CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Duke Energy Progress has selected 208 acres of undeveloped land near the town of Turkey, N.C., to participate in the utilitys 2013 Site Readiness Program to prepare the location for potential industrial development.
Duke Energy's Site Readiness Program is one of the cornerstones of the company's economic development model. It identifies, evaluates and improves industrial sites in the company's service territory to compete for new companies and jobs.
As part of the four-month comprehensive assessment of the Sampson site, Duke Energy Progress has hired McCallum Sweeny, a nationally known consulting firm, to conduct a site study. Land-use planners will create conceptual plans detailing the areas of the site most suited for building and development.
"The first step in attracting new industry is to get the site ready to market. There are critical factors like infrastructure, transportation and labor that must be considered," said John Nelms, Duke Energy's economic development manager for Sampson County.
Located halfway between Raleigh and Wilmington, near Clinton, rail access and interstate connectivity make the site's location ideal for a manufacturing company.
Duke Energy will present its findings to county officials in November.
"Attracting new jobs and industries to our region is more competitive than ever before. That's why being selected for the Duke Energy Site Readiness Program is such a tremendous advantage. The report we will receive after this assessment will become our action plan for developing the site's strengths, with the ultimate goal of bringing a new industry to the area," said John Swope, executive director of the Sampson County Economic Development Commission.
More than 35 counties submitted applications for Duke Energy's Site Readiness Program in North Carolina and South Carolina in 2013.
The Sampson County site was one of 10 North Carolina sites chosen by the utility.
"Duke Energy's approach to economic development is unique in the utility industry. Our enterprisewide team identifies and proactively recruits large national and international companies to our service areas," said Stu Heishman, Duke Energy's vice president of economic and business development.
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.
Ideal properties for Duke Energy's Site Readiness Program are 75 acres or larger, served by the utility. A qualified site can be suited either for a large industrial facility, data center, or potential industrial park (multi-tenant site).
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.