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Shovel-Ready Program Overview Page 1 of 5 SHARE This DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Shovel-Ready Program Overview The competition between communities nationwide to attract business startups,expansions and relocations(and jobs and tax base they bring with them)has never been more fierce. Communities everywhere are looking for something that makes them standout from the pack.Certified shovel-ready sites can give your community that competitive edge. What Is a Shovel-Ready Site? Benefits How Site Selectors Choose a Location How Site Selectors Choose a Location Location selection takes on different approaches depending on the situation and the experience of the project team.However,in the end it is a process of elimination that takes place in two phases, The process begins with either an initial list of preferred locations or specific criteria for which to build a list. Location lists are frequently based on counties for manufacturing and distribution projects and on cities (metropolitan statistical areas or MSA's)for headquarters,back office and R&D projects.The county-level analysis allows for more defined geography that can be better differentiated(e.g.,locations near lnterstates). It is important to note that the local economic development agencies are usually riot contacted until Phase it For site visits unless the project team does not have experience in data collection.Also note that real estate-related Information is required at several points in the process. When making real estate decisions,many companies will first seek the availability of existing buildingstunless the building they need is highly specialized)and then consider potential sites lin an attempt to reduce startup time, minimize risks and reduce cost. Selection Process PHASE ONE OF THE SELECTION PROCESS Step One Initial Discussion with Search Team to Define Key Selection Criteria Step Two Screen Locations and Profile top Candidates This step,consisting of three different screenings,is the point in the selection process where local real estate options-are considered. This first screening is by geographic preferences,which are driven by logistics or other business considerations. Next they screen by industry presence,which is an Indicator for determining the presence of certain skills or industry cluster. The third screening is for resource availability,which considers the following factors: • Demographic profile(population,growth rates,education levels,etc.) • Transportation access(air,Interstate,rail and port depending on operation) • Workforce(quantity/quality of available skills) • Education and training resources http://mn.gov/deed/governmentishovel-ready/program-•overview/ 6/10/2014