPORATE RELOCATION AND EXPANSION

(DALLAS/FORT WORTH – March 3, 2010) – The Dallas/Fort Worth region was recognized today by Site Selection magazine as America’s third-best market for new and expanded corporate facilities in 2009.  The region was measured on corporate recruiting success in a 12-county metropolitan area.

In 2009, 135 qualified companies selected DFW as the site for expansion and/or relocation. Last year, the region landed new and expanded corporate facilities by industry leaders Advanced H2O, Alcon, Cisco, Coaire Corporation, Kohler and Q-Edge, among others.

Site Selection’s annual ranking of top states and metropolitan markets is based on an analysis of new facilities and expansions that demonstrate a capital investment of at least $1 million, creation of 50 or more jobs, and/or the leasing or building of at least 20,000 square feet of new space.

“We proudly accept the bronze medal in this fierce competition,” said David Berzina, economic development executive vice president, Fort Worth Chamber. “For DFW to be on the pedestal with top tier metros New York and Chicago -- and to be the top metro area in Texas and in the entire South -- is a tribute to the region’s economic development team players and to the superior product that we call the Metroplex.”

DFW Region Recognized as One of Top Markets for Relocation, Expansion
 

“Our region’s strengths are consistent year to year, and foster an environment conducive to corporate location and growth.  Add to that the outstanding and cooperative efforts of economic developers throughout our region’s communities, and you’ve got a recipe for success,” said Mike Rosa, economic development vice president, Dallas Regional Chamber.

Among the metropolitan areas with populations over one million people, New York-Newark-Edison, N.Y./N.J./Pa. topped the list for new and expanded corporate facilities for 2009.  The remaining top 10 included:  Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, Ill./Ind./Wis.; Detroit-Warren-Livonia, Mich.; Houston-Baytown-Sugar Land, Tex.; Cincinnati-Middletown, Ohio/Ky./Ind.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, Pa./N.J./Del.; Memphis, Tenn./Miss./Ark.; and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, D.C./Va. and Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, Va. (tied for tenth).

About Site Selection

Conway Data Inc. publishes Site Selection, the oldest publication in the corporate real estate and economic development field, and the official publication of the Industrial Asset Management Council (IAMC).  The magazine’s circulation base consists of 44,000 executives involved in corporate site selection decisions, most at the CEO/President/COO level.

About the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce

The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, with more than 2,200 member businesses, is the largest chamber in the Tarrant County, Tex. area.  The Fort Worth Chamber assumes a leadership role in making Fort Worth, the 17th-largest city in the U.S., an excellent place in which to live, work and do business.  For more information, please contact the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce at (817) 336-2491 or visit http://www.fortworthchamber.com/.

About the Dallas Regional Chamber

The Dallas Regional Chamber is a membership-driven business organization committed to promoting prosperity through sound public policy, focused economic development, member education and engagement.  The Chamber is a not for profit organization committed to the betterment of our region.   Its membership of approximately 2,500 businesses represents over 600,000 employees, all members of the North Texas business community.