Get Involved
Current Investors
About our highest level of investment: Trustee investors are organizations or entities at the highest level. Their commitment to the One Okaloosa EDC's efforts, both in resources and involvement, reflects the highest level of support toward the community's economic growth. Each Trustee organization's chief executive officer or designated representative is a member of the One Okaloosa EDC Business Leadership Council.
What does your investment support?
- Regular interface with existing Okaloosa County industries designed to identify issues and opportunities that local businesses are facing. Once issues are identified, the EDC serves as the facilitator of impactful, real world solutions offered by a number of state and local partner agencies.
- A common voice for pro-business local, state and federal regulatory measures including state and federal legislative advocacy of issues deemed important to Okaloosa County businesses.
- Value-added networking and educational programs including EDC Roundtable events.
- Continued presence of a strong and healthy Okaloosa County defense community – a critically important undertaking in the era of diminishing Department of Defense funding and federal sequestration. The EDC’s three county Defense Support Initiative (DSI) is recognized as a key voice for issues impacting the defense community and aiding the civilian communities that house them.
- Continual industry diversification supported by the EDC’s TeCMEN (Technology Coast Manufacturing and Engineering Network) forum for manufacturing, engineering and technology companies to exchange ideas and establish successful teaming relationships for advanced STEM commercialization.
- Innovative partnerships with Okaloosa County military installations designed to capitalize on the sizable economic impact of the military’s presence in the community allowing for ripple benefits into surrounding communities.
- Collaboration with educational partners including the University of West Florida, Northwest Florida State College, Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide, the University of Florida’s REEF (Research, Engineering and Education Facility) and the Okaloosa County School District.
- Coordinated workforce development strategies designed to facilitate Okaloosa County’s “workforce of tomorrow.” As an example, the EDC has a proven track record of partnering to deliver highly regarded incumbent worker training programs at no cost to local industries.
- Advocacy for needed expansion and improvement of local and regional infrastructure systems including transportation systems and utilities.
- Collaboration with local governments and chambers of commerce for continual quality of place support and enhancement.
- An aggressive job creation and business recruitment program designed to diversify Okaloosa County’s economy. The EDC’s external marketing program targets growth-oriented businesses operating in sectors including aviation / aerospace, manufacturing, life sciences and alternative energy.
- Efforts to position Okaloosa County as a “location of choice” with commercial real estate brokers and corporate site selection consultants.
- Development of a business assistance program for existing businesses to help secure their continual growth and competitiveness in today’s global economy.
- Facilitation of a small business and entrepreneurial mentor program to include assistance in management, capital access, and marketing.