HIGHLANDS COUNTY Avon Park ▪ Lake Placid ▪ Sebring ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HighlandsBusiness.com
Economic Development Commission for Highlands County Economic Development Organization AGENDA
Date: July 11, 2018
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Location: Bert J. Harris Jr. Agricultural Center Conference Room 2 4509 George Blvd. Sebring, FL 33875
Janet Barber, Board Chair, Presiding
1. CALL TO ORDER – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION / ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION
2. CONFIRMATION OF QUORUM
3. CONSENT AGENDA a. EDC / EDO April Meeting Minutes b. EDC / EDO April, May and June Financial Reports
4. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT a. April, May & June Development Update
5. NEW BUSINESS
6. LIAISON REPORTS AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
7. ADJOURNMENT: Wednesday, September 12, 2018 – 7:30 a.m. The Hotel Jacaranda 19 E. Main St., Avon Park
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION/ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION July 11, 2018
Agenda Item: 3. CONSENT AGENDA – EDC/EDO
These action items are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items. A board member may request an item be moved to the regular agenda for discussion.
Presenter: Janet Barber, Chair
Request approval of the EDC/EDO Consent Agenda for the July 2018 Board of Directors meeting.
Recommended Action: Move to approve the EDC/EDO Consent Agenda for the July 2018 Board of Directors meeting.
Attachments: A. EDC/EDO Board Minutes – April 11, 2018 B. EDC/EDO Financial Reports – April, May and June 2018
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION / ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION MEETING MINUTES April 11, 2018
The Economic Development Commission for Highlands County (EDC) / Economic Development Organization’s (EDO) Board of Directors meeting was held at South Florida State College, Building F, at 600 W. College Dr., in Avon Park, on Wednesday, April 11, 2018. Vice Chair Ray Royce presided over the meeting; a quorum was present.
1. CALL TO ORDER – Highlands County Economic Development Commission (EDC) / Economic Development Organization (EDO) The April 11, 2018 Economic Development Commission / Economic Development Organization board meeting was called to order at 7:43 a.m.
2. CONFIRMATION OF QUORUM Name Title Organization Present Janet Barber Chair N Ray Royce Vice Chair Highlands County IDA/EDC Y Carol Howard Past Chair Executive Committee Y Wade Taveniere Secretary/Treasurer NY Tom Koppein Director Y Donna Doubleday Director Y Paul Koukos Director Y Thomas Leitzel Director Y Gina Reynolds Director N Highlands County IDA/EDC Board of Directors John Shoop Director Y Tim Texley Director Y John Varady Director Y Craig Johnson Director Y Jim Renfro Director Y James Brooks Commissioner, Liaison Y Benjamin Dunn Dev. Services Director N Highlands County Board of County Taylor Benson Manager Y Commissioners - Development Services Meghan DiGiacomo Manager Y Dana Riddell Planning Technician Y Michael Noel Small Business Development Center Y Representatives of Outside Curtis Knowles Central Florida Regional Planning Council Y Organizations Dr. Valentine South Florida State College Y
3. CONSENT AGENDA The Consent Agenda was presented for consideration. The agenda included the minutes of the January 10, 2018 EDC Board of Directors meeting as well as the January, February and March financial reports. Craig Johnson moved to approve the meeting minutes and financial reports; seconded by Tom Koppein. Motion carried unanimously.
4. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT a. Taylor Benson and Meghan DiGiacomo updated the board on recent accomplishments and activities. Their report touched on Sun Pure’s progress, the
Sugar Stand Distillery opening, business-related hurricane recovery, and prospects that are interested in relocating to Highlands County. In addition, Donna Doubleday provided a recap of the recent Sector Strategies meeting. b. Staff provided the proposed Economic Development budget for the 2018/2019 Fiscal Year as an informational item. The Board of County Commissioners will vote on the proposed budget in September. c. Meghan and Taylor successfully joined with their FHERO counterparts for a reverse FAM Tour with Enterprise Florida in Orlando. They were able to showcase Highlands County, facilitate relationships with new EFI staff and build on existing relationships. Their relationship with EFI results in more opportunities for the County and allows them to keep track of which type of development the County can accommodate or not.
5. OLD BUSINESS a. There was a Developers’ Roundtable held on Thursday, April 5, 2018. A consensus was reached that there is a high demand for multi-family housing in Highlands County. Contractors and developers discussed what was impeding them from building more market-rate rental housing and support that could help. b. The strategic assessment was presented to the Board of County Commissioners in March and was well-received. The RFP for the Strategic Plan has been submitted to the Purchasing and Legal Departments, however they are still awaiting approval due to staffing shortages. Once approval is granted, staff will proceed with soliciting vendors and quotes. c. Economic Development staff and various volunteers worked the information booth at the Aviation Expo. The EDC sponsored a breakfast for the exhibitors and visited them with locally sourced items for them to keep Highlands County in the forefront of their minds and leave a lasting impression. d. Staff proposed changing the October meeting to September so that the board can approve the EDC budget prior to the new fiscal year. Carol Howard motioned to approve, and Mayor John Shoop seconded. Upon roll call, motion passed.
6. NEW BUSINESS a. Curtis Knowles introduced himself as the new Disaster Recovery Coordinator for the Central Florida Regional Planning Council. He will work on grant opportunities for the region and encourage businesses locate themselves in Florida despite the hurricane season.
