Lake Economic Area Development Partnership - LEAD

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Lake Economic Area Development Partnership - LEAD

Public/private non-profit org. created to strengthen & unite the Lake County (FL) regional economy

08/28/2026

Getting an inside look at Lake County’s manufacturing sector, LEAD recently visited Metro Steel USA in Tavares to learn more about the company’s operations, capabilities, and plans for growth.

Metro Steel’s 200,000-square-foot facility supports custom steel, stainless steel, and aluminum fabrication, including CNC machining, laser and plasma cutting, robotic welding, and heavy fabrication.

These industry connections are a key part of LEAD’s economic development efforts. By working directly with local manufacturers, we can better understand their challenges and opportunities, help support business expansion, and strengthen the industrial base that contributes to Lake County’s long-term economic growth.

08/26/2026

LEAD recently hosted our Stakeholder Economic Development Update, bringing together the individuals and organizations who play an important role in supporting LEAD’s mission and Lake County’s economic future. The update provided an opportunity to share LEAD’s current initiatives, economic development activity, and priorities for the year ahead.

We appreciate our stakeholders for their continued involvement, insight, investment, and commitment to LEAD. Their engagement helps strengthen our partnerships and ensures we are working together to create new opportunities, support local businesses, and grow Lake County’s economy.

08/24/2026

Domu Cabinets recently toured Lake Technical College to learn more about the manufacturing programs and hands-on training available to students. With more than 20 years of experience in cabinet manufacturing and a focus on quality, technology, and continuous improvement, Domu brings valuable industry perspective to conversations about the skills needed in today’s workforce.

LEAD helped connect Domu with Lake Tech and joined the tour, creating an opportunity for industry and education to better understand each other’s needs and capabilities. Connections like this are important to strengthening the talent pipeline, helping businesses identify skilled workers, and ensuring students are prepared for the careers available in today’s manufacturing industry.

Bridging the gap between education and workforce needs is an important part of building a strong and competitive local economy.

08/21/2026

LEAD’s Betsy Sorg represented our organization at the Southern Economic Development Council’s 2026 Annual Conference in Bonita Springs, joining more than 700 economic development leaders, changemakers, and industry professionals from across the South.

The conference provided valuable opportunities to hear from industry experts such as Alexander Holt with Seraphim Space about "The Space Economy"; "How EDO's are using AI" from Rob Camoin, Dillion Roberts, and Jeff Knauss; a data-filled presentation from Ted Abernathy about "How Complacency Kills" and the importance of being competitive in EconDev; and an encouraging address from the Honorable J. Alex Kelly, Florida's Secretary of Commerce.

There were many opportunities to share and learn best practices, including a witty and motivational talk from Joe Max Higgings about "Why Economic Development Exists, Why Urgency Matters, and Why This Work Changes Lives", along with keynote speeches and panels from the South's Top Leaders about trends, priorities and strategies shaping our region.

She was also able to connect with the FEDC Emerging Leaders group, who are shaping the future of economic growth, and participate in an eye-opening simulation with the Florida Department of Corrections about preparing individuals for life after incarceration.

These connections and insights help LEAD stay informed on emerging strategies and bring new ideas back to Lake County to support continued economic growth and opportunity.

08/19/2026

This week’s Small Business of the Week is Studio Agnew, a creative business based in Howey-in-the-Hills that brings together art, design, storytelling, and sustainability. The business offers fine art prints, repurposed fashion, interactive children’s books, and DIY creative kits, demonstrating the range of small businesses contributing to Lake County’s growing economy.

Studio Agnew recently presented at 1 Million Cups - Clermont, FL and 1 Million Cups - Lake County/Eustis, FL, providing an opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and receive feedback from peers. Programs like 1 Million Cups play an important role in Lake County’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by creating opportunities for business owners to share ideas, learn from one another, and build connections that can help support business growth.

Supporting and connecting entrepreneurs is an important part of creating a diverse and resilient local economy, and businesses like Studio Agnew contribute to that growing ecosystem right here in Lake County.

08/17/2026

LEAD was proud to attend the grand opening of Lake Technical College’s new Clermont campus, celebrating an exciting investment in education and workforce development in Lake County.

Expanding access to career and technical education helps build the skilled workforce local businesses need to grow and succeed.

Partnerships between education, business and economic development are essential to creating opportunities, strengthening our workforce and supporting Lake County’s continued economic growth.

08/13/2026

Building a stronger Lake County starts with bringing the right people to the table.

LEAD recently hosted a private dinner with local business owners to share our vision for Lake County’s economic future and discuss the important role the private sector plays in shaping it.

We were proud to have LEAD Vice Chair Lance Sewell of Orlando Health, LEAD board member Marc Hoenstine of Duke Energy, and LEAD board member Spencer Schar, President of Bella Collina, join the conversation alongside other local business owners.

Meaningful economic development takes collaboration. Bringing business leaders together for conversations about our community’s future helps strengthen the partnerships that move Lake County forward. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and shared their time, ideas and perspective.

08/11/2026

Strong communities are built by strong businesses.

While attracting new companies is important, supporting the businesses that already call Lake County home is just as essential. Existing businesses create jobs, invest in our community, and drive long-term economic growth.

At LEAD, business retention and expansion is a core part of our mission. We work with local employers to understand their needs, connect them with resources, and help them continue to grow and succeed in Lake County.

When local businesses thrive, our entire community benefits.

08/07/2026

LEAD is proud to recognize Betsy Sorg, Director of Business Retention/Expansion, on her acceptance into the Economic Development Council's (FEDC) inaugural EMERGE Cohort, a leadership development program for emerging economic development professionals.

Most recently, Betsy participated in EMERGE's "Quiz the OGs" session, connecting with experienced leaders, including former Florida Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope, FEDC Executive Director Beth Cicchetti, Lucienne Pears of Babcock Ranch, Heather Shubirg of FloridaCommerce and 2027-2028 FEDC Chair-Elect, and David Coddington, President & CEO of The Fort Lauderdale Alliance and current FEDC Chair.

Supporting the inaugural cohort, LEAD Vice President Ray Villegas was selected to serve as the program's first Class Advisor, providing guidance and mentorship to the next generation of economic development leaders across Florida.

Congratulations to Betsy and Ray on these outstanding accomplishments and for representing LEAD and Lake County at the state level.

08/05/2026

LEAD along with Lake County Florida's Economic Development, toured Justice Electronic Training Services (J.E.T.S.) in Groveland to learn more about the company's impact on advanced manufacturing and workforce development in Lake County.

J.E.T.S. is an American, woman-owned electronics manufacturing company and IPC Authorized Training Center, bringing more than 35 years of expertise in manufacturing, testing, quality inspection, and specialized electronics training. The company serves the aerospace, aviation, defense, medical, military, and commercial industries while helping develop the skilled workforce needed to support these critical sectors.

By combining advanced manufacturing with hands-on workforce training, J.E.T.S. helps build the skilled talent pipeline that supports long-term economic growth in Lake County.

LEAD appreciates the opportunity to visit with the J.E.T.S. team and learn more about their continued investment in Lake County's growing manufacturing industry.

Address

600 Market Street
Leesburg, FL

Telephone

+13527644123

Website

https://leadinglake.com/, https://linktr.ee/lakeeconomicareadevelopment

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