The last few weeks have been a promising indicator for increased economic development activity in Ocala/Marion County with the influx of over 300 new jobs for our citizens.
On June 7, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to support a $105,000 state-local matching grant to bring Colorado-based Integrated Manufacturing to Marion County. The State of Florida is projected to fund a $420,000 grant to assist the company with their relocation plans. If the company accepts the offer, Integrated Manufacturing is slated to create 175 jobs paying an average salary of more than $36,000 per year with a $10 million capital investment in our community. Also on June 7, the Ocala City Council approved a $4.8 million investment package for American Fresh Farms to begin construction of two hydroponic greenhouses to produce tomatoes under glass. The project will be the first company to locate in the City's Ocala Business Park at Ocala International Airport. American Fresh Farms projects at least 160 new jobs averaging $37,375 per year and a capital investment of $28 million. As a follow up to the recent Joint EDC and Chamber Strategic Planning Session, Dr. Dale Brill, President of the Florida Chamber Foundation addressed EDC investors at the June Quarterly luncheon to explain the "Six Pillars" community concept. His presentation is available online for your review, and I would welcome your thoughts on this initiative. In an effort to broaden the perspective to a more regional approach to economic development and job creation, the Heart of Florida Coalition is coordinating awareness tours between Marion and Alachua Counties. More information and photo highlights are included below. 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.
Best Regards, 
Pete Tesch
President/CEO
 |  | EDC President/CEO Pete Tesch and EDC Chair Elect Doug Cone welcome Dr. Dale Brill and former Speaker of the House Larry Cretul to the EDC Third Quarterly Luncheon on June 9th. |  | Dr. Dale Brill passionately encouraged EDC investors to adopt the Florida Chamber Foundation's "Six Pillars" community concept. More information on the "Six Pillars" strategy is linked below.
Dr. Brill's presentation is available to download online. |  | The following are links to information on each “Pillar”: Talent Supply & Education, Innovation and Economic Development, Infrastructure & Growth Leadership, Business Climate Competitiveness, Civic & Governance Systems, and Quality of Life & Quality Places. | 
| More than a dozen business leaders from Gainesville joined our Ocala contingent in a Heart of Florida Community Tour to promote “good will” and a better understanding of all that Ocala/Marion County has to offer in a regional approach to economic development.
Hosted by the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce, the tour kicked off at their downtown facility followed by a walking tour that highlighted the downtown commerce and innovation centers with a stop at City Hall and IHMC.
|  | Tour participants gather on the steps of City Hall. |  | On far left, Dr. John "Row" Rogacki, IHMC Associate Director chats with participants before his presentation. | | After a brisk return walk to the Chamber, a tour bus whisked participants to local manufacturer, Scorpion Performance for a tour of their state-of-the-art facility where sophisticated technology utilizing “robots” produce rocker arms for high-performance engines in speed boats and racing cars. |  | Scott Reynolds, VP Marketing shares promotional materials for various products. |  | All Scorpion Performance products are made in the USA.
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The next stop was the Ocala International Airport where participants took a windshield tour, narrated by Matt Grow, Airport Manager which included the new tower (fully operational for a year), a ride down the 7,467 foot runway, and a look at the newly constructed 67th Avenue which connects to the Ocala Business Park and future home of American Fresh Farms.
|  | The last venue on the agenda offered lunch poolside compliments of Frank Hennessey, owner of Hennessey Arabian, LLC and a tour of his breathtaking Arabian horse farm where he and wife Carol breed both halter and performance horses. Participants enjoyed a stroll through the stable and visiting with the Arabian mares and their foals. |  | | A reciprocal tour will take place in Gainesville on June 18th. If you are interested in joining other Ocala business leaders and learning more about our neighbors to the north, please contact Tamara Fleischhaker to make a reservation. |  This Economic Update has been developed to meet the communication needs expressed by our investors. The EDC has been asked to provide quick, easy-to-read highlights, with further details just a click away.The Economic Update is the tool for delivering the Quarterly Report, and other relevent economic updates. Let us know what you think! 
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