Charlotte Regional Business Alliance named “Best in Class” Economic Development Group

The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance (CLT Alliance) is viewed as one of the top regional economic development organizations across the country, according to a new survey of U.S. corporate executives released at the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Annual Conference, which was being held from Dallas virtually.

Conducted by Development Counsellors International (DCI) every three years, the “Winning Strategies in Economic Development Marketing” survey has tracked trends in economic development since its inception in 1996. In light of COVID-19, this year’s survey also includes findings about how the pandemic affects corporate location decisions and perceptions of U.S. cities and states.

CLT Alliance ranked No. 3 “best in class” regional economic development agency, according to the site selection consultants who participated in the survey, identifying it as a top economic development organization.

“Now in its ninth iteration, the Winning Strategies survey reveals the changing perceptions of location decision makers, as well as the tools and tactics that help shape those perceptions,” said Julie Curtin, president of DCI’s economic development practice. “The confluence of a global pandemic, a presidential election and intense scrutiny of equity policies is putting a renewed interest on how location decisions are made, so the results from this year’s survey are especially interesting for communities and site selectors alike.”

“The Charlotte Region and the Carolinas are well known as great places to do business, and this national industry acknowledgement of the CLT Alliance’s regional capabilities underscores our best-in-class offering to businesses looking to invest,” said CLT Alliance Chairman of the Board Jennifer Weber. “Through a shared purpose of growing an inclusive and prosperous economy, our public-private partnership is moving the Charlotte Region forward together.”

“We’re honored to be recognized nationally for our effectiveness as a regional economic development organization, and this national spotlight gives us further opportunity to broadly share our commitment to advancing equitable economic growth,” said CLT Alliance President and CEO Janet LaBar. “Economic development is a team sport, and this ranking affirms the Charlotte Region’s way of working together to best serve new and existing businesses so our communities can thrive from quality jobs and investment.”

Through the work of the CLT Alliance in 2019 , every $1 invested in the organization, generates $62 in earnings in the regional economy.

View the original press release by the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance here.

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