Duke Energy Carolinas to help prepare York, S.C., location for potential industrial development

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GREENVILLE, S.C. - Duke Energy Carolinas has selected a 162-acre site in York, S.C., to participate in the utility's 2013 Site Readiness Program to prepare the location for potential industrial development.

Duke Energy's Site Readiness Program is designed to help communities served by the utility compete for new companies and jobs.

The York site, known has the Lakemont Business Park, is located directly behind the welcome center on I-77, near Carowinds.

"This program is a progressive effort toward making this site more competitive and attractive for new industry and jobs. It works in sync with our strategy to diversify York County's economy," said Mark Farris, director of York County economic development.

As part of the four-month assessment, Duke Energy has hired McCallum Sweeney, a nationally known consulting firm, to conduct a site study. McCallum Sweeney has been instrumental in many high-profile industrial locations and expansions.

Duke Energy will work with professional land-use planners to develop conceptual plans for the site. Duke Energy, McCallum Sweeney and the planners will present recommendations in a final report to York County leaders.

"There are many factors that influence manufacturing companies considering a site location. Low-cost electric service and access to transportation infrastructure are always at the top of that list," said Sandy Martin, Duke Energy's economic development manager for York County. 

After the site's state of readiness has advanced, Duke Energy's Business Development Team will actively market the site nationwide to companies looking to expand or relocate their operations.

Duke Energy's economic development team forges strategic relationships with prospective industries nationally and globally.

"Our competitive edge comes from knowing our customers," said Stu Heishman, Duke Energy's vice president of economic and business development. "We understand the needs of the area and are working to find the right industries and businesses to meet those needs."

More than 35 counties submitted applications for Duke Energy's Site Readiness Program in North Carolina and South Carolina.

The York County site was one of eight South Carolina sites chosen by the utility in 2013.

This month, Duke Energy's economic development program was named by Site Selection Magazine to its annual list of Top Utilities in Economic Development for 2013. It has held that prestigious title for more than a decade.

For more information about Duke Energy's economic development programs, visit www.considerthecarolinas.com.

Duke Energy

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 250 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at: www.duke-energy.com