7. LIAISON REPORTS AND PUBLIC COMMENTS a. Dr. Valentine and Dr. Leitzel escorted the board on a tour of their college’s Mechatronics Program. Throughout the tour they discussed different career opportunities for participants in their program and the various degrees and certifications they can achieve. Michael Noel of the Small Business Development Center announced various cybersecurity, retention, and marketing workshops that they will be having during their alternating evening and afternoon hours.
8. ADJOURNMENT – EDC/EDO The April 11, 2018 EDC/EDO Board of Directors meeting adjourned at 8:56 a.m.
Next Meeting: 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 11, 2018 Heartland Educational Consortium 1096 US 27 N Lake Placid, FL 33852
Minutes developed by: Dana Riddell, Planning Technician Approval date: draft
Highlands County Economic Development Commission Balance Sheet As of June 30, 2018
June 30, 2018 ASSETS Current Assets Checking/Savings Checking Account - EDC 13,058.06 Money Market Account - EDC 20,106.46 Total Checking/Savings 33,164.52
Total Current Assets 33,164.52
Other Assets Heartland Water Deposit 0.00 Total Other Assets 0.00 TOTAL ASSETS 33,164.52
LIABILITIES & EQUITY Equity Retained Earnings 35,774.44 Net Income (2,609.92) Total Equity 33,164.52 TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 33,164.52
Highlands County EDC Profit & Loss YTD Comparison April to June 2018
Apr May Jun '18 '18 '18 Oct '17 - Sept`18 Ordinary Income/Expense Income Annual Meeting Sponsorship 0.00 Membership Dues & Donations 0.00 Services 0.00 Total Income 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Expense Accounting & Auditing 75.00 275.00 Corporate Filings 61.25 Insurance 1,320.00 Marketing/Client Relations 950.00 Operating Supplies 24.00
Total Expense 75.00 0.00 0.00 2,630.25
Net Ordinary Income (75.00) 0.00 0.00 (2,630.25)
Other Income/Expense Interest Income EDC Bank Interest - Checking 0.56 0.55 0.54 5.24 EDC Bank Interest - MMA 1.71 1.71 1.65 15.09 Total Interest Income 2.27 2.26 2.19 20.33
Net Income (72.73) 2.26 2.19 (2,609.92)
Highlands County EDC Budget to Actual for FY 2017/2018 June 2018
Budget Actual Difference
Ordinary Income/Expense Income
Annual Meeting Sponsorship - - -
Membership Dues & Donations - - - Services - - - Total Income - - -
Expense
Accounting & Auditing 540.00 275.00 (265.00)
Corporate Filings 140.00 61.25 (78.75) Insurance 1,320.00 1,320.00 -
Marketing/Client Relations 2,000.00 950.00 (1,050.00) Operating Supplies 500.00 24.00 (476.00)
Total Expense 4,500.00 2,630.25 (1,869.75)
Net Ordinary Income
Other Income/Expense Interest Income EDC Bank Interest - Checking 5.24 EDC Bank Interest - MMA 15.09
Total Interest Income 20.33 20.33
Net Income (4,500.00) (2,609.92) 1,890.08
Highlands County Economic Development Organization Balance Sheet As of June 30, 2018
June 30, 2018
ASSETS Current Assets Checking/Savings
Checking Account 242.84
Money Market Account 703.96
Total Checking/Savings 946.80
TOTAL ASSETS 946.80
LIABILITIES & EQUITY Equity
Retained Earnings 1,007.69
Net Income -60.89 Total Equity 946.80 TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 946.80
Highlands County Economic Development Organization Profit & Loss YTD Comparison April to June, 2018
Apr '18 May '18 Jun '18 Oct '17 - Sept `18
Ordinary Income/Expense Income Membership Dues 0.00 Total Income 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Expense Business Expenses 61.25 Total Expense 0.00 0.00 0.00 61.25
Net Ordinary Income 0.00 0.00 0.00 -61.25
Interest Income EDO Bank Interest - Checking 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.09 EDO Bank Interest - MMA 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.27 Total Interest Income 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.36
Net Income 0.04 0.04 0.04 -60.89
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION/ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION July 11, 2018
Agenda Item: 4a. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TEAM REPORT
Presenter: Benjamin Dunn, Development Services Director Taylor Benson, Economic Development Manager Meghan DiGiacomo, Business Development Manager
Recommended Action: Information Item
Attachments: A. April, May and June development reports
COMPETITIVENESS Developers’ Roundtable: The Developers’ Roundtable was held Thursday, April 5th from 9- 11 AM at the Jack Stroup Civic Center. The roundtable brought together nearly 50 attendees to discuss the need for workforce multi-family housing in Highlands County. Attendees included local and outside contractors/developers, as well as engineers, realtors, county and city representatives, and other pertinent stakeholders such as the hospitals, the school board and the college. Several follow-up meetings have been scheduled with contractors to discuss potential opportunities.
Opportunity Zones: On Thursday, April 19th, Governor Rick Scott submitted recommendations for 427 Opportunity Zones across the state. Four census tracts were recommended in Highlands County - Tract 9603 (Avon Park), Tract 9601.03 (Spanning Avon Park and Sebring), Tract 9612 (Sebring), and Tract 9617 (Lake Placid). The U.S. Department of Treasury has 30 days to certify the recommendations. After the zones are approved, the Federal Government will begin the rulemaking process to designate how Opportunity Funds are created and how businesses, developers, and financial institutions can invest in qualified zones. Low Tax Opportunity Zones, as established in the Federal Tax Cut and Job Act of 2017, encourage long- term investment and job creation in targeted communities by reducing taxes for many job creators. The Governor’s Press Release and a map of the recommended zones in Highlands County can be found at the end of this report.
