Site Selectors: The Experts and Consultants Helping to Build the Local Economy from Behind the Scenes

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance | | 10.17.24

Site selectors are vital to company relocation and expansion in nearly every industry. They act as trusted consultants to help companies determine the best locations for their operations.

According to the Site Selectors Guild website: “Behind the majority of corporate location decisions stands a professional site selection consultant who helps the company identify the best location for talent, operating costs, office/plant options, and more.”

As a local economic development organization, Aspire Johnson County is focused on attracting new businesses and investments to the area and increasing project activity with prospective companies.

“Site selectors work with companies to help them identify new locations for expansion or relocation. They analyze communities based on their ability to support their clients' businesses, in areas of workforce, supply chain, ease of doing business, etc.,” said Amanda Rubadue, Aspire's Vice President of Economic Development.

In September, Aspire launched a targeted marketing campaign to increase connections with site selectors and showcase Johnson County’s assets and development potential.

Aspire’s campaign has already led to more than 40 meetings with site selectors, providing valuable insights into what drives project success. According to these conversations, the most important factors include access to a quality labor force, ready sites with utilities in place, and sufficient electricity supply.

“I’m hearing very positive feedback about our location and the type of quality sites we have available from site selectors,” Rubadue added. “I’ve been really encouraged that this campaign and the relationships we’re building will increase project activity and awareness of our communities.”