04/07/2008 19:40. Winning big industrial prizes isn't always based solely on logistics or the bottom line - a fact that could be playing a role in Alabama's recruiting efforts as the race to land a Volkswagen auto assembly plant enters its final days.

While negotiations on infrastructure and incentives are no doubt key to staying in the competition, a host of other issues, dubbed the "soft factors" in economic development circles, have been known to put the state over the top in past wins.

Those factors include a community's educational offerings, cultural opportunities and general quality of life, as well as impressions made and relationships formed as local and state officials respond to companies during the recruitment.

"It's a known fact that companies want to know they're wanted in your... // al.com