Current Light Flashes

Economic Development Equals Jobs-Plus


Growth and development is happening all over the country, particularly in the area known as "Florida's Great Northwest." Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson & Washington Counties, WFEC's service area, make up 2,545 square miles of the 16 county region called Northwest Florida. Examples of economic development can be seen throughout. In hometowns; it is evidenced in the new hotel by the Interstate, distribution center on the corner, or manufacturer in the industrial park.

Economic development is typically measured in terms of jobs and income, but also includes improvements in education, and healthcare. Business and economic developers recognize the importance of quality of life, which includes environmental and recreational amenities, in attracting and retaining businesses in a community.

Developers in the counties WFEC serves realize the importance of quality of life, education and healthcare. Leaders of the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce feel their primary responsibility is to promote the economy of Calhoun County and help develop a prosperous and dynamic business environment. Supporting and growing existing business is part of maintaining an environment that citizens expect and makes it attractive to visitors.

Jackson County's leaders are concerned with enabling growth while maintaining quality of life. "People coming to Jackson County are bringing financial, social, civic, and intellectual assets that will contribute to the cultural and economic growth of the community. They are also leaders and people who have been active in their communities, so they get involved and are already shaping the direction of the community," said Art Kimbrough, President & CEO, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.

Education is a high priority as well; public and private schools located within Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson & Washington Counties are improving daily. The region houses Chipola College, which offers programs leading to bachelor degrees, associate degrees, and certificate degree programs. Washington-Holmes Technical Center (WHTC) is also located in the four county region. WHTC is implementing plans and classes that will give young people jobs skills for the future.

Holmes County is preparing for future growth by improving its healthcare system. Remodeling the existing facility is not financially feasible according to Robert Winkler, Doctors Memorial Hospital Administrator. A new facility with private rooms will be built at the intersection of I-10 and SR-79 on 10.5 acres. New services like additional surgeries, and bone density testing may be offered. Construction will begin in the summer of 2006 and is expected to take 12-15 months to complete. $1.5 million in revenue is expected to be infused into the local economy because of this construction.

The developers in WFEC's service area also realize the importance of working together to achieve common goals, pool financial and knowledge resources and approach economic development by marketing the region of Northwest Florida as a whole. Organizations such as Opportunity Florida help counties market themselves regionally. Opportunity Florida is an eight county alliance focused on "opportunities for regional businesses and workers."

"If we work together, we're giant killers, but if we work apart, we're giant victims," said Rick Marcum, Opportunity Florida Executive Director.

Since its inception, Opportunity Florida has been instrumental in acquiring Enterprise Zones for the counties it represents. An Enterprise Zone is a geographically designated area where tax credits, refunds and exemptions are offered to remodel homes, expand businesses or build in that particular region. Enterprise Zones in Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson & Washington are currently going through re-designation. Opportunity Florida has helped local employers like Rex Lumber in Jackson County, Oglesby Plant Labs in Calhoun County, and WestPoint Stevens (now WestPoint Home) in Washington & Jackson Counties, expand their existing facilities. These expansions created more than 350 new jobs in the area. Opportunity Florida is working on initiatives important to the future of the region including a broadband (high speed) Internet feasibility study. A citizens' survey is available online at www.opportunityflorida.com; please assist them by participating. Opportunity Florida has increased the region's Internet exposure by over 1200%; their website receives 73,519 hits per month. The site features a community calendar for events like family reunions and festivals. Photos of communities may also be posted. Other features include a country market and one page websites for local businesses. All of this is free of charge.

There are many reasons for the growth this region is experiencing including a laid-back way of life, four-laning of SR-77 & SR-79, relocation of the Bay Co. International Airport to West Bay, and the plethora of recreational opportunities available in the area. Because of this growth, many challenges are on the horizon. Some of those include lack of infrastructure, increased traffic, water and sewer issues, maintaining an affordable environment while preserving quality of life, lack of housing, and an "eroding of the middle class". There is a lack of professional jobs to attract the younger workers and career-oriented professionals who make up the middle class. The new Graceville state prison will help alleviate some of the pressure put on workers by creating 300-400 new jobs, with 25% of those supervisory and management oriented. According to Kimbrough, these jobs will make the largest impact on the community. He says it is a challenge to grow mid-level jobs so the middle class will prosper and the area is more attractive to young professionals.

The key to dealing with growth is to incorporate gradual change, so quality of life does not suffer, to focus on assisting the existing businesses currently located in the area and to ensure infrastructure is in place for new businesses locating here. Trying to be proactive and ready for growth is also vital to the future. "Not all changes associated with growth are good, but if we are proactive in our approach, then the bulk of the changes will be good," said Ted Everett, Washington County Chamber of Commerce Director.

There is no doubt that growth and change are in store for the region, but the economic developers in the area are preparing for it and focusing on making sure the quality of life of its inhabitants does not suffer.

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