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Today, new and growing companies demand a rapid ramp-up. The
digital age has completely transformed traditional business models
and prompted companies to expect immediate response and action.
And, entrepreneurship and business reinvention are at an all-time
high. Perhaps no other industry is keeping as close a watch on
these trends and transitions as the economic development industry
– an industry that’s not often spotlighted, but plays a
vital role in business and community growth.
Given the ever-growing competitive nature of doing business, you
can imagine that the hundreds of state, regional and local economic
development groups in the country have become much more
sophisticated, aggressive and dynamic. And, in fact, economic
development has gained an even more prominent role as universities,
utilities, chambers of commerce and more have added this function
within their organizations.
Economic development is about nurturing business vitality and
diversification and enhancing the overall standard of living.
Attracting targeted industries, assisting in the expansion of local
businesses, and working with start-up enterprises that create high
wage, high value jobs – these are the leading charges of
economic development groups. And, this work results in numerous
benefits, including the diversification of a community’s tax
base, generation of more income and buying power for residents, and
attraction of targeted, high paying career opportunities for the
region’s population.
The People Factor
Years ago, people associated economic development solely with
recruitment, or attraction, of industry. Today, it’s much
more about a mixture of activity that includes business attraction,
retention, growth and creation. Even more importantly, it’s
about people. People are both the beneficiaries and the foundation
of all economic development. Skilled, productive workers attract
employers. Employers anchor dynamic communities. Dynamic
communities are great places to live. Without economic development
at the center of community-building, this cycle of economic growth
and prosperity would not exist.
Metro Orlando’s Edge
In Metro Orlando, a region that has been consistently recognized as
a top location to start and grow a business, we’re attracting
people. Our student population is exploding, bringing young
creative minds to the area. People from every part of the world
live and work here. As a young and growing metropolis, we’re
attracting top researchers and executives from key industries that
have clustered here, including software development, simulation and
training, and laser optics, to name a few. And, women and
minority-owned businesses are on the rise.
In the last three years alone, our entrepreneurial and small
business resources have swelled – with additions such as the
Disney Entrepreneur Center. Downtown Orlando, the heart of the
region’s business community, is undergoing a major
revitalization that is luring both people and industry. Our
infrastructure is solid – boasting everything from nationally
recognized educational institutions to a great quality of life to
the availability of competitive facilities. Together, these assets
make the region extremely appealing to business. Our image as the
world’s top family-friendly destination has also made us one
of the most attractive markets in the world. And, as we’ve
heard so many times from heads of companies, there is so much
potential here … particularly to start and grow a
headquarters base.
Where will the region be 10 years from now? Metro Orlando will
continue to experience growth from multiple sectors within the
technology clusters, particularly from the digital media sector.
Corporate services, including financial and back office, will also
expand. Our strengths will only grow and more challenges will be
overcome. Orlando will continue to be a place where people and
culture thrive … it will be an even better place to start and
raise a family, to work and live … and it will be a great
place for people and companies to put their imagination to
work.
On a Personal Note
Some fun facts, thoughts and favorites of Ray …
- My favorite place to dine in the region is Seasons 52, a
healthy alternative concept developed by one of our top corporate
headquarter companies, Darden Restaurants
- When I’m not trying to attract a company to Orlando, I
enjoy golfing (handicap is 14) and spending time with my
family.
- My wish is for people to pursue and enjoy the best of
everything … from friendships to careers. I feel very
fulfilled in my life and I hope that everyone can find that same
fulfillment.
- I’m a Florida native (a rarity). I grew up on a farm in
Monticello, where my first job was growing and harvesting a variety
of vegetable crops.
- The last good book I read was “Good to
Great” by Jim Collins. Some other good books are
“The Most Brilliant Thoughts of All Time” and
“The Wit and Wisdom of Abraham Lincoln.”
- Everyone should serve or volunteer in their community …
one person CAN make a difference.
- A favorite quote … “People who have never made a
mistake have never done anything important.” (Author
unknown)
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