Welcome to Limestone County Economic Development Association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 9, 2007

First Alabama Industrial Site Certified by McCallum Sweeney Consulting

Limestone County Economic Development Association (LCEDA) officials announced today that a 2,010-acre industrial site in the county is now a certified megasite, a large industrial property suitable for major automotive manufacturing.

The property, known as the Limestone County, Alabama I-65 Megasite, was certified by McCallum Sweeney Consulting (MSC) of Greenville, S.C., an independent firm commissioned by TVA to review proposed megasites throughout the Tennessee Valley.

This industrial site is the first property certified as a megasite in Alabama and is located on Interstate 65 at mile marker 346 near Athens in North Alabama.

“This certification is the culmination of an extensive three-year effort by the Limestone County community,” said LCEDA President Tom Hill. “McCallum Sweeney Consulting’s recognition means this site meets all the criteria that a major automotive manufacturer would require. It will put our county on the map as being ready when automotive manufacturers seek new locations in the Southeast U.S.”

The megasite certification program was launched throughout the Tennessee Valley in March 2004 in response to a growing need for large industrial properties appropriate for automotive manufacturing facilities. Several major manufacturers may locate additional automotive plants in the Southeast during the next decade. Based on its expertise as a site consultant for the automotive industry, MSC was selected by TVA as an independent source to evaluate sites submitted by local communities across the region.

“North Alabama has always been an outstanding place to do business,” said U.S. Representative Bud Cramer of Alabama’s 5th Congressional District. “Having a megasite will make our area even more attractive for major employers to locate here.”

Among the characteristics necessary for megasite certification are available land with at least 700-1,000 contiguous developable acreage, access to interstate and rail transportation, utilities and access to an adequate labor force.

"Having a certified megasite ready for development in Limestone County along with access to affordable, reliable power gives the North Alabama region an advantage in recruiting new automotive assembly plants or related industries," said TVA President and CEO Tom Kilgore. "TVA will support our customers, the local community, and regional and state economic development partners as they pursue opportunities for the megasite."

According to Ed McCallum, Senior Principal of McCallum Sweeney Consulting, companies, especially in the automotive industry, are under tremendous market pressures to make site decisions and start up new facilities at a record-breaking pace.

“We are very pleased that the Limestone County, Alabama I-65 site is ready to meet the stringent demands of an automotive assembly plant,” McCallum said.

Neal Wade, Director of the Alabama Development Office also emphasized the importance of the certification in competing for new economic development projects.

“One of the most important roles of local governments and their development agencies is providing quality products – sites and buildings – that are ready for prospective industry,” Wade said. “Certification of this site is a major step toward competing for future projects.”

The Limestone County Economic Development Association creates jobs in the community by recruiting new business and industry, and by assisting in the expansion of existing industries. Membership is open to any individual, firm or corporation interested in the economic development of Limestone County. Funding for Limestone County Economic Development Association is provided by the Limestone County Commission, The City of Athens, local municipalities, The Athens Limestone Chamber of Commerce, local utilities, and through support of its members.

To learn more about the Limestone County, Alabama I-65 Megasite, see www.TVAsites.com or www.LCEDA.com or contact Tom Hill at LCEDA.

Media Contact:

Tom Hill, President, Limestone County Economic Development Association
(256) 232-2386 E-mail: tomhill@LCEDA.com