When talking about economic development, MXD Development Strategists CEO Chris LeTourneur borrows a line from Forrest Gump, saying it's like a box of chocolates. Bisnow got the skinny on the cinematic philosophy of Chris at the Aerotropolis Airport conference at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, where we had our local reporter taking notes. Chris says the inside as well as the outside of each chocolate works in harmony together while some may have a nutty cluster of activity while others have a creamy goodness; just like the commercial projects around an airport--creating that Aerotropolis. (One Gumpian philosophy that airports don't like: Run, Forrest, Run. They'd much prefer if he flew.)
Chris has worked with many airports around the globe, including Winnipeg International. He says it's a shining example of the airport, government, transportation, and business all working in harmony. The entities form an economic development initiative to promote jobs and investment. With rail, air, and road connectivity, industries depend on Winnipeg's airport, especially those sunrise industries that rely on just-in-time delivery. Chris was among the speakers at the Aerotropolis conference to address why investors, developers, and tenants choose airport locations.
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