When global expert services and consulting firm LECG merged with SMART Business Advisory and Consulting, an analysis confirmed that nearly two-thirds of the revenues of the combined firm are in the Mid-Atlantic or in Europe. Throw in the proliferation of the nation’s top law firms in and around Philadelphia, and it made sense for LECG to relocate its headquarters to the city.
A little help sped up the process. The wooing of LECG stretched from Philly to Harrisburg, starting with Select Greater Philadelphia, the economic development marketing organization that provided the company with information and data. The Governor’s Action Team, a group of economic development pros who work directly with businesses, then stepped in and connected LECG with a robust incentive package.
The state’s Department of Community and Economic Development provided $371,000 in funding through a $200,000 opportunity grant and $171,000 in job creation tax credits.
“This project required quick action and everyone reacted promptly to successfully meet LECG’s timeframe,” says Tom Morr, president and CEO of Select Greater Philadelphia.
LECG employs more than 1,400 at 39 locations worldwide, providing expert testimony, financial advisory services, original authoritative studies, strategic advisory and tax, assurance and business consulting services to Fortune 500 companies, major law firms and government entities. Its new corporate headquarters will be located in a 52,400 square-foot facility in suburban Devon that formerly served as SMART’s base of operations. The $2.1 million consolidation will create 57 jobs within three years and retain 329 existing positions statewide.
Source: Tom Morr, Select Greater Philadelphia
Writer: Joe Petrucci