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.

FMI: www.spaceflorida.gov