Support the EDC

R.B. Holmes,Jr.

Publisher

We need a strong Economic Development Council to create jobs, expand the economy, and keep our college students in the region. The EDC has the credibility, leadership and vision to become a major force in job creation and development in this community. It has the capacity to bring major stakeholders together, such as FAMU, FSU, political leaders and the business community, to spur substantial economic opportunities. We must remove all of the political impediments that could stifle the EDC from achieving its primary goal, which is economic growth and development.

The small businesses of this community create over 80 percent of the jobs. Tallahassee and Leon County cannot live on state government providing jobs as a viable option. We must find innovative ways to diversify our economy. For the last eight years, state jobs have been downsized and outsourced. Many state employees have not received a raise for the last several years. Also, the present political leadership does not appreciate the talent and skills of state employees. Matter of fact, the last time state employees received a three percent raise for four consecutive years was under Gov. Bob Martinez.

Go figure! The EDC is indeed a significant model to empower and strengthen small businesses. I agree with the Director of the EDC, Beth Kirkland, who understands that Tallahassee is strategically located to lead the way for major economic growth in the region. Let me encourage city and county officials to redouble their efforts to fund the EDC to do its job more effectively and dynamically. Also, it is incumbent upon the business community to provide resources that will support the vision of the EDC. If we want to build this economy as it relates to stimulating and strengthening small businesses, then we need a strong and vibrant Economic Development Council.

This is election time! The candidates who are seeking election and reelection need to be asked about their vision for economic diversification in this community. We must elect politicians who understand the value and importance of small businesses. We must elect politicians who understand the challenges of meeting a payroll and keeping a business sound in the 21st century.

Let me be clear here! This community is in dire need of strong leaders who understand the need to support entrepreneurship. The business community must support the appeal by Mr. Kim Williams, Chairman of the Leon County Economic Development Council, to Commissioner Bob Rackleff,

“Commissioner Rackleff, please do not derail the efforts of the EDC and please do not re-invent Innovation Park to be something that Research Triangle found to be an outdated model more than 30 years ago.

The Capital Outlook understands the role of the EDC and the power of small businesses. To that end starting in September, we will highlight and share with our readers the “Business of the Month.” The purpose is to encourage our community to support minority businesses, in particular and local businesses in general. Let us start by strongly supporting the Leon County Economic Development Council.

Be encouraged!