{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"DT #623 Proof, Not Potential: What Site Selectors Really Look For","description":"In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with \u201cAmerica\u2019s factory whisperer,\u201d Didi Caldwell, President & CEO of Global Location Strategies, for a candid and strategic conversation about the realities of site selection in today\u2019s turbulent environment. Site Selectors Guild With more than two decades guiding large manufacturing and heavy industrial projects, Didi shares insider insight into how companies actually make location decisions \u2014 and where communities often fall short. From compressed project timelines to the reshoring debate, from data centers reshaping energy markets to the growing importance of investment-ready sites, this episode is a masterclass in modern economic development strategy. If your community wants to compete \u2014 and win \u2014 this conversation is essential listening. What You\u2019ll Learn The New Reality of Site Selection The world of site selection is more volatile than ever. \u201cSlow is fast \u2014 and fast is fraught with mistakes.\u201d Companies often fail by not aligning internal stakeholders before launching a search. Falling in love with a location before the data supports it can derail projects. Didi emphasizes a critical principle: \u201cWe evaluate proof, not potential.\u201d Incentives: Myths vs. Reality Incentives can enhance a strong location \u2014 but they cannot fix fatal flaws. Communities have a responsibility to evaluate ROI. The best incentive? A truly investment-ready site. Discipline in underwriting incentives protects long-term community prosperity. \u201cCommunities have a responsibility too.\u201d Data Centers & the Energy Disruption Data centers are fundamentally reshaping: Energy markets Power pricing Infrastructure planning Community land use As Didi notes: \u201cThe power price just went up too high.\u201d Communities must proactively manage land planning and infrastructure capacity to avoid crowding out other investment opportunities. U.S Reshoring: Reality or Rhetoric? Reshoring isn\u2019t a full return of manufacturing \u2014 it\u2019s a rebalancing. The U.S. holds competitive advantages in energy costs for capital-intensive industries. High interest rates and tariffs complicate investment decisions. Smaller projects are often easier to site than megaprojects. The key? Understanding where your community truly competes. The Evolution of Virtual Site Visits Virtual tours are now a legitimate step in site selection. Communities must have accurate, organized, and accessible data. Speed matters \u2014 but speed without preparation increases risk. \u201cYou need to have the right information.\u201d Preparing Communities for Investment Successful communities: Know their strengths and weaknesses. Maintain updated site data and infrastructure assessments. Align utilities, workforce, and leadership. Act as problem solvers \u2014 not just marketers. \u201cWe have to demonstrate we can deliver.\u201d Key Takeaways for Economic Developers Investment readiness beats incentive generosity. Discipline beats optimism every time. Long-term thinking outperforms short-term wins. Preparation reduces risk. Speed without diligence leads to costly mistakes. Communities must prove viability \u2014 not just promise it. About Didi Didi Caldwell is President and CEO of Global Location Strategies, a world leader in site selection and incentive negotiation services and a two-time honoree on the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies list. She is a member \u2014 and former chairperson \u2014 of the prestigious Site Selectors Guild and currently serves as Chair of the REDI Sites initiative. Didi holds a bachelor\u2019s degree in architecture from Clemson University and an international MBA from the Darla Moore School of Business. With expertise in large-scale manufacturing and heavy industrial projects, she has guided some of the world\u2019s most complex location decisions.   ","author_name":"Develop This: Economic and Community Development","author_url":"http:\/\/www.developthispodcast.com","html":"