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by Wayne Weinberg, President of Leadership Seminole
This is the most wonderful time of the year. Family, friends and holiday feasts. Perfect.
Even though the economy is still climbing out of Grinch gear, there is good reason to be jolly. Seminole County government, in consultation with business leaders, is working to improve the economic health in Seminole County through the growth of businesses and jobs. The process evolved out of Leadership Seminole’s fourth Vision Conference last year. One hundred and twenty top-level community leaders, representing stakeholder groups in business, education, environment, health care, public safety, performing arts, human services and several more, met with facilitators for an intense and inspiring half-day session. Their goal was to help identify community issues and needs in a troubled economy.
Among several recommendations was a new strategic plan for economic development in Seminole County. It was time to revolutionize economic development here by repositioning the county to be proactive and respond to the realities of the new economy. Soon after the conference had concluded, longtime community leader Randy Morris had a bold vision – the development of a new strategic economic development plan financed by the County Commission but developed and driven by private-sector business leaders in collaboration with paid consultants.
A small volunteer steering committee was established to select the private-sector leaders and come up with a process to be used to develop the plan. The county agreed to fund the initiative through Leadership Seminole with a $100,000 grant.
A task force of 26 diverse business leaders from throughout the county was formed and began a series of half-day meetings beginning in January 2011. Working with the consultants, they received input from nearly 30 subject-matter experts in areas of transportation, education/training and entrepreneurship, among other topics. All categories of economic development were assessed.
In September, the County Commission formally received the plan. It recommended a more active role by the county and the cities. It also suggested that all economic development expenses have accountability and metrics with an eye on return on investment. In October, commissioners unanimously authorized the county manger to recruit the professional economic development team to refine the plan and aggressively move forward.
The very detailed recommendations include investing significant dollars in business retention and expansion, entrepreneurship, partnerships with all seven cities and regional collaboration, redevelopment and attracting new business.
Twenty of the original 26 task force members have agreed to continue as volunteers on a completely independent advisory council. Their role will be to monitor the county’s economic development efforts and encourage the use of relevant metrics while providing encouragement and advice to the county.
We should say thanks to those volunteers who took one giant, unprecedented step for Seminole County: Seminole County Commission Chair Brenda Carey and Commissioners Bob Dallari, Carlton Henley, John Horan and Dick Van Der Weide. County Manager Jim Hartmann and his team. Steering Committee Chair Larry Strickler and members Randy Morris, Melanie Chase, Tricia Johnson and Pete Schoemann. And 26 very dedicated task force members and the Leadership Seminole board of directors.
Happy holiday season!
