The United States

Economic development projects require time to complete, not just because they demand careful planning and analysis, but because they also are subject to official government decisions and board of director sign-offs. Projects are also prone to be delayed as business cycles and political elections come and go.

Election Day will be welcomed by many development officials because it means that many projects waiting to move forward can proceed. Some businesses hold their projects because the result of an election may directly impact the project or the industry. Although rare, projects may even be significantly altered or cancelled because of a political change.

Most often, companies just want to be sure there won’t be impactful changes to the business environment so that they may be able to execute their plans. Every day our team has the opportunity to spend time with businesses both big and small, domestic and international. Each wants to innovate, grow, and work on behalf of their customers. This underscores the continuing need for business leaders and entrepreneurs to remain connected to government and political leadership.

A strength of the United States is that we are, in fact, united in our pursuit of opportunity and the development of our communities and our people. While elections have consequences and there are different views of taxation and the regulation of commerce, there is also great unanimity in the belief that business is a powerful and positive force for our country and our communities.

We encourage everyone to vote, to understand the implications for business by studying the issues through your chambers of commerce and industry associations, and to be ready to push forward once the results are final. Through all the noise and fury, remember that business and economic development require a steady hand and an appreciation for the risks required to start and grow businesses.

We hope for another safe election and transfer of responsibility, which will be a positive reminder that each day we must all move forward to improve and develop opportunities for the future.