On January 28 from 1 pm to 4 pm, the Florida Chamber will hold its annual Economic Outlook and Jobs Solution Summit virtually.
The event is presented by Duke Energy. FEDC Board Chair Marc Hoenstine, CEcD, Director of Economic Development for Duke Energy will join FEDC Past Chair Crystal Stiles, Sr. Director of Economic Development, Florida Power & Light and Florida’s Secretary of Commerce, Jamal Sowell in a discussion of Diversifying and Growing Florida’s Economy, moderated by Dane Eagle, Executive Director of DEO.
In a separate segment, Rose Fagler, Economic Development Manager, Weyerhaeuser and Co-Chair of the FEDC Florida 2030 Task Force, will share the work she and the task force are doing to help Florida grow from the 17th largest economy in the world to the 10th, with a specific focus on doubling the Rural share of Florida’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Her topic is titled “When Rural wins, Florida wins.”
FEDC Engages Florida Legislators in the Value of Reinstating QTI
On January 21 FEDC leaders hosted 44 legislators and staff in a dialogue about our state’s economic recovery and the vital role of economic development in Florida’s competitiveness and inclusive prosperity.
In an effort to support legislators as they work to help Florida residents and enterprises recover from the pandemic-related job and business losses, panelists explained the process of economic diversification through business expansion and recruitment in Florida’s target economic base industries.
They also discussed Florida’s competitiveness relative to other states, and shared tools, such as the recently expired Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund program (QTI), that will aid in the state’s economic recovery from COVID-19.
Panelists included:
Marc Hoenstine, CEcD, Duke Energy, FEDC Chairman, Director of Economic Development, Duke Energy
Beth Cicchetti, CEcD, Executive Director, FEDC
Craig Richard, CEcD, HM, President & CEO, Tampa Bay EDC
Senator Danny Burgess, District 20
Bob Swindell, President & CEO, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance
Representative Chip LaMarca, District 93
Jennifer Taylor, Vice President of Economic Development, Central FL Development Council
Corey Allain, Controller, Nucor Steel of Florida, Inc.
John Boyd, Jr., Principal, The Boyd Company
Joe Mayer, Director, Government Relations – FL, Lockheed Martin
Jamal Sowell, Florida Secretary of Commerce, President/CEO of Enterprise Florida
A video of the virtual engagement can be found here. Please share with your legislative delegation.
Lucienne Pears, Director of Economic Development for Babcock Ranch/Kitson & Partners and FEDC Vice Chair of Membership & Regional Strategies, is pleased to welcome the following new individual, agency, or sustaining members who have joined FEDC since July 2020.
“We have been working steadily over the past 18 months to increase Member engagement and it is showing. We are thrilled to grow our ranks and expand our voice with this diverse group of new members who represent Florida communities, businesses, and industries who are committed to fostering economic recovery through job creation and capital investment.”
City of DeBary
City of Wilton Manors
DeSoto County Economic Development Office
Florida Harbor Pilots Association
Hendry County EDC
JEA (Jacksonville Electric Authority)
Orange Lien Data
Putnam County Chamber of Commerce
Space Florida
The Southern Group
Utilities Inc. of Florida
Professional Development Opportunities and Other Events
Keith Norden, President & CEO of Team Volusia, Florida Director to the Southern Economic Development Council, and FEDC’s Vice Chair of Professional Development is pleased to announce the opening of Registration and Hotel for the SEDC 2021 Annual Conference in Tampa, August 15-17. You can find the details and sponsorship opportunities here.
Check out these additional celebrations and courses: