FLORENCE – The City of Florence has been designated as a Valley Sustainable Gold Community in Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) economic development program. Florence recently completed the program sponsored by TVA and developed and administered by consultant Boyette Strategic Advisors (BSA). “This takes Florence’s economic development marketing efforts to prospective and existing sustainably-focused companies to a whole new level,” said Shoals Economic Development Authority (SEDA) President Forrest Wright.
SEDA Executive Director Forrest Wright
The Valley Sustainable Communities Program, now in its second year, was initiated by TVA Economic Development as part of its community preparedness offerings to assist communities in evaluating existing sustainable programs, cataloging their sustainable assets, and increasing future commitments to sustainability. The goal of the program is to document a community’s assets and increase the likelihood that they will be viewed as progressive and competitive by companies looking to invest in new or expanded locations.
“We are proud that Florence has successfully completed the Valley Sustainable Communities Program,” said Del Boyette, President/CEO of Boyette Strategic Advisors. “The gold level designation recognizes that a community has community-wide sustainability initiatives in place, with programs available to support the existing business community and promote economic development.”
Sustainability has become a key issue for economic development organizations and communities as more corporations have demonstrated an increasing commitment to sustainability. More than 90 percent of corporate real estate executives who responded to a CoreNet Global survey on sustainability said that it is a consideration in their company location decisions. The typical reasons for this corporate commitment are reduced operating costs for increased profitability and greater employee satisfaction.
John Bradley, TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development
“This program is the first of its kind to connect the dots between corporate America’s commitment to sustainability and its impact on economic development, which ultimately will ensure that our communities are more prepared to compete in global markets,” added John Bradley, TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development. “We are seeing that more and more companies have an increasing business emphasis on sustainable operations, and are adding this component to their RFIs as they search for a community where they can locate, grow, and enhance their company and employee sustainability commitments.”
Mayor Mickey Haddock
Thirteen communities were recognized as Valley Sustainable Communities in 2013, and an additional 12 communities are seeking recognition this year. In addition to completing the inventory of sustainable assets and utilizing the Valley Sustainable Communities designation in their marketing materials, communities that complete the program also receive marketing support from TVA Economic Development.
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“Florence has already made a significant commitment to sustainability,” said Mayor Mickey Haddock. “This Valley
Sustainable Gold Community designation provides us with the opportunity to document, further develop and be recognized for our ongoing sustainable initiatives, and attract new investment and jobs.”
FLORENCE, ALABAMA – Founded in 1818 and incorporated in 1826, Florence has flourished with a mix of manufacturing, service industries, retail, medical, and financial institutions, all providing the community with stability and strength. Florence is the largest city within the two-county area of Northwest Alabama known as The Shoals. Florence and the Shoals Area is the sixth largest market in Alabama and offers numerous opportunities for business investment and enhanced quality of life. The Shoals Economic Development Authority (SEDA) is the professional organization dedicated to economic development in Northwest Alabama. An established public/private partnership, SEDA’s challenge is to constantly strive toward the improvement of the Shoals area economy.
MEDIA RELEASE/CITY OF FLORENCE/MARTHA MURPHY
