2005-10 Enterprise ZoneRESOLUTION NO. 05 -10
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA TO
DESIGNATE ENTERPRISE ZONE PURSUANT TO THE
AUTHORITY OF FLORIDA STATUTES CHAPTER 290; PROVIDING
FOR ADOPTION OF A STRATEGIC PLAN TO ASSIST IN THE
DEVELOPMENT OR RE- DEVELOPMENT OF AREAS WITHIN THE
ENTERPRISE ZONE FOR THE REVITALIZATION OF THE CITY OF
OKEECHOBEE, WHICH AREA IS WITHIN THE ZONE
HERETOFORE DESIGNATED BY OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
FLORIDA AND FOR PURPOSES OF THIS RESOLUTION, IS RE-
DESIGNATED COMMENCING JANUARY 1, 2006; PROVIDING
FOR SUBMISSION TO THE STATE OFFICE OF TOURISM, TRADE
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR SUCH RE- DESIGNATION;
PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION AND CONTINUED APPROVAL OF
THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT HERETOFORE APPROVED
BETWEEN THE CITY AND COUNTY OF OKEECHOBEE;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee, Florida and Okeechobee County, Florida have heretofore
jointly agreed and designated the entire City of Okeechobee as part of the overall
designated Enterprise Zone approved by the County for development and redevelopment
under the auspices of Florida Statutes Chapter 290; and
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee and Okeechobee County have previously by Interlocal
Agreement approved the designated Enterprise Zone, of which the entire City of
Okeechobee is included in the zone designated by Okeechobee County, and which was
approved by the State Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development (OTTED) for
the time period of January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2005; and
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee and Okeechobee County agree and remain committed to
maintaining the Enterprise Zone of 19.850 square miles, which includes the entire City of
Okeechobee, by re- designating said zone to the State as vital and necessary to the
economic development and redevelopment of both the City and County, and to carry out
those functions and grant applications as permitted by Chapter 290, Florida Statutes;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved before the City Council for the City of Okeechobee, Florida;
presented at a duly advertised public meeting; and passed by majority vote of the City
Council; and properly executed by the Mayor or designee, as Chief Presiding Officer for
the City that:
1. THAT the City Council for the City of Okeechobee, Florida does hereby designate
the entire City of Okeechobee, which is included in the overall designation of 19.850
square miles by Okeechobee County, Florida, set out on the map attached as
Exhibit "A for re- designation as the Okeechobee County Enterprise Zone.
2. THAT the Interlocal Agreement between the City and County dated December 13,
2001 is incorporated herein by reference to reflect a continuing agreement between
the City and County in regards the intentions of the parties under the Florida
Enterprise Zone Act of 1994.
3. THAT the City Council for the City of Okeechobee, Florida further adopts and
concurs with the Strategic Plan as approved by Okeechobee County and authorizes
the Okeechobee Enterprise Zone Development Agency to function within the
corporate limits of the City of Okeechobee.
4. THAT the City Council for the City of Okeechobee, Florida hereby directs the
submission of the application package for re- designation of the Okeechobee County
Enterprise Zone commencing with January 1, 2006 and thereafter as approved by
OTTED.
5. THAT this Resolution shall become effective immediately upon adoption.
Page 1 of 3
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 1' day of November, 2005.
ATTEST:
REVIEWED FOR LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
o R. Cook, City Attorney
Page 2 of 3
James E. Kirk, Mayor
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INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT
This Interlocal Agreement is made between the CITY OF OKEECHOBE, 55
S.E. 3rd Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida 34972, hereinafter referred to as the "CITY", and
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, a political subdivision of the State of Florida, 304 N.W. 2nd
Street, Okeechobee, Florida 34972, hereinafter referred to as the "COUNTY".
WHEREAS, the COUNTY and the CITY are working together on the re-
designation of the enterprise zone pursuant to the Florida Enterprise Zone Act of 1994,
Sections 290.001 —290.016, Florida Statutes.
NOW, THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual covenants and
conditions contained herein, the CITY and the COUNTY hereby agree as follows:
1. The purpose of this Interlocal Agreement is to provide for the mutual
efforts of the COUNTY and the CITY in re-designating the enterprise
zone.
2. The parties agree that the COUNTY and the CITY will cooperate
together in carrying out the goals established to measure the progress
of meeting the goal on an annual basis.
3. The parties agree that neither party will obligate the other, financially or
otherwise, in carrying out the enterprise zone program.
4. This Interlocal Agreement shall become effective upon execution by the
CITY and the COUNTY and shall remain in effect for a term of one year.
Unless revoked by either party prior to expiration, this Interlocal
Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one year terms.
This Interlocal Agreement may be terminated by either party at any time
by written notice delivered to the other party.
5. This Interlocal Agreement has been executed pursuant to Section
163.01, et seq., Florida Statutes.
6. This Interlocal Agreement represents the entire agreement of the
parties. Any alterations, variations, changes, modifications or waivers of
provisions of this Interlocal Agreement shall only be valid when they
have been reduced to writing duly signed by each of the parties hereto,
and attached to the original of this Interlocal Agreement.
F:\Enterprise Zone\INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT.doc 1
r
7. This Interlocal Agreement is binding upon the parties, their successors,
and their assigns.
DATED this /01 day of Jig ./OM alb , 2005.
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE
• Y:
• J.; rE. Kirk, Mayor
Attest: Reviewed for Legal Sufficiency:
By „ r r /41.
Lan- Gamiot=a, City Clerk John R. Cook, City Attorney
City of Oke= hobee
DATED this 10"i-1+ day of Nov&it't B R , 2005.
BOARD OF COUNTY CO MISSIONERS
OF OKEECHO: COU r TY ORIDA
By: II Mt r_I
John W. A •ney, Sr., Chair, an
Board of I ounty Commis-ione
Attest: Reviewed for Legal Sufficiency:
By: - .:.-kivta ?�C- By.
Sharon Robertson, County Clerk •• n asse s, Jr., Cou,M Attorney
Okeechobee County Okeechobee County
STATE OF FLORIDA
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THIS IS
A TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF
THE RECORDS ON FILE IN THIS
OFFIC
" .` fir W"- • D.6,
F:\Enterprise Zone\INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT.doc 2
APPLICATION PACKAGE
All application packages must be received by Enterprise Florida no later than 4:00 pm,
Wednesday, November 30, 2005. Application packages received after this date and time
will not be considered nominated for Rural Enterprise Zone re-designation. Materially
incomplete submission packages will not be considered for Rural Enterprise Zone re-
designation.
The original application package and one copy must be submitted to:
Bridget M. Merrill
Enterprise Florida, Inc.
The Atrium Building; Suite 201
325 John Knox Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32303
Please make an additional copy of this page for each additional jurisdiction
that contains a portion of the nominated area.
