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City Beat ChooseMorganHill.com By Maureen Tobin, Communications & Engagement Manager T he City of Morgan Hill launched its new Economic Development website, ChooseMorganHill.com recently conveying an ‘open for business’ attitude and articulating Morgan Hill’s value proposition for attracting jobs and commercial investments in the areas of healthcare, innovation, retail and tourism. The new website is designed with a modern, yet warm and inviting style with authentic and active photography. The site is dynamic with clear core messages presented in a non-text heavy manner. The tone of the website is sophisticated, but at the same time down-to-earth and provides an excellent balance between being informative but very accessible. The features of the new website also allow users to easily navigate from their mobile devices. This information is organized in multiple ways. • Featured Properties: Select sites that recently came into the market and are available for lease. • Development Opportunities: This is a partnership with OppSites, an online platform that allows cities to identify development opportunity sites that may or may not be on the market. The platform offers an opportunity to up- load site-specific information on planning requirements, project readiness, incentives, costs, and parcel ownership information. ChooseMorganHill.com is organized around four key themes: • Space for Lease: Site selection assistance is available through LoopNet, the leading mobile and online commercial real estate marketplace that connects tenants and investors to real estate available for lease • Morgan Hill for Business: “The Jewel of Silicon Valley” • Working and Living in Morgan Hill: “Love where you work” • Resources for Growing in Morgan Hill: “A pro-business and pro-development climate” • The Morgan Hill Economic Development Team: “We are here to help” • Retail Opportunities: Like the “Featured Properties” section, this section allows for site-specific opportunities to be highlighted, such as the Cochrane Commons second phase. An interactive map allows users the ability to search for city- wide opportunities divided into three categories: Downtown, Shopping Centers, and Auto Dealer Use opportunities. Website visitors use choosemorganhill.com to learn about Morgan Hill and the reasons why they should consider moving their business to or expanding in Morgan Hill. The site offers information on key industries, workforce, lifestyle, and business resources. Key features and resources for businesses, brokers and developers include information on available space and land for development. Another significant feature and ‘offering’ is the “Business Portal” through OpenCounter. Through the Business Portal, users can find out about zoning regulations and determine answers to the question of whether a proposed use is allowed on a specific site. This tool simplifies site selection by showing where a use is permitted. It also provides information about fees and licenses that may be needed for that business(use). Morgan Hill’s Economic Development team is excited to introduce this fresh, current, user-friendly website, as a significant tool for engaging Morgan Hill’s key industries and leaders, focusing on benefits and resources that support the decision to “Choose Morgan Hill.” ChooseMorganHill.com offers information on business programs, financial assistance, marketing materials, and market studies. GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN december 2018-january 2019 gmhtoday.com 27