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.
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.
NEW REGIONAL COLLABORATION PROGRAM CELEBRATES ITS INAUGURAL CLASS OF GRADUATES
NORTHWEST, Fla. – At a closing retreat and graduation ceremony on May 12, 2023, Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW) Foundation honored its new graduates from Leadership Northwest Florida, a new regional collaboration program focused on community, content and connection. Eighteen leaders from across Northwest Florida participated in the inaugural program that fostered a deeper understanding of the region’s diverse landscape.
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NORTHWEST FLORIDA DAYS BRINGS HUNDREDS OF COMMUNITY LEADERS TOGETHER IN TALLAHASSEE
This week, community leaders from the region’s 12 counties gathered in the State’s Capitol as a unified voice to showcase the unique attributes and economic impact of Northwest Florida, from the beaches and beyond.
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Florida’s Great Northwest Foundation Announces Selection of Inaugural Leadership Northwest Florida Class
Florida’s Great Northwest Foundation has selected its participants for the inaugural Leadership Northwest Florida class. Eighteen leaders were selected to participate in Class I of the program focused on regional collaboration through community, content and connection.
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Inaugural Leadership Program Launches In Northwest Florida
Leadership Northwest Florida is an educational program offered for professionals in all industry sectors desiring to grow their knowledgebase, network, and skillset in the 12-county region of Florida’s Great Northwest footprint.
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US Secretary of Commerce Hosts Roundtable Discussion with Communities Including Northwest Florida
Northwest Florida – Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW), the regional economic development organization for the Florida panhandle, participated in this year’s SelectUSA Investment Summit, the highest-profile event in the United States dedicated to promoting foreign direct investment (FDI). SelectUSA is a U.S. government program led by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
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FGNW Positions Northwest Florida on the global marketplace at SelectUSA
Northwest Florida was well-represented at the SelectUSA Investment Summit held at the end of June in National Harbor, Maryland. The summit is the largest event dedicated to promoting foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States.
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Central Moloney Inc. Celebrates New Facility in Northwest Florida
This week, business and community leaders in Northwest Florida celebrated the newest manufacturer to join our growing family – Central Moloney Inc. (CMI). CMI is an Arkansas-based company that manufactures and distributes electrical transformers and their components. This announcement marks the opening of their sixth facility, the first outside of its home state, creating more than 200 new jobs.
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Newcomers Panel at TEcMEN Industry Day Showcases Northwest Florida’s Growth
Economic development partner One Okaloosa Economic Development Council recently hosted their annual one-day technology, engineering and manufacturing expo, TeCMEN Industry Day, in Fort Walton Beach. This event is designed to offer robust and relevant content from industry leaders as well as foster networking opportunities to connect with existing or potential customers and highlight products and capabilities.
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FGNW’s 2022 Legislative Priorities
Working in conjunction with our local economic development organizations and FGNW’s lobbyist, Darrick McGhee of Johnson & Blanton, FGNW’s 2022 Legislative Priorities have been identified.
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Central Moloney, Inc. Selects Bay County for its New Manufacturing Operations
Central Moloney Incorporated will be establishing a manufacturing operation in Bay County, Florida.
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