NAME OF NOMINATING GOVERNING BODY:
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY BOCC
Chief Elected Official: Title:
John W. Abney, Sr. County Commission Chairman
Address:
Phone 863-763-6441
304 NW 2nd Street, Room 106
Fax 863-763-9529
Okeechobee, FL 34972
E-Mail: vsmith @co.okeechobee.fl.us
Contact Person: Title:
Robbie L. Chartier Deputy County Administrator
Address:
Phone 863-763-9312
304 NW 2nd Street, Room 109
Fax 863-763-0118
Okeechobee, FL 34972 E-Mail: rchartier@co.okeechobee.fl.us
2 F \Enterprise Zone\EZ-Rural-RedesignationPackage-2005.doc
EXISTING ENTERPRISE ZONE DESIGNATION
Our Existing Enterprise Zone Number is: EZ-4701
Please attach a copy of the most recent letter designating your existing area as a state Enterprise
Zone.
Tab A of the Attachments.
RURAL ENTERPRISE ZONE DESIGNATION
Our Rural Enterprise Zone Designation is based upon:
Our population is 75,000 or fewer, or 100,000 or fewer and contiguous to a county
with a population of 75,000 or fewer.
Our Enterprise Zone was designated in accordance with section 290.0065(5)(b),
Florida Statues (Rural Empowerment Zone or Rural Enterprise Community).
Our Enterprise Zone was designated in accordance with section 370.28,
Florida Statues (Communities adversely impacted by net limitations).
RURAL ENTERPRISE ZONE RE-DESIGNATION REQUEST
X Requesting our Rural Enterprise Zone be re-designated as an Enterprise Zone; or
Requesting a boundary change to our existing Rural Enterprise Zone.
Up to three non-contiguous areas are eligible for designation.
NOMINATED AREA
Please attach a written, detailed geographic description of the Nominated Area.
Tab B of the Attachments.
Please enclose the following maps indicating each non-contiguous area of the nominated area:
1. A street map showing the boundaries of the nominated area (streets & avenues).
2. A map showing the nominated area in relation to the jurisdiction of the
nominating governing body or bodies.
NON-CONTIGUOUS AREAS
Our nominated area has three (3) non-contiguous areas.
3 F:\Enterprise Zone\EZ-Rural-RedesignationPackage-2005.doc
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The Nominated Area must not exceed 20-square miles pursuant to Section 290.0055 (4), Florida
Statutes.
Is the nominated area located in one jurisdictional area?
YES Please name the jurisdiction:
X NO An Interlocal Agreement should be enclosed outlining the arrangements
between the nominating governing body and other jurisdictions that contain
portions of the nominated area.
Tab C of the Attachments.
If NO, the nominated area is located in the following jurisdictional areas:
County: Okeechobee County
Municipality: City of Okeechobee
Municipality:
Municipality:
What is the total square mileage of the Nominated Area? 19.850
What method was used to determine the total square mileage? The square mileage has been
taken from the Okeechobee County Property Appraiser's map.
How many non-contiguous areas are located within the Nominated Area: 3
A maximum of three non-contiguous areas are allowed, unless the
nominated area contains four non-contiguous areas that were
previously designated and this application is not requesting a
4 P:\Enterprise Zone\EZ-Rural-RedesignationPackage-2005.doc
boundary amendment.
GOVERNING BODY RESOLUTION
Each governing body that contains a portion of the nominated area is required to adopt a
resolution pursuant to 290.0065 (4) (a), F.S., which:
1. Requests Enterprise Zone re-designation and provides a map of the nominated area
located within their jurisdiction.
2. Provides an explanation of why the conditions of the enterprise zone located within their
jurisdiction merit re-designation.
In consultation with Enterprise Florida, Inc., OTTED may consider the following factors when
examining the conditions for re-designation:
A. Progress made, if any, in the enterprise zone's strategic plan.
B. Use of enterprise zone incentives during the life of the enterprise zone.
Please list the date the nominating governing body: Okeechobee County adopted the
resolution: DATE:
Please attach a copy of the resolution. (Tab D of the Attachments.)
If applicable, please list the date the governing body: City of Okeechobee
adopted the resolution: DATE:
Please attach a copy of the resolution. (Tab E of the Attachments.)
If applicable,please list the date the governing body:
adopted the resolution: DATE:
Please attach a copy of the resolution. (Tab of the Attachments.)
5 F:\Enterprise Zone\EZ-Rural-RedesignationPackage-2005.doc
MEASUREABLE GOALS
For an existing Rural Enterprise Zone to be re-designated, the governing body must submit
measurable goals that have been developed by the Enterprise Zone Development Agency, which
may be the goals established in the Enterprise Zone's Strategic Plan.
Each measurable goal must include data that establishes the existing situation (benchmark) as
well as the proposed methodology to measure the progress of meeting the goal on an annual
basis.
Please attach a copy of the measurable goals
Possible Format:
• GOAL STATEMENT:
• OBJECTIVE:
• ANNUAL INCREASE (NUMBERS OR PERCENTAGES):
• MEASUREMENT METHODOLOGY:
• COMPLETION DATE (IF APPLICABLE):
Tab F of the Attachments.
6 P:\Enterprise Zone\EZ-Rural-RedesignationPackage-2005.doc
ENTERPRISE ZONE APPLICATION CHECKLIST
Please indicate with a check mark if a document/attachment has been submitted and
indicate the Tab Number for the document or attachment:
TAB NUMBER
Florida Enterprise Zone Designation Letter
Street Map of Nominated Area Showing Boundaries
Map of Nominated Area in relation to
Nominating Governing Body's or Bodies' Jurisdiction.
Interlocal Agreement (if applicable.)
Resolution(s)requesting re-designation and
reasons for re-designation.
Measurable Goals for the Nominated Area
7 F:\Enterprise Zone\EZ-Rural-RedesignationPackage-2005 doc
APPLICATION PACKAGE CERTIFICATION
Please make an additional copy of this page for each additional jurisdiction
that contains a portion of the nominated area.
I hereby certify that the nominated area meets all eligibility requirements and that to the best of
my knowledge and belief:
a. the information in this application package is true and correct;
b. the governing body has the authority to nominate such area;
c. the nominating governing body shall comply with local, state and federal program
requirements; and
d. the nominated area meets each of the eligibility criteria set forth in the program rules.
NOMINATING GOVERNING BODY
JURISDICTION:
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
CHIEF ELECTED OFFICIAL:
John W. Abney, Sr.
Printed name Signature
Commission Chairman
Title Date
Bridget M. Merrill
Enterprise Florida,Inc.
The Atrium Building; Suite 201
325 John Knox Road
Tallahassee,Florida 32303
8 F:\Enterprise Zone\EZ-Rural-RedesignationPackage-2005.doc
APPLICATION PACKAGE CERTIFICATION
Please make an additional copy of this page for each additional jurisdiction
that contains a portion of the nominated area.
I hereby certify that the nominated area meets all eligibility requirements and that to the best of
my knowledge and belief:
a. the information in this application package is true and correct;
b. the governing body has the authority to nominate such area;
e. the nominating governing body shall comply with local, state and federal program
requirements; and
f. the nominated area meets each of the eligibility criteria set forth in the program rules.
