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December 18, 2009 As 2009 comes to a close, we look forward with hope and anticipation to a brighter and more prosperous 2010. There is no doubt this year will go down in the record books as one of the most challenging, but there is also much to record that was positive. - Three local companies announced expansion plans in our community. Lockheed Martin, JRS Custom Fabrications and Intellon are growing their footprint in their respective industries and creating approximately 165 new jobs for our citizens.
- A pilot project resulted in the location of a DCF Call Center in Ocala ,creating 76 new jobs.
- The Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) completed the renovation of the former library downtown and will open their doors this month with 10 new employees on site.
- The creation of “Florida Back to Work,” a subsidized employer program which now includes the private sector, adds an exciting new tool in our economic development efforts for business attraction and new job creation. The State has allocated $20 million to fund the program with a possible opportunity to draw down much more in the future. Be sure to read Other Voices in the Banner this Sunday for more information.
- We are currently working 17 projects that have potential for quality job creation in the future.
- The Ocala/Marion County Economic Action Team, comprised of federal, state and local officials as well as business and community leaders, is aggressively implementing a plan to move our community into economic recovery.
This Economic Update is full of photo highlights from the DCF Call Center Grand Opening, the Progress Walk where business and community leaders previewed IHMC and Intellon’s new locations, the EDC December Quarterly Luncheon, and Senator Evelyn Lynn’s tour of Marion Technical Institute. Best wishes to you and your family during this special season! Best Regards,
Pete Tesch
President/CEO
 In an unprecedented collaboration with the Department of Children and Families (DCF), supported by Representative Kurt Kelly, Workforce Connection, the EDC, City of Ocala and Marion County were successful in locating a DCF Call Center in Ocala creating 76 new subsidized jobs for our citizens. A Grand Opening Ceremony marked this special occasion with sterling comments from George Sheldon, Secretary of DCF, Speaker of the House Larry Cretul, Senator Evelyn Lynn, Representative Kurt Kelly and CEO Rusty Skinner, Workforce Connection praising our community for coming together in a time of need to expeditiously create this pilot project which now employs 76 formerly displaced workers. In turn, these workers are offering programs of assistance to those still in need. It was also noted that due to its success, this model will be replicated across the State. |  | | Pictured above are representatives from many of the organizations that played a role in bringing the DCF Call Center to Ocala. | At right, employees hard at work in new DCF Call Center. View more about the Call Center... |  |   |  | The EDC hosted its first quarterly luncheon of the 2009-2010 year on December 2. EDC Chair Martha Barnwell recognized Pete Tesch for his 20 years of distinguished service and dedication to our community. Dr. David Denslow, Professor and Research Economist with University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research, was the guest speaker. Denslow shared that while recovery will be slow, there are many positives for Ocala/Marion County. “The unemployment rate by 2013 here is still going to be high, but you’re not talking about 11%...I think more like eight or eight and a half… this is a county that does indeed very aggressively go after all sorts of jobs.” Denslow went on to share the community’s climate, scenery, airport access and proximity to UF and Central Florida Community College as positives for Marion County moving forward in this recovery at a stronger pace than some may predict. | .gif)
|  Last Friday, the EDC joined the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Ocala to host the first Progress Walk to highlight the new growth in downtown Ocala, with the opening of IHMC and Intellon, as well as future plans for other areas in close proximity to the square.
City Council President, Kent Guinn shared future plans for additional development of the former Sprint property and the Tuscawilla area with nearly 40 business and community leaders attending the Progress Walk. 
As part of the Kick Off Ceremony, Pete Tesch’s address spoke of the power of partnerships. It took the combined efforts of the City, County, State and the EDC working together, to bring a high tech company and a world-renowned research facility to the downtown area. No one entity could have done it alone. |  | Intellon’s CFO, Brian McGee leads a tour through their new facility located in a section of the SunTrust Building across the street from IHMC. |  | Progress Walk attendees await presentation by IHMC’s Admiral Tim Wright, Deputy Director. 
| | One of IHMC’s many innovative technologies called “Rover,” the next generation of Lunar Rovers was prominently displayed in the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Parade last January. |  | Community Leaders gather with Dr. Ken Ford after a brief presentation at IHMC during the Progress Walk. R-L Back Row - Pete Tesch, David Ellspermann, Dr. Ken Ford (IHMC), Councilman Kent Guinn, Commissioner Barbara Fitos and Councilwoman Mary Rich |  Senator Evelyn Lynn, instrumental in helping to set up a technical high school in Volusia County, toured Marion County’s Marion Technical Institute (MTI) earlier this week. She was particularly interested in visiting specific academies offering certifications including Automotive, IT, IET, Construction and Power. The Senator is a proponent of MTI’s philosophy which promotes strong academic learning combined with real world work experience to ensure productive and successful graduates, and a well-trained workforce for our future. Senator Lynn chairs the Higher Education Appropriations Committee in the State Legislature and was very complimentary regarding her trip to MTI. |  | Senator Lynn tours MTI’s Power Academy with Legislative Aide Connie Mullis, Marion County School Board Member Ron Crawford and Instructor Tony Vasquez. |  | IT Instructor Tim Turner, pictured with Senator Lynn, discuss the certifications and college credits MTI students have the opportunity to earn in this academy. |  | Senator Lynn chats with Rejerio Burton, one of two students selected in Florida to enroll in the US Senate Youth Program which offers an annual opportunity for students to have an in-depth view of the Federal Government. 
MTI Principal Mark Vianello and Senator Lynn exchange thoughts about innovative programs and funding for education in the future.
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