# Our Process, Ten Phases > Vista's structured, data-driven ten-phase site selection process, from discovery and goal alignment to compliance management. *Canonical page: https://www.vistasiteselection.com/process/* --- Every engagement follows a proven, end-to-end framework, ten phases that take you from first conversation to fully compliant operation. ## Phase 01, Kickoff + Business Story *Discovery & Goal Alignment* - Intro meeting to understand the company story, goals, constraints, and timeline - Clarify what "success" means, cost, speed, talent, customers, risk, growth - Gather key operating assumptions: CapEx, jobs, shifts, launch timing, equipment, utilities ## Phase 02, Baseline the Real World *Current State & Competitive Landscape* - Review existing locations and performance drivers - Analyze competitors and market positioning - Identify what's working today, and what must change to win tomorrow - Define the must-haves vs nice-to-haves ## Phase 03, Convert the Business into Requirements *Operating Model Translation* - Translate staffing into SOC codes, headcount plans, and wage targets - Define critical skill clusters and hiring risks - Map operational needs: transportation, logistics, suppliers, customers, utilities, real estate, permitting, climate/risk - Convert all of it into measurable criteria ## Phase 04, Build the Decision Engine *Criteria Framework & Scoring Model* - Create a structured evaluation model, go/no-go plus weighted scoring - Assign weights based on what matters most: labor, cost, speed, risk, incentives - Ensure the logic is defendable for executives, investors, and stakeholders ## Phase 05, Find the Best-Fit Regions & Cities *National Market Scan* - Run a broad U.S. search using data and modeling across markets - Identify where the requirements can actually be met, talent, cost, operations - Produce heat maps and ranked markets showing best-fit clusters - Reduce the whole country into a manageable list ## Phase 06, Select the Top Candidate Cities *Shortlist Recommendation* - Recommend a short list of cities/regions based on the model - Highlight tradeoffs and risks, not just a score - Validate assumptions with real-world context: availability, momentum, competition ## Phase 07, Add Incentives on Top *Incentive Strategy & Ranking* - Estimate incentives for each finalist market based on deal parameters - Use historical incentive benchmarks to set realistic ranges and expectations - Rank cities by total value, probability, speed, and complexity - Package an incentives strategy aligned to the business plan ## Phase 08, Prove the Value to the Community *Economic Impact Modeling* - Build an economic impact model from job counts, wages, and spending assumptions - Quantify ripple effects: indirect and induced jobs, payroll, output, tax base - Create an easy-to-explain story for policy teams and the public - Support justification for tax incentives and public participation ## Phase 09, Negotiate + Secure the Package *Incentives Negotiation & Deal Closing* - Engage economic development groups and policymakers - Negotiate terms using benchmarks, impact story, and competitive leverage - Optimize structure: grants, tax abatements, credits, training funds, infrastructure support - Secure approvals and document the deal ## Phase 10, Deliver + Stay Compliant *Implementation & Compliance* - Track milestones and reporting requirements - Proactive monitoring of hiring, wage, CapEx, and timeline achievements against commitments - Support compliance filings, audits, and ongoing incentive administration - Protect the incentives and reduce clawback risk --- **Vista Site Selection, LLC**, data-driven site selection, incentives, and economic impact advisory. Majority-owned by Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP. 52 East Gay Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 · Info@vistasiteselection.com · https://www.vistasiteselection.com