NOMINATING GOVERNING BODY
JURISDICTION:
City of Okeechobee
CHIEF ELECTED OFFICIAL:
James Kirk .GL�
Printed name S' ature �,�
Mayor SOW m I , �t.G5
Title Date
Bridget M. Merrill
Enterprise Florida, Inc.
The Atrium Building; Suite 201
325 John Knox Road
Tallahassee,Florida 32303
9 F:\Enterprise Zone\EZ-Rural-RedesignationPackage-2005 dog
SHE S'L,
vr': y �,� STATE OF FLORIDA
e'• ' _ : - ,r Office of tfje I� oiernor
ts�
• ,,,;:•-.;'---,....:T.::-.,"••!_ THE CAPITOL
can ,� ; TALLAHASSEE. FLORIDA 32399-0001
1E8 BUSH www.flgov.com
GOVERNOR 850-488-7146
850-487-0801 fax
March 1. 2002
The Honorable Frank Attkisson
Representative
Florida House of Representatives
House Office Buildinu, Room 203
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1300
Dear Representative AttkISS014�� "`�)"
It is my pleasure to inform you that the Office of Tourism. Trade and Economic Development ((YI-ITI.I.))
has approved the Enterprise Zone Submission Packmc of Okeechobee County as a ithori;•ed in Section
290.00678. Florida Statutes.
The effective date of this enterprise zone will be .lanuary I. 2002 and will remain in elect until I)ccenrhen
31. 2005. As a result of this designation. businesses and property owners located within the designated
enterprise zone will be eliu.ibie for the Financial incentives oflcred by the state pursuant to the Florida
Enterprise Zone Proeram.
We hope the designation of this enterprise zone ■vithin your district will enhance the revitalization efforts
in Okeechobee County. If you or any member of your staff has any questions regardin1J this boundary
amendment, lease call my Enterprise Zone specialist Burt Von Hoff at ($50) 457-2368.
i
Sincerely; % / 1
.1
Paniella J. aria
„Director
Office 2,,eTouism,Trade and Economic Development
PJD/bv
,:�' Governor's Mentoring Initiative
BEA MENTOR. BEA BIG HELP
C T I-S00-S25-3786
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT
This Interlocal Agreement is made between the CITY OF OKEECHOBE, 55
S.E. 3rd Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida 34972, hereinafter referred to as the "CITY", and
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, a political subdivision of the State of Florida, 304 N.W. 2nd
Street, Okeechobee, Florida 34972, hereinafter referred to as the "COUNTY".
WHEREAS, the COUNTY and the CITY are working together on the re-
designation of the enterprise zone pursuant to the Florida Enterprise Zone Act of 1994,
Sections 290.001 —290.016, Florida Statutes.
NOW, THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual covenants and
conditions contained herein, the CITY and the COUNTY hereby agree as follows:
1. The purpose of this Interlocal Agreement is to provide for the mutual
efforts of the COUNTY and the CITY in re-designating the enterprise
zone.
2. The parties agree that the COUNTY and the CITY will cooperate
together in carrying out the goals established to measure the progress
of meeting the goal on an annual basis.
3. The parties agree that neither party will obligate the other, financially or
otherwise, in carrying out the enterprise zone program.
4. This Interlocal Agreement shall become effective upon execution by the
CITY and the COUNTY and shall remain in effect for a term of one year.
Unless revoked by either party prior to expiration, this Interlocal
Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one year terms.
This Interlocal Agreement may be terminated by either party at any time
by written notice delivered to the other party.
5. This Interlocal Agreement has been executed pursuant to Section
163.01, et seq., Florida Statutes.
6. This Interlocal Agreement represents the entire agreement of the
parties. Any alterations, variations, changes, modifications or waivers of
provisions of this Interlocal Agreement shall only be valid when they
have been reduced to writing duly signed by each of the parties hereto,
and attached to the original of this Interlocal Agreement.
F:\Enterprise Zone\INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT.doc 1
7. This Interlocal Agreement is binding upon the parties, their successors,
and their assigns.
DATED this A.57" day of Jy dl/e/YL 64- , 2005.
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE
By: 0,
J.,1!r'E. Kirk, Mayor
•
= Attest: Reviewed for Legal Sufficiency:
r � �
r i
By: ®i lit
r�
•Lar = Gamiot:a, City Clerk John R. Cook, City Attorney
City of Oke= hobee
DATED this day of , 2005.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By:
John W. Abney, Sr., Chairman
Board of County Commissioners
Attest: Reviewed for Legal Sufficiency:
By: By:
Sharon Robertson, County Clerk John D. Cassels, Jr., County Attorney
Okeechobee County Okeechobee County
F:\Enterprise Zone\INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT.doc 2
Economic Development Plan
Okeechobee County, Florida
September - 2005
CORPORATION
Economic Development Plan—Okeechobee County,Florida
Economic Development Plan
Okeechobee County, Florida
Prepared for the
Okeechobee County Commission
and the
Okeechobee County Development Authority
Prepared by
William H. Fruth
POLICOM Corporation
POLICOM
CORPORATION
Economic Development Plan—Okeechobee County,Florida
COLIC OM
ORPORATION
September- 2005
To the Okeechobee County Community:
You are at a crossroads. You stand in time where many rural counties in Florida stood
ten and fifteen years ago. The advantage you have is you know, from their experiences,
what happens if a community does nothing about directing its "economic future."
If left to chance, your county will become just another Florida area to which a bunch of
people moved, causing a bunch of new houses to be built, causing a bunch of low wage
servant jobs to be created.
As a result, the standard of living for most of the people in the area will actually decline
and there will be little money to pay for essential services.
However, you have an opportunity, as a community, to direct your future to become
something much more desirable than a servant based economy.
Because of your geographic location, the Okeechobee County economy can grow into
something very special, increasing not only in size but also in quality. As a result, the
standard of living for all who live in the area will improve, there will be more wealth to
pay for"quality of life" amenities, and you will not have to rely upon people moving to
the county in order to bring new money to the area.
The question before you now is simple. Do the residents of Okeechobee County have the
will and leadership to cause the community to become"enriched," or will you simply do
nothing and allow it to degenerate into a giant bedroom for other counties? Having met
so many nice people in your area during my visits, I am confident I know which choice
you will make.
Sincerely,
William H. Fruth
President
POLICOM Corporation—270 SW Martin Downs Blvd.#279—Palm City,FL 34990
PH:772-781-5559—EX:772-220-2642—Email:froth @policom.com—Web Site:www.policom.com
POLICOM
coaroennox
Economic Development Plan—Okeechobee County,Florida
Table of Contents.
