WCEDA working across the panhandle for Walton County's future

Walton County's economic future is the main goal of the newly formed Walton County Economic Development Alliance.

"We began early on discussing the need for strong economic development within the county," said Dawn Moliterno, president and CEO of the Walton County Chamber of Commerce. "With more than 1,300 members, we (Walton County Chamber of Commerce) are working in tandem, and have strong relationships with the Panama City EDA and the Economic Development Council in Okaloosa County."

The WCEDA is supported with funding from three sectors. Public funding will come from the Walton County budget, the city's of Freeport, DeFuniak Springs and Paxton budgets, private memberships and state grants.

Moliterno petitioned each city and the county for funding, which was unanimously approved. Obtaining state grants and private funding will be the role of the executive director.

With goals in place, county funding approved and alliances formed, the next step is finding a suitable executive director.

With more than 200 applicants, according to Moliterno, the process has begun in narrowing the list to the top five potential candidates. WCEDA plans to have the selection made by February.

The executive director and members will work together to fulfill the vision of the WCEDA, which is to, "grow a vibrant and sustainable economy for all of Walton County that creates nationally and globally competitive advantages for the development of key industry clusters, increases the income and prosperity of workers and families, ensures healthy communities and a vibrant way of life, and preserves the natural beauty and resources of the area."

Since founding WCEDA in August 2008, members created a plan for attracting and retaining business within Walton County.

County Commissioner Sara Comander, WCEDA board chair, said she believes, "we will succeed in attracting business now that all of Walton County is part of the venture. With one voice we will represent what the county can offer businesses locating here."

During the planning phase of the WCEDA, Moliterno said the board of directors also set forth a list of goals to be met in the next few years. The board of directors consists of members from Walton, Okaloosa and Escambia counties.

"One of the main reasons this group came together is to make this county ‘business friendly,'" she said.

"We want to promote the area and at the same time protect our natural resources. I believe that includes the youth of the county, not just the beaches and parks"

In order to maintain Walton County's potential labor pool, Moliterno believes attracting innovative businesses is just one step in the process, and Comander agrees.

"We are losing valuable talent within the county by not having these companies here," Comander said.

However, along with providing innovative jobs for the skilled, having the ability to train the labor pool is essential to the success of the WCEDA.

"Training and education is important to economic development," Moliterno said. "If a company comes into the area, they'll want to know if there is a training facility to train the labor base for positions."

To help facilitate that goal, Mary Lou Reed, executive director of the Workforce Development Board, was asked to be an active participant with WCEDA.

"I am pleased to be a part of this," Reed said. "Their primary goal is job creation and ours is to train the local labor force for skilled positions."

Moliterno stated with the formation of the WCEDA, Walton County will have a presence nationally and internationally to better attract businesses and corporations.

During the "Stimulating the Economy" conference in October 2008 a member of the British Consulate toured Walton County.

In response, Keith Allen, Her Majesty's Consul General, stated in a letter to Moliterno,

"I have recommended that our UK trade and investment team make an early visit to the region to take a proper look at the opportunities."

In his letter, he referred to strategic alliances within aerospace and defense, which is high on the list of priorities for the WCEDA.

"We need to focus on the markets we've identified," Moliterno said. "It is important to attract several defense contracting companies. Eglin AFB and Tyndall AFB are supporting this effort as part of our strategic alliances initiative."

Other WCEDA initiatives include communication between business and government.

Proportional fair share fees are an important part of changing the business climate. These fees are in place as a source of revenue for county and state budgets, many of which, according to Moliterno, are hindering the initiatives of WCEDA.

Moliterno believes, "It is counter productive to have a company come in and then it take two years, and a lot of their budget, to get past all the permits and licensing in place. We need concessions to get through the process quicker and stimulate growth."

In order to attract regional or national headquarters of large companies, streamlining permitting is a big part of the puzzle for economic development, and communication between the county and state government is key to changing this.

"I have been in contact with Sen. Don Gaetz concerning these issues," she said. "We have a lot to gain keeping dialogue open between businesses and government."

As chair for the Senate Select Committee for Florida's Economy, Gaetz is essential in recognizing the obstacles keeping businesses from locating here.

"It is imperative to identify and remove barriers stalling business growth," Gaetz said. "It is our goal to keep business here."

Moliterno is aware of the county's desire for economic growth and hopes for patience from the public.

"This is a journey. We need people (community at large) to realize it takes time to implement initiatives, work within government and attract business," she said. "However, this is a collaborative effort across the region, and we are well positioned to represent our community to businesses looking to come to Florida."