FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance CEO Chris Platé delivered an update to the Escambia County Commission at its Committee of the Whole on Thursday, Oct. 2, outlining the organization’s strategic direction for fostering economic growth.
Ten Months of Transformation
Platé, who has been at the helm for ten months, described his tenure in three phases: discovery, repair, and development.
- “Over the 10 months, it’s really been broken up into three phases,” Platé explained. “There was the discovery phase, the sort of repair phase—the organization needed some fixing, and then now we’re moving into the development stage.”
The CEO reiterated FloridaWest’s core mission: “Our alliance exists to grow and diversify our economy of the county, of the city and as well as the town of Century by fostering business retention and expansion first, then recruitment and aligning those resources to create high-paying jobs.”
Strategic Focus Areas: FloridaWest has identified four key industry sectors for targeted development: aerospace, life sciences, maritime, and cyber/AI.
- The organization has reorganized its staff structure, adding Ashley Saba as the new Business Development Director and repositioning Danita Andrews to work exclusively with existing industries. According to the FloridaWest website, the remaining staff includes Tabitha Lee, Economic Development Specialist; Patrick Rooney, Entrepreneurial Development Director; and Annie Rose, CO:LAB Operations Manager.
Return on Investment: In the most recent fiscal year, FloridaWest announced five projects generating 280 jobs with a collective investment of $88 million. Since 2014, the organization has facilitated 68 projects, representing nearly $1 billion in investment, which have created approximately 9,000 jobs and generated over $500 million in new annual wages for the community.
- “For every dollar the county gets back $4 and 44 cents,” Platé reported. “There’s not much that you can invest in that would generate that return for the community.”
Commissioners Raise Key Questions and Concerns
Workforce Development and Local Jobs
Commissioner Lumon May raised questions about aligning economic development with workforce training. “If we don’t align our economic development strategies and goals with our educational pipeline of training, we will continue to create jobs where we have to bring people outside the area,” May stated.
- He wants FloridaWest to create opportunities for local residents. “I’d really like to tie down real prospects with real training, and that gives real hope.”
May also stressed the importance of small business development. “If someone could create five jobs in Brownsville, that would be a win for me. If someone created five jobs in Montclair, that would be a win for me.”
Manufacturing Engagement and Wage Standards
Commissioner Steven Barry inquired about the manufacturer’s council, which had been active with participation from eight to ten large local employers. Platé acknowledged the need to revive this local leadership group and confirmed plans to recreate it.
Wage Standards
Commissioner Steve Stroberger highlighted Foiling Week as more than just a sporting event, calling it “an economic development tool” and “a global branding opportunity for Pensacola and Escambia County.”
He questioned wage targets. “I just don’t want us to start out as the China of manufacturing here.”…