1. Solving Challenges Others Cannot Economic Development Trends Christopher D. Lloyd March 23, 2008

2. Trends Overview Corporate trends Policy trends

3. Corporate Trends Increasing internal competition for capital investment funds Shorter timeframes for corporate decision making Acceleration of project development Devaluation of tax credits

4. Corporate Trends More attention to long-term project costs (especially property taxes) Increased use of internal training resources Increased use of out-of-town contractors and project managers

5. Corporate Trends Increased attention to DMBE contracting Workforce diversity Desire flexibility in performance agreements for market fluctuations Increasing importance of infrastructure incentives

6. Corporate Trends Commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability Rational and uniform environmental laws Sinking U.S. dollar is spurring corporate investment by foreign companies Focus on energy costs

7. Policy Trends Shrinking budgets (real and nominal) Increasingly complex incentives – consultant job security Performance based incentives (grants) instead of tax credits “Ombudsman” initiatives

8. Policy Trends Increasing flexibility in use of training funds/delivery platforms More local incentives Site certification

9. Perceptions of North Carolina – The Good Strong ability to put lots of money on the table Strong pro-business climate Right to work and proud of it! Supportive local governments Excellent post-secondary education

10. Perceptions of North Carolina – The Bad Aging and crumbling transportation infrastructure Weak international connections (ports and airports) Tax burden increasing Incentives litigation

11. Perceptions of North Carolina – Issues to Watch Energy policy and politics Environmental policy and politics Impact of BRAC Impact of immigration Rural North Carolina – the Have Nots

12. THE END Business Expansion Services | Constituency Development | Economic Development | Federal Budgeting and Contracting Advice | Federal Legislative Assistance | Grassroots Contact Program | Issue Advocacy | PAC Consulting | Public Infrastructure Finance | Public- Private Partnerships | Referendum Campaigns | State Government Relations ATLANTA BUCHAREST CHICAGO SPRINGFIELD RALEIGH RICHMOND TYSONS CORNER WASHINGTON, D.C. www.mcguirewoodsconsulting.com