FLORIDA – Over 500 professionals, 67 counties, and 28 colleges are just a few of the new responsibilities that BDB President & CEO, Kelly Smallridge, plans to take on this year. Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC) has appointed Smallridge as the new 2019-2020 chair, leading the state’s advocacy efforts for economic development and to guide the future of Florida’s economy.
Kelly Smallridge already oversees all operations of the Business Development Board, which is one of only two Accredited Economic Development Boards in the State of Florida. Being Chair of FEDC will bring collaborative efforts amongst all 67 counties and shine light on pressing issues across the state.
“In recent years, the Florida Legislature has debated what role the state should play in economic development. For me, there is no debate,” said Kelly Smallridge, FEDC Chair, in a recent guest commentary article. She stated that pulling the plug on Enterprise Florida undermines the state’s competitiveness.
Serving as the longest tenured economic development President in the State of Florida, the opportunity to serve as chair will help unify the message of Florida’s economic development efforts and share best practices since the BDB has had a solid track record in facilitating some of the largest job creation projects in Palm Beach County.
The Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC) educates, advocates for, and connects Florida’s economic development stakeholders. As the new Chair, she will provide leadership and vision to advance economic development throughout the state of Florida as a whole.
About the BDB: The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County is the official public/private economic development organization for Palm Beach County and Enterprise Florida. Founded in 1982 as a not-for-profit corporation, our primary purpose is to attract and retain new industry, business investment, high quality jobs and workforce development through corporate relocations, expansions and international trade. During the past five years, the BDB has assisted companies that have created more than 12,822 direct jobs with average salaries greater than $69,062, resulting in more than $777 million in capital investment to Palm Beach County and an economic impact that exceeds $6.87 billion. Additional information can be found at the BDB’s web site, BDB.org.
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