Strategic Plan: Continued navigation of the procurement/RFP process. For the sake of timeliness, Highlands County Economic Development (HCED) is considering alternative solutions to the RFP process. HCED placed a request on the consent agenda for the May 1st Board of County Commissioners Meeting, to approve the chair to enter into a contract with VisionFirst Advisors, the same company that completed the strategic assessment, to complete the Economic Development Strategic Plan. (The commissioners approved the contract pending legal review. Still awaiting legal review as of 5/10/2018.)
MARKETING / COMMUNICATIONS Developers’ Roundtable: Provided Bill Rogers, freelance journalist for Highlands News Sun, with details about the Developers’ Roundtable.
CULTIVATE RELATIONSHIPS Meetings: - Met with Rebekah Wills with the School Board of Highlands County - Meghan attended Avon Park Chamber luncheon - Met with Sebring CRA Director to discuss potential multifamily housing opportunities downtown - Met with Ken LeBlanc to tour Dewey Junction building in Lake Placid to see new tenant’s space as well as the remaining space available for prospects - Met with County Attorney and County Administration regarding Industrial Revenue Bond issuance - Met with Bevis Construction - Met with M.E. Gose Inc. - Provided Economic Development update at April CareerSource Heartland Board Meeting - Participated in White House Intergovernmental Affairs Call on Opportunity Zones for federal update
COMMUNITY COLLABORATION/OUTREACH Florida Heartland Economic Region of Opportunity: - Reviewed and provided input on draft industry cluster study proposal - Reviewed and provided input on Strategic Plan draft - Participated in overview webinar on potential new tool for FHERO sites and buildings database, LOIS (LocationOne Information System). - Coordinated and hosted FHERO EDO meeting to further discuss continuation of and addition of economic development tools for the region, as well as further review of the regional strategic plan - Meghan participated in the monthly Rural Economic Development Initiative call on behalf of the FHERO region
CareerSource Heartland Sector Strategies: Taylor and Meghan participated in CareerSource Heartland’s Sector Strategies meeting that was focused on developing the manufacturing workforce. The meeting included CareerSource Heartland Board Members, local and regional manufacturers, and economic development partners. Tina Berger with CareerSource Brevard facilitated the discussion and provided examples of successes she’s experienced in her sector strategy efforts in Brevard County.
Information Requests: - Looked into mobile home manufacturers in the region for a seasonal resident. - Avon Park Chamber asked for information on hotel/lodging associations. - Local property owner asked for update on the restoration of South Central Florida Express’s old steam locomotive for potential tourism opportunity. For anyone interested, there is a Facebook page dedicated to the restoration project. - Doctoral candidate writing thesis reached out for information on doing business in Highlands County, our targeted industries and other general economic development information. - Provided a listing of recent and future developments/projects within Highlands County to three different developers who are researching the area – this included to housing developers and retail developer. - Connected a housing developer with land owner for potential collaboration.
SBDC Seminar: HCED changed the SBDC agreement for FY 2017-2018 to vary the topics of seminars offered by the SBDC throughout the year. HCED suggested to SBDC that a joint seminar with Florida First Capital Finance Corporation would be a good option to provide existing businesses with information about opportunities with the SBA 504 Loan program to help with commercial real estate financing for owner occupied properties and machinery and equipment. HCED coordinated with SBDC Assistant Director to schedule the workshop for Tuesday, June 19 at 5:30 PM at the SBDC training room at South Florida State College.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT / PROJECTS New Business Prospects: Looked into site option for a confidential international lead from Enterprise Florida. Held initial call with new airport prospect and provided follow up information on potential programs and area wages. Held initial call with new brewery prospect and provided follow up information on potential programs and resources.
Sugar Sand Distillery: Sugar Sand Distillery opened on Saturday, April 7th for limited hours and later that day participated in the Sebring Soda Festival’s Pop & Fizz Cocktail Party.
Harder Hall: The developers attended and participated in the Developers’ Roundtable, as they also do multifamily housing projects around the county. Also, the senior living project is applying for Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRB). HCED has been working to get an understanding of the process and procedures, solidify IDA bond counsel, provide general information to IDA members, and coordinate public meetings, public hearings, etc.
Tru Hotel: Connected with the developers of the Tru Hotel project in Sebring and provided the entity with information on the Rural Jobs Tax Credit program that may apply to their operations. Solar: Connected developers looking to put together a solar panel project in Highlands County with potential sites.
Sun Pure Holding: Met with company and City of Avon Park administration to get an update on progress with waterline/sewer extension agreement between company and the City of Avon
Park. During Mr. DeLeon’s transition out of the City Manager role, there were miscommunications. What was thought to be a viable option for water/sewer line extensions to the company is not a viable option – increasing estimated costs from around $300,000 to potential millions. This cost increase is no longer feasible for the company, and for now they are looking into utilizing the existing well(s) on the property for water needs for their initial production needs. A higher-level conversation with HCED, County Administration and City of Avon Park Administration regarding water/sewer line extension into North Avon Park is being scheduled.
Biorefinery Prospect: Identified six additional sites across the county for the company after learning that the Sebring airport site is not an eligible zone for New Market Tax Credits – a program the company is hoping to utilize. Provided a sampling of average wages in Highlands County compared to the FHERO Region and the state for occupations consistent with their operations to give them an idea of labor costs. Organized a site visit and meeting with the land owner and Glades Electric for the company’s second visit to Highlands County. Continued conversations with Sebring Gas regarding natural gas access.
