Community Gathers to Present Best Ideas for Economic
Turnaround
Economic stakeholders across Florida's High Tech Corridor will
gather at a "Best Ideas" Forum July 6th. The event is being
sponsored by Space Florida, in partnership with regional economic
development organizations, to share their concepts for solutions to
the economic issues impacting the region as a result of the end of
NASA's Space Shuttle program. Ideas compiled at the event will be
submitted to The Federal Task Force on Space Industry Workforce and
Economic Development. The event is free and open to the public.
"Collaboration among government, industry and economic
development leaders across the region as we move into this
transition is unprecedented," said Space Florida President Frank
DiBello. "The Best Ideas Forum is another way to ensure that all
stakeholders' ideas are considered as we support the Task Force and
their mission to stabilize our economy," he continued.
Businesses, residents and organizations with ideas to help
create jobs and diversify the region's economy have been invited to
participate. "The best and brightest minds in the world reside
right here in Central Florida and have worked for many years on the
space program. Now, we're capturing their minds in new ways on how
we can save space, our legacy industry with over 20,000 workers in
the I-4 corridor alone, while also transitioning to new innovative
industries that can fully utilize their talents. This issue
certainly impacts all of us," stated Ray Gilley, president and CEO
of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission.
"Diversification of our economy is key," said Lynda Weatherman,
president and CEO of the Economic Development Commission of
Florida's Space Coast. "This transitional time presents us with a
solid opportunity for innovation, which can drive our future
economy. The Best Ideas Forum provides an excellent opportunity to
spawn innovative ideas."
All concepts submitted, whether the author presents them at the
Forum or simply provides a written version through the Space Florida's
website, will be provided to the Task Force for their
consideration.
"Holding a forum of this nature is an excellent approach to
achieving the President's objectives for building and ensuring a
bright economic future for our region and state," noted Lisa Rice,
president of Brevard Workforce. "Some of the best business minds
available live and work right here in Central Florida and they are
the most knowledgeable on what it will take to move us forward
using this talented aerospace workforce. Their ideas and
suggestions on initiatives to implement those ideas will make all
the difference for the future growth of Brevard, and the State of
Florida."
The "Best Ideas" forum is taking place Tuesday, July 6th from
0900 - 1600 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport.