Good Economic News! (10-25-11)

Good Economic News! (10-25-11)

Here are just a few of the positive economic announcements that have come my way in recent weeks:

Sequenom, Inc., a healthcare services company, will build a diagnostics laboratory in Wake County, North Carolina and create 242 new jobs.

Ford Motor Company plans to expand its Chicagoland facilities and add a third shift at its Chicago Assembly plant, adding 1,200 new jobs.

NK Newlook, a manufacturer of store fixtures and retail interiors, will locate a new manufacturing and distribution facility in Barnwell County, South Carolina, creating 212 new jobs.

In Jacksonville, Florida, The Bruss Company will create a meat processing center and hire 200 people.

Kronos, Inc., a workforce management solutions provider, will open a new office in Indianapolis, Indiana, creating 250 new jobs.

In Galax, Virginia, Albany Industries, Inc., a maker of upholstered household furniture, will establish a new facility, creating 335 new jobs.

In Tipton County, Indiana, Bottcher America Corporation, a manufacturer of printing and industrial materials, will expand and add 35 new jobs. Congratulations to Linda Williamson, economic developer for Tipton County.

Backcountry.com, an online specialty retailer, will establish a fulfillment center in Montgomery County, Virginia, creating 200 new jobs.

In Robertson County, Tennessee, Electrolux Major Appliances North America will expand its manufacturing facility and create 75 new jobs.

Burns and McDonnell, an engineering, architecture, construction, environmental and consulting services firm, will expand and create 1,000 jobs companywide.

In Hanson, Kentucky, Carhartt, Inc., a maker of clothing, plans to add 150 new employees to its existing operation.

Ford Motor Company will invest in its Kentucky Truck Plant and add a third shift at its Louisville Assembly Plant, adding 1,800 new jobs.

The following companies have job openings for the 2011 holiday season:

Aeropostale: 2,000+

A.M. Castle: 50+

Ann Taylor/LOFT: 3,000 to 5,000

APAC Customer Service: 250

Dial America: 1,000

Diamond National Adjusting: 50

Helzburg Diamonds: 100+

Headway Workforce Solutions: 11,000+

Massage Envy: 2,500

Medcor, Inc.: 50

The Men’s Wearhouse: 70+

The Salvation Army: 80+

Rue 21: 100+

Sleepy’s LLC: 100+

Spencer Gifts: 20,000

In northern Kentucky, Johnson Controls, Inc. will expand its automotive battery operation, creating 45 new jobs.

In Greenville County, South Carolina, Honeywell International, Inc., a provider of repair services for propulsion engines, will expand and create 30 new jobs.

CANBERRA Industries, Inc., a developer and manufacturer of radiation detection products, will expand its facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and add 45 new jobs.

In Frankfort, Indiana, LEP Special Fasteners, Inc., a maker of specialty steel fasteners, plans to open a new facility and create 160 new jobs.

Linamar Corporation, a maker of automotive parts and components, plans to expand its operation in northern Kentucky and create 138 new jobs.

In Peachtree City, Georgia, SANY Heavy Industry, LLC, a maker of cranes and lifting equipment, will add a research and development center and hire 300 engineering jobs.

MetriCan, a supplier of tooling and stamped metal components, plans to expand its facility in Dickson, Tennessee, creating 60 new jobs.

Vehicle maker Mercedes-Benz will add a new truck model at its Vance, Alabama assembly plant in early 2015, creating 400 new jobs.

Hitachi Automotive Systems, a supplier to the automotive industry, will establish an electric vehicle battery production operation in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, creating 60 new jobs.

YH America South Carolina LLC, a maker of automotive components, will expand its operation in Pickens County, South Carolina and add 93 new jobs.

Wholesale lender TMS Funding will add 30 account executives companywide.

In Columbus, Indiana, fastener manufacturer Sunright America, Inc. will expand its operation and create 100 new jobs.

In Lebanon, Kentucky, Montibello Packaging will expand its plant and create 26 new jobs.

Customer call center Sitel will hire 120 temporary workers at its Covington County, Alabama facility. 75 will become permanent.

Crown Equipment Corporation, a manufacturer of materials handling equipment, will expand its operation in New Castle, Indiana, creating 150 new jobs.

In Glasgow, Kentucky, Fortis Manufacturing, a maker of tooling and stampings, will locate a new manufacturing facility and create 100 new jobs.