Synopsis of Economic Development Plan
Introduction Page 1
Community Economic Development Planning Summit Page 3
What is a"Local Economy? Page 6 5
General Economic Development Plan Page 6
Economic Development Organization Page 8
Economic Development Programs Page 8
Existing Industry Program
Recruitment Program Page 11
Start-Up Program Page 12
Business Incentives Page 14
Page 16
Geographic—Economic Strengths and Weaknesses
Page 17
Real Estate
Labor Page 18
Transportation Page 22
Utilities Page 26
Education Page 29
Local Government Page 31
Quality of Life Page 34
Page 36
Community Education
About the Researcher—William H. Fruth Page 36
Estimated Costs Page 37
Tasks -Flow Charts Page
Page 40 40
CORPORATION
Economic Develo•ment Plan—Okeechobee Colin ,Florida
Economic Development Plan -Synopsis
It is the goal of the Okeechobee County community to diversify the local economy, cause it to grow in
size, and significantly improve its quality over the next twenty years.
In order to accomplish this, the county needs to have a net gain, from 2005 to 2024, of approximately
3,900 primary jobs. The wage for the jobs created should be about 127% of the county average wage
during the year they are formed. g
To create the jobs and boost the economy, an aggressive, comprehensive economic development
program will have to be implemented. The following are the tasks which need to be completed:
Economic Development Organization:
• By January 1, 2006, the community will create a private, not for profit economic development
corporation.
• Within twelve months (six months after creating the organization), the economic development
organization shall employ at least one, preferably two economic development professionals to
implement the plan.
• Within six months, a short term funding program, which will cover the costs of the econo
development organization for the first three years, shall be secured. mic
• Within one year, a special committee will be established to discover a means to provide dedicated,
long term funding for the economic development organization.
• Within two years, special committee will secure a means for the long term funding of the
organization.
• By the end of the third year, a long term funding source will be in place.
Economic Development Program:
• Within one year, the economic development organization will identify the existing primary
employers in the county and make personal contact with them.
• Within four years, the economic development organization shall employ a full time profession to
conduct an existing industry program.
• Within twelve months of its creation, the economic development organization the format of the IEDC data standards. p banization will create a website
• Within two years, a marketing plan will be created and a funding source identified for an expanded
program.
• Within three years, an expanded recruitment program should be initiated including employing a full
time professional to implement the program.
• Within three years, a plan will be developed to create an economic development Start-Up Program
which shall include identifying a funding source for the ownership of an incubator facility and the
management costs of the program.
• Within four years the economic development organization will employ an individual who will
coordinate the acquisition of the incubator and implement the Start-Up Program. This individual
will also coordinate the Existing Industry Program.
• Within four years, sources of venture or start-up capital should be identified.
Page I
POLICOM
CORPORATION
Economic Development Plan—Okeechobee County,Florida
Introduction
In some communities... Local governments have the financial resources to provide not only police
and fire departments, but also money to create parks and recreation programs, well-maintained streets
and sewers, and necessary capital projects, even though taxes are low. Local government and
community leaders spend time planning for a dynamic future, not burdened with how they will cope
with the needs of the present.
The downtown is clean, crisp, and vibrant, and is the center of community activity. Neighborhoods are
safe, fill of well-manicured lawns and homes, which are kept like new because of the pride the people
have in their community.
The corporate and business community is a generous giver to cultural projects and programs, which
enlighten the residents. Most people have short commutes to their jobs, freeing hours of their day to
spend time with their families and friends.
Schools are well financed, filled with the top teachers and modern equipment, providing the
community's children the best chance to prepare for a dynamic future. The best and brightest students
come home after college to find good career jobs waiting for them, who in turn raise their families in
their"home town," building generations within the community, adding to its social strength.
In other communities... Local governments struggle financially to provide even the basic services,
burdened with the cost of caring for the needy, the impoverished, the unemployed, as taxes are as high
as the people can afford.
The downtown lays dormant, full of vacant stores, which attract indigent occupants. Homes, with barred
windows, stand in disrepair, with trash and broken down automobiles littering lawns full of tall grass.
Churches and charities have little to give to the people except hope for a better future.
Under-funded schools do their best to"fill the day" for the youth of the area as they have few resources
to cope with the overcrowded and understaffed classrooms. The smartest youth must leave the area to
find financial opportunity in another town.
The difference between these two communities is the condition of their local economies. One is growing
economically and is vibrant, the other declining and growing poorer.
Communities cannot control the national or state economy. But they can create programs, which will
enhance the condition of their local economy. Throughout the United States, thousands of communities
have established economic development programs. Some are very aggressive, others passive in their
effort.
However, communities, which do nothing, are destined to endure a declining economy, causing the
quality of life for their residents to erode, as they will gradually become poorer and poorer.
The Okeechobee County community has the opportunity to influence its"economic future." By creating
an aggressive economic development program, it can keep the area from declining and cause it to grow,
improving the standard of living for all.
Page 3 POLICOM
CORPOBA710N
Economic Development Plan—Okeechobee County,Florida
Community Economic Development Planning Summit
In order to receive community input and advice regarding the creation of this PIan, the Researcher
conducted a Community Economic Development Planning Summit(Summit) on May 4, 2005 at the
Civic Center located at the KOA Campground.
Approximately 90 citizens representing a cross section of government, business, and civic organizations
attended the event.
The Researcher explained:
• How a local economy works and the characteristics of strong and weak economies.
• The condition of the Okeechobee County economy and where it is heading.
• An economic goal which, if achieved, would significantly improve the quality and increase the
size of the economy.
The Researcher then explained in great detail:
• The three basic economic development programs.
• How economic development organizations are structured in the United States.
• Various Business Incentives Programs offered by communities in the United States.
• How geographic— economic issues determine the site selection process.
The participants then discussed in small groups and provided their opinions for the following:
• Preferred structure for an economic development organization.
• Funding sources for an economic development program. .
• Criteria for a business incentives program.
• Strengths and weaknesses of Okeechobee County's geographic—economic assets.
• The most important issues regarding improving the economy.
Individually, the participants were asked to identify the five most important things (opportunities) the
community needs to do over the next five years to improve the local economy. Additionally, they were
asked to identify the five greatest threats which would prevent the area from improving the economy.
Each small group was asked to reach a consensus on the five opportunities and threats. The groups then
reported their consensus and the entire assembly voted to identify the five opportunities.
The following are the (opportunities)five most important things the community needs to do to improve
the economy of Okeechobee County over the next five years. They appear in order of importance.
1. Create and fund an economic development organization.
2. Improve the roadway,transportation system in the county.
3. Create building ready industrial property.
4. Improve the physical infrastructure, especially utilities, in the county.
5. Create and fund an incentives program for primary employers.
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If the primary jobs are "low-wage," then the overall economy will be a low-wage economy. If the
primary industries are high-wage, then the overall standard of living in the area will be pulled upward
toward the"high-wage" level.
Local economies with multiple (diversified)primary industries have the best chance of having a stable
economy over an extended period of time. Typically, if one of the contributory industries declines, there
are others which are still contributing, perhaps even growing, and thus preventing a significant economic
decline in the area.
Areas which depend upon one or two primary industries are in a precarious position. Should their main
contributor fail, the entire economy will collapse.
