Newfor ItS fIrSt Leader DevelopmeNt couNcil ecoNomic SearcheS T

WrItten By: cheryL JohnSton

he new Winter Haven Economic Development Council is searching for its first director. According to Dr. Eileen Holden of Polk State College who chairs the search committee, We are looking for an innovative and dynamic leader with a proven track record in economic development. Specifically, we are looking for an individual who has experience in site selection, industry cluster analysis, business recruitment, etc. Obviously, an outgoing personality and a boldness to promote Winter Haven are necessary qualities, too. The annual salary for a new director is being advertised as $110,000 to $120,000 and the goal is to have a leader in place by the first quarter of 2012. EDC Board of Directors Chairman and President Ingram Leedy explained that the public-private partnership will create incentives from member businesses in order to bring new growth to Winter Haven. The Council was established after the Texas-based Angelou Economic Advisors made a year-long study and presented recommendations to help Winter Haven attract new businesses, promote expansion of existing ones, create jobs, and expand the citys tax base. A centralized focus on economic development will drive the EDC plans. Legoland and a future CSX rail terminal should bring even more opportunities for growth. With the dissolution of the East Polk Committee of 100 advocate group, Winter Havens EDC will keep the local economy moving forward. EDC will specifically target industries such as medical services, software and information technology, and logistics and distribution facilities. General business, agribusiness, and professional services are also on the list. The group, which has offices at the USF Polytechnic Blue Sky East Business Accelorator in Winter Haven, projects an annual budget range of $300,000 to $350,000 and has already begun work on its first projects. The City of Winter Haven plans to contribute $150,000 for this first year of the new EDC. Charter Board Members of the new EDC include representatives from the 6-10 Corporation, Collany Properties, Elephant Outlook, Envisors Engineering, The Landings, Polk State College, Tampa Electric, Tucker Construction, USF Polytechnic, and Winter Haven Hospital. Legal and accounting services to establish the EDC have been donated by Sharit, Bunn

A recent WHEDC Board meeting with other local business leaders in the lobby outside its new office (courtesy of USF Polytechnic) in the Blue Sky Business Accelerator.

& Chilton, P.A. and LarsonAllen, LLP, respectively. On a Greater Winter Haven Chamber blog post, Leedy credited the City, saying, We have built tremendous momentum for the EDC with great interest and commitment from Winter Haven business leaders and city officials. The formation of the EDC would not have been possible without the support of the City of Winter Haven.

january 2012 focuswinterhaven.com