Blog
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.
New Urbanism & Small Town Planning
Many of you have heard the term New Urbanism. Even if you haven’t heard the term, you’ve seen it in action. Look at Andres Duany’s Seaside for example – the first New Urbanist town in the United States. In articles about Seaside, you will find terms like “internationally famous,” and “iconic.”
Why We Should Pay More Attention to Farming
Florida's citrus growers face another tough year due to citrus greening, fruit drop, and weather challenges, leading to one of the lowest orange harvests in two decades—an impact consumers may notice through rising prices and potential shortages.
The Construction Industry - Feast and Famine
We have all heard building is booming. Interest rates have been at historic lows. End users and investors are taking advantage of this environment. In Okaloosa County, we can see the residential and commercial construction taking place. Remodeling and re-roofing are also a large part of the construction activity.
In Our Current Environment, Economic Development is Easier in Florida
What do I mean by that? For almost two years it has become increasingly harder to do economic development in many states. It started with policy. It manifested in events like riots, COVID-19, school shutdowns, lockdowns, censorship, mandates and more policies such as tax increases.