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Get excited because this is a sneak peak of 2 conference sessions to look forward to at the 2012 Florida Economic Development Conference!

We have not released full descriptions of the breakout sessions, but because you are a friend and supporter of the FEDC you get to see this sneak peak! Stay tuned for regular updates and don’t forget to mark your calendar for June 27-29, 2012 and prep for a trip to Tampa!

Session Sneak Peak 1:

Economic Incentives 101

During this session, participants will gain an understanding of each incentive program’s requirements for eligibility and the application  and approval process.

Speakers: Marty Wilson & Heather Squires, Enterprise Florida, Inc.

Session Sneak Peak 2:

Florida Financing

The breakout session will cover new and existing capital programs, including the $97 million in federal funding awarded to Florida for the State Small business initiative.  The breakout session will also review existing bond financing structures, loan and loan guarantee as well as venture capital-related programs available at the state and federal levels.

Speakers: Jay Robinson, Manager Capital Programs, Enterprise Florida, Inc. & Louis Laubscher, SVP, Enterprise Florida, Inc.

About the Florida Economic Development Conference:

The 2012 Florida Economic Development Conference is the premier annual event attended by economic developers working in Florida. Each year the conference is attended by over 200 economic development professionals interested in building their toolkits and learning best practices to grow Florida’s economy. Explore the Conference Website for More Information.

Join the 2012 FEDC Conference Committee for our first call, chaired by Lindsey Kimball, CEcD, to kick off planning efforts for the 2012 FEDC Conference! Everyone is welcome to share their ideas, thoughts and comments to lay the direction for our next conference.

Covered during this first call will be theme ideas, timing, what works, what can be improved from last year and more. This is a great opportunity to be part of the largest gathering of economic development professionals in the state and get involved in FEDC.

Thursday, September 15, 2011  9:00am – 10:00am EST

Call in number: 1-712-432-0075  Passcode: 452692

Contact Lindsey Kimball, CEcD, at 904-396-9963 Extension1606 or Lindsey.kimball@igsolutionsfl.com for further information.

The Florida Economic Development Council honored Governor Rick Scott for his leadership and commitment on behalf of Florida’s Economic Development Community.  Governor Scott’s award was given to him by the Florida Economic Development Council during the 2011 Toni Jennings and 2011 Eunice Sullivan Awards Dinner of the 2011 Florida Economic Development Conference.

“I am thrilled to see our Governor so involved and up close and personal to the economic development process,” remarks Amy Evancho, President and CEO of the Florida Economic Development Conference. “As a member of the transition team it was evident from the beginning that Governor Scott would be a valuable advocate for job growth and workforce development in our State.”

After personally engaging every person in the room, Governor Scott addressed over 200 economic, workforce and industry professionals as the keynote speaker of the 2011 Toni Jennings and Eunice Sullivan Professional of the Year awards dinner of the Florida Economic Development Conference.  Governor Scott reinforced his message of making Florida the place to do business, not just in the United States but globally, by challenging each economic developer in the room to set a personal goal of creating jobs for their community. Governor Scott’s overall message to the economic professionals: Set a goal and measure it daily.

The Florida Economic Development Council honored eight volunteers for their contributions to economic development in Florida. Each recipient was celebrated at the Volunteer of the Year Awards Luncheon at the 2011 Florida Economic Development Conference.

“Economic Development is driven by partnership and leadership. Each of the 2011 Richard L McLaughlin Award winners have dedicated their professional life to bettering their communities by leading from example and forging new, successful partnerships,” says Amy Evancho, President and CEO of Florida Economic Development Council.

The celebrated individuals are:

Kim Williams, President of Hamilton Leasing Partnership and Marpan Supply Company, Northwest Region;

Doug Conkey, Chairman,  North Florida Transportation Planning  Organization, Clay County Commissioner and Appointee of the Regional Transportation Study  Commission, Northeast Region;

Ron Inge, President, Inge and Associates, Southwest Region;

Ray Ferrero, Jr, Chancellor, Nova Southeastern University, Southeast Region;

Peter Buczynsky, President, PharmaWorks,  Tampa Bay Region;

Suzanne Norris, Market President, Mercantile Bank of North Central Florida, North Central Region;

Mary Kay Burns, RN BSN MBA Health Officer, Desoto County & Charlotte County-Interim, South Central Region;

David Pace, President of New Broad Street Group, 2010-11 Chairman of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission’s Board of Directors,  East Central Region.

The Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC) names Bruce Ferguson, Jr., President and CEO of Worksource, the 2011 Eunice Sullivan Economic Development Professional of the Year.  Bruce Ferguson, Jr has been with Worksource since 2003.

“Bruce is a trusted leader whose expertise in workforce development has contributed significantly to economic development,” says Amy Evancho, President and CEO of the FEDC. “Without the work of Bruce and workforce development professionals, our state would not be able to retain, expand, attract and sustain new industries and job growth opportunities.”

The Toni Jennings award is given in recognition of the achievements of an outstanding workforce developer within the state of Florida.  Established in 2007, this honor recognizes the former Lieutenant Governor’s exceptional leadership in revamping Florida’s workforce system to respond to critical workforce needs and advance local, regional and state economic development.

The Florida Economic Development Council honored Representative Mike Horner as a champion on behalf of economic development in Florida.  Representative Horner’s award was given to him in the opening moments of the 2011 Toni Jennings and Eunice Sullivan Awards Dinner of the Florida Economic Development Conference.

