Wow, what a busy week! FEDC would like to congratulate Governor Rick Scott for winning a second term. The Governor's commitment to economic development helps ensure that Florida is a great place to do business. This week I had the opportunity to attend the Rural Summit in St. Augustine. It was great to see many of the members there . I also had the opportunity to participate in a legislative panel moderated by Cathy Chambers (JAXUSA and FEDC's VC of Advocacy) along with our statewide partners, … [Read more...]
Business Development Board Of Martin County Announces Winners Of Business Appreciation Awards
The Business Development Board of Martin County (BDBMC) hosted its annual Business Appreciation Luncheon with Senator Joe Negron as the guest speaker. The event drew close to 250 members of Martin County's business community to the Hutchinson Island Marriott. The BDBMC recognized the many contributions of local, existing companies from within many business sectors. These companies provide quality jobs; help expand the local tax base and due to the contributory nature of their businesses, … [Read more...]
President’s Message – October 31, 2014
As we start preparing to the 2015 Session, I wanted to update all of you on some initiatives that we need your help to support. First, please plan to participate in the November 12th Advocacy Committee conference call November 12 beginning at 10am. Call In Number: 712-432-0075 Code 452692# As many of you are aware, FEDC will be leading the effort for the upcoming Florida legislative session to get the Enterprise Zones renewed. We are in the process of raising funds to conduct a study on the … [Read more...]
President’s Message – October 24, 2014
An FEDC Action Alert! As we ramp up our advocacy initiatives for the 2015 Session, one of FEDC’s top legislative priorities is renewal of the Enterprise Zone program. We are asking our members with Enterprise Zones to consider a contribution to FEDC's Advocacy program to help with this renewal. FEDC is organizing an educational outreach effort to raise awareness of the value of this program to the Florida legislature and we need your support. Please contact FEDC Vice Chair of Advocacy, Cathy … [Read more...]
President’s Message – October 17, 2014
Registration is open for the 2015 Winter Symposium. Take a moment to register today before space fills up. Remember, you must log in as a member in order to get the FEDC Member rate. Both hotel and Symposium space is limited. Take a moment to register now! FEDC will start having Linkedin discussion groups. If you have a topic that you would like our group to discuss, please send your ideas to [email protected] This will be an interactive way for you to ask for input or find best practices for … [Read more...]
Enterprise Florida: Growing Jobs and Improving the Economy
State economic development organization has historic year Enterprise Florida (EFI), the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida, has seen another successful year in 2014. In fact, according to EFI, Florida's job growth increased by record numbers, with more new private-sector jobs projected (23,864) than ever before, at the highest average wage in history. Combined, this equals to 84 percent more new and retained jobs added last fiscal year than in 2011. A … [Read more...]
President’s Message – October 10, 2014
Here is a roundup of what is going on around FEDC. We are in the process of setting up regional events throughout the state. Look for announcements coming from your regional director of dates and subjects. We are looking at having 1-2 events in each of the regions in the coming months. FEDC is also in the process of formulating our 2015 Legislative Agenda. While we have been receiving information from members as to ideas to consider, we will hold a meeting this month to bring those ideas … [Read more...]
Orlando Is Set To Become One Of ‘Top Five Markets For Millennials’
Orlando is drawing the nation's largest generation to Florida Have you ever wondered what a site selection consultant thinks of Orlando? John Boyd Jr. is principal of The Boyd Co. Inc., which is headquartered in Princeton, N.J. Boyd helps companies land economic development deals to move into new markets. I spoke with Boyd while he was recently in Central Florida to talk about Orlando’s reputation and future. To say he's bullish is an understatement. "This is one of the hottest markets … [Read more...]
President’s Message – October 3, 2014
This week FEDC Board, along with Enterprise Florida, Florida SBDC, Space Florida, CareerSource Florida and others met at the Future of Florida Forum in Orlando for 2 ½ days of energizing meetings looking at where Florida has been, where we are now and how we move Florida forward faster. The Forum was attended by more than 500 stakeholders across Florida. Many of our members were present and I’m sure they would echo my sentiment in saying that truly, Florida is moving in the right direction. One … [Read more...]
President’s Message – September 25, 2014
Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6.3 percent in August 2014, up 0.1 percentage point from the July 2014 rate of 6.2 percent, while down 0.8 percentage point from 7.1 percent a year ago. There were 602,000 jobless Floridians out of a labor force of 9,610,000. The U.S. unemployment rate was 6.1 percent in August. Florida’s unemployment rate has been less than or equal to the national rate for 14 of the last 16 months. Of the 22 metro areas in the state, 19 had over‐the‐year … [Read more...]
