Seaplanes are everywhere in Tavares. They're painted on the sides of buildings, shaped into mailboxes, even embedded in the city's logo. Most important, they're taking off and landing at the city's $8.4-million seaplane base and marina that opened in April. Two years ago, Tavares declared itself "America's Seaplane City," a title it trademarked as part of an aggressive economic development effort. Since then, the Lake County city of 13,000 has been attracting attention from seaplane … [Read more...]
Florida Invests $2 Million To Expand Business Economic Gardening Institute
During the 2010-11 fiscal year, the Florida Economic Gardening Institute (FEGI) will utilize up to $2 million to provide economic gardening technical assistance and other programs to participating small businesses in Florida. “Small businesses are vital to Florida’s economic recovery, and we are wise to ensure they have access to the resources and assistance they need to grow and reach their full potential,” said Governor Crist. “Entrepreneurs have created new jobs, and Florida’s economy is … [Read more...]
Deborah Wilkinson’s October Message
November 2nd is right around the corner and we need to rally and continue to promote Vote No on 4. If Amendment 4 passes Florida could potentially lose as many as 267,000 jobs and devastate our already fragile economy. We take for granted in our industry that the general population understands the significance of this Amendment. The fact of the matter is, though, that many Floridians will vote based solely on the TV add or billboard that strikes them as most interesting. Please continue to … [Read more...]
CFDC’s Regional Industry Cluster Study Selected as a Bright Idea Award by Harvard University
The Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University has selected the Central Florida Development Council’s (CFDC) innovative regional industry cluster study performed by SRI International as one of its national Bright Ideas awards. In its inaugural year, Bright Ideas is designed to recognize and share creative government initiatives throughout the country with interested public sector, nonprofit and academic … [Read more...]
Announcing the 2010/2011 Executive Committee
The executive committee is now comprised of six Vice Chairs serving the members, investors, and strategic partners: Professional Development: Courtney Curatolo, Director of Special Projects & Public Relations of Lykes Land Investments, Inc. Economic Development Advocacy: William Lambert, Hardee Country Economic Development Director. Marketing and Communications: Beth Kirkland, Executive Director of the Economic Development Council of Tallahassee/Leon County, Inc. Membership and … [Read more...]
Professional Development Opportunities Hosted by the Young Professionals
The FEDC Board of Directors and Economic Development Professionals throughout the state of Florida have formed the Young Professionals Program. The mission of the YP Program is to reach, teach and train the next generation of economic development professionals in the state of Florida with the tools, contact and education they need to carry the torch of their peers. In an effort to continue to make Florida a vibrant and economically sound place for business, education, and lifestyle the YP's … [Read more...]
Mobile Job Training Program Connects Companies Looking to Hire with Residents Looking for Work
Three area companies have found a way to streamline their hiring and training process with the help of the Florida Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). Last week, Florida MEP, in partnership with the Economic Development Council of Collier County, wheeled its state-of-the-art Mobile Outreach Skills Training (M.O.S.T.®) unit into Naples where it set-up shop in the parking lot of the Haynes Corporation, a locally-based manufacturer of precision diesel fuel injection systems for heavy duty … [Read more...]
Deborah Wilkinson’s September Message
I am pleased to announce that there are two exciting changes taking place within the FEDC. First, we have relocated the FEDC office to the USF Research Center in Tampa, FL. By making a strategic decision to locate to a more central location in the state, we can better serve our membership and maintain our strong ties in Tallahassee to ensure a strong and vibrant Florida. We want to thank Dr. Judy Genshaft, President of the University of South Florida and Rod Casto, Ph.D., Executive … [Read more...]
