I don't know about you, but I find myself wondering where the summer has gone. Isn't the summer supposed to be the time when we slow down and relax? Isn't time supposed to slow down with us? The fact is there are so many great things happening in Santa Rosa County and we have so much positive momentum, slowing down is not an option. Momentum, an impelling force or strength, provides the perfect description of our Chamber and county. As you know, I am on a crusade against the "nattering nabobs of negativity" (thank you William Safire) and the purveyors of doom and gloom (and you know who you are) It is important for all of us to realize that there are GREAT things happening in Santa Rosa County and your Chamber is right there in the middle of it.
July 4th Riverfest 2010 is now in the books. Chad Rowell, Riverfest Chairman, and his Chamber committee of volunteers pulled off the best Riverfest yet! Thousands of people crowded Willing Street and the River Walk to enjoy food, entertainment, show cars, motorcycles, and arts and crafts. The fireworks were phenomenal and cars lined Highway 90 for miles in both directions. Congratulations to Chad and his team; you really know how to throw a party! Of course, nobody deserves thanks more than our own Donna and Nicole who used their magic to make everything come together without a hitch. Thanks too, to the Santa Rosa Young Professionals for their help in decorating the River Walk and gazebos and with cleaning up afterwards.
Many of you already know about the GEO/Blackwater Correctional Facility scheduled to begin taking in inmates in October. This institution will create over 400 jobs for our area and is predicted to have an annual economic impact in excess of $30 million. Recently, Geo worked with our Chamber to host a local vendor fair. Over 100 local businesses attended the fair and registered as potential vendors. GEO is committed to doing business locally and anticipates spending in excess of $1 million in their 90 day ramp up.
There is an increasing buzz surrounding the relocation of the 7th Special Forces to Eglin Air Force Base. Our Chamber, many of our members and our local leaders are working with individuals and families who are buying land and homes in Santa Rosa County. They have shown great interest in Santa Rosa County, especially the Gulf Breeze and East Milton areas. They have quickly recognized our outstanding quality of life and our exceptional educational system. Tim Wyrosdick and his team of educators and administrators make Santa Rosa County an easy sell by providing the best schools and education in the state. Our schools continue to be a critical factor in the economic development of our county.
Speaking of economic development, TEAM Santa Rosa reports that the Aviation Park at Whiting Field and the Northwest Florida Industrial Park at I-10 are both open for business. The entrance of the Aviation Park is under construction and will soon be complete. TEAM continues to bring quality companies and employers to our area, creating high quality job opportunities for our workforce. By the way, did you hear that Florida has been ranked number one in the nation for its workforce by CNBC? The ranking came in CNBC's fourth annual America's Top States for Business rankings, a study of all 50 states that examines 10 different categories, including workforce, to measure each state's ability to attract businesses. Florida moved up from the number three spot in 2009.
On the topic of quality work force, Pensacola State College held a formal groundbreaking ceremony July 20 for its $9.4 million South Santa Rosa Center that will exemplify the latest in green construction. The projected date of completion is 18 months, with classes beginning spring 2012. The site for the center is on about 111 acres and is located in the south end of Santa Rosa County, adjacent to U.S. Highway 98. PSC has long been a solid partner in workforce development and the addition of their fourth campus and second in Santa Rosa County emphasizes their commitment and dedication to the region. Dr. Ed Meadows has shown tremendous leadership in making this long held dream a reality.
Our region is blessed with an abundance of strong leaders. One of the Chamber's signature programs is Leadership Santa Rosa. The current Leadership Class #24 has dedicated itself to an exciting project, bringing the Boys and Girls Club of the Emerald Coast to East Milton. Class members are planning a "meet and greet" event for September to introduce the community to the many benefits of the Boys and Girls Club. Rob Williamson owner of Trees Plus and a Class #24 member told me that when the class was selecting their project they had three criteria; they wanted to leave a legacy, it had to be sustainable, and they wanted to have a positive impact on youth. From where I sit they made an exceptional choice, one that will make an exciting difference in our community and with our youth now and in the future.
So, have I convinced you? Is it any wonder the summer has flown by? Lazy days of summer? Hardly! Are we gathering momentum? Absolutely! Are there great things happening in our Chamber and our county? No doubt about it.
Sincerely,
Larry Strain
2010 President
Click here for information about proposed Amendment 4.
