Combined, these companies are seeking more than 100 acres of land and 600,000 sf of buildings. Better yet, they're looking to close deals soon in order to be operating by late 2001 or early 2002.

The names of the companies are kept off the email alerts sent out by conomic development officials, and brokers or property owners submit offers based on what detail is provided. That detail points to a lot of activity in the coming months, despite the economic slowdown.

In the most recent alert, sent out Tuesday afternoon, a light manufacturing company is seeking at least 10 acres and as much as 20 acres within 100 miles of Portland for development of a 50,000-sf to 60,000-sf manufacturing facility with 22-foot ceilings, and 4,000- to 6,000-sf of office. The company says it is willing to purchase an existing building or build on green land, but wants to decide on a location by August and be operational no later than March 2002.