Smith + Howard Launches Site Selection + Incentives Service Group

Site Selection + Incentives Service Group Helps Businesses Optimize Location Strategy and Maximize Financial Benefits

Atlanta, GA – March 19, 2025 –  Smith + Howard, a leading national tax, accounting, and advisory firm is pleased to announce the launch of its Site Selection + Incentives (SSI) service group. This new offering is designed to help businesses navigate the complexities of site selection, optimize financial and operational efficiencies, and secure economic incentives that drive long-term success.

Meeting Market Demand with Expert Guidance

As companies face increasing cost pressures, supply chain challenges, and workforce constraints, selecting the right location is more critical than ever. The Smith + Howard SSI team offers data-driven insights to guide businesses in making informed location decisions while securing federal, state, and local incentives to mitigate costs.

“Site selection is more than just picking a place—it’s a strategic decision that impacts long-term profitability, workforce sustainability, and operational efficiency,” said Brad Pittman, Principal, Specialty Tax Services at Smith + Howard. “Shelly and her team work closely with businesses to align location strategies with financial goals, helping them secure the best possible incentives and avoid costly pitfalls.”

Who Can Benefit?

The SSI group serves a diverse range of businesses, including manufacturers, distributors, businesses with complex supply chain needs and companies planning expansions or relocations. Whether businesses are seeking new headquarters, additional production facilities, or optimized distribution hubs, Smith + Howard’s SSI services ensure a strategic, well-researched approach that includes cost reduction, skilled labor access and maximization of economic incentives.  

The team will help companies reduce costs, access skilled labor, and maximize economic incentives.

Key Benefits of Smith + Howard’s SSI Services

• Maximized Incentives: Securing tax credits, grants, and workforce training funds to lower capital investment costs.
• Operational Efficiency: Identifying locations with optimal supply chain logistics, labor availability, and utility infrastructure.
• Risk Mitigation: Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and avoiding financial setbacks from poorly chosen sites.
• Workforce Alignment: Analyzing labor markets to match businesses with regions that offer a skilled, sustainable workforce.

A Proven Team with Industry Expertise

Marc Azar, Partner and Tax Practice Leader, noted, “With the addition of Shelly Carmichael and Marianne Campbell, clients of Smith + Howard’s SSI services will benefit from partnering with seasoned professionals who have deep expertise in site selection, incentives negotiation, and strategic growth consulting. We are excited to have them join us and play an important role in our expansion of services.” The team includes:

• Shelly Carmichael, Director of Specialty Tax Services. Carmichael brings over a decade of experience in business optimization, site selection, and incentives negotiation for companies ranging from startups to Fortune 100 enterprises.
• Marianne Campbell, Senior Consultant in Specialty Tax Services. Campbell specializes in leveraging Geographic Information System tools and data analysis to guide businesses in location strategy, competitor benchmarking, and workforce analytics.

About Smith + Howard:
Smith + Howard is a nationally recognized accounting and advisory firm serving businesses across multiple industries, including construction, distribution, hospitality, manufacturing, nonprofit, real estate, technology, and transportation/logistics. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services, including audit, tax, international tax, transfer pricing, cyber risk compliance, R&D tax credits, SOC reporting, and more. Additionally, under its Family of Companies umbrella, Smith + Howard offers wealth management, sales and use tax, property tax, management consulting, human capital consulting, and executive search services—helping businesses at every stage of growth.

Media Contact

Julie Barnes
Chief Marketing Officer
📧 [email protected]

Smith + Howard operates under an alternative practice structure. In this arrangement, Smith + Howard, PC, a licensed accounting firm, provides audit and attest services, while Smith + Howard Advisory LLC delivers tax, accounting, and advisory services.