From Judy Gilleland

Sometimes prospects contact the Economic Development department asking “what is going on
in the city”. Answer: a lot. There was investment of approximately $350 million from 2008 to
2010. We say “estimated” because we know that it is impossible to track 100% of the data,
and so the amount is likely to be more than that. We track investment in real estate and also
significant machinery investment. Add in the Suncoke investment and the amount doubles to
approximately $700 million. Please note: that number excludes the many projects underway in
2011. We have seen investment in office, industrial, retail, housing, medical, and other
services. Many of our inquiries are due to our location; we are indeed “in the middle”.
Companies locating here look at the radius their drivers can cover in a day. Some are related to
loyalty; folks with ties to Middletown often want to come back here. Some are related to
projects underway, or vendors or clients already located here. Whatever the reason for
prospective companies to contact us, we prioritize their calls. We make available whatever
team (staff from pertaining departments) members are necessary to answer their questions
and to provide information about doing business in the city. This approach is a process that
pulls departments together and provides a unified front for retaining current and creating new
business relationships, thus enhancing our ongoing quest to be a “business friendly”
experience.