news-record.com

Four neighboring economic development allies have announced that, for the fourth year in a row, the Greensboro-High Point Metropolitan Statistical Area earned a Top 10 national ranking for attracting new industry among similar-sized areas.

Site Selection magazine, a national publication catering to executives responsible for site selection and facility planning decisions around the world, ranked the Greensboro-High Point MSA seventh in the United States in 2010.

The MSA is composed of Guilford, Randolph and Rockingham counties.

“This ranking validates our industry cluster strategy and signals that our efforts to attract knowledge-based companies are working and are being recognized on a national level,” said Dan Lynch, president of Greensboro Economic Development Alliance.

Bonnie Renfro, president of the Randolph County EDC, said, “We have much to be proud of in our area, and this ranking is the culmination of a strong regional push to increase our tax base and create new job opportunities.”

“Having a nationally recognized publication recognize our MSA to be one of the best in the country is a win for our entire region,” added Loren Hill, president of the High Point EDC. “Our area has been able to make significant project announcements over the past year, during very difficult economic times.”

Graham Pervier, resident of the Rockingham County Partnership, said, “We are proud that, for two of these last four consecutive years, our MSA ranked #1 nationally. We look forward to continued collaboration and more announcements in 2011.”

Site Selection’s ranking was based upon the number of corporate real estate projects of $1 million or greater announced in the metro area in 2010.