July 2011 Economic Update

The level of prospect activity is increasing and what’s even more exciting is the high caliber of companies that are exploring the opportunity to relocate or expand in Ocala/Marion County. Of the 25 active projects staff is currently working, three are in the aerospace/aviation industry sector. We very much appreciate our partnership with the City and County that has enabled us to intensify our recruitment efforts in this targeted industry. 

HealthSouth, a 40-bed stroke rehabilitation facility will go before City Council, with a recommendation from the Financial Review Committee, on August 2nd to request $175,000 in fee waivers for development, construction and initial operations of a rehabilitation hospital. The project represents 80-100 new jobs for healthcare professionals.

The Ocala City Council and Marion County Commission will hold public hearings respectively today and on August 16th to discuss the infrastructure needs for the Ocala/Marion County Commerce Park (formerly known as the Magna property). If a positive outcome is reached on the 16th, a Master Development Agreement with the County, City and Ocala 489, LLC could be ready for signature to make the development of this business park a reality.

As the end of our 2010/2011 fiscal year draws to a close, the EDC is finalizing its 2011/2012 Strategic Plan. The working draft was submitted to the Board of Directors on July 27th for review and comments.  We urge you to peruse the document and provide your input to pete@ocalaedc.org before August 10th. The Executive Committee will meet that day to review the final document draft and make recommendations to the Board of Directors for final approval on August 24th.

The EDC will continue to work diligently with our partners to attract and expand companies that create quality jobs for our community.  We appreciate your support for these efforts and will keep you apprised of the latest progress.

Over the last two months, we bid farewell to Dr. Chick Dassance, CF President and Ron Barnwell, Heart of Florida Executive Director. We also extended hearty congratulations to Tracy Rogers, Webster University Executive Director on their campus relocation and expansion, and Lori Boring, who was recently named Market President of HeritageBank of the South . Please scroll down for photo highlights.

Best Regards,

Pete Tesch
President/CEO

Steve Purves and Pete Tesch present Dr. Dassance with a rod and reel, the perfect gift that signifies retirement and leisurely visits with his family in Virginia. With over a month in, we hear he is adapting well, pouring concrete, and fishing with his grandchildren.	In late June, EDC Board members and staff wished Dr. Chick Dassance great success as he transitioned into retirement and stepped down from his post as President of the College of Central Florida. His proactive leadership and vision in providing the backdrop for a comprehensive business services delivery center utilizing workforce, corporate training and economic development, all under one roof, was remarkable. His support and contributions will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live on for years to come.
Ron Barnwell accepts his gift of appreciation from Pete Tesch for his dedicated service to the EDC and Heart of Florida Coalition.	During the July Board meeting, members and staff bid Ron Barnwell, Executive Director of the Heart of Florida Coalition a fond farewell.  He was instrumental in promoting a regional approach for economic development. His passion for the Heart of Florida was boundless, and we wish him the best in his retirement.

August 1st marked the Grand Opening Ceremony for the relocation and expansion of Webster University to Market Street at Heathbrook. The EDC joined in the celebration and offered congratulations to Tracy Rogers, Executive Director and her administration and faculty.  Webster University has offered Master degree programs in business, education, government and human resources since 1997.
Webster University at Heathbrook	Tracy Rogers and Tom Janke do the honors during the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Congratulations are in order for Lori Boring who was named the new Market President of HeritageBank of the South for Ocala in early July. Lori has been an active member in the EDC, serving on both the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors. We wish her much success in this new endeavor. Download the news release for more information.
The working draft of the 2011-2012 EDC Strategic Plan is available for review with the proposed updates highlighted in red.  The job creation goals have been established based on the Marion County Goal Setting Study produced by POLICOM Corporation. The complete Study is available to download.  Please contact me at pete@ocalaedc.org with your comments, questions or concerns.

 

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