Economic Development

Whether you’re the newest member of the firm’s expansion team or director of the company’s real estate division, the challenge of siting a new facility can be a daunting task. All too often the difference between a successful move and a costly mistake can depend on an awareness of a seemingly innocuous environmental regulation, or knowledge of a city council’s slow-growth policy, or familiarity with the state’s plans to reduce funding for incentives and infrastructure. What’s more, the most critical information probably isn’t in writing at all…it’s most likely an inherent understanding of the political landscape, the position of state and local decision makers or the attitudes of community leaders towards business. Even the most basic search is affected by a multitude of constituencies and factors – some within the government, some within the law and some within the private sector – yet the impact of each is unique depending on the state or locality. Timely, unfettered access to critical information – be it in writing or not -- can have a dramatic effect on the company’s risks, as well as opportunities associated with a corporate move. But where should a company turn for this kind of local knowledge and insight? Relocation consultants are part of the answer, as are the state’s commerce department and local developers. But to ensure that little is left to chance, timely advice from local professionals can be decisive.

At Womble Carlyle we have assembled an Economic Development team of attorneys, financial and tax experts and public affairs professionals to help clients navigate these hazardous waters. Integrated into the depth and breadth of the team is North Carolina’s only four-term governor, a former chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, a former state senator, an advisor to the state’s Economic Development Board, a member of the Commerce Department’s Senior Advisory Council, several members of regional economic development partnerships in addition to numerous members of local chambers of commerce. As members of one of the Southeast’s largest law firms, this group understands the complexities of the site selection process, has a thorough working knowledge of siting procedures on the state, county and local level, and has established operational relationships over the years with many of the decision-makers that could be key to accomplishing the immediate, as well as the long term objectives of your company’s search.

Whether it’s a confidential question about a specific issue or policy or whether it’s an active role in concert with the overall search, the Womble team is prepared to respond to all scenarios. Either way, you should give us a call. After all, the success of your company’s expansion is our mutual objective.