Florida Economic Development Council » North Central

Florida Economic Development Council Honors Volunteers: Richard L McLaughlin Award Given to Eight Recipients in Florida

Brittany — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 01:57:35 +0000

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.

Florida First Capital Recognized as Top SBA Lender in North Florida

Brittany — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:43:59 +0000

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Small Business Administration (SBA) has recognized Florida First Capital Finance Corporation (FFCFC) as the top SBA lender by dollar volume for FY 2010 in its North Florida District, which stretches from Orlando to Jacksonville and west through the Florida Panhandle.

Florida First Capital, a non-profit certified development company, attained the top SBA lender spot for producing 92 loans totaling $49,307,000. FFCFC was acknowledged for its accomplishment during the SBA’s 19th Annual Small Business Week celebration held recently in Jacksonville.

Over the last decade, Florida First Capital has been the leader in 504 lending among a distinguished list of banks, credit unions, non-bank lenders and other certified development companies in the district.

“Our professional staff works diligently to ensure the 504 loan product is available to small businesses in all 43 counties in the Northern District of Florida. It is their hard work and dedication that made this and our prior accomplishments possible,” said Todd Kocourek, president & CEO of Florida First Capital.

SBA 504 loans are paired with private-sector commercial loans to finance the acquisition of fixed assets, including the purchase, construction, expansion or renovation of commercial property and/or the acquisition of industrial machinery and equipment. The program offers up to 90% financing at below-market, fixed interest rates with amortization terms up to 20 years.

Florida First Capital is a statewide, non-profit SBA certified development company that promotes economic development and job creation throughout Florida. It works with the SBA and private-sector lenders to ensure Florida small businesses have access to the affordable capital they need to grow and expand. In addition to the SBA 504 loan program, FFCFC lends under the Florida Recycling Loan Program and other small business assistance programs.

For more information about SBA 504 loans in Florida, contact Florida First Capital by calling 888.320.5504, visiting www.ffcfc.com or emailing us at info@ffcfc.com. Follow us on Facebook.

Medtino Incorporated, Creating 180 Jobs Over Three Years

Brittany — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 01:42:14 +0000

January 19th, 2011 by Ocala/Marion County EDC

EDC President/CEO Pete Tesch introduced Medtino Incorporated’s Chairman Raymond Talarico and President Debra Towsley to members of the Ocala City Council yesterday, at the regular meeting of City Council. The City Council and the management of Medtino reached agreement to lease, with an option to purchase, the former 22,000 square foot Foreign Trade Zone building owned by the City to move Medtino’s South Florida Corporate operations to Ocala. Agendum for adoption, the Lease was unanimously approved by members at yesterday’s meeting. Medtino projects that it will create 180 jobs at the Ocala location over the next three years.

Medtino Incorporated is a federally licensed national Provider of direct-to-consumer Medicare reimbursed medical products and services focused exclusively on chronic diseases afflicting the rapidly growing Hispanic community in the United States. The company has spent considerable time and effort researching the health products and services industry and key management executives have years of experience in the Medicare industry focused on the niche’ market of Latino beneficiaries.

“Medtino is a great company led by people who have done their homework,” said Tesch. “They have discovered an underserved market and have developed a business model to provide excellent service to those customers. We are proud to have them bring their expansion to our community. They are employers who work hard to build a supportive team.”Talarico sites customer service as a key component for their decision to locate in Ocala. “We began meeting with Pete several months ago. The EDC has brought the right people to the table that we needed to meet to discuss our options. Workforce Connection and the College of Central Florida have shown us firm data and proposed services to feel confident we will be able to assemble the team we need for success. The City of Ocala has thought outside the box to present the option of a facility that can be a win-win. The support we have received has been outstanding and we look forward to ramping up the operation here.”

Companies interested in expansion and/or job creation, should visit www.ocalaedc.org, or call 352-291-4410.

