I contacted the EDC office and scheduled a time for the commissioner to come out and tour the building.  At the end of meeting, not only did I have good understanding of the area businesses, but I also knew who might be looking to expand, who might be looking to move and who might be looking to come into the area. 
As a real estate broker, the advantages to knowing the EDC staff is a tremendous resource.  For businesses it is equally advantageous.  If your business is thinking about opening a location in a new city, the EDC can inform you about any tax incentives, available commercial spaces and many other resources that may be helpful to you and your business. 
To contact a local EDC, head to the town/city's web site. 
Don't hesitate to let me know your additional thoughts. 
Be well, 
Rhonda