10/16/2008
Angelou Economics Officials Present “Project Epsilon”Site Evaluation Findings and Recommendations for Potential Data Center Sites in East Central Indiana
Muncie, IN – Danny Klingler, Steve Vierck and Jeremy Zaborowski, professional site consultants from AngelouEconomics in Austin, TX released their findings and recommendations at a public presentation, October 8th in the HorizonCenter in Muncie, summarizing the evaluations of area sites as to marketability for possible data center development. Economic development officials from the 10-county Energize-ECI area had an opportunity to submit profiles of local sites they thought might be appropriate for development of a data center.
In May, 2008, Energize-ECI, Inc. hired AngelouEconomics to conduct a comprehensive review of the region’s strengths and assets for attracting data centers. Dubbed “Project Epsilon,” the engagement included three components, each designed to utilize AngelouEconomics’ site selection expertise to identity the region’s potential to capturedata center investment. This important economic development project was coordinated by Energize-ECI, Inc. and funded by an IEDC Regional Partnership Grant from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and regional partners including: Duke Energy; Indiana Michigan Electric, Wabash Valley Power and local economic development corporations from East Central Indiana.
Data centers are mission critical facilities that house computer servers and equipment and serve as the backbone of companies’ IT operations. Due to changes in federal regulations, advances in technology, and the rapid rise of the internet, companies have begun aggressively building stand-alone data centers to prevent critical IT functions, leading to an explosion of data center construction across the country. Many of these facilities have chosen to locate outside major metropolitan areas in small cities and rural communities in order to take advantage of access to cheap electricity used to power their “server farms.” Consequently, many smaller communities are seeing an influx of data centers bringing high-paying technology jobs, large capital investments, and a “Fortune 500” presence to town.
“Project Epsilon” Evaluation Process
Phase I - Competitive AssessmentInitially, AngelouEconomics examined the East Central Indiana region as a whole, comparing its performance in key areas of importance to data centers with the performance of other regions that have demonstrated success in recruiting these facilities. Extensive regional data was collected and analyzed in areas such as power costs, workforce, natural disaster risk, taxes, fiber availability, and incentives. The analysis revealed ECI’s overall regional strengths, capacity to satisfy key data center criteria, and ability to compete with other regions for data center investment.
Phase II - Reverse Site SelectionIn Phase II, AngelouEconomics submitted an RFI requesting information on specific sites in the ECI region with potential to serve data centers. In response, Energize-ECI, Inc. and its member communities submitted extensive information on 15 sites. AngelouEconomics reviewed the submitted sites and narrowed them down to 4 finalists sites with the greatest potential to satisfy the needs of data centers.
Phase III – Site Feasibility AnalysisFinally, AngelouEconomics traveled to ECI to conduct site visits to the 4 finalist sites, visiting each site individually and meeting with appropriate representatives of government, utilities, and economic development. Detailed information was gathered on the specific strengths and weaknesses of each site, allowing for a final determination of site competitiveness and approval for data centers.
Conclusions and RecommendationsThe Data Center Assessment for the Energize-ECI, Inc. 10-county economic development partnership for East Central Indiana led to the following conclusions:
- AngelouEconomics views the ECI region as a strong, competitive region for data centers, and recommends that the regional attraction efforts focus on data centers as a target industry
- The Orchard Park West site in Anderson
is highly recommended for data centers
- The Industria Centre site in Muncie; the Trout Farm site in Marion; and the Midwest Industrial Park site in Richmond are conditionally recommended for data centers
E. Roy Budd, Executive Director of Energize-ECI, Inc., added, “This project with AngelouEconomics gives East Central Indiana an opportunity to compete for data centers and technology industry projects on a national and international scale.. This is confirmed by the fact that AngelouEconomics is a proven leader in the site selection business and they have positioned our region in a favorable way to compete for data center projects.”
AngelouEconomics is a respected global expert in technology-based economic development planning, specializing in creating strategies for communities seeking high impact development. Since its founding in 1995, the firm has consulted with more than 100 companies and communities around the world, providing technology-based economic development strategic planning; real estate services; site analysis; industry cluster analysis and technology industry research; workforce assessments; entrepreneurial strategies and R&D assessments; economic impact studies; and site selection services. AE has quickly become the largest full-service independent economic development consulting firm in the United States.
Energize-ECI is a public/private partnership providing pro-active services and programs to encourage new business investment in East Central Indiana. Energize-ECI acts as a single point of contact for promoting the many advantages of operating a business in the region, collects and cultivates leads and assists individuals, site consultants and companies researching the area. Energize-ECI answers inquiries regarding sites, buildings and regional information, then directs leads to the appropriate local economic development groups. Energize-ECI, Inc. provides support to: Blackford, Delaware, Fayette, Grant, Henry, Jay, Madison, Randolph, Rush and Wayne counties. Funding for trade missions, exhibits, marketing, programs, services and materials is provided by public and private entities throughout East Central Indiana, by foundations and grants.
Details about Energize-ECI, Inc. and information about East Central Indiana may be viewed at their comprehensive website www.energize-eci.org. The site may be translated into six languages, in addition to English. The regional economic development organization may be contacted at the Energize-ECI Engagement Center, 122 E, Main St., Muncie, IN 47305, by phone at (765) 254.1420; fax (765) 254.1450 and by email info@energize-eci.org. Energize-ECI’s 48-page REGIONAL-FOCUS magazine, which contains a great overview of East Central Indiana, may be read or downloaded by going to the website. Energize-ECI, Inc. is a member of the Japan-America Society of Indiana.
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Prepared by Tom Farris / T.L. Farris & AssociatesP.O. Box 2542 / Muncie, IN47307-0542Phone: 765.284.5313 / Fax: 765.284.5314Email: thomaslfarris@comcast.net
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