Foundation Announces Columbia County as the First Six Pillars Community in the State of Florida

Brittany — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 06:20:21 +0000

The Florida Chamber Foundation announced that Columbia County has completed the steps to becoming the first Six Pillars Community in the State of Florida during a press conference today. The event took place at Columbia County High School’s Career Center with local leaders who spearheaded this effort for the County’s economic future.
In August of 2009, Columbia County IDA started out on a mission to develop a strategic plan for their community. After a presentation by the Florida Chamber Foundation on the 2030 Project to community leaders, the Columbia County IDA recognized the importance of aligning their efforts with what was being done on a state level by the Foundation.
“Florida is embarking on a new economy and communities across the state must take an active role in designing the future of their regions,” said Dr. Dale Brill, president of the Florida Chamber Foundation. “Columbia County sets the example of how to effectively plan for a new economy that they will be a part of.”
In order to become a Six Pillars Community, a municipality in Florida must complete a 10-step process focused around the Six Pillars for Florida’s Future framework. This framework serves as an organizing force for strategic planning at local, regional and state levels. It provides a means of harnessing fragmented viewpoints into a common and consistent conversation so that thoughtful and productive planning can take place. This ensures that communities across the state of Florida will design plans unique to their area – all connected by a common language that bubbles up to inform the state plan.
“We had a dedicated team of community leaders made up primarily of private business but also included local government, who worked tirelessly to position Columbia County as a player in economic development,” said Gina Reynolds, Deputy Director, Columbia County IDA. “The Six Pillars Community designation offers us the power of collective resources and a unified vision which will bubble up to state-wide efforts.”
The Columbia County IDA identified five strategic goals that will position the county for prosperity, high-wage jobs, and the ability to compete in a global market:
1. The Right Portfolio of Sites
2. High Performing RACEC Catalyst Site
3. Unprecedented Customer Service
4. Outstanding Market Communications
5. Engaged and Informed Partners
Implementation of the strategic goals has been a team effort of community leaders. A trained and equipped workforce is important to the future of the community’s prosperity. Community educators took the lead and developed a Career Academy for Global Logistics at Columbia High School and a Bachelors Degree in Global Logistics at Florida Gateway College. Coupled with the Employ Florida Banner Center for Global Logistics at Florida Gateway College, Columbia County is preparing their workforce in one of their target industries.
Preparations are already underway by working groups focusing on specific areas of development. The working groups will have input into the overall direction and marketing efforts of economic development.
###
The Florida Chamber Foundation is a business-led, problem-solver and research organization, working in partnership with state business leaders to promote a vibrant Florida economy. The Foundation’s “Six Pillars” serve as a visioning platform for moving Florida forward. 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 of Place. Founded in 1968, the Foundation is a critical voice for improved public education and a pro-Florida business climate. For more information, visit www.FLFoundation.org.

Medtino Incorporated, Creating 180 Jobs Over Three Years

Brittany — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 06:15:36 +0000

Talarico sites customer service as a key component for their decision to locate in Ocala. “We began meeting with Pete several months ago. The EDC has brought the right people to the table that we needed to meet to discuss our options. Workforce Connection and the College of Central Florida have shown us firm data and proposed services to feel confident we will be able to assemble the team we need for success. The City of Ocala has thought outside the box to present the option of a facility that can be a win-win. The support we have received has been outstanding and we look forward to ramping up the operation here.”

Companies interested in expansion and/or job creation, should visit www.ocalaedc.org, or call 352-291-4410.

Foundation Announces Columbia County as the First Six Pillars Community in the State of Florida

