Nine site consultants from across the country made their way to the Toledo region for a three-day event to learn more about the area’s assets. This event, described in the industry as a “FAM (familiarization) Tour,” marked the eighth time the RGP played host to this annual gathering of consultants.
“Site consultants are key targets because they are often engaged by companies looking to expand operations. It is critical that the RGP identify and build relationships with these decision makers.”
The RGP branded and marketed the event as an opportunity to gather the critical information consultants deem important, and have it presented by the people they want to hear from – private sector business.
The consultants came to the region from all across the country, representing such cities as Dallas, Kansas City, Indianapolis, and Greenville, S.C. During the visit, they heard from executives at some of the region’s largest companies explain why they chose to invest and do business in Northwest Ohio. Corporate presentations included: First Solar, Whirlpool, CSX, Satelytics, Norfolk Southern, North Star Bluescope Steel and the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. There was also a robust panel discussion on workforce development presented by seven regional university and community college presidents.
As has become tradition, a special highlight for some of the consultants was a helicopter tour over select Northwest Ohio construction-ready sites. The event ended with some rest and relaxation at the Lake Erie islands.
“This was a great opportunity for Northwest Ohio to make a strong, face-to-face sales pitch to key decision makers who took the time to visit our backyard. The idea that this region was able to attract some of the top national site consultants for several days is pretty impressive.”
Besides the FAM Tour, the RGP employs other strategies in reaching these key consultants, most notably, direct, face-to-face meetings in targeted cities across the country and digital communication educating and promoting the assets and development opportunities in Northwest Ohio.