America’s Top Sites Help Business Development Get a Running Start

Starting or expanding a business is a daunting task,  particularly for companies that begin from scratch. Even companies with prior knowledge of the complex process of expansion can find roadblocks in the form of new rules, new processes and new technologies. 

To help organizations cut through red tape and get the process moving faster, many regions around the country are offering compelling solutions in the form of pre-approved sites and services that can bring operations online smoothly and quickly. In this section, we’ll examine some of America’s top sites for new and expanding operations. 

Cumberland, Maryland

Some places need hard work to imagine the upside. 

Cumberland, Maryland is not one of them. An in-depth look at the city reveals why companies choose to grow in the region. Cumberland boasts the beauty of the mountains, the community of a smaller city and easy access to Washington D.C., Baltimore and Pittsburgh. It is the best of both worlds without the stress of big city life.

What really sets Cumberland apart is its people. The workforce is trained, motivated and ready. Western Maryland Works, Allegany College of Maryland and Frostburg State University keep talent moving into fields that matter to employers right now. Businesses do not spend months retraining people. They start strong from day one.

Life outside of work is a major advantage, as well. Trails, rivers, live music and a downtown that keeps getting better give teams a good reason to stay. Costs are reasonable and commutes are short. It is the kind of place in which employees actually want to plant roots.

The best part is that organizations need not navigate growth alone. CEDC walks companies through site selection, expansion plans and incentives. The support is real, the access is direct and the results show in rising private investment and new businesses choosing Cumberland. For a location that helps businesses grow and people thrive, Cumberland is an easy decision.

For more information, visit ChooseCumberland.org.

Edinburg, Texas 

Edinburg, Texas is emerging as one of the most competitive locations for business expansion in South Texas. With its balance of infrastructure, workforce and community investment, the city offers practical advantages that matter to decision-makers.

Transportation access is a defining strength. Edinburg sits along I-69C/US 281 with direct connections to Mexico through nearby international bridges. The South Texas International Airport at Edinburg accommodates corporate aircraft and is positioned for expansion, while the planned State Highway 68 will further streamline regional mobility. Industrial and commercial sites are available with the necessary infrastructure to support logistics, manufacturing and distribution projects.

Workforce development is supported by the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, including its School of Medicine and expanding research programs, and also by South Texas College. This pipeline of skilled graduates complements training partnerships and a community anchored by three major hospital systems. Businesses in logistics, healthcare, manufacturing and education already form strong clusters that new companies can leverage.

The City of Edinburg and the Edinburg EDC continue to invest in infrastructure such as new water and sewer systems, ensuring capacity for large-scale operations. Workforce training assistance and small-business support programs provide additional tools for successful projects.

Alongside these advantages, Edinburg offers a welcoming community, cultural amenities and a high quality of life — factors that matter to both companies and their employees. For site selectors, Edinburg represents a location where business and community growth align.

For more information, visit edinburgedc.com. 

Cumberland County, Pennsylvania

With its prime location, multimodal transportation resources and a workforce closely tied to the movement of goods, Cumberland County has become one of the most important logistics hubs in the Mid-Atlantic. As supply chains evolve and companies seek faster, more reliable access to key consumer markets, Cumberland County offers a competitive edge that is increasingly rare: the ability to move products quickly, cost-effectively and with exceptional consistency.

Cumberland County is at the heart of the Northeast transportation network, placing companies within a short drive of many of the country’s largest metros. Businesses are within three hours of Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City and Pittsburgh, and can reach more than 50 percent of the population of the U.S. and Canada within a 10-hour drive. In addition, the region boasts proximity to the five major East Coast ports of Philadelphia, Newark, Baltimore, New York and Newport, which allows businesses to move goods efficiently and cost-effectively. Interstate connections are available via I-81, I-83, I-76 and U.S. 11/15. For manufacturers and logistics operators, this means lower transportation costs, faster fulfillment times and access to critical national and global supply chains.

Cumberland County’s workforce is one of its most compelling strengths. As one of Pennsylvania’s fastest-growing counties, now home to more than 250,000 residents, the area provides a continually growing labor pool supported by extensive workforce development resources designed to meet industry needs.

The region’s workforce development ecosystem enables employers to hire and scale efficiently. PA CareerLink Cumberland County provides employer-employee matching services, training support and assistance with upskilling employees. The Employment Skills Center in Carlisle offers GED preparation, adult basic education and specialized training programs designed around the competencies required in warehousing, transportation and manufacturing.

There are six colleges and universities within the county, along with technical schools and career-training centers, further enhancing the talent pipeline by producing graduates in engineering, business, logistics and skilled trades. Close partnerships between educators and employers allow for customized training solutions that adapt to industry needs. For businesses, this means shorter hiring timelines, lower turnover and long-term workforce stability.

