Posted: June 07, 2024
Northwest Florida – Florida’s Great Northwest hosted a Familiarization Tour for FloridaCommerce Secretary Alex Kelly and his leadership team last week over a two-day period. The tour was designed to highlight the economic progress made in the region, celebrate recent project successes, and showcase the region’s readiness for further industrial expansion and economic prosperity.
FloridaCommerce, in collaboration with its partners, assists the Governor in advancing Florida’s economy by championing the state’s economic development vision and by administering state and federal programs and initiatives to help visitors, citizens, businesses, and communities.
Throughout the tour, Secretary Kelly, alongside local economic development and community leaders, highlighted the collaborative efforts towards enhancing the region's infrastructure, fostering a conducive environment for business growth, and preparing industrial sites for future investments.
“I am grateful for the great opportunity to get to go and see first-hand several investments in aerospace, aviation, high-tech military and defense, and research and development led by our Governor, “said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “It’s clear that Northwest Florida is not just primed for growth but has their foot on the gas working to attract substantial investments that are creating high-skill, high-wage jobs for job seekers and their families.”
“I am grateful for the great opportunity to get to go and see first-hand several investments in aerospace, aviation, high-tech military and defense, and research and development led by our Governor, “said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “It’s clear that Northwest Florida is not just primed for growth but has their foot on the gas working to attract substantial investments that are creating high-skill, high-wage jobs for job seekers and their families.”
The tour's focus on economic development project wins spotlighted the region's success in securing diverse investments that promise to bolster the local economy, enhance workforce development, and pave the way for sustainable growth. These projects, ranging from manufacturing to technology, underscore the region's versatility and readiness to support various industries. Some of the highlights included tours of the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Leonardo Helicopters, Tyndall Air Force Base, and Eastern Shipbuilding Group.
The tour also emphasized the region’s industrial site readiness, showcasing the proactive approach in preparing land for immediate development, significantly reducing the lead time for new projects and investments. Industrial opportunities tours included the Emerald Coast Logistics Center in Mossy Head Industrial Park, Endeavor Park, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, and the Apalachicola Regional Airport. Site readiness is a testament to the region's commitment to economic progress and its strategic vision for the future.
"In collaboration with the State of Florida and our local communities, Florida's Great Northwest is committed to promoting the economic strengths and opportunities of our region," said Jennifer Conoley, President & CEO of Florida's Great Northwest. "Hosting Secretary Kelly has been a remarkable opportunity, which has only reinforced the effectiveness of our local, regional, and state partners working together and achieving results to drive prosperity across the region."
Florida’s Great Northwest is the regional economic development organization for the 13-county region of the Florida Panhandle. The organization promotes Northwest Florida for economic growth and diversification, advocates for economic development issues that affect the region, and collaborates to improve regional competitiveness. Beyond our beaches, Northwest Florida offers business competitive, bottom-line advantages in workforce training, upgraded infrastructure, access to a host of defense assets and a diverse base of industries that already call the region home. For more information, visit FloridasGreatNorthwest.com and find us on social.
