2019-11-19 Ex Item VI.APresentation for
What Is Economic Development?
It is a program, group of policies, or set of
activities that seeks to improve the economic
well-being and quality of life for a community
by creating and/or retaining jobs that facilitate
growth and provide a stable tax base.*
*International Economic Development Council
Why Invest In Economic Development?
➢Job Creation
➢Industry Diversification
➢Business Retention & Expansion
➢Keeps Our Youth in the Community
➢Increased Tax Revenue
➢Improved Quality of Life
Timeline
April 2018 –ECO Revitalized Policom’s 2005 Study
May 2018 –BOCC Host Workshop on Economic Development
September 2018 –Policom Releases Updated Study
October 2018 –By-Laws of OCEDC Written and Adopted
November 2018 –Articles of Incorporation Accepted by State
November 2018 –Chason Group Contract Signed for Executive Search
April 2019 –President Hired
Stated Purpose
To enhance and cause quality economic growth
of the Okeechobee County Economy.
Proud of our Roots with an Eye on the Future
Who Are We?
501(c) (6)
Public / Private Partnership
County & City
3 Appointment Board Directors from ECO
1 Appointment from Okeechobee County Chamber
IRSC In-Kind
Okeechobee County School Board
7 Private Investors
Teamwork allows us to reach the heights of excellence and perform the extraordinary!
What’s Happened Since Then?
Summit Held to Determine Top
Objectives for 2019
Opportunity Zone
Marketing OCEDC
Prepared 2019-2020 Budget
Awarded Enterprise Florida Grant
Boards/Organizations
Worked on 9 Projects
High Speed Internet/Fiber
Federal Reserve Partnership
Top Objective for 2019
Locate Site for a 300 –500 Acre Industrial Complex
Research & Determine Funding Source for Industrial Complex
Implement Business Retention & Expansion Program
Populate GIS Planning Portion of Website
Develop & Implement Strategic Plan
Opportunity Zone
Hosted Madison Street
Strategies
Met with Potential Investor
Attended Training on New
Ruling from Department of
Treasury
Marketing OCEDC
Wrote 2 Articles for Treasure Coast
Business Magazine
Advertised in 2 Magazines
LinkedIn
Facebook
Matrix Video
Enterprise Florida Grant
Awarded $10,000
Paid for Memberships Into
International Economic Development Council
Florida Economic Development Council
Two IEDC Training Course
Advertising in Expansion Solutions Magazine
Participation in Organizations
Career Source Heartland
FHERO
Enterprise Florida
Florida Economic Development Corporation
Okeechobee Community Coalition
Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County
Project Work
Existing Industry Expansion
Manufacturing Company | Bautech USA
2 -Agribusiness Company
Heavy Manufacturing Company
Service Industry
Tourism Project | Big Cedar Lodge
Service & Retail | Kubota
High Speed Internet/Fiber
Public Private Partnership
Federal Reserve
Small Business Capital Survey
Economic Outlook Luncheon in Q2 of 2020
Activity ( April –November 19, 2019)
83+
Partner Meetings
28
Project Meeting
8
Active Projects
48+
Business Meetings
9
Speaking
Engagements
What’s Next
VisionFirst | Strategic Planning Session
Economic Update Luncheon | Spring 2020
Projects, Projects, Projects
How to Find Us
Indian River State College | Room B141
FaceBook | Okeechobee Economic Development Corporation
LinkedIn | Okeechobee Economic Development Corporation
MeganSmith@OCEDcorp.com
www.OCEDCorp.com
863-357-2314
Question 02
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