First Coast Services Options, a Medicare Administrative Contractor, is expanding in Jacksonville, Florida, creating 400 jobs.

TOTAL JOBS ANNOUNCEMENTS: 48,406 to 50,406

We receive numerous announcements each week that announce that several jobs have been “retained or created.” While retention is important, we will not use announcements that fail to define exactly how many jobs were retained and how many were created. We want specifics.

If you have jobs announcements, please send them my way.  jim@brandaccel.com

Brand Acceleration is a full-service marketing communications, brand management and public relations firm operating from Indianapolis, Indiana and Charlotte, North Carolina. The agency’s focus is on economic development, architecture, engineering and construction (AEC).

Who Owns the Jobs, Anyway?

Who Owns the Jobs, Anyway?

It’s a simple trade relationship

By Jim Walton

CEO, Brand Acceleration, Inc.

Indianapolis and Charlotte

Recently, I met a young man who, for the first time in his life, is self-employed. A custom cabinet maker, he specializes in high-end cabinetry for homes, offices and commercial buildings. Curious, I asked, “How did you come to be self-employed?” “I was fired,” he told me. “Because of the economy?” I asked. “No, it was because of my laziness and bad attitude, but I’ve learned a lot since being on my own.” “Really,” I asked, “like what?”

He told me that he had been employed by another cabinet company for several years and that he had become overconfident, self-absorbed and arrogant about his own value. When his employer didn’t place him on the pedestal he felt he deserved, above his co-workers, he became sullen, angry and lazy. After several months and a few heart-to-heart talks, his employer asked his to leave.

“So, what was the biggest lesson you learned from being fired?” I asked. “I learned that the job didn’t belong to me,” he said. “It belonged to my employer.”

He explained that, as an employee, he failed to understand the terms of his employment, or anyone else’s employment. Here’s how he explained it: “When anyone accepts a job, it’s not something that is given to him or her, it’s a trade arrangement. The employee is expected to show up every day, on time, work hard and do great work. The employer will then provide a pay check and competitive benefits in return. If each party honors the terms of the agreement, all will be well. When one party underperforms, breaking the promise, the deal is subject to termination.”

I was thoroughly impressed. This young man had had a revelation, but I was curious about his sudden awakening. When fired for lack of performance, employees usually just go away mad and blame the boss. “What was your moment of clarity?” I asked. “What made you suddenly see that you were the problem?”

“Because I couldn’t find another job,” he said, “I decided to take on some cabinetry work on my own. I had the tools and skills, so I decided to go for it. It was a very scary endeavor. I was fortunate that my wife had a job and we had saved a few dollars. We risked it all. Things went well and I eventually had to hire an employee. Having to deal with payroll, benefits, vacations, customer expectations, taxes, two trucks and a wife and child, I learned what it was like on the other side of the employee-employer equation.”

“Looking back,” I asked, “how do you now view your previous employer?” “I would have fired me, too,” he said. “The job didn’t belong to me. It belonged to him and I disrespected my agreement with him. I broke the promise. If I had been a better employee, I would probably still be there.”

Over the past few months, I’ve attended several economic development conferences where workforce has been a presentation topic. A common theme at each conference has been about worker skills and work ethic. Even though education and training are sometimes lacking, employers are frustrated by employees who are just unwilling to show up and do the work. “In addition to laziness,” an owner of a placement firm, said, “there’s a very significant sense of entitlement out there. People expect high wages and extensive benefits from day one, and then they might consider giving the employer a day’s work. The real world just doesn’t work that way. People need to wise up.”

What I heard at these conferences was that there are numerous jobs out there for skilled workers who are willing to show up (on time), work hard and become a valuable asset to their employee.

So, back to my cabinet maker friend, here’s what I asked next. “What advice would you give someone looking for, or in, a job?” After a few moments of pondering, he said, “Without getting into the employers responsibilities to employees, which are significant, I’d make these recommendations:

1. Understand that it’s a mutually agreed upon trade relationship.

2. Clearly understand the expectations of your employer.

3. Show up on time, every day. Be completely reliable.

4. Work your butt off (His words).

5. Always, always, always over-delivered.

6. Get better. Take classes or find other ways to bring more value to the relationship.

7. Be a positive force rather than a whiner

8. Be a problem solver, not a problem.”

This guy amazed me. His experiences have transformed him. He has gone from a lazy (his word), complaining malcontent to a self-employed, happy, hard-working employer, service provider, husband and father. He takes great pride in his work, even though the hours are long and the demands are great. I found his respect for the “trade relationship” to be very refreshing. If each of us were to remember that and follow his recommendations, I’m sure workplace contentment and productivity would soar.