Brittany — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 22:59:52 +0000

In order to become a Six Pillars Community, a municipality in Florida must complete a 10-step process focused around the Six Pillars for Florida’s Future framework. This framework serves as an organizing force for strategic planning at local, regional and state levels. It provides a means of harnessing fragmented viewpoints into a common and consistent conversation so that thoughtful and productive planning can take place. This ensures that communities across the state of Florida will design plans unique to their area – all connected by a common language that bubbles up to inform the state plan.
“We had a dedicated team of community leaders made up primarily of private business but also included local government, who worked tirelessly to position Columbia County as a player in economic development,” said Gina Reynolds, Deputy Director, Columbia County IDA. “The Six Pillars Community designation offers us the power of collective resources and a unified vision which will bubble up to state-wide efforts.”
The Columbia County IDA identified five strategic goals that will position the county for prosperity, high-wage jobs, and the ability to compete in a global market:
1. The Right Portfolio of Sites
2. High Performing RACEC Catalyst Site
3. Unprecedented Customer Service
4. Outstanding Market Communications
5. Engaged and Informed Partners
Implementation of the strategic goals has been a team effort of community leaders. A trained and equipped workforce is important to the future of the community’s prosperity. Community educators took the lead and developed a Career Academy for Global Logistics at Columbia High School and a Bachelors Degree in Global Logistics at Florida Gateway College. Coupled with the Employ Florida Banner Center for Global Logistics at Florida Gateway College, Columbia County is preparing their workforce in one of their target industries.
Preparations are already underway by working groups focusing on specific areas of development. The working groups will have input into the overall direction and marketing efforts of economic development.
###
The Florida Chamber Foundation is a business-led, problem-solver and research organization, working in partnership with state business leaders to promote a vibrant Florida economy. The Foundation’s “Six Pillars” serve as a visioning platform for moving Florida forward. 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 of Place. Founded in 1968, the Foundation is a critical voice for improved public education and a pro-Florida business climate. For more information, visit www.FLFoundation.org.

EDC names new VP of recruiting, expansion

Brittany — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 22:00:57 +0000

The Ocala/Marion County Economic Development Corp. has hired Joel McManus as vice president of business recruitment and expansion.

“He has a very diversified and wide-ranging background in economic development,” said EDC Chairman Doug Cone, who also led the agency’s search committee. “Joel’s focus is going to be on job creation and retention. In the short term, Joel will be out in this community meeting everybody that needs to be met.”

Cone said that, in light of Marion County government’s recent decision to hire an economic development specialist, there was concern that, perhaps, this position, which was unfilled but budgeted the past two years, would not be necessary.

But he said the EDC board felt differently.

“Joel’s position has probably never been more important or vital to help in the economic recovery of Marion County,” Cone said.

Asked how McManus’s job differs from what EDC President and Chief Executive Officer Pete Tesch does, Cone said that Tesch works with the private sector EDC members as well as the city of Ocala and Marion County.

Tesch also is responsible for implementing the EDC’s strategic direction and working with Enterprise Florida and the Florida Legislature.

McManus started Monday. He comes to Ocala from City of Lakeland Utilities, where he was an account executive servicing the utility’s largest electric customers, a job he held from June 2009 to the present at a monthly salary of $3,928.

“I would work with prospective companies when companies were looking to locate to our service territory,” McManus said by phone on Monday.

Jim Stanfield, Lakeland Electric’s general manager, said McManus worked for the utility for about a year and he was pleased with his performance.

“He was assigned a number of our accounts who have very high usage,” Stanfield said. “He worked directly with them. He analyzed their bills — make sure they are on the proper tariff, meet with them about any expansions and reductions they might have. He did a great job, too.”

Cone said he thought McManus was overqualified for the Lakeland job and took it in order to relocate to Florida.

“We are very excited to have Joel on the team,” Cone said.

McManus has never worked directly for an EDC before, but in his various positions he has worked to recruit or to assist other agencies’ efforts to attract businesses to an area.

Tesch was reluctant to release McManus’ resume, saying it would be up to McManus to provide that.

McManus did not have one to share on Monday but did speak about his work record by phone.

A copy of a resume McManus provided to Lake County when he applied for a job there said he worked as:

A client account manager for Summit Energy Services in Louisville, Ky., from 2007 to 2009.

An account manager for Southern

Company/Mirant Corp. from 1996-2002.

A manager of industrial power supply/economic development for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association in Washington, D.C., from 1992-96.

A manager of key accounts for the Palmetto Electric Cooperative in Hilton Head, S.C., from 1990-92.

An assistant city administrator for the city of Lancaster, S.C., from 1987-90.

A budget analyst for the South Carolina House of Representatives’ Ways and Means Committee in Columbia, S.C., from 1981-85.

He has a master’s degree in public administration from the University of South Carolina.