An area will grow in size by adding more primary industry jobs, which import more money into the
economy.
An area will grow in "quality" if a preponderance of the new primary jobs pays a wage higher than the
area average.
Overall, the Okeechobee County economy is very weak. Annually POLICOM Corporation ranks all
areas in the United States for"economic strength" based upon how consistently an area has grown in
both size and quality. Among the 573 Micropolitan areas, Okeechobee County is ranked 453rd,
demonstrating, when compared to the Micropolitan areas, it is a relatively weak economy.3
Virtually all the economic growth over the last ten years has been the result of population growth. Since
there has been little internal economic growth caused by high wage primary employers, the quality of
the economy, or standard of living for the people, has been on decline. The average wage paid in the
county is one of the lowest in the nation.
Projections show the economy will grow in size over the next twenty years as a result of population
growth. However, population growth principally creates only low wage, low skilled jobs. As a result,
the overall quality of the economy is projected to decline even further. If the projections come true,
Okeechobee will become a "servant" based economy which struggles each year to fund the essential
services for the general populace.
The Economic Development Plan is designed to prevent the projections from occurring. Instead, if the
goals are achieved, the county can have robust economy which significantly improves the standard of
living for the people and creates more wealth for not only the essential services, but many of the quality
of life amenities desired by most people.
3 For a complete discussion regarding"economic strength"and the rankings for the 361 Metropolitan areas and the 573
Micropolitan areas,please go to www.policom.com.
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Overwhelmingly, a private, not for profit organization with funding from both the private and public
sector was the most preferred structure. This is also the most common type of organization in the
United States.
Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie Counties all have private not for profit corporations conducting the
economic development program. The Chambers of Commerce of Indian River and Highlands Counties
implement the programs for these areas.
Recommendations:
• The economic development organization should coordinate the implementation of this plan and
conduct the economic development programs.
• A private, not for profit corporation should be established which enters into a contract with the
City of Okeechobee and Okeechobee County for economic development programs. The name of
the organization should be the Economic Development Board of Okeechobee County.
• The existing Okeechobee County Development Authority should continue its existence as in the
future there will likely be a need for a"government authority." The Authority, however, would
not conduct economic development programs.
• The economic development organization should, at its outset, service any client contacts and be
designated as the economic development contact organization by Enterprise Florida.
The Task: By January 1, 2006, the community will create a private, not for profit economic
development corporation.
The Task: Within twelve months (six months after creating the organization), the economic
development organization shall employ at least one, preferably two economic development professionals
to implement the plan.
Funding:
Economic development organizations are funded in many ways throughout the United States. Some
groups receive 100% of their funding from local government, while others 100%from the private sector,
still others have a mix of both.
The key to most successful programs, however, is having a dedicated or long term source of funding for
the programs. Since having to constantly raise money drains staff resources and prevents long term
planning, programs which are not adequately funded typically fail.
Participants at the Summit were asked their preference as to who Private investment. 36.5%
should fund the economic development program. They were
given four sources from which to choose, assigning a percentage County government. 11.4%
of participation to each. The chart to the right shows the results School system. 11.6%
of this exercise. Participants feel the private sector should City governments. 17.9%
contribute approximately 1/3 of the funding while the balance should be paid for by various government
entities.
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A special authority or commission should be established to determine the disbursements of the money.
Important consideration should be given to the fact that any time there is a pile of money available; the
group in charge of spending the funds will be positioned between "the hog and the bucket." Everyone
and every group will claim what they are doing is economic development and will want funding. The
uses must be legally restricted or"political" pressure might cause monies to be spent on non-economic
development activities.
The Task: Within six months, a short term funding program, which will cover the costs of the economic
development organization for the first three years, shall be secured.
The Task: Within one year, a special committee will be established to discover a means to provide
dedicated, long term funding for the economic development organization.
The Task: Within two years, special committee will secure a means for the long term funding of the
organization.
The Task: By the end of the third year, a long term funding source will be in place.
Economic Development Programs
There are three basic programs which the community needs to implement through the economic
development organization which include:
• Existing Industry Program
• Marketing—Recruitment Program
• Start-Up Program
Additionally, a Business Incentives Program should be created to support each basic program.
Existing Industry Program
One of the most important yet least expensive economic development programs is the Existing Industry
Program. The program is designed to retain and encourage the expansion of contributory businesses
already present in the area.
This is accomplished by reducing the cost of doing business and expanding the markets as much as
possible for these companies. The more profitable a company is in the area the more likely the company
will remain and expand in the community.
Research has shown, aside from market conditions, the principal reason a company moves from one
community to another is "local community attitude."Local community attitude encompasses a wide
range of factors from local taxation, fees, and regulatory requirements.
However, many times it simply is how the community treats the company when the company has a
problem, which is caused locally. Persistent problems for a company, large or small, add costs and time
to the operation of the company, which motivates the company to seek another location when it needs to
expand or retool.
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After making an inventory of its assets and characteristics, a community should then determine what
type of contributory businesses or industrial sectors can make the best use of them. A plan is then
created to contact and sell these companies.
A Recruitment Program can be very expensive and time consuming. Visible results may not be seen for
several years after its initiation. The actual list of marketing activities for a Recruitment Program is very
similar to that of a private company's marketing - sales program.
The following is a list of some of the marketing activities which most community programs include:
• Advertising in trade journals and industry magazines.
• Direct mail.
• Cold calling.
• Visitation program.
• Public Relations—Image Program.
• Attend trade shows of target industries.
• Attend association conferences of site selection professionals.
• Website.
• Develop a relationship with site selection consultants.
• Develop a relationship with commercial real estate brokers.
Okeechobee County should not anticipate hitting a home run with its recruitment program. A home run
would be one large employer, hiring thousands of workers at high wages.
A vast, vast majority of economic development projects involve businesses which will employ between
50 and 75 people. Annually, the Southern Economic Development Council publishes a list of"projects"
completed by its members located in 17 southern states. In 2004, this list included about 480 projects.
Only seven of them employed more than 500 people and only 20% employed more than 100 people.
The Target Industry Study provides a group of business sectors upon which the area should focus its
marketing effort. However, an aggressive recruitment program should not be initiated until the real
estate issue is resolved.
Recommendations:
• Presently there is no marketing being conducted. A modest program should be initiated.
However, until the issue of real estate is settled (discussed later in this report), expanding to a
comprehensive marketing program at this time will waste resources, as the community will not
be able to meet the needs of most clients.
• The community needs a dedicated website for economic development. A
community selection process is being conducted by site seekers via the interneet.dA website is
vital. The website does not need to be glamorous, flaunting "quality of life" amenities.
Information is what site seekers want. The website should be understandable and easily
accessed.
The economic development organization should complete as much as possible the International
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Quality Counseling
Many great ideas never find their way to the market place as the individual has no idea how to do it.