Have a great week,

Jim Walton

jim@brandaccel.com

www.brandaccel.com 

Brand Acceleration is a full-service marketing communications, brand management and public relations firm operating from Indianapolis, Indiana and Charlotte, North Carolina. The agency’s focus is on economic development, architecture, engineering and construction.

Good Economic News 10-11-11

Good Economic News!

Here are just a few of the positive economic announcements that have come my way in recent weeks:

Hem Southeast, a metal working firm, plans to expand its operation in Greenwood County, South Carolina, adding 10 new jobs.

Advanced manufacturer Elastrix will open a new facility in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina and hire 54 people.

Nylon producer Ascend Performance will improve its facility in Pansacola, Florida and hire 100 new employees.

In Grayslake, Illinois, FedEx has opened a new packaging facility and expects to hire 450 new employees.

Dominion Chemical Company, a maker of wax products, will open a new manufacturing facility in Dougherty County, Georgia, creating 10 new jobs.

The Sherwin-Williams Company, a maker of paint products, plans to expand its headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio, adding 110 new jobs.

In Darlington County, South Carolina, JBE, Inc., a supplier to the automotive, aerospace and lawn and garden industrie add 20 new employees.

Indiana-based engine maker Cummins, Inc. says it will add 7,000 engineers worldwide.

In Goshen, Indiana, furniture maker Wieland Designs, Inc. will expand its operation and add 120 new employees.

National Solar Power, a developer of solar farms, will create 20 facilities in Gadsden County, Florida and hire 120 employees.

In Dillon County, South Carolina, Dillon Furniture Manufacturing Company plans to expand its operation and generate 107 new jobs.

Ace Hardware Corporation has announced plans to establish a new re-distribution center in Suffolk, Virginia, adding 75 new jobs.

Sakae Riken Kogyo Company, a maker of plastic parts, will expand its facility in Peru, Illinois and add 25 new jobs.

In Carroll County, Georgia, Greenway Medical Technologies, a provider of electronic health records, will expand its headquarters and add 400 new jobs.

Universal Trade Solutions, Inc. plans to open a new manufacturing, warehouse and distribution facility in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, creating 100 new jobs.

Pest control company Terminix is presently showing 962 available positions.

Carbures LLC, a maker of carbon fiber composite structures, will establish a new facility in Greenville, South Carolina, creating 50 new jobs.

Sunright America, Inc., a manufacturer of automotive fasteners, will expand its operation in Columbus, Indiana, creating 100 new jobs.

Siemens Wind Turbine has announced plans for four new energy projects in Ontario, Canada, creating 600 new jobs.

Food service and facilities management firm Aramark presently has 389 available positions.

Cooper Standard, a supplier of systems and components for the automotive industry, will expand its operation in Goldsboro, North Carolina and hire 137 people.

In Hart County, Georgia, Fabritex, Inc., a metal fabricator, will expand and add 15 new jobs.

In Sumter County, South Carolina, Continental Tire the Americas has announced plans to build a new tire manufacturing facility and add 1,700 new jobs.

Vail Rubber Works plans to build a plant in Mobile County, Alabama, creating 6 new jobs.

At its aircraft service plant near Tucson, Arizona, Bombardier has boosted its workforce by 116.

Discount retailer Dollar General presently has 971 positions available systemwide.

CertainTeed Corporation, a maker of building materials, plans to expand its facility in Roaring River, North Carolina, adding 29 new jobs.

In Watertown, South Dakota, operator cab maker Angus-Palm will expand and add 140 new jobs.

Retailer Sears Roebuck is presently seeking 2,712 people to fill available positions.

In Huntsville, Alabama, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama has added four-cylinder engines to its product lineup, adding 240 new jobs.

TOTAL JOBS ANNOUNCEMENTS: 16,868

We receive numerous announcements each week that announce that several jobs have been “retained or created.” While retention is important, we will not use announcements that fail to define exactly how many jobs were retained and how many were created. We want specifics.

