September 30, 2010 The EDC’s 52 nd Annual Meeting and Luncheon marked the end of another fiscal year for our organization. Although it has been one of economic challenges, our guest speaker Dr. Sean Snaith, Director of the Institute of Economic Competitiveness at the University of Central Florida did offer some humor within the confines of his economic forecast for the future. He was realistic about Marion County’s current situation, but also encouraged community and business leaders to work together toward leveraging our resources to become more competitive. That message carried throughout the program as the gavel passed from Martha Barnwell, 2010 EDC Chair to Steve Purves, 2011 Chair. Purves reiterated that Economic Development is a “team sport” and it will take a commitment from all of us to move from recession to recovery. In addition, Workforce Connection was honored with the coveted Chairman’s Award for displaying outstanding leadership, service and continued support to the EDC and our community. Workforce Connection has consistently provided our businesses and residents with invaluable services to strengthen our workforce and assist those most in need during these difficult economic times. Learn more about Workforce Connection in the Luncheon Highlights below. The Ocala/Marion County Economic Action Team also met this month to prioritize and support new initiatives to spark economic recovery. One of those initiatives will be a draft piece of legislation introduced to our Legislative Delegation on November 30th. The 2011 Florida’s EconomicallyDistressed Communities Recovery Act’s main objective is to intensify State resources to help Florida’s top ten counties which are experiencing unemployment higher than the State average of 11.2%.
As we begin a new year, it is important to remain positive, and we ask that you help by sharing what has and is being done with those in your circle of influence. Is there more work to be done? Certainly, and we will need your support now, more than ever keep Ocala/Marion County Great for Business…Great for Life. Best Regards, 
Pete Tesch
President/CEO
 |  | “The cyclical nature of the economy shows that even if you do nothing, things will eventually improve...but how long are you willing to wait?”
Sean Snaith, Director of the Institute for Economic Competitiveness at the University of Central Florida encouraged EDC investors to be proactive in legislative efforts and working aggressively to improve community competitiveness for jobs.
“You (Ocala/Marion County) have a lot working in your favor,” said Snaith. “Your central location and the relatively low cost of living, coupled with education and workforce resources are attractive...but there are communities out there, many much less attractive than yours, that are fighting to get those jobs. You have to be aggressive if you want to pull out of this sooner.” |  | Leaders gathered at the Chairman's Circle Reception to welcome Snaith to the community. Pictured L to R are: Ron Ewers, Superintendent Yancey, Connie Mullis, Pete Tesch, Snaith (behind) Commissioner Fitos, Councilman Guinn and Speaker Cretul. | 
 | Congratulations to this year’s Chairman’s Award recipient, Workforce Connection! In rapid response to our unemployment crisis over the past year, Workforce Connection applied for more than $10 million in competitive grants and received in excess of $9 million. These grant dollars provided outplacement services and training programs to give many of these dislocated workers an opportunity to learn new skills, redirect their employment efforts and offer hope to those in need. Workforce Connection not only understands, but demonstrates, the power of partnerships on an ongoing basis. When the opportunity arose in 2004 to co-locate the unprecedented combination of an economic development organization and a workforce board on a community college campus, there was not a moment’s hesitation. As a result, this one-stop service center coupling business with education has been instrumental in assisting the EDC with specific services and training programs to help seal the deal with companies interested in locating or expanding in Ocala/Marion County. We owe a great debt of gratitude to this committed and caring organization which has operated so effectively on behalf of the citizens of Ocala and Marion County.
|  |  | The 2009/2010 EDC Chair Martha Barnwell passed the gavel of leadership for the organization to Steve Purves.
Purves is the current President/ CEO of Munroe Regional Medical Center. He passionately spoke with EDC investors about the need to positively move forward and work together to protect our community and quality of life through economic recovery.
"We must work together in a positive, aggressive way to bring about the recovery that our community desperately needs. We have the opportunity to start with a fresh vision and a new, better and more efficient way of leading economic development for our region. The time to start is now, and it is perhaps the most important work we will ever do." | 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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