ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND JOB CREATION

Where’s the Commitment to Economic Development?

January 21, 2010

Our County Commission says it is for economic development (job creation).  Its actions suggest otherwise. On January 15th, I was one of only four people from St. Lucie County who attended the Florida Jobs Summit in Orlando.  The future President of the Florida Senate and the future Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives called [...]

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A Tourism Idea

September 4, 2009

I believe I know a little something about tourism. I staffed the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee for a number of years. Unfortunately, little changed then and little has changed since leaving the Chamber in 2003. The County’s Tourism Office continues to mail color brochures and, with the help of an advertising [...]

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Formerly Known as “Cargo Al”

September 4, 2009

When I came to town some 24 years ago, I championed the expansion of the Port of Fort Pierce. I honestly believed its industrialization was important to the realization of economic development in our county. I even began to be known in some circles as “Cargo Al”. The events of the last decade, however, have [...]

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Get Serious About Economic Development

September 3, 2009

St. Lucie County (collectively, not specific to the political jurisdiction) has been the Treasure Coast leader in economic development.  Many companies have been recruited to the area, one of the most recent of which is Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies.  Yet it seems to me we are not serious about economic development.  Below are [...]

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Residential Development

September 2, 2009

Okay, I have to come clean. I am not opposed to residential development.  I support economic development and many, far too many, would have you think the two are one in the same.  Those who hold this opinion cite our current economy as proof. Although construction plays an important role in our local economy, it [...]

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