For more information, contact the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC) at cumberlandbusiness.com

Gilbert, Arizona

Gilbert, Arizona continues to solidify its reputation as one of the strongest economic performers in the U.S. Recently ranked first among mid-sized U.S. cities by CoworkingCafe.com, Gilbert’s impressive growth from 2019 to the present spans 11 key economic indicators, including GDP expansion, job creation, housing development, export strength and infrastructure investment. 

This recognition underscores Gilbert’s emergence as a magnet for innovation, talent and enterprise. Gilbert also benefits from its proximity to a thriving hub of emerging technologies. One of Gilbert’s most compelling assets is its highly educated population. Nearly half (49.7 percent) of residents aged 25 and older hold at least a bachelor’s degree, well above the national average of 37.2 percent. 

“Our diverse economy, educated workforce and strategic infrastructure investments will continue to position Gilbert as one of Arizona’s premier destinations for entrepreneurship and innovation,” said Dan Henderson, Director of Economic Development for the Town of Gilbert.

That vision is being realized through transformative projects such as The Ranch, a 300-acre mixed-use development which will deliver three million square feet of new industrial employment space. Additionally, revitalization efforts in Northwest Gilbert’s employment corridor and the Heritage District are breathing new life into key commercial zones. From Fortune 500 firms to cutting-edge startups, world-class companies are choosing Gilbert — and it’s easy to see why. 

For more information, visit GilbertEDI.com.

Goochland County, Virginia

West Creek Business Park is a premier location for businesses seeking innovation and opportunity. Spanning over 3,500 of meticulously planned acres in central Virginia, this dynamic business park offers seamless access to I-64 and Route 288, enabling businesses to reach I-95 and Richmond in minutes and connect with 60 percent of the U.S. population effortlessly. Its state-of-the-art infrastructure and amenities provide businesses with everything they need to thrive.

Highlighted properties include the Water’s Edge Building, a former Federal Reserve campus with more than 200,000 square feet of Class A office space. This modern, well-maintained facility supports an engaging workplace culture and features cutting-edge systems to meet diverse business needs. Situated on 28 acres, it also offers room for expansion. This site is perfect for corporations looking for a turnkey. 

The Markel Site, a 227-acre industrial-zoned property, is ideal for large-scale manufacturing operations. Conveniently located off Route 288, it provides easy access to major transportation networks.

West Creek Business Park reflects Goochland County’s broader appeal as a place to work, live and play. With top-ranked schools, vibrant community events and breathtaking natural landscapes, Goochland offers exceptional quality of life. Choosing West Creek means investing in a thriving business environment and a remarkable lifestyle. It’s more than a location; it’s a launching pad for growth and success.

Visit www.goochlandforbusiness.com for more information.

Rome, Georgia

Rome, Georgia and Floyd County merit serious consideration by executive site selectors due to the region’s strategic location, robust workforce development and cost-efficient incentive structure. Situated within a 75-mile radius of Atlanta, Chattanooga and Birmingham, the region offers excellent access to major industrial and consumer markets. 

From a labor standpoint, Rome-Floyd is backed by five colleges, one technical college, two college and career academies and a strong K-12 pipeline, enabling customized training in collaboration with local technical institutions — a capability repeatedly leveraged in partnership with industrial prospects. The region has a proven track record of capital investment, with more than $2 billion in capital investment in the past five years and the creation of 1,248 jobs.

On the incentive front, packages include but are not limited to Payment in Lieu of Tax (PILOT) Agreements, streamlined permitting, infrastructure assistance, competitive pricing on publicly held land and business-friendly community leadership.

In terms of industrial clusters, the area is diversified: advanced manufacturing (automotive parts, mobility), data centers, healthcare and food processing are already established. Major companies such as International Paper, Pirelli, Toyo, Microsoft, Ball Corporation and Summit Hill Foods, among others, continue to expand.

Quality of life is a practical factor too. Rome offers outdoor assets — three rivers, seven hills, a vibrant downtown area and an extensive trail network — plus access to quality healthcare, making it easier to attract and retain talent. 

For more information, contact Spencer Hogg at 762-413-7783 or visit developromefloyd.com.

Seward County, Kansas

Located at the intersection of two federal highways that span more than 1,000 miles in each direction is the community of Liberal, Kansas. Each day, more than 2,000 trucks and 5,000 passenger vehicles carry freight and people from companies and cities to destinations across the country and the globe. The region is served by the Union Pacific Railroad, and the airport offers daily jet service to and from Denver. The area’s economy is built on two components: the oil and gas industry and the agriculture industry. 

