Chair Croley called the meeting
to order at 6:05 p.m.
1. Introduction-Jack Peacock,
Chairman
Gadsden County Chamber of Commerce
Jack Peacock, Chairman of Gadsden County Chamber of Commerce,
appeared before the Board and gave his opening statements.
2. Importance of Economic
Development and Visioning-Dr. Dale Brill, President
Florida Chamber Foundation
Dr. Dale Brill, President, Florida Chamber Foundation, appeared
before the Board and shared with the Board that economic development is
emerging and “We are stronger together than we are individually”.
Commissioner Holt arrived at this juncture of the meeting.
He stated the reason there was so much interest in recruitment is
that was where the fun is.We are in the
middle of a larger transitional world.
Change words from economic development to economic progress.
Rural communities have luxury of no congestion.
Stage 2 gardening was developed to work in areas such as ours.
Power of regionalism is absolute key.
3. Jobs, Jobs, Jobs-Kim
Moore, CEO
Workforce Plus
Kim Moore was called away to Tampa
4. Regionalism- Sue Dick,
President and CEO
Tallahassee Leon County
Chamber of Commerce
Sue Dick, President and CEO of Tallahassee Leon County Chamber of
Commerce, appeared before the Board and stated she was to touch on
regionalism and there really was not a county line when it comes to what is
needed. She stated she would speak on
regionalism but also about what was being done in Tallahassee.
5. Targeted Businesses-Luis
Perez-Codina, Manager
Business Development,
Enterprise Florida
Luis Perez-Codina, Manager of Business Development, Enterprise
Florida appeared before the Board
Core Focus: Jobs, Jobs, Jobs.
Along with that, it is what kind, types of jobs, quality of jobs.
Strategic partnerships-reason here tonight.
Looking to bring high quality jobs to folks that are going to be
beneficial to this community and have job leaders that will create small
businesses.
6. Commissioners’ Questions
and Comments
Commissioner Holt stated she
was looking for more specifics.She
said she was interested to know who ribbon cuttings were for and would like
to know before the cutting in case there was anything they might need that the
Board could help with.
Mr. Perez-Codina stated once a company plans to come, there would be plenty
of opportunity to work with them before the ribbon cutting.
Commissioner Hinson stated he
just came to listen.We have right
workforce here.We are thinkers here
and are smart.Stated speakers must
have heard his campaign and he is intrigued.
Commissioner Hinson asked Dr. Brill how economic gardening differed
from incubators.
Commissioner Hinson stated what concerned him was constituents would visit
Tallahassee, shop in Tallahassee, pay taxes in Leon County that benefit
schools, businesses, etc.
We need to figure out steps in Gadsden County, where to go to get
loans, grants and what programs are available for training.
Commissioner Holt said we
have several boards; we need to get to know each other instead of the standoffishness.
Enterprise zones-businesses not seeing credits they should.Dr. Henry Grant is local contact person for
enterprise zone grants.She said there
was gap that needed to be fixed.
On partnerships with other groups, partnership with county and city
and some other big entities on health insurance.
Commissioner Taylor had
couple of comments.We need to prepare
and need to be prepared.We need to
look at how to streamline permitting process; need to do our infrastructure,
north, south, east and west.
She asked Dr. Brill what funding and what business could he bring to
us.
We need to come up with plan.Can’t turn dirt in East Quincy with no sewers there.
Tonight she saw resources.
Chair Croley spoke.Had questions for Dr. Brill.
Focus on positive-CRTPA went from 26 million last year to 45 million
this year.
Have new shooting range going in in Midway, Frito Lay putting in distribution
center, BASF expanding, we have the Hospital, law enforcement academy,
t-shirt manufacturing , Progress Energy, gas transmission line expansion, gas
refueling at Flying J, 2 railroads, airport, Tallahassee airport,
agribusiness, over 96 billion in agribusiness here, golf course, art center,
Quincy Music Theater, camp grounds in Chattahoochee, lot of assets in Gadsden
County.
We have a lot more going on positively in this county than we get
credit for.
Commissioner Hinson applauded
the Chair for fighting for the citizens.
We’re all here to work for the better of Gadsden County.
Commissioner Holt-we need
agenda for next meeting.Want to see
how money was spent in past and what we’re doing wrong.
She stated Chair Croley made good points.
Commissioner Taylor commented
on what the Chairman said, happy on what was brought out and commented on
what businesses have closed.
Chair Croley thanked everyone
on behalf of the Board.
Chair Croley asked what
commissioners would like to see on workshop in future.
Commissioner Taylor stated we need to formulate goals and plans.
Mr. Presnell stated he was working with Governor’s office with
economic opportunities-have commitment.