Additionally, most"ideas" are not great, and have no market potential. One of the most important
features of successful start-up programs is the advice and counsel by individuals with experience on how
to take a new idea and cause a company to be created. The counseling involves examining the
marketability of the product or process, running patient searches, teaching the principles how to run a
business, and explaining how to be an"entrepreneur."
University Relationship
Typically the most successful Start-Up programs are in communities, which have a relationship with a
major research university. The new company is able to interface with experts in the field in which the
company is pursuing, accessing the latest technology and ideas. Many universities will partner with the
incubator start up program, allowing access to equipment and student assistants.
Venture Capital
In order for the company to begin in the incubator or to expand outside, venture capital or business
financing needs to be available.
Recommendations:
Much of the long term economic growth for rural areas will be dependent upon the expansion of its
existing industry and the creation of locally grown industries. As a result, Okeechobee County needs to
have an active, professionally managed start up program. It needs to complete the following:
• Secure funding for the purchase of an existing or the construction of a 6,000 to 10,000 square
foot building which will serve as an "incubator."
• Seek out an organization which can provide the services and counseling necessary to assist the
potential companies. Possibly, this service can be provided by Florida Atlantic University.
However, a private company might have to be employed. The expertise regarding this issue is
likely not available in Okeechobee County.
• The Indian River Community College should discover a means to step into the shoes of a typical
university regarding this program. This includes having facilities available to start-ups along
with academic resources. The current curriculum is not as comprehensive as a four year
university with research activity, but the community college is the only higher education
program available. Therefore, it needs to find ways to assist the start-up companies as much as
possible.
• After the preceding steps have been completed, the economic development program should
create an outreach program, including not only the Okeechobee County community, but also
other rural counties. Additional staff will be needed to implement this program.
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Geographic — Economic Strengths and Weaknesses.
A primary employer sells its goods or services outside a local economy, importing money to the area.
As a result, the company is not dependent upon the local marketplace and does not have to be located in
the community.
A retail store depends on the local market and the site selection criteria focus upon proximity to that
market. Traffic counts, sign visibility, purchasing power of the customers and many other factors
influence where a retail store would locate..
Criteria for a primary business are much different. A host of geographic—economic factors determine
the location for a primary business. The importance of each issue varies among industry sectors. The
geo-economic issues determine if a company will be profitable as a result of being located in a particular
area.
Communities which are very strong in most or all of the factors have the best chance to have a strong
economy. Those which are weak have to find ways to overcome this disadvantage.
At the Summit previously mentioned, the participants were asked to evaluate Okeechobee County's
geographic- economic assets and provide their opinion as to the area's strength for each. The
Researcher also independently evaluated the area. The following is a lengthy list of geographic—
economic issues. For each, a grade is provided by both the Community and the Researcher based on the
following scale.
Strength-Weakness Very Somewhat Average Somewhat Very
Strong Strong Weak Weak
5 4 3 2 1
The grades reflect the relative strength of the issue, with 5 being the strongest, or best.
After a discussion regarding the issue, the Researcher makes a recommendation for action by the
community. The recommendations are based upon the experience of the Researcher and input from the
participants attending the Summit.
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To reach the economic goal set forth in the Goal Setting Study, between 300 and 500 net usable acres
(400 to 700 gross acres) will be needed over the next twenty years. This is land to be absorbed by the
primary businesses. Additional land will be needed for consumptive users.
Participants at the Summit identified the availability of improved, approved industrial property as the
third most important task for improving the economy.
To be successful, the community not only needs to have the land available, but it should also control the
property, relative to price and use.
By having the community own and control some of the industrial land, the area will have a significant
competitive advantage over other counties in the recruitment of new primary employers.
Recommendation:
• Okeechobee County should encourage private developers to create an abundant supply of
inexpensive, improved, approved industrial real estate.
• The community should purchase and develop approximately 200 acres of property which would
be sold only to targeted primary employers.
The Task: Within four years, the Okeechobee County community shall purchase and develop a multi-
use"industrial park," of approximately 200 acres in size, which shall be marketed exclusively to
qualified primary employers. The following timetable should be used:
• Within one year, the community will identify a source of funding for the purchase and
development of an industrial park.
• Within two years, the community will option or purchase the land for the park and begin the
approval process.
• Within three years, the horizontal development of the industrial park shall commence and
criteria for the sale or lease of the land shall be established.
The Task: Within five years, the Okeechobee County community will repeat the first task, identifying
another site for another 200 acre industrial park.
Existing Buildings:
Most businesses looking to locate would prefer to lease or purchase an existing building which exactly
meets their facility needs. The reasons include: 1) the facility cost is certain (as opposed to uncertain
construction costs), 2)there typically are not any zoning or community issues to confront, and 3)the
time necessary to begin production is truncated significantly compared to constructing a facility.
The most desirable situation for a community is to have a plethora of modern, existing buildings
available which meet the specific structural needs of a business which can be occupied on the most
desired date of the business. Few, if any, communities in the United States are in this position.
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The Task: Within four years, the community should design and construct a speculative building if it is
deemed necessary.
Housing:
Housing availability and the cost thereof influences the wages paid to workers and the ability to attract
management to a community.
In some areas, the cost of worker housing is so high companies are forced to pay wages which exceed
market thresholds for their industry. As a result, the business must move from the area, outsource
production, or go out of business.
In many rural communities, there has never been a market demand for high quality executive housing.
As a result, few are available. Executives, when asked to consider locating to these communities, resist
as the quality of the home in the rural area will be much lower than what they are accustomed.
Additionally, the executive is reluctant to build an "executive"home fearing a loss upon resale.
Since Okeechobee County has always been a "low wage" economy and has not grown significantly in
several years, the supply of workforce housing for both hourly workers and executives is limited.
There is a chronic shortage of low income housing in the area, as in all areas in Florida. The typical low
skill, low wage job simply does not pay enough to afford a single family housing unit, in Okeechobee
County or any other county in the United States. This is one of the best reasons not to create these jobs.
However, like most rural Florida counties, there is presently a growing market demand in Okeechobee
County for new housing, especially in the "middle to mid-low income" range. The demand is being
generated by two factors. The first is the"flight of low and middle income workers"from Palm Beach
and Martin Counties as a result of escalating housing costs in those areas. The second is the migration
of retirement age individuals to a"low cost" area.
As a result, home construction is expected to increase significantly in Okeechobee County over the next
five to ten years. It is anticipated housing for"hourly" workers (at the target wage)will be in ample
supply as a result.
Of course, in order to construct the housing the county must plan to provide the needed infrastructure
such was potable water, sanitary sewers, roadways, and services.
The construction of"executive homes" (3,000 to 5,000 square feet) will not occur in large numbers until
the overall economy improves significantly. The purchaser of such a home is not looking for an
"inexpensive" location, but is more concerned with proximately to the ocean and other resort, cultural
amenities.
Since only a few of the jobs to be created will be "executive positions" and since there is an abundance
of executive housing in Martin, St. Lucie, and Palm Beach Counties, there is no need for a specific effort
to cause such housing developments to be created in Okeechobee County for the purposes of improving
the economy. Private developers, however, might discover a market place for this product in the future.