Project Aroma: Submitted response for an international business lead from Enterprise Florida including a potential building, information on regional wages for certain occupations, and other pertinent Highlands County information.
Project Dennison: Confidential project lead from Enterprise Florida for which a Highlands County response was submitted several months prior. The project’s consultant came back with a few questions regarding the site(s) submitted including transmission capacity, etc. Fielded questions with consultant, land owner, and utility providers.
Project Pack: Submitted response for an international business lead from Enterprise Florida including several potential sites, information on regional wages for certain occupations, and other pertinent Highlands County information.
OPERATIONAL Office Budget: First iteration of the economic development budget for FY 2018-2019 was submitted.
IDA Files: Continued sorting through IDA files to organize and purge in accordance with public record retention schedules
Tools: Continued looking into CRM integration options.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION EDC April Meeting: The April meeting was held on Wednesday, April 11th at South Florida State College. A tour of the college’s Advanced Manufacturing program/lab(s) was provided. EDC Quarterly Financial Reports: Coordinated the completion of the January, February, and March financial reports for the EDC and EDO accounts. Reports were compiled by the EDC/EDO bookkeeper Lynn McQueen.
NEWS BRIEFS USDA Implements up to $2.36 Billion to Help Agricultural Producers Recover after 2017 Hurricanes and Wildfires WASHINGTON, April 6, 2018 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will make disaster payments of up to $2.36 billion, as provided by Congress, to help America’s farmers and ranchers recover from hurricanes and wildfires. The funds are available as part of the new 2017 Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program (2017 WHIP). Sign-up for the new program, authorized by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, will begin no later than July 16.
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will make these disaster payments to agricultural producers to offset losses from hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and devastating wildfires. The 2017 calendar year was a historic year for natural disasters, and this investment is part of a broader suite of programs that USDA is delivering to rural America to aid recovery. In total, the Act provided more than $3 billion in disaster relief by creating new programs, and expediting or enhancing payments for producers.
“America’s farmers feed our nation and much of the world, and throughout history they have known good years and bad years. But when significant disasters strike, we are ready to step in and provide the assistance they need,” Secretary Perdue said. “USDA is working as quickly as possible to develop procedures and a system by which affected producers can access disaster assistance. For producers new to FSA programs, we encourage you to visit your local USDA service center now to establish farm records.”
The full press release can be found here.
GOV. SCOTT: LOW TAX OPPORTUNITY ZONES IN EVERY COUNTY WILL KEEP FLORIDA’S BOOMING ECONOMY GROWING On April 19, 2018, in News Releases, by Staff TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Rick Scott announced his recommendation to designate 427 communities across every Florida county as Low Tax Opportunity Zones. Low Tax Opportunity Zones, as established in the federal Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017, encourage long-term investment and job creation in targeted communities by reducing taxes for many job creators. Low Tax Opportunity Zones enhance local communities’ ability to attract businesses, developers and financial institutions to invest in targeted areas by allowing investors to defer capital gains taxes through investments in federally established Opportunity Funds.
Governor Scott said, “Today, I am proud to put forth my recommendations for 427 communities across every county in Florida to be designated as Low Tax Opportunity Zones. These Zones will make a real and lasting difference in some of our highest-need areas by helping to bring new capital investment and more jobs to every county across the state. They will also bring additional investment to rural communities and urban areas, ensuring that every Floridian has the chance to live the American Dream in the Sunshine State.
The full press release can be found here. A map showing the location of the nominated Opportunity Zones for all of Florida can be found here. A visual showing the location of the nominated Opportunity Zones for Highlands County is below:
State allocates funds for SFSC program April 28, 2018 – Highlands News Sun
South Florida State College was awarded $500,000 through a special funding allocation by the Florida Legislature to create a mobile welding lab that will provide low-cost, high-demand workforce training to the residents of Highlands, DeSoto and Hardee counties.
The announcement of the special funding came during the SFSC Foundation Inc. Spring Gala on Thursday evening at the Island View Restaurant.
With little new funding from the state, SFSC President Thomas Leitzel said there was a bright spot to report and a first in recent history for South Florida State College — special initiative funding thanks to the efforts of J.D. Alexander and his daughter, Keaton Alexander of Silver Palm Consulting.
They secured a half million dollars in funding for the mobile welding lab, he said.
A press release from the college offers the significance of the award and the need for the training.
Leitzel said, “Welding is a core skill for various jobs and industry sectors. We’re thrilled to be able to offer this specialized training in an innovative and convenient delivery method for the residents of our district.
“SFSC is extremely grateful to Senator Denise Grimsley and Representative Ben Albritton, who both sponsored the legislation that led this important funding initiative through their respective chambers.”
With no formal welding training programs available in Florida’s rural Heartland region, this mobile welding lab has the potential to train more than 150 students annually and offer short-term training options with significant income potential to the tri-county region.
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Services Sidney Valentine Jr. said the addition of the mobile lab will allow SFSC to not only reach students at its four campuses, but also area high schools and industry locations throughout the region.
The training will vary in length from degree, certificate and diploma programs to just-in-time workforce development training through SFSC’s Corporate and Community Education Department, Valentine said.
Welding is one of the most in-demand workforce skills with 3.4 percent annual growth in the Heartland region and an estimated 800 welders are needed annually in central Florida.
The lab will be housed in a large trailer with both simulator and live-welding units. Trainers and equipment will be included to facilitate arc welding. The lab will continuously travel throughout the tri-county region, as needed. http://yoursun.com/sunnews/sebring/14455157-699/story.html.csp
COMPETITIVENESS Opportunity Zones: Florida’s recommended opportunity zones have not yet been added to the list of designated qualified opportunity zones. Will continue to monitor.
