Blog
Unorthodox Use of Space
With rising commercial vacancies post-COVID, property owners are repurposing spaces for schools, churches, events, and even storage units, showcasing creative solutions to changing needs.
Transportation and Economic Development
You have often heard roadways referred to as arteries. Just as arteries in the human body transport the blood necessary to our survival, transportation is the life-blood of economic development, the economy itself.
Military Recruiting, Readiness and Retiring – A Triple-Edged Sword
We know the military is 80% of our local economy. Eglin AFB, servicemen, and related personnel are essential to the economic health of Okaloosa County. There are issues posing a threat to the economic stability of not only our community but the country as a whole.
Does Drug Abuse Play a Role in the Labor Shortage?
We are bombarded with news of Fentanyl streaming over our southern border at an alarming rate during the last couple of years. Fentanyl killed over 100,000 Americans last year. Many of those deaths weren’t because people were “using” Fentanyl but unknown to the user, the drug was in some other kind of medication.
Florida's Diverse Economy
While tourism and the military dominate Florida’s economy, industries like manufacturing, agriculture, cleantech, aerospace, IT, life sciences, and finance also play vital roles.
Inflation Plus Recession Equals Stagflation
Economic developers play a crucial role in attracting businesses, creating high-wage jobs, and supporting education, especially as wages lag behind inflation and the economy slows. One Okaloosa EDC actively works to bring companies to Okaloosa County, driving investment and job growth.
Fueling Economic Development
Economic development has flourished since the Industrial Revolution (1760-1840) when economies transitioned from primarily agriculture and crafts to industry, manufacturing, and transportation. Jobs were created exponentially.
The Evolution of Education
Education today is on two tracks. The traditional K-12 model culminating in a college degree remains predominant. But, training in specific STEM subjects and other disciplines beginning in elementary grades has gained momentum. Students often leave high school with certifications and/or a year or two of college under their belts.
Stakeholder Capitalism
I read an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal. The authors write about the Dark Ages, the Industrial Revolution, Capitalism, and Stakeholder Capitalism. It made me wonder if the scenario they described could eliminate economic development and the good work economic developers do.
Lots of Jobs and Lack of Workers
4.4 million people quit their jobs in February. They call this The Great Resignation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 11.3 million jobs were open nationwide. The resignations increased in retail, durable goods manufacturing and local/state government education and decreased in insurance and finance.