Tallahassee, Fla. – (Feb. 6, 2020) – The Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC), the statewide association of Florida’s economic, workforce, and community developers, has announced today at a press conference held in the Florida Capitol the official dates for its annual Florida Economic Development Week campaign. The campaign, taking place February 9-15, will highlight the significant contributions that economic development programs and professionals have on Florida communities and families.
“FEDC members engage business, education and government leaders in key economic development initiatives that improve local communities, both rural and urban, and elevate Florida’s global competitiveness,” said Kelly Smallridge, President/CEO of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County and chair of the FEDC. “The planned week of emphasis will highlight the role economic, workforce and community developers play in helping local businesses to gr grow, bringing high-wage jobs and capital investment to communities across the state, and connecting industry and higher education to make sure that our workforce has the skills today’s employers require.”
FEDC was joined by Senator Joe Gruters and Florida Partners for Prosperity, Enterprise Florida, CareerSource Florida, the Florida Chamber Foundation, Florida SBDC Network, the Florida State College System and Weyerhaeuser. “I am proud to recognize our state’s economic developers for their valuable contributions and celebrate Florida Economic Development Week,” said Senator Joe Gruters. “The business-led economic development ecosystem includes our academic institutions, workforce agencies and state and local governments who collaborate to ensure that Florida can maintain its edge in an increasingly competitive global economy.”
“As part of the Economic Development Week, let me report to you that the state of Florida commerce is expanding and full of potential,” said Jamal Sowell, president & CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc. “We are poised for greater heights, and now is not the time to let the foot off the gas pedal. Together, under Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership and the pro-business policies this legislature embraces, the sky is the limit.”
“CareerSource Florida stands with our partner agencies and organizations in thanking Governor DeSantis for his support of Florida Economic Development Week,” said Michelle Dennard, President and CEO of CareerSource Florida. “Talent availability and preparedness are the drivers for every business making a new market decision. CareerSource Florida’s network of 24 workforce development boards and 100 career centers connect businesses with the talented workforce and training needed to succeed and grow.”
“The partnerships built with local industries help shape the talent pipeline and serve to ensure that the skills and programs taught at our institutions are the exact skills and talents needed to help businesses thrive and to reach the 2030 workforce goals that Governor DeSantis and Commissioner Corcoran have expressed,” said St. Johns River State College President and Council of Presidents Chairman of the Policy and Advocacy Committee Joe Pickens. “It’s a cycle of success that we are proud to be a part of, and one that serves to entice new businesses and industries to want to do business in Florida.”
Doubling the rural share of Florida’s gross domestic product is a Florida 2030 Blueprint goal that is shared by FEDC along with the goals of top state for GDP and most diversified state economy. The Florida Job Growth Grand Fund has proven to be a catalyst for rural Florida. Greg Galpin, Senior Manager of Planning for Weyerhaeuser, stated “The Florida Jobs Growth Fund allows Rural Florida to eady itself for job growth opportunities by investing in crucial infrastructure and workforce training. It’s the first time rural communities could compete on a level playing field, with larger metropolitan municipalities, for critical investment in infrastructure and workforce readiness. It is insightful and encouraging that the governor and state legislature continue to support the Florida Job Growth Fund.”
Donna Wright, Chief Operations Officer of the Florida Chamber Foundation, stated, “The Florida Chamber Foundation applauds FEDC for their leadership of three of the Florida 2030 Blueprint goals and recognizing that together we will grow Florida from the 17th largest economy in the world to the 10th by 2030.”
FEDC and its 160 member organizations, representing close to 400 practitioners, will celebrate Florida Economic Development Week with proclamations, events, seminars, and social media campaigns. Follow @FloridaEDC and look for the hashtag #FLEconDevWeek20 to keep up with the latest news and campaigns from around the state.
About the Florida Economic Development Council
The Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC) is a membership-based not-for-profit (501c6)corporation whose 400 members engage business and government leaders in key economic development initiatives that improve local communities and elevate Florida’s global competitiveness. Since 1964, FEDC has invested in the professional development of its members, advocacy for sound economic development programs and policy, and recognition of excellence among economic, workforce and community development individuals and organizations. Learn more at www.fedconline.org.
About Enterprise FloridaEnterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention; small business growth through international trade and exporting programs; promotion of sporting events; promotion and protection of Florida’s military bases; and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses.
About CareerSource FloridaCareerSource Florida, with its business-led board of directors, provides policy direction for talent development programs administered by the Department of Economic Opportunity, Florida’s 24 local workforce development boards and their 100 career centers. The CareerSource Florida State Board serves as the Governor’s principal workforce policy and investment board, working in partnership with DEO, which is responsible for the state workforce system’s fiscal and administrative affairs, and local workforce development boards that serve Florida’s businesses and career seekers. Together, the CareerSource Florida network connects employers with qualified, skilled talent and Floridians with employment and career development opportunities to achieve economic prosperity. Learn more at careersourceflorida.com
About the Florida College System Council of PresidentsThe Florida College System Council of Presidents is the collective body on issues and matters of concern to Florida’s public college system and will provide information, as it deems appropriate, to the State and Federal Executive and Legislative branches and to the Chancellor of the Florida College System, the Commissioner of Education, the State Board of Education and other public and private entities and individuals as appropriate.
About WeyerhaeuserWeyerhaeuser Company, one of the world’s largest private owners of timberlands, began operations in 1900. We own or control approximately 11 million acres of timberlands in the U.S., and manage additional timberlands under long-term licenses in Canada. We manage these timberlands on a sustainable basis in compliance with internationally recognized forestry standards. We are also one of the largest manufacturers of wood products in America. Our company is a real estate investment trust. In 2019, we generated $6.6 billion in net sales and employed approximately 9,400 people who serve customers worldwide. We are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index. Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WY. Learn moreat www.weyerhaeuser.com.
About the Florida Chamber Foundation Florida Chamber Foundation is the business-led, solutions development and research organization working in partnership with state business leaders to secure Florida’s future. The Foundation’s “Six Pillars” serve as a visioning platform for developing the first-ever, long-term strategic plan for the state. The Foundation’s work focuses on: 1) Talent Supply and Education, 2) Innovation and Economic Development, 3) Infrastructure and Growth Leadership, 4) Business Climate and Competitiveness, 5) Civic and Governance Systems, and 6) Quality of Life and Quality Places. Founded in 1968, the Foundation is a crucial voice for improving the state’s pro-business climate to enable Florida to grow and prosper. Visit www.FLFoundation.org for more information.
