News You Can Use

The Most Affordable Place to Do Business in the US . . .

by David Blanchard at http://forums.industryweek.com/showthread.php?t=1663

According to a study conducted by global professional services firm KPMG, the most affordable city to conduct business in the United States isn't actually in the United States. Before I confuse you too much, the number one city on their list is San Juan, Puerto Rico.

KPMG's Competitive Alternatives study compares the cost of doing business in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific, taking into consideration more than two dozen financial components, including transportation, personnel, facilities, and capital requirements. For the United States, cities are ranked by region and population size, and from that group San Juan has the overall lowest costs among all 59 U.S. cities included in the study. With its unique tax structure and low labor and office leasing costs, San Juan ranked above other competitive locations like Atlanta, Tampa, Dallas-Fort Worth and Baltimore.

For industry results, San Juan ranked as the least-expensive city in North America for the manufacturing of aerospace products, chemicals, electronics, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, precision equipment and telecommunications. San Juan is also the most economical location in the United States for research in biotechnology, product testing, and the most affordable in all of North America for the development of clinical trials, software, Web and multimedia, and corporate services.

Here's the Top 10 breakdown:

1. San Juan, PR
2. Shreveport, LA
3. Little Rock, AR
4. McAllen, TX
5. Oklahoma City, OK
6. Greenville-Spartanburg, SC
7. Montgomery, AL
8. Lexington, KY
9. Jackson, MS
10. Nashville, TN

A glance at the list of U.S. cities reveals that every city in the Top 10 is located in a warm weather climate, which are also cities where the cost of labor tends to be much less expensive than in other parts of the country, and where labor unions have far less of a footprint than in the Midwest and Northeast. Not surprisingly, then, on a global comparison, five cities in Mexico finished 1-5 worldwide in terms of low-cost manufacturing (Japan was the only Asian country included in the study).

 

Where are we headed . . . ?

Here are two good articles on where we might be heading with our economy. There’s some good news and some speculation, and all with a dose of reality that we may have to endure some distasteful medicine to get back on track.

http://www.schwabinsights.com/2008_06/strategy.html

http://www.schwabinsights.com/2008_06/sectors.html

 

The Murder of U.S. Manufacturing

For a thought-provoking article on the fate of U.S. manufacturing, click on the following link:

http://www.prudentbear.com/index.php/archive_menu?art_id=5088

 

Special Editions of Dr. Yandle's Economic Situation Report are available

The June 2008 Economic Situation Report by Dr. Bruce Yandle is available by clicking on the following link:

http://www.strom.clemson.edu/teams/ced/esr/ESR_June_2008.pdf

Here's a preview of the contents:

 Bananas...uh, Recessions, that is???

 Looking at a mixed bag of data

 Oil and gas: When will it end?

 The 4-Ds one more time

 Want to be an angel investor?

 South Carolina Digest

 

The Economic Situation Report for March 2008 by Dr. Bruce Yandle is available by clicking on either of the following links:

http://www.strom.clemson.edu/teams/ced/esr/ESR_March_2008.pdf

http://www.strom.clemson.edu/teams/ced/esr.html

 

A Special (January 2008) Edition of the Economic Situation Report by Dr. Bruce Yandle is also available. Click on either of the following links:

http://www.strom.clemson.edu/teams/ced/esr/january2008.pdf

http://www.strom.clemson.edu/teams/ced/esr.html

 

InnoVision Technology Forum

Whether you are a start-up company or an established business in South Carolina, finding the right funding for innovation can be challenging.  This panel discussion is designed to provide insight into the perceptions and expectations of funding sources from angel investors to private equity.  Whether you are looking for start-up capital or funding for new product lines or markets, our panelists will provide you with valuable information for you to consider. Join us for an afternoon and listen to panelists discuss what their organizations are looking for.  You will also have the opportunity to ask the panel questions concerning your specific needs.

When:    Thursday, July 17, 2008
             3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where:   The Hilton Hotel at 45 W. Orchard Park in Greenville, SC

Networking session and cocktail reception from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

RSVP to Juli Bradley by email: jabradley@mcnair.net or by phone: (864) 552-9362

 

If we can ever help you in any way, feel free to give us a call. Have a great day!

Gary Tompkins
President
The Kidder Group, Inc.
217 East Stone Ave., Suite #5
Phone: 864-271-8880
e-mail: gary@thekiddergroup.com
website: www.TheKidderGroup.com

 

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