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The educational attainment of the general population in Okeechobee County is well below national and
Florida norms for college graduates (Okeechobee— 9%, Florida—22%, USA 24%) and high school
graduates (Okeechobee—65%, Florida— 80%, USA— 80%).
Therefore, since the general skill level of the workforce is very low, it will be difficult to recruit high
wage, high skill employers to the area.
Recommendation: No specific action can be taken at this time regarding this issue. Over an extended
period of time, after the community adds "higher-wage, higher skilled jobs," the skill level will
gradually improve. The Target Industry Study will focus upon positions which, after training, could be
filled by some of the existing workforce.
Training:
Absent a trained workforce, employers require workers be trained in the specific tasks necessary to
conduct the business. The availability of"training" is one of the most important issues relative to the
community selection process.
Typically, training is conducted by the local community college or vocational school. In some areas of
the country, training facilities are not available. This places those communities in a competitive
disadvantage.
Not only is the availability of training programs needed, but the cost of the training of a local workforce
is an important issue. More and more employers expect the community to bear the cost of preparing the
workforce prior to hiring.
The Indian River Community College has a growing presence in Okeechobee County. It has a desire to
be pro-active relative to training workers for local employers. The leadership of the school has
demonstrated it is willing to customize programs to the needs of private business. However, facilities
are limited at the Okeechobee Campus and there is no "in house" budget for customized training.
Recommendation: The Indian River Community College should be prepared to provide specific
training programs when required for primary employers. Funds should also be available by the
community to pay for company training as an incentive to locate in the area.
The Task: Within two years, the community will develop a comprehensive worker training system
which has the ability to create and fund customized training programs for qualified primary businesses.
Labor—Management Relations:
Of great concern to many production employers is the"reliability" of the workforce. In some areas of
the United States, there is an extreme adversarial relationship between management and labor. This has
caused frequent work disruptions (strikes) in the past. Communities which have had a history of
management—labor problems are shunned by most employers.
Since Florida is a"Right to Work" state and there has not been a history of labor unrest in Okeechobee
County, this issue should be deemed as an asset for the area.
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Okeechobee is developing a large commuter workforce. Of those who WORK in Okeechobee
According to the 2000 census, approximately 24% of the people Where do they LIVE?
who lived in the county commuted to another county for their job.
This is not an extreme condition. Okeechobee 86%
Glades 3%
However, as a result of increased housing costs in Palm Beach St Lucie 3%
and Martin Counties, more and more people have since moved to Highlands l 2%
Okeechobee County but still work outside the county. 1%
Of those who LIVE in Okeechobee
The total number of people locating to Okeechobee County is Where do they WORK?
increasing each year. For those traveling to Palm Beach County,
the one way commute could be well over one hour. Okeechobee 76%
St. Lucie 8%
This provides a"workforce" opportunity for the area. Individuals Palm Beach 6%
do not prefer to commute. Research has shown a person will seek Martin 2%
another job if the commute exceeds thirty minutes, Highlands 2%
y , providing the ----------
job pays near the wage the individual is presently earning.
Many of these commuters have the skills which will be sought by the businesses which will be targeted
for the recruitment program.
Additionally, the target wage to be paid by the primary businesses which will hopefully move to
Okeechobee County will actually lure workers from Glades, Highlands, Martin and St. Lucie County.
Eventually, these individuals will likely move to the county if housing is available.
There is likely an ample supply of available labor for higher paying jobs for at least the first three years
of the program. The Goal Study provides for a total net gain of only 231 new primary jobs with an
average wage of about $31,000 from 2005 through 2007. (The job creation rate accelerates rapidly
thereafter.) If a potential employer placed an advertisement in the local newspaper, stating the business
would pay$31,000 per year, the company would likely receive more than 1,000 applicants.
As previously mentioned, the problem Okeechobee County has`relative to labor is the availability of
trained or trainable labor. On the short term, there should be enough available workers to meet the
milestones. However, in the future, the workforce will partially come from individuals moving to the
area.
Recommendations: There is no specific action the community needs to take regarding this issue
relative to economic development.
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Economic Development Plan—Okeechobee County.Florida
Commuting Time:
Traffic congestion in some metropolitan areas has caused workers to endure lengthy commutes to their
worksite. Oftentimes the commute can be as long as one hour.Not only is this a "quality of life" issue
for the employee, but employers begin to have trouble retaining their workforce when commuting times
exceed 30 minutes.
The Census Bureau determined the average commuting time in Okeechobee County to be 27.7 minutes
in 2000. This is a longer period of time than the Florida or national average. The shortest commuting
time in Florida is Franklin County, 19.9 minutes.
The high average commute is being driven, so to speak, by the individuals who live in Okeechobee who
are commuting to Palm Beach County. The one way trip could easily be one hour in length. Also,
traveling to a coastal job in either St. Lucie or Martin County will take at least 45 minutes.
This reinforces the concept there is an available workforce for the new jobs which will be created in
Okeechobee County if the pay an attractive wage.
Recommendation: There is no specific action the community needs to take regarding this issue relative
to economic development.
Railway:
During the 1970's and 1980's, as a result of reduced market demand, many railroad companies
abandoned rail lines and spurs in rural communities. The rights of way were sold or donated to the Iocal
government and the rails were sold for scrap metal.
Okeechobee County is fortunate to continue to have rail service. The CSX Railroad travels through the
county and city. Spurs are created as a result of market demand. Should a major rail user need service,
it will likely be provided if some of the industrial land needed by the county is located on the rail line.
Recommendation: The economic development organization should monitor rail service availability.
Direct communications should be made with the rail companies serving the area to discover if there are
any issues regarding reducing service to the area.
Commercial Airport:
Virtually every county in the United States has an"airport." A vast majority of these are general
aviation facilities which serve the local recreational flyer. They do little to help the economy.
A commercial airport, one which provides direct jet air service to major hubs, is essential to most
businesses today, as their employees need to travel to meet with customers, or customers need to travel
to the business. Communities which have air cargo capability provide an additional service to many
manufacturers which make high value, low bulk products.
Communities which are not located within a 60 minute drive to a commercial airport are placed in a
significant competitive disadvantage. An extremely large number of companies simply will not locate
to an area which does not have a commercial airport.
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Utilities:
For many industries, "utilities" are an integral part of the production process. Communities which have
an abundant supply of inexpensive energy and large volumes of water have a competitive advantage.
Utilities POLICOM Community
Electric power 3.0 3.0
Sanitary sewer 2.0 1.8
Potable water 3.0 2.3
Natural Gas 2.5 2.5
Telecommunications 3.0 2.3
Electric Power:
Okeechobee County has three electric power suppliers: Florida Progress, Florida Power and Light, and
Glades Electric Co-Op. It is anticipated the suppliers are fully capable to provide sufficient electric
service for industrial customers.
Recommendation: There is no specific action the community needs to take regarding this issue relative
to economic development.
