James Lee Silliman is the director of both the Camden Area Industrial Development Corporation and Team Camden. With these distinctions, he is the go-to person for site selection in the Camden area.
Silliman has years of experience working with industries, franchises, and small businesses to help them find a place to house their operations.
As the designated point of contact for both Ouachita and Calhoun counties for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, he is the first to know when new industries and businesses are looking to locate in the area.
Southern Arkansas University ASBTDC Business Consultant Florence Nunn sat down with him to ask a few questions about how the site selection process works.
Q: What initial questions do you ask a business that is looking for a site for the first time?
A: Typically, we ask specifically about the amount of land they require for their operations, what utilities are needed, accessibility to highway, rail, etc.
We have an intake form that answers many of these questions, and if the prospect comes through the state office (AEDC), they will have a site matrix for me to complete. This process eliminates many sites before you meet with the prospect.
Q: What types of infrastructure do the businesses typically desire in a new site?
A. Most prospects want a level “shovel-ready” site, which simply means they could begin construction immediately. Good road or highway access, rail, utilities such as electric, gas, water and sewer, and fiber are important.
Q. How does the quality of life play into site selection for a business?
A: Quality of life is important to a new business prospect coming to a town. They want to know about the amenities a community has to offer, such as shopping, dining, educational opportunities (schools), and entertainment possibilities. They often look at a community from their individual point of view from the standpoint of “would I want to live in this city?”.
Q: How do small businesses help attract corporations to an area?
A: Small niche businesses can play a key role in selling a community to a corporation in that they offer more personalized customer service and quality of product than a chain retailer may be able to.
A small business may not be a national chain, but it can offer many of the same products and better customer service than a bigger chain store.
Q. What is the most important thing you can tell me about site selection for a new business?
A: Be prepared with your best site possibility so you don’t waste their time or yours.
Q. What is the most important thing you can tell me about site selection for an expanding business?
A: Most jobs are created from existing business and industry expanding their current operations. In most cases, the company will have a site already in mind adjacent to their current operations.
If they don’t have a site already picked out, be aware of what they may require for this new expansion and try to match a site with their needs.
How to Select the Best Site
In conclusion, site selection is a crucial decision for any business. The process of choosing the perfect location requires careful consideration of various factors such as accessibility, affordability, and the target market.
Understanding these factors and conducting thorough research is essential to ensure a successful outcome. The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center has tools such as the Opportunity Index, Site Compare and other market research resources to help small companies assess their options.
By making informed decisions, businesses can maximize their potential for growth and profitability.
To learn more about Silliman and Team Camden as well as their work in both Calhoun and Ouachita Counties, visit teamcamden.com.