Business Facilities - November 2007 - (Page 38)

MEETING THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGE ments that influence business decisions. In accordance with this commitment, the city has built a network to provide free wireless Internet access to all of its businesses and residents via radio waves broadcast from parks, sidewalk cafes, shopping centers, and other locations across Riverside. Cities across the country have grappled with the idea of bringing a municipal wireless program to their community, but implementing the strategy has proved challenging. Several cities over the past few years have had to walk away from agreements and watch visions of delivering a convenient wireless program to their community vanish. In contrast, the city of Riverside has become a model for success. With the unveiling of the pilot phase of this program in October 2006, Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge echoed the sentiments of many when he told the local press, “For many cities, it’s a matter of talk. Here, it’s action. This is a statement [for Riverside] as a whole—that we’re ready for the 21st Century.” What makes Riverside’s program work where others have faltered is the program’s anchor tenancy component. Last October, the city entered into an agreement with telecommunication giant AT&T, committing Riverside to becoming the anchor Riverside, CA serves as a model framework for other cities wishing to create a wireless program. OPPORTUNITIES We have 181.8 acres and the resources to help you take advantage of one of the best development opportunities in Northeast Ohio. PRO-BUSINESS INCENTIVES – Tax incentives & abatements, Enterprise Zone and Community Reinvestment area, and potential Foreign Trade Zone designation. DEVELOPMENT STRONGSVILLE BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY PARK QUICK ACCESS TO MAJOR MARKETS – Via Northeast Ohio’s highway infrastructure – I-71, I-80 (Turnpike), I-480. Within 30 miles of Port Cleveland and 8 miles south of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. SURROUNDING AMENITIES – Nearby golf courses, upscale residential areas, a 1,300,000 square foot shopping mall, hotels, restaurants, and the world class satellite Cleveland Clinic Medical Center. For more information, please contact Gene P. Magocky Director of Economic Development (440) 238-5720, ext. 2157 e-mail – magocky@strongsville.org www.strongsville.org City of Strongsville 16099 Foltz Parkway Strongsville, OH 44149 #2404 at www.BusinessFacilities.com 38 NOVEMBER 2007 tenant on this new network. This minimizes AT&T’s financial risk; the company cites Riverside’s program as a model framework for other cities wishing to create a wireless program. “Riverside is our first deployment” says Ebrahim Keshavarz, AT&T’s Assistant vice president of product marketing for business development. “We design, build, own and operate our network. … [Riverside’s] responsibility is to provide power and poles, to give us permitting, and to give us applications and revenues as an anchor tenant.” With the pilot program successfully completed, subsequent phases of the Wi-Fi access are being rolled out as quickly as coverage points can be established. Phase II began in May of this year to cover primarily the downtown and technology park areas. The final phase is expected to begin in May 2008, when Wi-Fi access will become available across the city. Riverside’s citywide Wi-Fi program is one of many stand-out features that exemplifies the city’s forward-thinking approach to economic development and proves that Riverside is the best choice for cutting-edge companies and their employees. A S P E C I A L A D V E RT I S I N G S E C T I O N O F B U S I N E S S FA C I L I T I E S PHOTO CREDIT: RIVERSIDE, CA http://www.strongsville.org http://www.strongsville.org http://www.BusinessFacilities.com

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Business Facilities - November 2007 Contents First Words Snapshots Metro Spotlight: Indianapolis Region, Indiana Georgia's Pursuit of Industry Extreme Technology Sites A Tennessee Trifecta A Watershed Moment for Philly Metro Spotlight: Mexico-Texas Border Region High Tech and Aerospace Heat up in Arizona Meeting the Information Technology Challenge IEDC Announces 2007 Winners Corporate Moves: Alabama Northeast Arkansas Scores Major Investments Corporate Moves: Virginia Metro Spotlight: Martinsville-Henry County, VA Renewable Michigan Advertiser Index Ask the Expert

Business Facilities - November 2007

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