Strategic Plan: Received approval from BOCC at the May 1st meeting to move forward with entering into a contract with VisionFirst Advisors to conduct the strategic plan, which will include a marketing and communications plan. We are now waiting on contract revisions/additions from the county attorney.
DEO Housing Study Grant: Coordinated a Letter of Support from John Shoop, Vice President of CenterState Bank.
DEO Asset Mapping Grant: Provided essential narrative for the grant as well as coordinated Letters of Support from the IDA chair, the School Board, and CareerSource Heartland.
EDA Aviation Cluster Study: The Central Florida Regional Planning Council submitted a grant application to the Economic Development Administration for a $300,000 matching grant to develop an Aviation Industry Cluster Collaboration, Feasibility, and Strategic Action Plan. The plan partners, for the purpose of the application, are proposed to be Lakeland Linder Airport, Winter Haven EDC, Highlands County EDC and Sebring Airport. The economic development office provided a Letter of Support for the application.
MARKETING / COMMUNICATIONS National OJ Day: Posted a feature on the Highlands Business Facebook page in celebration of National OJ and the impact the citrus industry contributes to the economy. SBDC Workshop Press Release: Submitted a press release to local media to inform them of a new business workshop coming in June: How to Own Your Building with an SBA 504 Loan. The workshop is presented in partnership by the economic development office, the Florida SBDC at University of South Florida, located at South Florida State College, Florida First Capital Finance Corporation and South Florida State College.
CULTIVATE RELATIONSHIPS Meetings: - Met with Sebring CRA Director to organize meeting with developer interested in multi- family housing opportunities downtown - Met with Bill McKown of the SBDC who has now retired but is venturing into independent consulting - Met with Gina Reynolds - Met with new IDA Issuer Bond Counsel - Met with Marc Hoenstine with Duke Energy who will now be our regional contact for Duke’s Economic Development team - Met with City of Avon Park administration to discuss big picture utilities expansion opportunities in North Avon Park
- Attended Sebring Chamber monthly luncheon - Meeting with FPL economic development team - Meeting with Rob Sitterley, Merit Advisors, and Joel Gunter, Enterprise Florida. - FDEP call regarding upcoming Regional Brownfield Symposium being held in Sebring. - Sebring Chamber May Mixer - Sebring Chamber May Luncheon - Attended Avon Chamber legislative update luncheon - Meeting with City of Sebring Administrator - Meeting with Carol Howard to discuss opportunities for pursuing grants for water/sewer infrastructure projects - Met with representative from vendor ROI to learn more about their new Gazelle lead generation tool - Participated in Enterprise Florida’s monthly stakeholders call
COMMUNITY COLLABORATION/OUTREACH Florida Heartland Economic Region of Opportunity: - Participated in the FHERO Board Meeting, which included HCED presenting the tool CoStar for consideration, as well as an FEDC Forum panel of Representative Albritton, regional state college representatives, CareerSource and Enterprise Florida - CoStar conference call - Fixed error that caused the FHERO website to go offline for one day. - Met with Joel Gunter of Enterprise Florida (EFI) to discuss opportunity for an EFI coordinated site selectors in market mission trip with FHERO. Will continue to coordinate this, but the preliminary aim is for Atlanta in October.
Heartland Association of Realtors Affiliates Fair: Hosted a booth at the association’s affiliates fair.
EDA Disaster Supplemental Funding: Provided information to appropriate partners regarding $587 million now available through the U.S. Economic Development Administration to communities impacted by Hurricane Irma and other recent natural disaster.
Information Requests: - Special District partner requested information on the County’s ad valorem tax exemption program for reference. - Regional partner reached out for local molasses manufacturers for an export opportunity, shared the ask with FHERO regional partners. - County Profile = received four different requests for the county profile. The requestors were disseminating the profiles to clients in the sports, retail, development, and insurance industries. - A developer requested a map of Highlands County with a visualization of the location of the county’s top employers. - Followed up on pending questions related to the federal HubZone program that were originally submitted to the federal office in March.
- Local business requested a list of local marketing and public relations companies. - Assisted local start-up with issue related to concurrency and traffic study needs.
ESF 18: Emergency Management called a meeting with the economic development office to provide information on changes that will be instated this year for hurricane activations. They also tasked the economic development office with creating the appropriate management plan for ESF 18.
12 Counties Initiative: The 12 Counties Initiative is a priority of the Governor as his office and other state offices such as DEO look to work with communities that have not recovered economically as quickly as other major metros. They are now wanting to take a harder focus on some of these communities, including Highlands County. The goal is to schedule a Highlands County roundtable to network with state agencies and discuss strengths and challenges of economic development in the community, and ultimately agree upon top properties. These top priorities will then be used by DEO to develop and deliver a tangible roadmap and match the priorities with potential state or federal resources.
Florida Economic Development Council Annual Conference: Attended the FEDC Annual Conference, which provided the opportunity to network with statewide economic development partners, site selection consultants and vendors. The conference included roundtable topics such as talent solutions, site readiness, lead generation, etc., as well as panel discussions on talent development through sector strategies, site selection consultant insights, legislative updates, and partnerships for Florida’s prosperity.
