Photography by Jamshed Khedri, courtesy of Unsplash
Community impact
Here are three ways inward investments can make an impact on a community
Businesses are so much more than just tenants to fill a space.
They deliver critical infrastructure, economic outputs and meaningful work opportunities that can extend well beyond four walls and a lease agreement.
When the right business sets up shop in the right community, it can actually improve the quality of life for residents in our cities and towns. It can also provide confidence to communities who can find employment opportunities in future-facing industries who are set for the long term.
For example, in the town of Terre Haute, a longstanding industrial business had closed its doors – leaving little more than a vacant sign.
Without this business, a large skilled workforce was left unemployed, with no way to fill the gap for their families.
The residents endured this for years, until we showed up alongside Entek, – a battery components manufacturer operating in the energy storage industry, searching for a site for a new facility that would help meet the growing demand for battery separators in North America.
And would you know it, it was the perfect fit.
Here are three areas where finding that perfect fit helps make a difference.
1.Photography by Charles De Luvio courtesy of Unsplash
Creating meaningful work opportunities
Everyone wants purpose. Jobs that can provide deeper meaning give those that take them on the ability to level up their skills and create something they are proud of, making every difference in bolstering the will and life of those around them too.
2.Photography by LinkedIn Sales Solutions courtesy of Unsplash
Attracting other businesses
Whether through multiple business lines or the emergence of a new sector opportunity, those that bring new business help shape markets of the future. Once one business of a type is there, the potential to cluster is on and others can quickly follow.
3.Photography by Hisu Lee courtesy of Unsplash
Reinvesting in the community
The most successful businesses, with deep attachments to their workforces and the families and communities they serve, often look for ways to give back when they can. This can provide myriad paths for impact, from sponsoring the local children’s sports teams to investing in building or shaping up other areas of the community for the better.
When businesses provide these three things, the returns can be well... endless.
Just ask Avison Young Senior Director of Industrial Occupier Services Carl Quesinberry, who partnered with Entek on their Terre Haute facility.
“For battery manufacturer Entek and the community of Terre Haute, it couldn’t have been a better match. The mix of assets readily available around the site paired beautifully with Entek’s proposed vision and aggressive needs timetable. When this happens, possibilities abound to bring real support and value to communities, a fresh vibrancy of meaningful economic impact and social awareness that these communities having been craving for far too long.”
What kinds of incentives can businesses take advantage of tomake investment decisions like these that much easier?
Learn more about how battery manufacturer Entek is making their mark on the Terre Haute community in our recent Viewpoints story, Industrial development anchors an impact.