Area Development Announces 2025 Shovel Award Winners

Annual Honors Recognize States for Exceptional Economic Development Performance

Area Development, the leading publication covering site selection and facility planning, is pleased to announce the winners of its 20th Annual Shovel Awards, recognizing U.S. states that achieved outstanding success in attracting high-value business investment projects in 2024.

Each year, the Shovel Awards spotlight states that have generated significant job creation and capital investment through a combination of major facility announcements, industry diversity, and long-term economic planning. Awards are given in population-based categories to ensure fair comparisons across states of all sizes.

Across the board, 2024 was marked by several high-impact industry trends. Hyperscale data centers continued to dominate capital investment totals, with projects in the $10 billion range reshaping regional utility and workforce planning. Semiconductor and advanced manufacturing investments remained strong, fueled by federal incentives and global supply chain shifts. Meanwhile, clean tech projects — particularly in battery storage, carbon capture, and hydrogen — signaled an accelerating transition toward energy transformation and sustainability.

At the top of this year’s honors is North Carolina, recipient of the 2025 Platinum Shovel Award — the highest recognition presented by Area Development. The state’s project portfolio included major wins in biopharmaceuticals, battery components, and renewable energy, reflecting a dynamic blend of scale, innovation, and workforce alignment.

“North Carolina’s success this year represents the full spectrum of what economic development leaders strive for — transformative capital investment, sector diversity, and sustained momentum across both urban and rural areas,” said Andy Greiner, editor of Area Development. “It’s a signal that strategic coordination and workforce readiness are paying off.”

Gold and Silver Shovel Awards were also presented to a select group of states that led their respective population categories in economic performance. The full list of 2025 Gold and Silver Shovel winners — along with detailed coverage of the top manufacturing and non-manufacturing projects of the year — appears in the Q2 issue of Area Development, available in print and online at www.areadevelopment.com/shovels-2025.

About Area Development

Area Development is the leading executive magazine covering corporate site selection, facility planning, economic development, and real estate strategy. Founded in 1965, the publication reaches a national audience of decision-makers involved in business expansion and location strategy.

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Each year, the Shovel Awards spotlight states that have generated significant job creation and capital investment through a combination of major facility announcements, industry diversity, and long-term economic planning.