3/11/2013

Site Selectors Guild, a network of the world’s top site location consultants, recognized The Northspan Group for excellence in economic development at its annual conference in New Orleans Feb. 26. The Guild honors individuals and organizations for their contributions to investment attraction and job creation in their respective regions.

Chris Maddy, Northspan’s director of marketing and business recruitment, accepted the Guild’s Special Jurisdiction Economic Development Award for his leadership and performance on a national business expansion project in 2012.

Robert Hess, executive managing director of consulting at Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, and his staff began working with Northspan in early 2012 to respond to several analytical questions and to facilitate a site visit with confidential company’s leadership. Northspan convened the region’s economic development team, including APEX, the Development Association of Superior and Douglas County, Minnesota Power/Superior Water, Light and Power, and representatives from both Duluth and Superior and Minnesota and Wisconsin. Together they created a detailed, comprehensive response focusing on costs, logistics, availability of talent, and training expertise in the Twin Ports and on the Iron Range.

“Northspan understood the need and in a professional and responsive manner provided answers to our difficult questions,” said Hess.

Brian Hanson, president and CEO of APEX, joined Maddy at the Site Selector’s Guild meeting to receive the award.

“Northspan is a vital component of our successful regional development team. Chris provided exceptional customer service to Newmark and its client; we are very proud that he and Northspan were recognized by the Guild for a job well done!” Hanson said.

The Twin Ports is one of three areas across the United States which is competing for the project.

Chris Maddy directs Northland Connection, a regionally-funded marketing program that provides data and analysis to recruit, expand, and retain businesses throughout northeastern Minnesota and Douglas County, Wisconsin.

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