Indiana’s site and building online database, statein.zoomprospector.com, was ranked first in the nation in Sigala Inc.'s State Ranking of Best Economic Development Site Selection Website Services study.
“Shopping happens online. It doesn’t matter whether you are looking for a new car or a new factory, you will probably start with a web search,” said Victor Smith, Indiana Secretary of Commerce. “By working closely with communities across the state, Indiana has organized its available sites in one place, making it easy for companies to find the best location for business. With this top-notch site and Indiana’s business-friendly climate, companies find effective tools for growth and job creation in the Hoosier State.”
The study, which was compiled by California-based Sigala Inc., compared and ranked all 50 states’ online site selection analysis and assistance websites based on 300 variables related to four major functional site location categories: lead generation, community search, property search and location analysis.
The study ranked Indiana’s site selection website first in the nation for overall excellence, with the website also receiving the top ranking in the Midwest and top ranking among medium size population states. Within the four major categories, Indiana ranked first in lead generation, which includes the website’s initiatives to drive traffic back to the website, and ranked in the top three for location analysis, which includes the website’s data, data categories and ability for visitors to customize data analysis. The state also received the top ranking for its community search function, a function which allows companies to effectively select the correct location to meet its expansion or relocation needs.
With functionality that integrates available site and building properties, community statistics, business information, interactive heat maps and Indiana certified shovel ready site data in a one-stop location, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) launched statein.zoomprospector.com in 2009 to streamline the Indiana location search process for businesses looking to expand or locate to the Hoosier State. Built by GIS Planning, the website was also recently offered to counties across Indiana to utilize the website’s resources to promote their local communities.
In addition to being accessible directly by visiting statein.zoomprospector.com, the site selection website can also be reached through IEDC’s main website, iedc.in.gov, a site that serves as the primary digital source for showcasing Indiana’s pro-business climate and strong workforce to businesses around the world.