Brett,
I am a Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Kentucky. Our state cabinet for economic development is holding a business plan competition for college students. The group I am working with is creating a plan to sell fuel economy improving modifications for pickup trucks. I would love to include your shell as one of our hypothetical product offerings. It looks far better than anything we have designed. Would you be willing to send me your financial estimates (manufacturing cost and desired sales price)?
It is unfortunate that Arkansas has been unwilling to help you start this business. If you continue to see difficulties as you pursue this venture, maybe Kentucky would be more friendly. We make the Ford Superduty trucks here (in Louisville, KY), so this could be a natural location to manufacture your product. Toyota makes Tundras in Princeton, IN which is about 2 hours from Louisville. Our state is known for excellence in automotive manufacturing. I have co-oped with Toyota in Georgetown, KY, the manufacturing home of the Best-Selling Camry. Kentucky is well suited for manufacturing because land is cheap, electricity is cheap, suppliers are near, tax breaks are prevalent, and we have access to three major interstate routes (I-64, I-65, I-75). Kentucky is actively recruiting high tech businesses to come to our state, as that is an area in which we are lacking. With CFD analysis and wind-tunnel testing of new aero caps, and composite material fabrication, I think this could qualify as high tech.
If you are still having difficulties with funding in Arkansas, I would suggest contacting Kentucky's Cabinet for Economic Development.
Nick Such
Lexington, KY
Business Plan Competition:
http://www.ideastateu.com/
Cabinet for Economic Development:
http://www.thinkkentucky.com/KYEDC/W...w.aspx?param=0
Legislative provisions for Green businesses (coming soon):
http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/07S2/HB1.htm