After a lengthy process and meeting certain prescribed requirements, two industrial properties have been certified as “Shovel Ready,” by Barber Business Advisors, LLC.

The certification work was done over a six-month period in conjunction with the Mount Pleasant Industrial Development Corporation, which owns the two properties located in separate industrial parks.

The properties that were certified as being “Shovel Ready” are the 200-acre Mount Pleasant Business Park and the 100-acre Cypress Industrial Park.

“I commend the work that was performed by Charles Smith, executive director of the Mount Pleasant Industrial Development Corporation,” said Dean Barber, president of Barber Business Advisors. (BBA)
 “He saw the wisdom of getting these two sites certified, which will serve as a means and a way to demonstrate to industrial users that these properties are ready to go for immediate development.”

Smith said the certification process, as administered by BBA, was challenging but worthwhile, providing him and his community more in-depth knowledge and information about the two sites that will be marketed for industrial use.
“We learned a lot about our two sites because of the requirements posed by Dean Barber’s certification process,” Smith said. “He made us do the heavy lifting in developing and accumulating documentation that shows these two sites are now truly shovel ready. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth the effort.”

The purpose of industrial site certification is to reduce risk for any prospective industrial user looking a site for future operations.
“By going through a site certification process, a community has the documentary proof that the site is ready for immediate industrial development. Essentially the community is answering all the logical questions that could be posed about that site,” said Barber.

Site certification provides assurances to prospective industrial users that the site is available, fully served and is developable. It means companies can move quickly in having a future manufacturing facility built, said Barber.
Smith agreed the certification process sends a clear “pro-business” message to any industrial prospect.
“Mount Pleasant has taken the proper steps to show that we will go the extra mile to help companies establish operations and succeed here,” Smith said. “Our two certified sites permit a company to begin construction on a fast-track basis with little or no surprises or delays.”

About the Mount Pleasant Industrial Development Corporation:
The Mount Pleasant Industrial Development Corporation was formed under State economic development laws with a vote of the citizens of Mount Pleasant in 1993.  It is governed by a five person board appointed by the City Council.  The corporation develops properties for industrial use, offers assistance to existing manufacturers as they grow in the community and markets the community to industry seeking a new location.
Contact:

Charles L. Smith, CEcD
Mount Pleasant Industrial Development Corp.
1604 N. Jefferson
Mount Pleasant, TX 75455
Office: 903-572-6602
Email:  charleslsmith@mpcity.org
www.mpedc.org

About Barber Business Advisors, LLC:
Barber Business Advisors is a site selection and economic development consulting firm based in Plano, Texas. BBA helps companies find optimal locations for future operations throughout North America when they are ready to expand. BBA also serves economic development organizations in developing strategies to leverage strengths and address certain weaknesses.
Contact:
Dean Barber
Barber Business Advisors, LLC
7001 Hansell Road, Suite 2427
Plano, Texas 75024
Office: 972-767-9518
Email: dbarber@barberadvisors.com
www.barberadvisors.com