By Gina Jordan
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-918586.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – The Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce held its community conference in Destin over the weekend. More than four-hundred business owners and local leaders networked and talked about issues affecting the region. Gina Jordan has the first in a series of stories highlighting the topics and what participants hope to gain from the annual retreat.
Polly White with Capital Health Plan was giving out packets of vegetable seeds.
"Grow yourself a salad and have some fruit."
Dozens of Tallahassee businesses showed off their products and services in booths at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa. Lyn Stanfield, president of ServiceMaster 360 Commercial Cleaning, purchased her franchise in the last year.
"Certainly, to be entrepreneurial in this economy, if you can make it now, then as it rebounds, it's only going to grow. So we've done very well, and we want it to bring more jobs to this community, and that's exactly what we have an opportunity to do."
Chamber board member Don May is the city executive for Farmers and Merchants Bank. This is his fifth trip to the conference, and he sees the excellent turnout as a sign that people are looking to the future.
"Not dwelling in what's going on right now; it is a tough economy. As a banker, I see it every day, and for people to make the commitment to come over here just speaks volumes about where they want to see Tallahassee go."
In an update on the state of the county, Leon County Commission Vice Chair John Dailey painted a not so rosy picture of the future.
"Think about the fact that the projected deficit of the state budget is seven to twelve billion dollars, and if they decide to balance that budget on the backs of local governments, we will feel the impact. Folks, we have constitutional amendments that are being proposed from South Florida that are trying to tell us and dictate how we do business in Leon County."
Dailey noted that over the last three and a half years, the county has endured $38-million in budget cuts while still maintaining core services. At the same time, more than $67-million has been dedicated to quality of life projects. He said the elected leaders of the county and the city need to work together and forge a positive relationship with the Economic Development Council and the Chamber of Commerce.
"I want you know on behalf of the EDC that your county government, a super majority of your county government believes in you, and we are there to work with you. I cannot make that message any more clear. There's been a lot going on lately."
He is referencing the disagreement between EDC Chairman Kim Williams and Commission Chair Bob Rackleff, who wants the county to cut its funding to the EDC unless there's an organizational overhaul. Dailey offered steps for continued collaboration among local governments, the Chamber, and the EDC.
"First and foremost, we need to protect the jobs that we currently have in our community. Number two, we need to be ready to assist those local businesses that are poised for expansion. Number three, we need to proactively recruit those businesses that we want to attract to our community. And number four, we need to continue to work with Florida State, FAMU, and TCC and the resources that they have available. That's how we're going to move forward as a community."
Calling Tallahassee a great place to live and make a living, Dailey drew applause when he said the government does not create jobs unless the government is getting bigger.
"What we can do is help sustain local jobs through our construction of our capital improvement projects. What we can do is not serve as a hindrance of the permitting process to help stimulate our local economy. And what we can do is work with the EDC and work with the Chamber to create that economic environment that stimulates you, the private industry, to create jobs in our community. And this is the direction that I think we need to go."
Tomorrow, we'll hear about economic engines in our region and projects that are sparking job growth.