August 2009 Economic Update

Congressman Cliff Stearns lauded the quick response of Workforce Connection and its partners. He commented on the unemployment benefits expiring and shared that legislation had been passed to further extend benefits to states at the top tier ofunemployment. It was confirmed Florida is in the top tier. Woodring will research further.

When visiting the recent job fair, Stearns noticed many of the TB&W employees were  unaware of Federal and State programs that could assist them. He suggested having another fair for all those unemployed and invite local companies as well as those from adjoining counties, like Alachua that currently has a 6% unemployment rate. He also suggested another workshop for all homeowners who are facing foreclosure to learn more about available options to help them keep their homes.

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, Alex Sink, recommended an immediate safety net, with the idea of representatives from the State's Healthy Kids program taking part in a more significant way with the next Job and Resources Fair. There are also resources available to assist homeowners with negotiating insurance policies and premiums during financial crisis. Sink introduced Arlene Udick from the Florida Bar representing   a group of 1,000 attorneys statewide who provide assistance to families facing foreclosure pro bono. They are currently working with the ten largest lenders in Florida. More information can be accessed through the Florida Bar Web site .

For a short-term strategy, Sink has been in contact with the White House and they are very aware of the situation in our community. She is determining if stimulus dollars are available to assist with projects that would put people to work quickly. She is also talking with HUD to determine if there are other companies willing to offer jobs from outside our community. Another suggestion involved the upcoming Census and the possibility of locating an office in Marion County to conduct the operation for Florida.

Speaker of the House Larry Cretul reiterated the need to proactively pursue the extension of unemployment benefits, while ensuring there are no strings attached that would negatively impact employers. He also asked Workforce Connection to consider pulling employers from Alachua, Lake and Sumter Counties to come to the Job Fairs.  He suggested creating an “Unemployment Emergency Plan,” much like Florida’s Emergency Management plan for natural disasters. It became a model implemented across the country. "When we come through this I believe Marion County will be a leader in the same way. Our response may not be to a hurricane, but we earlier heard this referred to as a financial tsunami...we will manage our resources and come through this."  Lastly, he urged the EDC to take advantage of the Quick Action Closing Fund offered by the State to assist with business attraction and retention, and work with DCA to expedite more land use amendment changes in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

John Adams and Crystal Sircy from Enterprise Florida shared some insight on long-term job creation.  "There are companies in our pipeline that are considering moving to Florida. Many of those are in the finance and insurance industry...This community has done so much right," shared Adams. "I've been here four or five times just in the past few months on more strategic, long-term visits. We are well-versed on this community from the great champion you have in your corner with Pete Tesch." Sircy shared the EDC was recently at a site consultants event to promote Ocala/Marion County as a business destination. "These are the people (site consultants) who make the deals happen that bring jobs to a community. We have worked a long time to build these relationships and we will be sharing with that network the availability of highly-skilled workers here in Marion County."