If you have jobs announcements, please send them my way.  jim@brandaccel.com

www.brandaccel.com

Brand Acceleration is a full-service marketing communications, brand management and public relations firm operating from Indianapolis, Indiana and Charlotte, North Carolina. The agency’s focus is on economic development, architecture, engineering and construction (AEC).

Customer (Dis) Service and Your Brand

Customer (Dis) Service and Your Brand
Your actions speak louder than words

It seems there is a serious disconnect between advertising messages and reality when it comes to the way customers are treated. In their ads, companies love to tout how much they love their customers, implying that they really do care about them. The reality however, is often radically different. Their employees are often not trained in the ever-important art of making customers feel loved.

I was recently in a line of over 20 customers at an airport car rental facility where there were only three agents on duty, and two of them were talking on the telephone. Customers were especially irritated by the fact that there were about twelve computers where no agents were working. Like most travelers, I was in a hurry to get on the road and get to my first meeting of the day. I didn’t appreciate being ignored and neither did the guy behind me. After grumbling to me about the serious lack of service, he shouted, “Does anyone work here?” The other customers were shocked at his brazenness, but a spontaneous round of applause broke out, telling the agents that their customers were not happy. I’m not going to say which rental car company it was but I will say that no one was “trying harder” to make customers happy.

In another recent experience, due to a change in our Customer Service Management (CRM) software, my company was forced to swap out some of our cell phones because they wouldn’t interface with the new software. After a short discussion with a store representative who was not empowered to make customers happy, we ended up on the phone with one of their reps who made it clear that they were not going to waive the rather expensive buyout of our phones….period! We tried to stay with this company and reminded the representative that we had been a loyal customer for more than 23 years and just needed to make a few equipment changes. The answer was unequivocal. No!

From there, we went to one of their competitors and met with Tawana, a wonderful young lady who listened to our needs and meticulously switched over our entire company account and set up each and every phone. It took several hours, but when we left, every new device worked perfectly. Wow, was that refreshing!

In his most recent book, Collapse of Distinction, my good friend, Scott McKain, an outstanding speaker, trainer and author, states, "If you cannot find it within yourself to become emotional, committed, engaged, and yes, fervent about differentiation, then you had better be prepared to take your place among that vast throng of the mediocre who are judged by their customers solely on the basis of price. It is the singularly worst place to be in all of business. If you aren't willing to create distinction for yourself in your profession--and for your organization in the marketplace--then prepare to take your seat in the back, with the substantial swarm of the similar, where tedium reigns supreme." I recently heard Scott speak at the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) conference and, as usual, he thrilled the audience and left them inspired to be even better than they already are. After several months, I still hear attendees quoting him.

I especially enjoyed a story that Scott shared about an experience that musician Dave Carroll had with United Airlines. In his video, “United Breaks Guitars,” Carroll openly protests the poor customer service experience he and his band had on a United flight. For people who don’t have the ability to create great videos like this, there are company web sites and public sites such as Yelp.com where customers, both happy and unhappy, can voice their opinions.

In the hotel industry, the clear leader in outstanding customer service is The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. It is common knowledge throughout the industry that their customer service is stellar and that the reason for their well-deserved reputation is the training of their employees. Their motto, “Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen,” sets the tone for the empowerment given each and every employee, allowing them to do anything required to make customers happy. In his book, “The New Gold Standard,” Joseph A. Michelli describes the leadership principles of this great company. We can all learn from the example set by this market leader.

As a branding, marketing communications and public relations firm, we are often contacted by companies or communities requesting a “new brand.” From experience, we know that what they usually mean is that they want a new logo. In my opinion, your brand and your reputation are one and the same. If you treat customers well, meet or exceed their expectations and show them some appreciation, your brand will be strong. If not, you will have a serious problem that a new logo or slogan cannot change.

I could go on and on, sharing countless customer service experiences, both good and bad, but I’d like to hear from you. Feel free to share your experiences and stories about how you deliver outstanding service, allowing others to learn and improve. Thank you.

Have a great week,

Jim Walton

CEO

jim@brandaccel.com

www.brandaccel.com  

Brand Acceleration is a full-service marketing communications, brand management and public relations firm operating from Indianapolis, Indiana and Charlotte, North Carolina. The agency’s focus is on economic development, architecture, engineering and construction (AEC).

Good Economic News! 9/27/11

Good Economic News!

