Communities that have plans already in place when federal and state funds become available for projects have an edge in obtaining some of that money. An example of what readiness can mean has been Slippery Rock Borough in terms of its downtown revitalization efforts. Its planning has been the basis for obtaining millions of dollars from the state to advance the community's objectives.

Now, shift attention to Clinton Township in southeastern Butler County, where it was announced Tuesday that MEDRAD, a global medical device manufacturer, will be building a $44.7 million manufacturing facility on 22 acres in the Victory Road Business Park.

MEDRAD, which also has an option on 19 additional acres at the business park, could have built the proposed plant just about anywhere in the world. Instead, it chose Butler County in large part because the site of the new plant is ready for development — the product of planning.

For that, "being ready" plaudits must be directed toward the Community Development Corporation of Butler County, which, eight years ago, recognizing the possibilities regarding the 425-acre former USX Sintering Plant near Route 228, bought and cleaned up the brownfield site and then reopened the site as the Victory Road Business Park.

Having prepared the business park for tenants and already having a number in place, the site became attractive for MEDRAD, which has a plant in Indianola, Allegheny County, and whose new corporate headquarters is being built in the Tech 21 Research Park, adjacent to the Thorn Hill Industrial Park. That park straddles the Allegheny County-Butler County line in Cranberry Township.

The potential economic impact surrounding MEDRAD's Victory Park interest — 500 new jobs are anticipated — coupled with CDC's overall preparedness and expertise in handling red tape associated with an initiative of such size, captured the attention of the state, which has responded with $4.42 million in grants and loans.

As with Slippery Rock, in-place planning, overall readiness and availability of money have combined to benefit MEDRAD, Butler County and those who eventually will be employed at the new plant.

The plant will produce sterile packages of syringes and intravenous tubing used to inject imaging dyes into medical patients needing such procedures.

It is estimated that the plant will be completed by the end of 2007 and reach its full employment capacity in about five years.

Diane Sheets, CDC executive director, was on target in commending the hard work and solid decisions of local, county and state officials — and CDC board members — in making the Victory Road Business Park such a success story.

In addition, the solid employee base MEDRAD has found in Western Pennsylvania also was a big factor in the company's decision not to build its new plant elsewhere.

According to Sheets, the MEDRAD announcement made for "a great day for Southwestern Pennsylvania." However, the potential for additional great days exists; 70 acres out of the original 425 acres bought by CDC from USX remain available for development.

At this juncture, it's comfortable knowing that skill and commitment such as the CDC's is available to respond efficiently and effectively to potential business prospects. And, it's equally important to acknowledge that economic developments here — and the potential for others — have generated significant notice on the state level and the resulting willingness by the commonwealth to lend a hand financially.

The basis for MEDRAD's decision to build its new plant in Clinton Township is a partnership that other communities and their economic and industrial development agencies would love to emulate.