Sanitary Sewer:
The ability to serve industrial sites with sanitary sewer is important. The first consideration is the
removal of the human waste of the workers at the facility. The second issue is the capacity of the
treatment plant to process industrial waste, principally water used in the process. Some companies,
especially food processors, use large amounts of water, the volume of which exceeds the capacity of the
local treatment plant.
Okeechobee County is close to reaching capacity at its existing sewage treatment facility. This will
cause a significant problem as industrial users will need sanitary sewer service.
Recommendation: The County should cause sanitary sewer lines to be extended to future industrial
sites. The specific future industrial sites will be determined after a discussion by community leaders on
the best means to provide industrial property in the future.
The Task: Within one year, the Okeechobee Utilities Authority will create a plan to construct a new
sewage treatment facility which shall be strategically located to service future industrial growth.
Potable Water:
The capacity of the water treatment plant is not know to the Researcher. The committee needs to advise
as to what actions should be taken.
Recommendations: When planning the community industrial park which will be discussed later, the
community should make every attempt to secure as great an allocation of water as possible.
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Education:
Education and training programs can be a significant catalyst for economic growth. Many of the
strongest economies in the United States have used their educational resources to drive the development
of their economies. Universities and community colleges serve to prepare and train the workforce. The
quality of the local public school system sometimes influences the site selection program when a large
number of executives are being asked to move to an area.
Education POLICOM Community
A. Four year and post graduate university 1.5 1.4
B. Technical—vocational school NA 2.7
C. Community college 3.0 4.0
D. Public school system—quality thereof 3.5 3.7
Four Year and Post Graduate University:
Sometimes the presence of a four year university can be one of the most important tools used to cause
economic growth for an area. Universities with post graduate programs, especially those in new
technology disciplines, can be one of the most important reasons a local economy grows.
The words "can be" were used twice in the above paragraph. This is because in seven out of ten
university towns the school has not caused economic growth unless there was an increase in enrollment.
In most university towns, the school imports to the area a great deal of money. It therefore contributes
to the economy. However, most schools do not grow unless the legislature allows them to. Therefore,
their impact is "capped" pretty much in line with inflation.
In a vast majority of the communities in which a university is located, the university does not have any
interest in assisting the region in economic development. As a result, there is little if any economic
growth as a result of its presence.
The exception to this is when the university becomes a partner with the community or region to improve
the local economy. One of the specific missions of the institution is to "utilize the resources and talent
of the university community to enhance the regional economy." This is accomplished by joining with
the community's economic development program by providing academic resources to the local business
community.
There is no four year university in Okeechobee County. Florida Atlantic University's Jupiter branch is
too great a distance to serve as a direct economic development asset.
Recommendation: Take advantage of any programs offered by Florida Atlantic University which will
assist in expanding the local economy. Approach Florida Atlantic University with the idea of creating a
counseling team which can create assist "Start-Up" program for Okeechobee.
Page 31
I OLICOM
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Economic Development Plan—Okeechobee County.Florida
However, a community should not make improving the local school system an economic development
issue. If the quality of the local schools is not as good as it should be, then they should be improved for
the benefit of the children in the area.
There is a direct correlation between the quality of a local economy and the quality of the local schools.
When an economy is growing, especially in quality, then the taxable base grows, enabling the school
system to finance a better program. In declining economies, the financial resources are not available to
pay for the top teachers or the most modern facilities.
While the participants at the Summit graded the school system as a "Somewhat Strong Asset," the
quality of the Okeechobee County public schools is not being evaluated as an asset or liability for the
economic development plan. However, if Okeechobee County's economy grows in size and quality,
there will be more money available to improve the local school system.
Recommendation: There is no specific action the community needs to take regarding this issue relative
to economic development.
Page 33 DOLICOM
CORPORATION
Economic Development Plan—Okeechobee County,Florida
Recommendation: The community should resist attempts by local government to add special fees,
charges, assessments, or taxes against it primary employers.
Business climate
The overall business climate is a reflection of how cooperative local government is with its primary
employers.
In some communities, there is an adversarial relationship between government employees and the
business sector. Some of this is caused by the "political philosophy" of the government worker, perhaps
at the direction of elected officials. In today's political arena, it is not uncommon for a government
worker to carry the position "business is evil." In fact, along the eastern and western seaboards of this
county, this attitude is pervasive.
As a result, many communities have not only levied excessive fees and taxes upon the business sector as
previously mentioned, but have manifested a regulatory climate so restrictive primary employers must
literally move from the area.
There will always be business people who will complain about local government, even in communities
which are the most cooperative. However, research has shown the most frequent reason (aside from
market conditions) a primary business will move from one community to another is how it has been
treated over the years by the community. The community, in this case, is usually local government.
Participants at the Summit scored the Business Climate as an "Average" asset. In reality, there has been
so little economic development activity, relative to primary industries, the true"Business Climate" of
the area is not known.
Recommendation: The community should insist the county and city governments be as cooperative as
possible, within the limits of the law, with primary employers, including expediting their needs when
necessary.
The Task: Within one year, the economic development organization will prepare a report detailing
issues created by the county and city government which have a positive or negative influence upon the
primary employers in the county.
Page 35
POLICOM
CORPORATION
Economic Development Plan—Okeechobee County,Florida
Recommendation:
• Several presentations to the community regarding the need for and the content of the Plan should
be given by the leadership of the community. At these presentations, representatives of all
branches of government, the educational system, and the business community should be
participants, demonstrating a unity of effort.
• Copies of the Economic Development Plan and all support studies should be made available to
the general public.
• Community forums regarding the economy and the status of the implementation of the Plan
should be held on a regular basis.
The Task: Within six months of the adoption of the Plan, the community will be provided with a series
of presentations regarding the need for and the content of the Plan. Included in the presentations will be
a discussion of future funding sources to finance the program activities.
The Task: On an annual basis, the community will be invited to participate in a gathering to discuss the
status of the implementation of the Plan.
Conclusion
Okeechobee County has the opportunity to direct its economic future. If the area does"nothing," it will
evolve into a low-wage servant economy which continuously struggles to provide essential services to a
growing population.
However,as a result of its location and the availability of large tracts of undeveloped land, the
community can cause the area to grow economically in both size and quality faster than it grows in
population.
This will improve the standard of living for all Okeechobee County residents and provide the financial
resources to government to afford providing many of the"quality of life" amenities desired by the
people.
Improving the economy will not come about by accident. It will take a commitment by the entire
community to implement an aggressive economic development program.
About the Researcher
William H. Fruth is the President of POLICOM Corporation; an independent economics research firm
located Palm City Florida, which specializes in studying the dynamics of local economies. Through his
analysis, he determines if an economy is growing or declining, what is causing this to happen, and offers
solutions to maintain or improve the situation.
He has personally evaluated the data for more than 600 local economies in the United States, created
more than 150 community economic studies, and has provided presentations and workshops for state
associations and local communities in 30 states.
Page 37 �OLICOM
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