International Economic Development Council Workforce Development Training: IEDC partnered with FEDC to hold their workforce development course at the end of the FEDC conference. Training topics included understanding the workforce system, talent recruitment and retention, challenges and opportunities, accessing workforce resources to meet economic development goals, understanding occupational analysis, and more. The training also provided networking opportunities with economic development professionals from around the country.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT / PROJECTS
Harder Hall: Continued coordinating Industrial Revenue Bond issuance process: - Coordinated initial call with IDA counsel and IDA Board Chair. - Held special IDA board meeting for initial review and tentative approval of inducement resolution to move forward in issuance process. - Continued to forward pertinent information to board members and commissioners.
- Drafted overview memo for City of Sebring leadership and to request attendance/support at June 5 BOCC/TEFRA Public Hearing. - Coordinated public meeting/hearing notifications with the Highlands News Sun for line ad publications. - Coordinated one-on-one meetings with applicant representative and each of the five county commissioners as well as county administration in advance to the June 5 BOCC/TEFRA Public Hearing. - Participated in weekly due diligence checklist calls .
The Harder Hall Developers were also in town the week of May 21st to continue conversations started at the Developers’ Roundtable. HCED coordinated with the Sebring CRA to schedule building tours, and meetings with local stakeholders/larger employers to further discuss the multi-family housing needs in the county and explore support opportunities.
Sun Pure Holding: Continued conversations with the company regarding their progress in selling the 30+ acres of groves they own and how the timing of the sale could impact cash flow and timing of beginning of operations.
Biorefinery Prospect: Have pinged the company, but have not yet received an update. Will continue to reach out.
Project Guards: Submitted response for an international business lead from Enterprise Florida including a potential building, information on regional wages for certain occupations, and other pertinent Highlands County information.
Project Pavement: Confidential, consultant-led lead from Enterprise Florida Completed RFI and provided other pertinent Highlands County information including two potential build-to- suit site options.
Aviation Expo Lead: Keeping up to date on this international company’s progress as it continues to consider a US Sales office at the Sebring Airport. The company was able to connect with the French Consul in Tampa after introduction was made by HCED with the help of Enterprise Florida and their France office.
OPERATIONAL Office Budget: Participated in department budget meeting for review. HCED presented a budget that maintained funding from the previous year and did not include increases in the budget. HCED was directed to cut $1,600 from the budget.
IDA Files: Continued sorting through IDA files to organize and purge in accordance with public record retention schedules
Tools: Continued looking into CRM integration options.
IDA Reemployment Tax: Facilitated final payment for former IDA employee reemployment benefit.
RAO Compliance Report: Submitted bi-annual compliance report for the county’s Rural Area of Opportunity designation.
Industrial Revenue Bonds: Coordinated the creation of a new special revenue fund for the IDA fees received from Industrial Revenue Bond activities.
IDA Vacancy: Former board member Gina Reynolds resigned from the IDA in May. Facilitated proper notification to the Board of County Commissioners and the county Public Information Officer. Also provided an update to the current individuals who have submitted an application to serve on the IDA.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
NEWS BRIEFS The Most and Least Expensive Places to Live in America Business Insider utilized recently released data on personal income and the cost of living in 2016 via the Bureau of Economic Analysis to identify and write an article on the most and least expensive places to live in in the US. In the article, Sebring is highlighted as one of the ten least expensive places. The full article can be found here.
COMPETITIVENESS Florida Job Growth Grant Fund: Reviewed local partner’s proposal and had a call with Enterprise Florida (EFI) regarding Highlands County partner submissions; making sure they are aware of our partners’ proposals as EFI and DEO prepare to restart their considerations for approvals for the new fiscal year starting in July.
Opportunity Zones: Florida’s recommended opportunity zones have been designated and Highlands County’s remain consistent with the four zones recommended by Governor Scott. As a reminder, these zones are: Tract 9603 (Avon Park), Tract 9601.03 (Spanning Avon Park and Sebring), Tract 9612 (Sebring), and Tract 9617 (Lake Placid). The IRS is still currently working on guidance under IRC 1400Z-2 (including the certification of Qualified Opportunity Funds and eligible investments in Qualified Opportunity Zones).
MARKETING / COMMUNICATIONS How to Own Your Building Workshop: Distributed press release to media about June workshop. The press release resulted in a story in the Highlands News Sun. June Upcoming Events Email Blast: Distributed an email to community distribution list to increase awareness about the business-related workshops in the county in June.
CULTIVATE RELATIONSHIPS Meetings: - Met with Sebring CRA Director - Met with Eileen Rodriguez, Regional Director; Yanina Rosario, Associate Director; and Carl Hadden, Assistant Director of the SBDC at USF - Met with Highlands County Ag Extension Director/Citrus Agent, Laurie Hurner - Held call with Callie Walker of the Department of Agriculture - Held call with Florida Division of Emergency Management - Attended Sebring Chamber monthly luncheon and Legislative Review Luncheon - Attended the Long Term Recovery Group meeting - Attended Lake Placid Chamber luncheon - Enterprise Florida Board Meeting (watched remotely) - Attended Central Florida Development Council’s Meet the Project “Nucor” event - Provided economic development update at the CareerSource Heartland Board Meeting COMMUNITY COLLABORATION/OUTREACH Florida Heartland Economic Region of Opportunity: - Coordinated new FHERO Board Meeting location
- Continued conversations and narrowed down targeted dates with Enterprise Florida about the next FHERO site selection consultant trip. Looking at first or second week of October.