“Representative Horner’s continued dedication and support for economic development is of utmost importance as Florida’s economic development professionals work daily within their regions to form valuable partnerships, build sought after workforces and foster job growth,” says Amy Evancho, President and CEO of the Florida Economic Development Council. “This legislative session was as successful as it was because of Representative Horner’s commitment to the measures that drive economic development in Florida.”

Representative Horner was also joined by Governor Rick Scott and more than 200 economic, workforce and industry professionals at the 2011 Florida Economic Development Conference. An annual affair, the conference is the premiere professional development and educational event for the economic development community of Florida. Topics covered ranged from Innovation Economics to Economic Gardening to Workforce Development.

The Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC) names Lynda Weatherman, President and CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, the 2011 Eunice Sullivan Economic Development Professional of the Year.

“Lynda has been a tireless contributor for the  Florida economic development community and is long deserving of the prestigious, Eunice Sullivan Award,” remarked Amy Evancho, President and CEO of the FEDC. Lynda Weatherman and her team at the EDC of Florida’s Space Coast were also awarded the Deal of the Year for their success in bringing AAR Corp to their community.

Given annually in recognition of the achievement of an outstanding economic developer within the state of Florida, Lynda Weatherman was chosen by her peers, members of the FEDC. The award was first given in 1985 and was renamed in 1991 to honor Eunice Sullivan for her outstanding dedication and commitment to the economic development profession and the Florida Economic Development Council

I think we can all agree that this has been a year of change. Florida has a new Governor, new leaders in Congress, a newly structured department of economic opportunity and a new look and feel for your FEDC. Yes, economic and workforce development professionals have redefined the vision, mission and activities of the Florida Economic Development Council.

I can’t thank you enough for the honor of working alongside the best in class to renew and revive the economy of the 4th largest state in the nation.

This year with your help we have clearly defined the purpose of FEDC: Educate, Advocate, Connect.

The Florida Economic Development Council is dedicated to providing leadership and vision to advance economic development professionals and economic development throughout the state of Florida.

Educate

As you have witnessed today and will witness tomorrow, FEDC is committed to developing, promoting, and providing continuing professional development and best practices for our members. We enable our members to excel in this austere profession by staying ahead of the changes in state economic development programs and by implementing internationally proven best practices for business retention, expansion and attraction.

Results: Upcoming Webinars being launched; regional meetings to educate prospective and existing FEDC members.

Advocate

As advocates for a strong portfolio of tools and resources, we are an active presence at our state’s capitol in Tallahassee. Each of you works year round to develop and promote sound economic development policy. Committed staff and volunteers share timely and pertinent legislative updates so that you can lead your local communities in the proactive advancement of our state’s economy.

Results: This year we had our President/CEO, Amy Evancho, visible almost every day of session and not only did she meet with legislators to carry our message, we had government relation teams from Tampa Bay Partnership, The Beacon Council, Jacksonville and Broward County government, UCF assisting Amy and our Advocacy Chair, Bill Lambert with a strong legislative agenda for economic development professionals.

Connect

The third tenant of this newly defined organization is being carried out here this week and everyday in your communities, throughout the eight diverse regions of our state and member to member.  I can’t go without thanking each of you who joined Amy and key technology partners to redesign our Web site and implement a comprehensive communications strategy through focus groups and social media. Your willingness to “like” FEDC, “retweet” FEDC and “post” best practices and advocacy news has strengthened the organization and elevated FEDC’s role in the historic changes to our state economic and workforce development infrastructure.

Results: We have had more action and participation since the launch of our Website and every member and our Regional Directors have a way of keeping you updated.

As we embrace all of these changes and prepare for the new fiscal year and legislative season, which will be upon us in mere weeks, I challenge you to continue to identify early those critical business climate issues and economic development tools that will elevate the competitiveness of Florida; communicate what is working and what needs improving; and engage fellow professionals, local and state elected officials and your business leaders in advancing the NEW FLORIDA.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be your Chair this year and working with one of the strongest Boards that is committed to CHANGE and their volunteer hours that make FEDC a success.

Could all of the Board Members and special appointments to the Board stand for a round of applause?

Thank you and God Bless.

“Ron Starner, Conway Data/Site Selection Executive Vice President and General Manager has just published a new book on leadership entitled “Thank God it’s Monday”, which includes a Foreword written by Robin Ronne, FEDC Past President and Managing Director of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance CEO Council, who is also profiled in the book.    Attached is a note from Site Selection Online along with a brief overview of Ron’s book, which can be ordered directly through Conway Publications by contacting Julie Clarke at 770-325-3422 or sending her an email to julie.clarke@conway.com “

Ron Starner – Ten Standards of Successful Leaders -Site Selection Online website 6-16-11

Ron Starner – Thank God Its Monday 2011

Thank you to Conference Exhibitor Impact DataSource!

Impact DataSource is a 17-year-old economic consulting, research and analysis firm based in Austin, Texas.

We specialize in economic and fiscal impact analysis and cost-benefit analysis. We have developed an efficient system for preparing timely, affordable and comprehensive economic impact analyses, having conducted 2,500 analyses of firms, projects, new subdivisions and other development activities in 25 states.

In addition, Impact DataSource has developed several economic and fiscal impact analysis computer programs for clients, including cities, utilities and states, including the New Mexico Economic Development Department.

Contact Information:

Jerry Walker – Principal, Economist
Paul Scheuren – Economist
4709 Cap Rock Drive
Austin TX 78735
(P) 1.800.813.6267
(F) 512.892.2569
jwalker@impactdatasource.com
pscheuren@impactdatasource.com