It is week two of our dive into our new Economic Vision Plan, developed in conjunction with VisionFirst Advisors. This week, I will be taking us through the second goal of the plan: Optimize Available Sites & Properties.
In today’s competitive landscape, a community can’t attract new jobs and industry without truly ready, marketable sites. Site selection today goes far beyond land and infrastructure. Companies look for certainty, speed, data accuracy, and digital visibility when evaluating locations, often anonymously and entirely online. For Ardmore to stay competitive, we must go beyond simply listing sites and actively refine, market, and prepare them.
To do this, VisionFirst Advisors developed eight targeted tactics:
1. Leverage the Airpark’s strategic advantages. Ardmore Industrial Airpark stands out thanks to its BNSF-certified site status, foreign trade zone designation, and unique rail features. The marketing of this site should be targeted at defense, aerospace, and rail-dependent industries.
2. Set clear expectations for Michelin co-tenant space. As Michelin exits part of its manufacturing facility, it’s critical to define the space available, preferred uses, costs, and timelines, making it easier for brokers and prospects to evaluate and act.
3. Refine and market zoning & rail advantages at the Airpark. By highlighting completed due diligence, special tax advantages, and rail access, Ardmore can better appeal to international firms and rail-dependent manufacturers, turning local assets into strong selling points.
4. Develop creative solutions for in-fence property at the Airpark. Ardmore should explore long-term leases of FAA-controlled land inside the Airpark fence, targeting aviation, last-mile logistics, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations.
5. Streamline infrastructure planning with utility & engineering partners. Proactive coordination with utilities, engineers, and the City of Ardmore will help establish clear timelines, realistic cost estimates, and identify funding sources, reducing the uncertainty that often deters potential investors.
6. Engage and collaborate with motivated landowners. Building relationships with owners of large parcels, particularly those near I-35, can unlock new industrial opportunities and increase the ADA’s ability to guide development.
7. Enhance digital marketing. With most site selection research now done online, Ardmore must strengthen its sites landing page, add interactive tools like drone footage and virtual tours, and improve search engine visibility. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about ensuring decision-makers see accurate, compelling information quickly.
8. Tell the sites’ stories through video. Short, engaging videos can showcase competitive advantages, site details, and community assets far more effectively than text alone. Pairing these videos with executive testimonials and highlighting unique local amenities can further differentiate Ardmore from competing communities.
VisionFirst’s tactics highlight an important reality: while we have strong assets in Ardmore, their true value depends on how we present them to industry leaders and decision-makers. By refining our sites, strengthening partnerships, and investing in modern marketing, we can position Ardmore as a top destination for new and diverse industries.
In the weeks ahead, the Ardmore Development Authority team and our partners will be working to bring these tactics to life and refine them to fit ongoing efforts. Community support and engagement are essential, so if you have questions or want to help move Ardmore forward, please reach out to me aanderson@ardmore.org.