 Here are just a few of the positive economic announcements that have come my way in recent weeks:

Otis Elevator Company has announced plans to open a new manufacturing facility in Florence County, South Carolina, adding 360 new jobs.

In Watertown, South Dakota, OEM Worldwide, a maker of circuit board assemblies, will expand and add 150 new jobs.

In Brunswick, Georgia, GSI Commerce, an E-commerce company, will expand its operation and add 750 new jobs.

Florida Tile has opened its new headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky, adding 51 new jobs.

In Orland, Indiana, CTA Acoustics, Inc. will open a new facility, creating 140 new jobs.

Tire maker Bridgestone Americas has announced plans to open a new manufacturing facility in Aiken County, South Carolina, adding 850 new jobs. Congrats to economic developer Will Williams and the entire EDP team.

In Warrick County, Indiana, Leo Brown Group and TLC Management will open a new retirement community in the Warrick Wellness Trail heath and lifestyle district, creating 160 new jobs. Congratulations to Brand Acceleration client Success Warrick County. Great job Larry and Matt!

In Meriwether County, Georgia, auto parts supplier Mando Corporation will open a high-tech manufacturing operation and hire 426 employees.

Paint booth maker Global Finishing Solutions has announced plans to expand its operation in Osseo, Wisconsin, creating 110 new jobs.

Precision Medical Technologies, Inc., a medical device maker, will open a new facility in Rome City, Indiana and hire 60 new employees.

In Davenport, Iowa, auto industry supplier Alcoa will expand its rolled products plant and add 300 new jobs.

AT&T, Inc. is pledging to bring 5,000 call center jobs, presently based abroad, back to the United States if it is allowed to proceed with its acquisition of T-Mobile USA.

In Pickens County, South Carolina, KP Components will open a new CNC machining facility, generating 50 new jobs.

Vera Bradley, a maker of handbags, has announced plans to expand in northeast Indiana, creating 124 new jobs.

In Opelika, Alabama, Pharmavite, a maker of vitamins and supplements, will open a new facility and hire 280 new workers.

Thermo Fisher Scientific, a maker of ultra-low temperature freezers, will expand its operation in Asheville, North Carolina, adding 110 new jobs.

In Indianapolis, Indiana, Project Lead The Way will relocate its headquarters, creating 30 new jobs.

JR Automation Technologies LLC, a maker of automation equipment, plans to expand in Pickens County, South Carolina, adding 54 new jobs.

Microsoft Corporation has announced plans to expand its data center in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, creating 50 new jobs.

In Evansville, Indiana, wind turbine blade maker GBT USA, will open a new facility, creating 400 new jobs.

Building materials manufacturer GAF plans to open a manufacturing plant in Bulloch County, Georgia and hire 50 new employees.

In White Plains, New York, Orthonet Holdings, Inc., an orthopedic specialty benefit management firm, will expand and create 155 new jobs.

Borg Warner, a powertrain supplier, has announced plans to expand its facility in Water Valley, Mississippi, creating 70 new jobs.

In Simpson County, Kentucky, Premium Services LLC and Worldwide Technologies will add 50 new employees.

Telecommunications giant Time Warner will open a new facility in Tampa, Florida and hire 500 new employees.

In Redmond, Washington, software maker HCL will open a new facility and create 400 new jobs.

Wire maker Lake Copper Conductors LLC will expand its operation in Elkhart, Indiana, creating 23 new jobs.

Duraseal Pipe Coatings Company plans to move its operation to Missouri, creating 45 new jobs.

In Glasgow, Kentucky, Akebono Brake has announced plans to expand and add 224 new employees.

In Charleston County, South Carolina, TIGHITCO, Inc. will open a new manufacturing facility and hire 350 new employees.

Bishop Steering Technology, a steering gear designer for the auto and racing industries, will expand its operation and add 25 new employees.

Sasol, a maker of gas-to-liquid, or GTL, has selected Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana for a possible facility that could employ 850 people.

Horsehead Corporation, an environmental services provider, plans to open a new facility in Rutherford County, North Carolina, creating 250 new jobs.

KYB Manufacturing North America, Inc., a maker of auto parts, will relocate its headquarters and other parts of its operation to Franklin, Indiana, creating 50 new jobs.

TOTAL JOBS ANNOUNCEMENTS: 12,497

We receive numerous announcements each week that announce that several jobs have been “retained or created.” While retention is important, we will not use announcements that fail to define exactly how many jobs were retained and how many were created. We want specifics.

