Outgoing Chair: Marc Hoenstine, CEcD, Director – Economic Development, Duke Energy Florida
“The work we do is needed and impactful. As economic developers, we must stay focused on the value proposition of the work we do and communicate that value to the clients we assist, our communities, and our elected leaders.
It will require fostering old and new relationships, increasing awareness, a passion for creativity, and unity of purpose. The challenges we have faced and will face are negative only if we waste them. Let’s build upon what we have learned to make Florida’s economic development effort the most competitive in the nation.
Thank you!”
Marc Hoenstine, CEcD
Incoming Chair: Jennifer Taylor,VP of Business Development,Central Florida Development Council
“Much like our personal relationships, business relationships foster collaboration, loyalty, and trust. Building and maintaining relationships takes work on both sides but offers rewards that benefit everyone.
I look forward in the coming year to building stronger relationships with our strategic partners, to furthering our advocacy efforts, and to building Florida back better than before the pandemic.”
Jennifer Taylor
New Board of Directors
The Annual Meeting saw the election of a new board of directors. So, please welcome our 2021-2022 FEDC Board.
Executive Committee
Jennifer Taylor, Chair
Marc Hoenstine, CEcD, Past Chair
Suzanne Christman, CEcD, Chair-Elect
Michelle Bauer, CEcD VC of Finance
Lucienne Pears, VC of Advocacy and Communications
Keith Norden, CEcD, VC of Professional Development
Casey Barnes, CEcD, VC of Membership and Regional Strategies
Scarlett Phaneuf, CEcD, Conference Chair
Jaksa Petrovic, MA, CEcD, EDFP, Chair Appointment
Regional Directors
Verdell Hawkins, Northwest
Glenn Hunter, North Central
Heidi Jameson, Northeast
Adam Myers, Tampa Bay
Warren Baucom, Southwest
David Coddington, LEED AP, Southeast
Tracy Garcia, CEcD, EcDMP, East Central
Meghan DiGiacomo, South Central
Chair Appointments
Jill Marasa, St. Lucie EDC
Stacy Campbell-Domineck, CareerSource Polk
Bruce Lyon, Winter Haven EDC
Ex Officios
Jamal Sowell, Enterprise Florida
Jeff Hendry, VC of EFI Stakeholders Council
Andra Cornelius, CEcD, CareerSource Florida
Maria Grulich, FloridaRealtors
Mark Wilson, Florida Chamber
Greg Britton, Florida SBDC Network
Frank DiBello, Space Florida
Outgoing Board
Also, please thank our outgoing 2020-2021 board for their hard work and
dedicated service.
Executive Committee
Marc Hoenstine, CEcD, Chair
Kelly Smallridge, Past Chair
Jennifer Taylor, Chair-Elect
Suzanne Christman, CEcD, VC of Finance
Michelle Bauer, CEcD, VC of Advocacy, and Communications
Keith Norden, CEcD, VC of Professional Development
Lucienne Pears, VC of Membership and Regional Strategies
Scarlett Phaneuf, CEcD, Conference Chair
Casey Barnes, CEcD, Chair Appointment
Regional Directors
Verdell Hawkins, Northwest
Glenn Hunter, North Central
Heidi Jameson, Northeast
Jaksa Petrovic, MA, CEcD, EDFP, Tampa Bay
Warren Baucom, Southwest
David Coddington, LEED AP, Southeast
Tracy Garcia, CEcD, EcDMP, East Central
Sarah Pelham, South Central
Chair Appointments
Sherry Ambrose, Florida Power and Light
Maritza Martinez, University of Central Florida
Danielle Ruiz, Duke Energy
Ex Officios
Tim Vanderhoof, Enterprise Florida
Jamal Sowell, Enterprise Florida
Andra S. Cornelius, CEcD, CareerSource Florida
Jeff Hendry, VC of EFI Stakeholders Council
Maria Grulich, FloridaRealtors
Mark Wilson, Florida Chamber
Cheryl Kirby, PhD, Florida SBDC Network
Skill Up your Workforce with FloridaFlex Training Grants
We know your business relies on a strong, skilled team of employees to be successful. The CareerSource Florida network is committed to helping Florida businesses recruit specialized talent, hire new team members and train existing employees.
FloridaFlex training grants help strengthen businesses across our many diverse industries. These business-driven, flexible job training grants help Florida companies of all sizes compete and grow by keeping employees at the top of their game.
Our FloridaFlex training grants have two categories that will enable you to strengthen your workforce. Quick Response Training is for new businesses or those relocating or expanding in Florida. Eligible businesses can apply to receive grant dollars to help pay for training new employees.
Incumbent Worker Training is for existing for-profit and small businesses that are looking to enhance their current employees’ skills. Eligible businesses can apply for a reimbursement of up to 75 percent of all training costs.
