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Batavia area one of nation's fastest growing 'micropolitians' again, according GCEDC

By Howard B. Owens

The "micropolitian" area of Batavia is one of the nation's fastest growing regions according to Site Selection Magazine.

This is the fifth straight year Batavia has received the designation.

On its Web site, Site Selection describes itself this way:

Site Selection's editorial mission is to publish information for expansion planning decision-makers -- CEOs, corporate real estate executives and facility planners, human resource managers and consultants to corporations. Our goal is to help the expansion planner do a better job.

Here's the full press release from the Genesee County Economic Develoment Committee

Batavia, NY…Genesee County and the Batavia Micropolitan Area has been named one of the country’s 10 fastest growing regions by Site Selection Magazine for a fifth consecutive year.  A Micropolitan Area is a census definition that describes a city of less than 50,000 people that serves as the seat of a larger geographical area like Genesee County.  There are roughly 600 Micropolitans nationwide.

The Batavia Micropolitan was first recognized in 2004 and ranked 7th in the nation.  In 2005, the region was named the 3rd fastest growing Micropolitan in the nation and the number 1 location in the Northeast.  Batavia made the list again in 2006 and 2007.  In 2008 the Batavia Micropolitan ranked fourth nationwide. 

Statesville-Mooresville, North Carolina was tops in the category, participating in 17 qualifying projects.  Daphne-Fairhope, Alaska tied with Tupelo, Mississippi for second with both completing 12 projects.  Batavia participated in 11 qualifying projects tying with Ottawa-Streator, Illinois for fourth.  The results were published in Site Selection’s March issue.

“Despite a changing economic and political climate in the state and nationwide, we were able to participate in 11 qualifying projects and again earn honors as a Top Micropolitan.” said CEO Steve Hyde.  “It’s an accomplishment we are extremely proud of and over the years the recognition has brought us national exposure and helped us increase our project volume.  It is an honor that we share with the entire community, including our local and regional partners and elected officials.”

Gabor Deutsch

What exactly does this mean ? Growing ? I dont see any growth at all. What kind of crap story is that ? I got a project and its called create some jobs soon or population will leave.

Mar 9, 2009, 1:03pm Permalink
Richard Gahagan

Hey come on someone told me ya got a new sign for the mall I mean Centre(sp), even saw a picture of it on here, thats micropolitian right.

Mar 9, 2009, 2:18pm Permalink
Beth Kinsley

I wonder how many of them will last. I really question how we can support a Walmart, KMart and Target. I think that KMart is living on borrowed time. I also wondered about Michaels Crafts and Things and Bed Bath and Beyond. Not sure that there is enough business to support them.

Mar 9, 2009, 7:28pm Permalink
Marie Smith

I think Batavia has been growing at a comfortable pace. All of the new stores are great, and they HAVE created new jobs. And if you do take a drive out by the airport the Milton CAT created about 100 jobs.

Mar 9, 2009, 8:02pm Permalink

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