If you have jobs announcements, please send them my way.  jim@brandaccel.com

Brand Acceleration is a full-service advertising, brand management and public relations firm operating from Indianapolis, Indiana and Charlotte, North Carolina. The agency’s focus is on economic development, architecture, engineerinf and constrution.

Why Would Anyone Love Public Speaking?

Why Would Anyone Love Public Speaking?

Great presenters deliver much more than audiences expect

Having delivered hundreds of presentations, people often ask me, “Jim, when did you get started as a speaker?” I think it was 1986 and I was serving as the national membership chairman for a large trade association. At the organization’s annual meeting, I was required to step to the podium and deliver my year-end report to what appeared to be a huge audience. I was terrified! The idea that hundreds of people were focused on me had my heart racing and the papers in my hands shaking so much that I was certain they could hear them. Had I fainted, I’m sure my presentation would have been much more memorable than it really was.

I’ve heard that the people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. I expect then that the worst experience would then be delivering a eulogy at a well-attended funeral.

After that awful experience, I decided that I had to work on my public speaking, hoping not to go through such torture again. So, I read every book and article I could lay my hands on. I learned to research my audience, learning about who they are, what they do and what they expect from a speaker. If I could understand their expectations, I could work to fulfill them. Similarly, my company, Brand Acceleration, a marketing communications and public relations firm, works diligently to understand the customers and prospects of our clients in order to effectively communicate with them.

Next, I learned that the development of a solid message outline is crucial to adding structure to my presentations. You can’t just step up to the podium and start rambling. Just as letters, articles and reports follow an outline, so does a well-crafted presentation.

Is it all about ego?

Some believe that public speakers are nothing more than egomaniacal bloviators who just love to hear themselves speak. No doubt, ego is a natural part of the personality of a public speaker. For me, the act of presenting helps me to break through my otherwise shy and introverted shell. I’m sometimes more comfortable in front of an audience of hundreds than face-to-face with an audience of one. Maybe I do have a rather large ego, but I’m a marketer. That’s a natural part of my personality.

Know your subject!

In order to develop a great presentation, a speaker needs to have a deep understanding of his or her subject. Because my company specializes in economic development and AEC (architecture, engineering and construction), I have made a point to dig in and become an expert in marketing for these industries. My passion, and that of the rest of the Brand Acceleration team, is to be a respected resource to our clients. In order to deliver solid counsel I regularly visit with their clients, such as site selection consultants, real estate brokers, facility administrators and c-suite executives, seeking a deeper understanding of their expectations.

Deliver more than expected!

Just as my company strives to deliver more than clients expect, I work hard to deliver more than audiences expect. If, through my presentations, I can help someone to become a better marketer, manager or public servant, then I have achieved my personal goal. Of course, I do enjoy the benefit of being positioned as a brand expert in the economic development and AEC industries, potentially attracting business to my company.

So, if you’ve ever considered public speaking, whether your focus is on key notes, training or motivation, I’d suggest reading everything you can find on the topic and then getting started. Start out by offering your services to small groups, association meetings and anyone who will listen. With experience, your presentation will improve and your confidence will grow.

If you’d like to know more about my presentations, click here. And, if I can ever be of service, please feel free to contact me any time.

Jim Walton

CEO

jim@brandaccel.com

www.brandaccel.com  

Brand Acceleration is a full-service advertising, brand management and public relations firm operating from Indianapolis, Indiana and Charlotte, North Carolina. The agency’s focus is on economic development, architecture/engineering/construction and real estate.

Good Economic News 9-13-2011

Good Economic News!

Here are just a few of the positive economic announcements that have come my way in recent weeks:

In Floyd County, Georgia, home improvement store Lowe’s has broken ground for a new distribution center which will create 600 new jobs.

Sabre Manufacturing, LLC, a maker of steel tanks, plans to expand its operation in Knox, Indiana, creating 25 new jobs.

At the port of Madison Parish, Louisiana, barge maker St. John Enterprises, Inc. plans to invest in machinery and other upgrades and add 450 new jobs.

SwissTex America, a yarn extrusion company, has opened its North American headquarters in Dalton, Georgia, creating 15 new jobs.

Macy’s, the 800 store department store chain, has announced plans to hire 3,500 new employees.

