Client

The Nolim Group, headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, are developers with a high quality business park located in Concord, North Carolina.

Challenge

Long-term investors, the firm has increasingly found itself at a competitive disadvantage within the Charlotte region. The firm’s International Business Park is entirely a private enterprise, and an increased focus on economic development by other counties in the region has led to the creation of government subsidized business parks. These parks offer similar amenities to the International Business Park, but can sell acreage at a much lower price because their infrastructure is paid for by public entities, either through tax increment financing or other means.

Solution

Walker PR implemented a comprehensive government relations program for The Nolim Group, targeting elected officials, professional staffers and the local economic development organization. The goal of the program was to convince the city and county to partner with The Nolim Group on a new road in the International Business Park that would open additional lots for development.

Using competitive analysis of other parks, their price per acre and the financing mechanisms provided to the competitive parks by other governmental entities, Walker PR made the case that the International Business Park in Concord was the highest profile park and one of the largest job centers in the county.

Results

Cabarrus County and the City of Concord entered into a memorandum of understanding with The Nolim Group to build the new road in the Park. To date, two companies have set up business along the new road, making the partnership a win for all parties.