September 24, 2009 There has been a whirlwind of activity this month with all our partners fully engaged in economic recovery efforts. The second meeting of the Economic Action Team was held in early September to keep everyone apprised of resources and activities underway to provide immediate assistance for all Marion County dislocated workers, as well as long term strategies for job creation. This Economic Update will cover some of the highlights from our 51st Annual Meeting, the Heart of Florida Site Location Consultants Event, and the City of Ocala and Marion County's Joint Workshop on the "Magna" property. We are fortunate to have such strong partnerships with the capabilities to help move our economy forward. Next on the agenda, we will attend the October Trade Show for the National Business Aviation Association in Orlando. This show attracts more than 30,000 attendees in the aviation and aerospace industry. A press conference is scheduled and City representatives will join EDC staff at our booth to showcase the Ocala Business Park at Ocala International Airport to support our business attraction efforts. This is a challenging time for our community, and we are ever mindful of those residents currently unemployed and the hardships they are facing. To address that challenge, job creation continues to be our number one priority. We are encouraged by the recent activity we have experienced with companies interested in Ocala/Marion County. As they plan their moves, we stand more prepared and competitive as a community than ever before to offer them a choice of available buildings, or a new site in up and coming commerce parks, an ample, well trained labor force and a wonderful quality of life. These key factors place us in a very favorable position when it comes to the final decision to relocate or expand business operations in this area. We thank you for your investment and continued support in the EDC. We are proud to be working with our partners to ensure Ocala/Marion County continues to be Great for Business - Great for Life! Best Regards, 
Pete Tesch
President/CEO 
 | 2009 EDC Chair Brian O'Connor passes the gavel to 2010 Chair Martha Barnwell. O'Connor expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve as EDC Chair. "Some may say this was a dismal year to be leading an economic development organization, but I tend to be a 'see the glass half full' kind of guy. Even in these challenging times, there have been major accomplishments this year, and I believe we will come out stronger and more effective in the long run and great things are still in store for our community." |  | Pete Tesch welcomed Florida Trend Magazine Publisher Bruce Faulmann as the keynote speaker. Faulmann energetically shared "what's right" about business in Florida and observed the tremendous assets of our community. "It's all about location...you are smack dab in the middle of Florida's High Tech Corridor!" |  |
Newly appointed EDC Chair Martha Barnwell presented Dwayne Carlton with the Jim Lowry Award. This honor has been bestowed only three times since its inception in 2003. It recognizes those who have gone above and beyond what is considered the norm in a given situation. Carlton received the designation for his outstanding committment and exceptional leadership over the last three years in the quest to help identify and develop sites for business/commerce parks for Ocala and Marion County. The award is named in honor of former County Administrator Jim Lowry.
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Pete Tesch presented Outgoing Director Lori Hornby with a ship's compass as a token of appreciation. Hornby has been a vital member of the EDC Board, Executive Committee and served as Chair in 2007. She plans to retire from Crippen, Trice & Hornby, LLC and spend much of her time enjoying her passion for sailing the high seas.
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The EDC joined with the Gainesville Council for Economic Outreach and Progress Energy to bring seven Site Location Consultants to the Heart of Florida. This regional approach to attract new business and quality jobs for our citizens included a tour where IHMC's Admiral Tim Wright (center below) showcased their new research facility in downtown Ocala.  | 
The second stop highlighted the new aviation tower and surrounding property slated for business park development at Ocala International Airport was next on the tour. At the tower's top, consultants got a bird's-eye view and a presentation by City staff regarding all the exciting features this property has to offer. | The last stop hosted by Florida's Thoroughbred Breeders' & Owners' Association featured the rich history of our equine industry and the economic impact that breeding and racing brings to our community. Consultants enjoyed the trophy room and the array of awards and stories connected to the distinction of being the "Horse Capital of the World." 
On September 22, the Ocala City Council and Marion County Board of County Commissioners met to learn more from their respective staff members about the planning that has been completed thus far on this prime piece of property. City and County departments have worked diligently on site plans, infrastructure design, zoning, annexing and creating developer agreements to make the property as "shovel ready" as possible prior to construction. To learn more about this workshop, read Bill Thompson's article in the Star Banner, as well as an editorial written by the Banner editorial board recognizing the local governments for their progress. 
The EDC proudly revealed the new branding at the Annual Meeting which will be used to market our community to potential business prospects around the world. The eye-catching graphics are intended to immediately communicate the beauty and amenities of our area in the midst of the I-75 transportation hub and guide interested companies to the Micro site for more information. The first ads promote the new airport commerce park. As future sites are developed, they will be promoted in a similar fashion. 
The Agency for Workforce Innovation released the unemployment rates for August 2009. While the numbers are sobering, they continually remind us of our purpose and how important job creation is for our community. | | August 2009 | August 2008 | | Labor Force | 139,453 | 140,123 | | Employment | 121,402 | 127,992 | | Unemployed | 18,051 | 12,131 | | Unemployment Rate | 12.9% | 8.7% | At the EDC Annual Meeting, Pete Tesch presented Marion Technical Institute Principal Mark Vianello and Internship Coordinator & Business Liaison Diane Clinton with a special award recognizing MTI for consistently attaining their mission to develop quality employees with meaningful careers through strong academic and real world experience programs. MTI just started its fifth year and has received acclaim on state and national levels, including a designation as one of 20 Model High Schools in the nation in 2008. A highlight for EDC investors was 2006 MTI Graduate Brent Estey's speech.He was among the first brave students to try the new school concept and attended the Automotive Academy. He interned with Ford of Ocala which hired him upon graduation and paid to further his education. Brent now holds five national certifications and is completing another. He also gives back by serving on the Automotive Academy Advisory Committee and is assisting his second MTI student as a career coach! 
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 new tool for delivering the Quarterly Report, and other relevent economic updates. Let us know what you think! 
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