In Rogersville, Missouri, Mid-Am Metal Forming, a company specializing in metals for the architecture, aerospace and marine industries, has announced plans to expand its facility, creating 20 new jobs.

Fiberspar Corporation, a supplier of spoolable composite reinforced pipelines, has announced plans to expand its operation in Utah, creating 276 new jobs.

In Baldwin, Tennessee, CLARCOR, Inc., a supplier of heavy-duty engine filters, plans to expand and create 70 new jobs.

In Florence, Kentucky, ZF Steering Systems has completed its expansion and created 374 new jobs.

Innovative Composites International, a maker of advanced materials, has announced plans to establish a new production facility in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, creating 300 new jobs.

In Sioux Center, Iowa, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI), has opened a new vaccine facility, creating 76 new jobs.

Afiliated Computer Services (ACS) a provider of business process and IT services, plans to hire 2,960 people in Kentucky, North Carolina, Utah, Texas, Colorado and Maine.

In Indianapolis, Indiana, Royal United Mortgage, LLC, will expand and add 140 new jobs.

Fareva, a provider of products to several industries, plans to acquire a manufacturing facility in Henrico County, Virginia, adding 90 new jobs.

UnderCover, a manufacturer of ABS composite truck bed covers, has announced plans to expand and add 30 new jobs in Rogersville, Missouri.

Kings Plush, Inc., a maker of residential upholstery fabrics, plans to expand and add 62 employees at its facility in Cleveland County, North Carolina. Congrats to Kristin Fletcher, EVP Economic Development at the Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce.

In Clark County, Indiana, Idemitsu Lublicants America Corporation, a maker of automotive and industrial lubricants, will expand its operation and add 23 new jobs.

In Uniontown, Kentucky, Union County Livestock, a provider of meats and supplies, plans to expand and create 25 new jobs.

Card Compliant, a regulatory and compliance service company, plans to open a new facility in Kansas City, Missouri, creating 16 new jobs.

Laurens County, South Carolina, The ZF Group, a supplier to the automotive industry, has announced plans to expand and create 300 new jobs.

In Auburn, Alabama, automotive parts manufacturer Seung Chang Airtech, Inc. has expanded and moved into a facility where it has added 200 new jobs.

US Airways Group, Inc. has announced plans to add 200 new employees at its Winston-Salem, North Carolina reservations center. It previously announced the addition of 500 jobs between the same facility and one in Phoenix, Arizona.

In LaGrange, Indiana, CruiserRV, a recreational vehicle company, will expand its operation and create 200 new jobs.

In Berea, Kentucky, Hitachi Automotive Systems has announced plans to establish a new manufacturing facility, adding 130 new employees.

NEM USA, a provider of heat recovery steam generators and industrial and utility boilers, will establish a facility in Greenville County, South Carolina, adding 40 new employees.

In Hermiston, Ohio, Shearer’s Foods, a snack-food maker, plans to expand its facility and add 100 new employees.

113 year-old Stant Corporation, a maker of engineered management and other products, will expand and add 59 new jobs.

Sullair Corporation, a maker of air compressors and other air equipment, will add 133 new employees at its headquarters in LaPorte County, Indiana.

Michigan Ladder Company, a 110 year-old maker of ladders, plans to move the manufacture of its products from foreign providers to its facility in Ypsilanti, Michigan, creating 10 new jobs.

In Marlboro County, South Carolina, venture capital firm 5-STAR USA, will establish its new headquarters and create 1,000 new jobs.

WestCorp, a provider of communications services, plans to hire more than 150 new employees at its call center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

In Allen County, Indiana, music case maker Gator Cases, Inc. has announced plans to expand and hire 25 people.

P&G Manufacturing, a maker of air filtration products, plans to open a facility in Beaufort County, North Carolina, adding 32 new jobs.

In Brentwood, Tennessee, healthcare provider Windsor Health Plan plans to add 200 new employees.

TOTAL JOBS ANNOUNCEMENTS: 12,311

We receive numerous announcements each week that announce that several jobs have been “retained or created.” While retention is important, we will not use announcements that fail to define exactly how many jobs were retained and how many were created. We want specifics.

If you have jobs announcements, please send them my way.  jim@brandaccel.com

Brand Acceleration is a full-service advertising, brand management and public relations firm operating from Indianapolis, Indiana and Charlotte, North Carolina. The agency’s focus is on economic development, architecture/engineering/construction and real estate.