Information Requests: - Provided demographic, consumer expenditure, and average income information for a non- profit start-up prospect. Lead came from planning/zoning department. - Provided information on potential grant opportunities for flood mitigation for county building official and county engineer. - Directed caller to appropriate resources for LIHEAM/utility bill payment assistance programs. - A customer requested utility maps and as-builts for sites of interest for a prospective business. We provided him with speculative utility maps, but we did not have the requested as-builts. - Provided essential data and statistics to Habitat for Humanity for use in a grant submission. - Provided information about recent employment growth to an inquiring developer. Leadership Highlands Facilitated Discussion: Developed and facilitated the final class for the current Leadership Highlands group. Taylor led the group through an in-depth discussion about the strengths and challenges in Highlands County and specific ways to improve various services in the county.
Sebring Chamber June Luncheon: The Economic Development office was the presenter at the Sebring Chamber’s June meeting. The luncheon and presentation was sponsored by Heacock Insurance. Taylor and Meghan provided the group with an update on the county’s economy and recent developments in the office. We also did a soft launch of the business storm kit campaign.
ESF 18: Participated in Hurricane Season Kickoff Meeting to learn about new changes in process and procedures for this year’s season.
Developed a business disaster resource guide and checklist for the essential business documents businesses should protect and have quick access to after a storm. Developed and procured waterproof document holders to distribute to businesses with the resource guide and checklist.
Developed an online web page – highlandsbusiness.com/disaster – to serve as the source of all disaster-related information businesses need before, during and after a storm.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Regional Brownfield Symposium: Commissioner Brooks provided the opening remarks at the Brownfield Symposium that was hosted at the Chateau Elan in Sebring.
12 Counties Initiative: Continued coordination of the Highlands County Roundtable with the state Department of Economic Opportunity. The roundtable provides the community the opportunity to network with state agencies and discuss strengths and challenges of economic development in the community, and ultimately agree upon top properties. These top priorities will then be used by DEO to develop and deliver a tangible roadmap and match the priorities with potential state or federal resources.
SBDC & FFCFC Seminar | How to Own Your Own Building with an SBA 504 Loan: In an effort to vary seminar topics offered by the SBDC, HCED connected the SBDC with William Wilson of Florida First Capital Finance Corporation to hold a seminar for local businesses about how they can utilize an SBA 504 loan to stop renting and purchase a building. The seminar had 12 attendees which is an increase from the 2-4 which is typically seen at the standard Starting Your Business Course. Meghan gave a brief presentation on HCED.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT / PROJECTS Diversified CPC International / Project Allegro: On June 6th, it was announced that Diversified CPC International selected the Sebring Regional Airport/Sebring Multimodal Logistics Center as its newest manufacturing facility. The company is headquartered in Illinois and is a global leader in the production and manufacturing of aerosol propellants, specialty gases, alternative fuels, etc. Highlands County Economic Development held numerous meetings/conversations with the company’s consultant beginning in November last year to discuss potential programs and other local resources. The Airport’s press release can be found at the end of the Activity Report.
Harder Hall: Continued coordinating Industrial Revenue Bond issuance process: - Held TEFRA Public Hearing at the June 5 BOCC Meeting at which the Board passed the TEFRA Resolution 4-1. - Continued to forward pertinent information and updates to board members and commissioners. - Coordinated public meeting/hearing notifications with the Highlands News Sun for line ad publications. - Rescheduled June 19 special IDA meeting to regularly scheduled July 11 meeting due to reasonably final feasibility study not being ready in time for review in advance. - Coordinating updates for TEFRA Resolution between County Attorney and IDA’s Issuers Counsel. - Participated in weekly due diligence checklist calls. - Transcribed TEFRA Hearing discussion for legal to clarify resolution changes.
Glass Bottle Outlet: Met with company to learn more about what they do and inform them of our office and potential resources. Reconnected them with CareerSource Heartland, as a warehouse position is proving difficult to fill and retain. Also followed up with an overview email of potential programs for future expansion and other local resources such as the SBDC and information on how they can possibly benefit from the Sebring Airport’s Foreign Trade Zone that spans all of Highlands County and our six-county FHERO region.
Next Stop Transportation: Met with beginning-stage company and provided information on NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes, the state’s business information portal, referred them to the SBDC and made them aware of CareerSource Heartland and their services. Inquiry was passed to HCED by tourism office.
Sun Pure Holding: Coordinated and attended a meeting with the company and CareerSource Heartland to discuss upcoming hiring needs, as the company anticipating starting operations in September.
Biorefinery Prospect: Company has indicated that they are pursuing their first facility in Columbia County to utilize pine as biomass. Company is still looking at Highlands County for access to citrus trees as biomass for a second facility, but are concerned with black spot fungus and how quarantine requirements could impact their biomass procurement. HCED reached out to the UF Ag Extension, Highlands County Citrus Growers Association and the Department of Agriculture to learn more. Found that the company can apply for a limited permit to transport and process impacted biomass, and that it has potential to be an opportunity rather than a barrier. Relayed this information to the company and followed up with a summary email. Will continue to monitor.
Aviation Expo Prospect: Provided information to prospect regarding salary scale for sales positions, per capita income and household incomes as well as the Heartland Association of Realtors and healthcare requirements in the U.S. The prospect will be in town in August.
1st Choice Primary Care: New practice that opened in April. Was referred to HCED by someone that saw our presentation at the Sebring Chamber Luncheon. Had a call to discuss local resources such as the SBDC and CareerSource Heartland. Provided follow up email with summary information and additional information on potential Health IT companies in Florida and the local agent for business healthcare coverage. Coordinated and attended meeting with CareerSource Heartland to discuss their services and the practice’s upcoming hiring needs.
Project Pavement: Received notice from Enterprise Florida that they were informed by the consultant that none of the Florida options made the cut. EFI has requested feedback from the consultant and will share if they receive any. This was a confidential, consultant-led lead from Enterprise Florida for which Highlands County Economic Development completed a request for information (RFI) and provided other pertinent Highlands County information including two potential build-to-suit site options.