He also has worked with the Rock Hill (S.C.) Chamber of Commerce as manager of economic development. Priority projects on that job included attracting American Eagle Wheel, Bowater, Sunbelt Rentals and INA Bering.

At the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, “We communicated and marketed to a whole wide range of companies throughout the United States,” McManus said. “We were more a middleman.”

At Southern Company, a utility holding company in Atlanta, “Our role was to be a resource to the local economic development organizations,” McManus said. “We were not the primary recruiter.”

While with Southern, he worked to help acquire acreage for an industrial park as part of a community effort to attract businesses to the area.

“Our interest was primarily to locate companies into our service territory so we could sell them electric,” McManus said.

He said he also worked for the Charleston Chamber of Commerce.

He said the economic development organization there was a regional development authority that served three counties.

He was the liaison between the Chamber and the Development Authority for Charleston County.

“We worked together on projects,” McManus said. “We were not the lead agency.”

Some of the projects they worked on together to bring to the area were Shimano, a Japanese firm that manufactures distributes cycling and fishing equipment; and Rhodia Group, a chemical company.

A larger project that involved securing property in two counties involved an airline manufacturing facility that made fuselages for airplanes.

He said they were successful in Charleston because it had a port that companies could use to transport their products.

In Lakeland, he said he worked with the Lakeland EDC to help the Juice Bowl and Keymark expansion project.

“I worked with them on their electric needs for the expansion,” McManus said.

McManus said he now will be involved in recruiting industry for Marion County based on the EDC’s strategic plan by expanding marketing and focusing on niche markets.

Tesch said that because of McManus’s experience in South Carolina and Georgia, McManus understands the competitive nature of the Southern states.

“Joel has a very, very solid background in business recruitment and expansion,” Tesch said.

Cone agreed.

“To say that any single individual is every directly responsible for any major business coming to your community, I don’t think there’s a single individual that can take that type of credit,” Cone said. “Joel is very, very much a team player,” Cone said. “He is not an ‘I’ guy. He is a ‘we’ guy.”

IDA Deputy Director Gina Reynolds named CEO of Florida Heartland’s Regional Economic Development Initiative

Brittany — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 21:18:26 +0000

Gina Reynolds, Deputy Director of the Columbia County IDA, has been named CEO of Florida Heartland’s Regional Economic Development Initiative (FHREDI).

FHREDI provides economic development coordination to businesses interested in expanding or relocating to South Central Florida. It covers six counties and the four outlying cities of Pahokee, Belle Glade, South Bay and Immokalee. The FHREDI directors voted on her appointment during a special meeting Wednesday in Arcadia. She was one of four candidates for the position.

Reynolds, who sent a letter of resignation from the IDA over the weekend, takes over the FHREDI position on February 1. “This opportunity allows me to locate close to my family while remaining in the career field I enjoy,” Reynolds said.

In November, Reynolds was named to the Florida Chamber Foundation Board, a leading edge think tank, problem-solver and research organization, working in partnership with state business leaders to promote a vibrant Florida economy. “I will continue to serve on the Florida Chamber Foundation board and will continue to represent economic development and the 3 RACEC areas (a total 33 rural counties of which 28 are designated RACEC counties). I will also continue to serve on the other state board and committees.”

The Columbia County Industrial Development Authority had been a dependent organization, operating under its own board of directors, but required to seek approval from County Commissioners on tax issues. Last November, the Board of County Commissioners, by a 3-to-2 vote, made the IDA a county department, answering to the board and the County Manager. The change is effective January 15.

Jim Poole is the Executive Director of the IDA.

In recent years, Poole and Reynolds represented the IDA in negotiations to bring a number of major businesses to Columbia County, including New Millennium, the Target distribution center, U.S. Cold Storage and Hunter Panels. The IDA is partnering with Plum Creek, the largest land owner in Florida, to develop the catalyst site in Columbia County, part of the inland port project.

The IDA is working with Columbia Technology, Inc., to construct and maintain a material recovery facility and plans to enter into a job development agreement with Columbia County.

Reynolds said the Florida Heartland has great potential. She is familiar with the area because of her work with other RACEC sites and the Florida Chamber Foundation.