What separates communities that win major investments from those that get left behind?

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise speaks with Tess Fay, Vice President of Global Location Strategies, to explore the increasingly complex world of site selection and the factors shaping the future of U.S. manufacturing.

Tess shares how companies evaluate locations through the lens of long-term risk, infrastructure capacity, workforce strength, and community readiness. With major investment decisions carrying consequences for decades, preparation and execution have never been more important.

A major theme throughout the conversation is trust. Tess explains why communities that communicate clearly, maintain realistic timelines, and consistently deliver on commitments build the credibility needed to compete for large-scale projects.

The discussion also dives into growing infrastructure challenges, particularly around energy availability. As demand for manufacturing and industrial development continues to grow, access to reliable power is becoming one of the most critical factors in site selection.

Workforce resilience, strategic partnerships, and strong local leadership also emerge as essential ingredients for long-term success, helping communities adapt to changing economic conditions and evolving industry needs.

A key takeaway? Winning projects isn't just about having a site available—it's about being prepared, building trust, and demonstrating long-term capability.

Key Takeaways

Major site selection decisions are shaped by long-term business needs
Infrastructure and energy availability are becoming critical competitive factors
Trust and credibility play a major role in investment decisions
Workforce resilience is essential for sustainable growth
Strategic partnerships strengthen community competitiveness
Preparation and execution often determine which communities win projects

Key Topics Covered

Site selection complexity and scarcity management
Community preparation and trust-building
Infrastructure readiness and energy challenges
Workforce resiliency and sustainability
Strategic partnerships and political will
The future of U.S. manufacturing

Sound Bites

"Decisions impact the company's future for decades."
"Buttoned-up timelines build trust and credibility."
"Trust and solutions orientation build confidence."