Project Acres: Met with prospect to get an update on how the project is coming along. Also met with zoning to clarify land use questions. Worked with property appraiser’s ag department to get clarification on greenbelt exemption.
Local Manufacturing Prospect: Local business-owner looking to also get into manufacturing reached out looking for a small, existing square footage that could compete with an offer from Hardee County for a building at $2 per square foot per year. Searched extensively, but was unable to find existing space at that price range within the Sebring area. HCED provided information on potential state programs that can be utilized in both Highlands and Hardee counties and is working to schedule a meeting to discuss prospect’s existing Highlands County business. Prospect was appreciative of the effort.
EFI FDI Prospect: Enterprise Florida reached out to see if we had a building that could work for a foreign prospect looking to manufacture in the US. The company was originally considering South Florida but was surprised by the high costs and at the suggestion of EFI, decided to look inland. HCED submitted a potential building.
Housing Prospect: Met with Community Relations Liaison out of Miami to continue the discussion for a potential housing project, which included planning, zoning and the health
department. The meeting clarified the number of units per parcel/lot allowed and provided discussion on possible amenities the development will consider offering.
NEWS BRIEFS County Approves $45M Bond Issue SEBRING — County commissioners have approved a $45 million bond issue for the rehabilitation of Harder Hall. The Tax Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) resolution county commissioners approved Tuesday will authorize the Highlands County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) to issue industrial revenue bonds on behalf of South Florida Senior Living (SFSL) LP, which will convert the 1920s-era hotel into a combination of independent-, assisted- and memory-care living units. Read more here.
Sebring Airport Authority Gains A New Manufacturing Tenant Supporting The Local Community Sebring, FL, June 6, 2018— Diversified CPC International has signed a 25-year lease that includes almost four acres of land and an existing 6,000 sq. ft. office building and warehouse at Sebring Multimodal Logistics Center. Bob Scott, Project Engineer has been coordinating with the Sebring Airport Authority, CSX Transportation, and local contractors to finalize the projects multiple facets in preparation to begin construction in June. Details were finalized on the building and property lease within the Sebring Multimodal Logistics Center over the spring. Stated Bob Scott, “Diversified CPC International is here to stay. This investment in Sebring, Florida is a clear demonstration of our commitment to our customers in the region and the local economy. In fact, our General Contractor, Wes Abney and Steve Dobbs the Engineer are both from Okeechobee, and Excavation Point our Civil Contractor is from Sebring.” Diversified CPC International Overview Diversified CPC International, Inc. headquartered in Channahon, Illinois, is a global leader in the production and manufacturing of the highest quality aerosol propellants, specialty gases, alternative fuels, NGL refrigerants, physical foam blowing agents, and related products available. Their time-tested technology and customer-driven approach provides the DCPC client with a unique competitive advantage. At Diversified CPC, you'll see a difference every step of the way - from transfer and blending, right through delivery. When their products arrive, you know they are just as pure, consistent, and stable as when they left their processing facilities. In addition to providing quality products, the company maintains an unmatched focus on client satisfaction and offers an array of value-added services. Diversified CPC provides safety and operations consultation, storage tank sales and installation, and supply chain management to help clients meet their safety and operational goals. In addition to production facilitates in Channahon, IL, additional facilities are located in Sparta, NJ, Anaheim, CA, and Petal, MS. Advanced distribution terminals include Miami, FL, which is being replaced by the new Sebring facility, serving the Caribbean and Ajax, Ontario, serving Canada. Sebring Multimodal Logistics Center is a 2,000-acre commerce park and airport. Sebring Regional Airport operates the only Community Redevelopment Agency located within an airport and commerce park in the country. The airport is a designated Foreign Trade Zone offering many tax benefits and is home to Sebring International Raceway.
Small Businesses Can Own Building Workshop Tuesday on Small Business Administration Loan Sunday, 06/17/2018 By PHIL ATTINGER
SEBRING — Once people own their own business, they may want to see about owning their own location.
That’s where a workshop on the U.S. Small Business Administration 504 Loan comes in. A joint seminar by Highlands County Economic Development, the Small Business Development Center, Florida First Capital Finance Corporation and University of South Florida at South Florida State College University Center will cover what local entrepreneurs would need to know to go from leasing to buying, building or renovating their own storefront.
The event is 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesday at University Center Room 109 at 600 W. College Drive in Avon Park. Cost is $10 and a reservation is requested.
Interested parties can reserve a seat by calling 863-784-7405 and talking to Florida SBDC business consultant Michael Noel. The course code is CRN30817.
Highlands County Economic Development Manager Taylor Benson said William Wilson with Florida First Capital recently presented the idea to the Highlands County Economic Development Commission/Industrial Development Authority to put on a series of seminars on various topics to help business owners thrive.
Benson said the SBDC has always had the 504 building loan program available. “There’s been little utilization of the program in the community,” she said. She doesn’t know if it’s not a good fit for business owners, or they just don’t know about it.
In this seminar, Benson said, small business owners will learn: • How the 504 loan program can help them buy, build or renovate a location, as well as fund investment in equipment for as little as 10 percent down payment. • How an SBA certified development company can co-lend with their banks/ credit unions to provide low-interest, below market-rate loans. • About tools available from the SBDC at the University of South Florida can improve profitability with behavioral assessments, profit mastery training, growth acceleration and export marketing plans.
For further details, contact Noel at 863-784-7405.