While the region’s history has the first well drilled in the Hugoton Natural Gas Embayment and the area is known for crude oil, helium extraction and the state’s largest ethanol production plant, its future includes announced projects in renewable natural gas, sustainable jet fuel, wind and solar generation and green hydrogen production. Within five years, the region will be generating every form of power outside of hydro-electric, nuclear and coal. 

Liberal’s value-added agricultural economy is anchored by meat-processing, ethanol production and two local dairies. National Beef has completed the largest fabrication floor of its kind in the world, which became fully operational at the end of 2024.

The success of the community and these industries is due to a supportive local government, a community college committed to partnering with industries to provide the certifications and training they specifically need and a growing workforce of young people who want to live and work in southwest Kansas.

Visit www.swks.org for more information.

Southern Illinois

Southern Illinois delivers what companies value most: strategic location, cost efficiency and speed-to-market to maximize profit. At Illinois’ southernmost tip, Southern Illinois Now’s (SI Now) 17-county region is at the heart of the nation’s transportation network. With eight major metros within five hours including St. Louis, Indianapolis, Memphis, Nashville and Chicago; 80 percent of the U.S. population within a two-day trucking distance; five Class I railroads; Mississippi and Ohio River access and 45-minute jet service to Chicago O’Hare, its R4 Advantage (rivers, rails, roads and runways) offers seamless access to national and global markets.

Illinois has prioritized site readiness through infrastructure investments and its Vetted Sites Program, certifying locations that meet stringent standards for utilities, transportation and environmental compliance. The SI Now region includes five vetted sites with more in the pipeline to minimize risk and accelerate timelines. Collaborations with education and workforce partners including Research 1 Southern Illinois University Carbondale, five community colleges and numerous trade programs ensure highly skilled talent aligned with industry demands.

With its central U.S. location, strong transportation networks and experienced workforce, companies gain a competitive advantage while families enjoy a lower cost of living, scenic landscapes and a hometown feel. It’s a strategic choice for business and a great place to call home. 

Learn more at southernillinoisnow.org.

Texarkana, Texas

Texarkana’s TexAmericas Center offers site selectors a logistics- and energy-ready environment designed to support projects that prioritize reliable infrastructure and speed-to-occupancy. 

Located on the Texas side of the Texarkana MSA, the 12,000-acre industrial park sits at the intersection of Interstate 30, Interstate 49 and Interstate 369, with direct access to the Union Pacific railroad and proximity to regional and international cargo airports. This combination provides consistent freight movement for manufacturing, data operations and supply chain projects.

The industrial park’s extensive rail system, existing industrial buildings and development-ready sites help shorten construction timelines and reduce project risk. The region has an established base of logistics, defense and advanced manufacturing employers supported by a skilled workforce.

Power is often one of the most important factors for site selection. TexAmericas Center’s agreement with Outlier Energy gives companies a second path to electricity that works alongside the incumbent public utility. 

Outlier Energy can size and schedule onsite power generation to match each customer’s needs, including projects that require tens or hundreds of megawatts or combined heat and power. Outlier uses a range of technologies, such as turbines, reciprocating engines, microturbines and fuel cells. Its modular approach creates reliable, cost competitive, data center-grade power that can be deployed on faster timelines.

With a stable Texas business climate and flexible development environment, TexAmericas Center provides a practical location for complex projects that depend on logistics access and secure energy availability.

For more information, visit texamericascenter.com. 

Thomaston-Upson County, Georgia

Thomaston-Upson County, Georgia is a thriving community that blends a skilled workforce with exceptional infrastructure, making it a prime location for businesses and residents alike. 

Positioned as a regional center of commerce, this vibrant area benefits from a unified group of economic development partners committed to fostering growth. Thomaston-Upson offers incentives designed to support new and expanding industries, and its abundance of available industrial acreage in the Central Georgia Business & Technology Park ensures room for future development.

A key strength of Thomaston-Upson County is its diverse industry offerings, particularly in advanced manufacturing, which is well-supported by a highly skilled local and regional workforce. The presence of Upson Regional Medical Center adds to the area’s appeal, ensuring quality healthcare services for residents and employees. Conveniently located within a one-hour drive from Atlanta, Macon and Columbus, the county is also served by a 6,350-foot runway at the regional airport, with four corporate hangars.

The county’s infrastructure is robust, ensuring efficient logistics and connectivity. For outdoor enthusiasts, Thomaston-Upson is a true paradise, with Sprewell Bluff Park and the picturesque Flint River bordering the entire western portion of the county, offering countless opportunities for recreation and adventure. 

Whether you’re looking to invest in business or enjoy the natural beauty, Thomaston-Upson is a dynamic community that offers both growth and quality of life.

Visit upsoncountyga.org for more information. T&ID