| Are there commonalties in perception of industrial attraction between economic developers and manufacturing company officials in Alabama? The intention of this research is to determine whether or not professional economic developers have the same perception of industrial attraction as manufacturing company officials. Locating companies to the state of Alabama has a tremendous impact on the economy. New business location means jobs for the citizens of Alabama. Companies locating to Alabama not only create jobs, but capital investment, which promotes a strong economy. In order for professional economic developers in Alabama to effectively compete for new manufacturing business, economic developers must clearly understand what industrial prospects consider industrial attractions. Once understanding of the key factors of manufacturing industrial recruitment is established, resources used for marketing new manufacturing companies to the state of Alabama can be better utilized.; The literature review section of the study begins with a presentation of industrial location theory. This chapter also presents empirical data on the various manufacturing location factors, such as financial and tax incentives, labor, infrastructure, transportation, and quality of life.; A survey instrument was mailed to professional economic development organizations in Alabama that were randomly selected from the 2003 Economic Development Association of Alabama Directory. Moreover, manufacturing companies in Alabama with 50 or more employees and had a Standard Industrial Classification number, 20 through 39 was randomly selected from the 2003–2004 Alabama Industrial Directory. These two (2) groups were asked to complete the same survey instrument in order to answer the research question.; A T-Test analysis was used to determine there was a significant correlation in the perception of industrial attraction between economic developers and manufacturing company officials in Alabama. |
