~DEO program highlights asset-based economic development for rural communities throughout Florida~

TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced that Gadsden County has been selected to participate in the Competitive Florida Partnership, a rural community development initiative. The Competitive Florida Partnership focuses on improving local economic development activities, particularly in the rural areas of our state. DEO will assist Gadsden County in creating strategic economic development plans that are tailored to the community’s unique assets.

“The Competitive Florida Partnership program piloted this year was a huge success for the participating communities helping them to harness their strengths and assets for economic and community development,” said Jesse Panuccio, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “We look forward to working with Gadsden County to explore the opportunities in the community, share best practices, and engage a network of community and business leaders.”

Gadsden County was selected to participate in the second round of the Competitive Florida Partnership program among 18 local government applications. Through the Gadsden County Development Council, a non-profit economic development organization, Gadsden County has worked hard over the past year to develop partnerships with all of the cities, the local chamber, the regional workforce board, the school board, the regional planning council, and many local businesses. This strong collaborative hopes to use the Competitive Florida Partnership to get a baseline analysis of economic conditions and indicators and inventory competitive assets. The county will then develop a plan to move forward to supply needed infrastructure and support regulations to direct economic development. 

Gadsden County Commission Chairman Eric Hinson said, “The County is excited about this opportunity to work side by side with the Department of Economic Opportunity. This partnership will increase the economic competitiveness of Gadsden County and strengthen our ability to attract new businesses and grow existing businesses.”

State Senator Bill Montford said, “I am proud of the work accomplished by the communities of North Florida to grow their economy, better their community, and improve the lives of the residents. The Competitive Florida program has helped coordinate these efforts and highlighted what makes this part of Florida truly special. I look forward to their future accomplishments.”

State Representative Alan Williams said, “This is great news. Congratulations to Gadsden County for being chosen to be a part of the Competitive Florida Partnership. This is a great way to take advantage of the expertise and technical assistance available from the state, learn from the experience of successful communities around the state and leverage the essential local knowledge of government and business leaders in Gadsden County, those who know it best. Participation in this program is a testament to the hard work of the Gadsden County Commission, Gadsden County Development Council, businesses and community members aimed at stimulating economic growth and taking advantage of all the county has going for it. I commend the great effort happening in Gadsden County to build stronger businesses, a stronger economy and a stronger community.”

The Competitive Florida Partnership helps rural communities value and market local assets and challenge them to set realistic goals for advancing their economic development vision. The four participating communities will design and develop innovative strategies that promote partnerships, community design, and a viable local economy. Earlier this year, the City of Port St. Joe, the City of Newberry, the City of White Springs, and Desoto County were the first four rural communities chosen to participate in the program.

Asset-based economic development is a bottom-up approach that focuses on developing and promoting existing local resources to strengthen the local economy. This approach focuses on a rural community’s tangible and intangible assets combined with economic advantages and how these can be leveraged into sustainable economic growth and prosperity. Assets in a community may include but are not limited to: individuals and human capital; associations and voluntary networks; political advocates; historical and cultural resources; natural landscapes (including renewable and nonrenewable material resources); financial assets; the built environment including transportation networks, communications facilities, utilities, public facilitates and commercial buildings; institutions such as schools, hospitals and government agencies. DEO will work with the selected rural communities to identify and market these assets and facilitate promotional opportunities to bring economic development to their community. 

For more information regarding the Competitive Florida Partnership, please visit: www.floridajobs.org/CompetitiveFlorida.

About DEO

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce, and community development efforts.  This new approach helps expedite economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities.  For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.floridajobs.org.

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