Entergy Arkansas launches new online statewide site selection tool

Little Rock, Ark. (July 7, 2009) – Entergy Arkansas Inc., in cooperation with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, today announced the Arkansas Site Selection Center, a free Web-based research center for economic development and site selection efforts.

The site, under the direction of Entergy’s Teamwork Arkansas, is a central portal that makes researching Arkansas communities and properties simple, informative and productive.

ArkansasSiteSelection.com features interactive maps, a database of buildings and sites, detailed and up-to-date demographics, and business data, all of which combine to allow economic developers, site selection consultants and businesses to conveniently analyze and evaluate potential sites and communities. Economic development entities, such as the AEDC and local communities, can customize and use the Arkansas Site Selection Center in conjunction with their existing Web sites.

Arkansas Site Selection Center features four main tools:

Searchable Buildings and Sites Database – This feature helps locate properties available for lease or purchase and generates detailed demographic and business data within a specified radius around the site.

Community & County Profiles – This tool includes up-to-date detailed demographic and business data for communities and counties, including population numbers, spending patterns and workforce profiles. In addition, local economic development professionals can enter localized, more-detailed economic development data for their community.

Geospatial Data Download Center – To take advantage of Global Information System technology, this feature allows for centralized, efficient delivery of GIS-ready data specifically geared toward the needs of economic developers and site selection consultants, making it easy for both to download economic development spatial data for the entire state.

Suitability Analysis – Should communities choose this option, it will be posted on the Web site as local data becomes available. Recommendations for optimal locations will be possible based on proximity to infrastructure and other attractive assets and not just property size alone.

“I believe that this Web site will play an important role in connecting business leaders around the world to communities in Arkansas and in attracting them to locate in our state,” Governor Mike Beebe said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for decision-makers and site selectors to see the prospects that are available to them here.”

“Economic development has been at the forefront of Entergy Arkansas’ core business since its founding. The Arkansas Site Selection Center is another avenue for our company to contribute to heightening the state’s competitive advantage for business attraction,” said Hugh McDonald, president and chief executive officer of Entergy Arkansas, Inc.

“Site selection research can be daunting, with many hours spent on phone calls and viewing hundreds of websites to collect all the required data for a project,” said Mike Maulden, director of external affairs for Entergy Arkansas, Inc. “We wanted to create a one-stop shop for site selectors interested in what our Arkansas communities have to offer. Making their research efforts easier allows Arkansas more opportunities to attract established employers with high-paying jobs.”

Arkansas Site Selection Center uses Geographic Information System technology combined with business analysis and demographic data to readily assess Arkansas’ resources for supporting business location. The GIS technology allows users to match key business drivers with the most suitable location, such as proximity to transportation infrastructure, labor resources, and other specific community data. Using Microsoft Virtual Earth, users can view hundreds of properties across the state in an aerial view, a street map view, or even from a 360-degree “bird’s-eye” view.

The site was built with significant input from local economic developers, real estate professionals and national site selection firms. Users can research information to identify areas of the state that satisfy needs for specific infrastructure, markets, support services and labor. This data, coupled with an up-to-date database containing available sites and buildings, identifies and qualifies potential locations based on specific community attributes such as real estate availability and geographic suitability.

“ArkansasSiteSelection.com is an invaluable tool when it comes to showcasing all that our state offers in terms of potential sites for businesses and manufacturers,” said Maria Haley, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “We look forward to working closely with Entergy Arkansas to market this site and encourage visitors to actively use its many features.”

Once users have completed their online searches, they can create customized property brochures, including photos and files that can be emailed, printed or downloaded.

Shawnie Carrier, executive director of the Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance, said, “To be competitive in today’s volatile business climate, economic developers must employ cutting-edge technologies to position and market their communities. Advanced, data-rich economic development websites can be very expensive, but the partnership with Entergy Arkansas on the Arkansas Site Selection Center gives us a high-quality, user-friendly product at a cost that we wouldn’t be able to obtain otherwise.”

Community representatives are encouraged to attend one of five regional ally meetings conducted by Entergy Arkansas’ Teamwork Arkansas and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission to learn more about the Arkansas Site Selection Center. These events will take place in the following locations from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

July 21: Monticello -- Gibson Center of University of Arkansas at Monticello

July 22: Magnolia -- Reynolds Center of Southern Arkansas University

August 11: Fayetteville -- Conference Center of University of Arkansas

August 12: Little Rock -- Institute of Economic Advancement at University of Arkansas at Little Rock

August 13: Jonesboro -- Cooper Alumni Center at Arkansas State University

About Entergy Arkansas’ Teamwork Arkansas

Teamwork Arkansas is the economic development office of Entergy Arkansas, Inc., the largest provider of electricity in Arkansas. As one of the largest private sector economic development initiatives in the country, Teamwork Arkansas offers professional, proactive and resourceful expertise to companies searching for a new business location, abundant workforce and innovative incentives.

Entergy Arkansas, Inc. provides electricity to almost 684,000 customers in 63 counties. It is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. Entergy Corp. is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, and it is the second-largest nuclear generator in the United States. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.7 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy has annual revenues of more than $13 billion and approximately 14,700 employees.

About Arkansas Economic Development Commission

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission is the lead economic development agency in the state. Its mission is to lead statewide economic development, create targeted strategies which produce better paying jobs, promote communities, and support the training and growth of a 21st Century skilled workforce.

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Visit www.ArkansasSiteSelection.com or www.ArkansasEDC.com