FGNW NEWS


 

The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund Strengthens Northwest Florida

According to the Florida Chamber of Commerce, if Florida were an independent nation, it would have the 15th largest economy in the world. In 2021, the Florida Legislature and Governor DeSantis continued to build upon Florida’s economic success through increasing the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to $74 million. The grants are designed to assist communities in funding workforce training and public infrastructure projects to support growth and employment throughout the state.

Governor DeSantis has presented rural and urban communities throughout Northwest Florida with $3.6 million through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund in 2021. These grants will be utilized to further the region’s cybersecurity, logistics and advanced manufacturing industries through the development of new workforce training programs and industrial sites.

Chipola College, in Marianna, received $354,000 through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to expand its cybersecurity program. Cybersecurity students wil have access to eight cybersecurity certifications that are transferable across many different industries and occupations, both in the public and private sectors. The funding will be used to support the cost of equipment, personnel, scholarships, training materials and support services.

Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC), in Niceville, was awarded $2.8 million through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to develop a diesel mechanic technician training program. The grant award will support NWFSC’s existing Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program. Training will be offered in partnership with Cummins and will assist students in developing skills that are in demand, resulting in multiple industry-recognized credentials.

The Walton County Economic Development Alliance (EDA) received $500,000 through the Job Growth Grant Fund to complete the Northwest Florida Commerce Park at Woodlawn. The grant will be used for the construction of roads, sewer and water infrastructure improvements at the industrial park. As a result, Walton County is expected to support 1,000 jobs in various industries through this investment and others.

The Florida Legislature and Governor DeSantis’s commitment to workforce and economic development will continue to spur economic growth in Northwest Florida and throughout the state for years to come. For more information on the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, click here.

About Florida’s Great Northwest

Florida’s Great Northwest is the regional economic development organization for the Florida Panhandle. The organization is an investor‐supported 501(c)(6) not for profit corporation created to promote Northwest Florida for economic growth and diversification, advocate for economic development issues that affect the region, and collaborate to improve regional competitiveness. 

 

NEWS

Florida's Great Northwest's Shane Chadwick Achieves International Economic Development Certification

Regional economic development professional, Shane Chadwick, who serves as business intelligence and marketing manager with Florida’s Great Northwest, has earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

Read More »

 

Okaloosa County’s Shoal River Ranch Gigasite recognized with prestigious ‘Select Site’ distinction by CSX Railroad

Okaloosa County’s Shoal River Ranch Gigasite recognized with prestigious ‘Select Site’ distinction by CSX Railroad

Read More »

 

NORTHWEST FLORIDA’S STATE LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION GATHE RS WITH BUSINESS LEADERS IN TALLAHASSEE

Tallahassee, FL – This week, community leaders from the region’s 13 counties gathered in the State’s Capitol to support the legislators from Northwest Florida to demonstrate the commitment to their state leadership roles that are critical keys to the region’s success in economic competitiveness.

Read More »

 

Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly Appoints Jennifer Conoley to the SelectFlorida Board of Directors

Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly announced the first SelectFlorida Board of Directors, appointing Greg Britton, Jennifer Conoley, Beth Kigel, Nick Primrose, Michael Simas, Kelly Smallridge and Mark Wilson to the board.

Read More »

 

Florida's Great Northwest Hosts Top Site Location Consultants in Marianna

Florida's Great Northwest (FGNW) hosted four top site location consultants this month in Marianna, Florida as part of their ‘Beyond Our Beaches’ Site Selector Mission.

Read More »

 

Florida’s Great Northwest CEO Recognized as One of Florida’s Most Influential Business Leaders

Northwest Florida – Jennifer Conoley, President & CEO of Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW), has been named to Florida Trend’s prestigious Florida 500 list. This annual list highlights the 500 most influential executives in different economic sectors throughout the state of Florida. The editors of Florida Trend conducted a year-long research initiative resulting in a personal and engaging look at the state's most influential business leaders.

Read More »

 

SAVE THE DATES: Northwest Florida Days 2024

We kindly ask for you to please save the dates for our 2024 Northwest Florida Days events in Tallahassee during Florida’s Legislative Session: January 17th - 18th, 2024.

Read More »

 

Over 100 Regional Leaders Gather with Nationally Recognized Workforce and Data Strategist

Filling open positions with a qualified workforce is the number one site selection factor in many companies’ decisions about where to locate or expand. This workforce gap is found in nearly every city across the United States. While it’s not a unique program to our region, Florida’s Great Northwest and Opportunity Florida, regional economic development organizations in Northwest Florida, hosted an event to explore the truth in data and dispel myths related to workforce challenges.

Read More »

 

FLORIDA’S GREAT NORTHWEST FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES SELECTION OF LEADERSHIP NORTHWEST FLORIDA CLASS II

Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW) Foundation has selected its participants for Leadership Northwest Florida. Twenty-two leaders were selected to participate in Class II of the program focused on regional collaboration through community, content and connection.

Read More »

 

National Workforce Strategist Addresses Labor Force Challenges at Upcoming Luncheon

Florida’s Great Northwest and Opportunity Florida invite business leaders to “Difficult Conversations About Workforce”

Read More »

 

 

Keep up with the latest news from Florida's Great Northwest

SIGN UP