Florida Economic Development Council

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Florida Economic Development Council

Celebrating 50 Years of economic development education, advocacy and connectivity. Learn more at https://fedconline.org Why join FEDC?

Join the 500+ economic development professionals FEDC represents

The Florida Economic Development Council is a membership-based not-for-profit (501c6) corporation that relies on support from its members and investors to educate and inform business and government leaders about key economic development issues and initiatives. We are Florida’s primary resource for economic development related policy

development, education, and networking. The Florida Economic Development Council educates, advocates, and connects you to economic development efforts in the state. The staff, board members and committee members of the Florida Economic Development Council are dedicated to providing leadership and vision to advance economic development professionals and economic development throughout the state of Florida as a whole. So, what are the benefits of FEDC Membership? Members of the Florida Economic Development Council Receive:

Access to Online Membership Directory
Recognition in Florida Trend’s Business Florida Magazine
Daily Economic Development News Updates via Social Media
Economic Development News Summaries via Email
Recognition from the Economic Development Community for Your Work
And more. Member-Exclusive Opportunities Include the Ability to:

Stay Current with Ever-Changing State Economic Development Programs
Share Best Practices Among Economic Development Industry Professionals
Have a Voice in State and Federal Economic Development Policy
Highlight Your Organization in Our Communications
Develop and Maintain a Network of Economic Development Professionals
Attend the Annual Florida Economic Development Conference
Become an Investor and/or Strategic Partner of the Florida Economic Development Conference
and much more! Join the Florida Economic Development Council today!

08/31/2026

Florida’s economic success did not happen by accident.

Businesses invest here because communities can support growth with roads, infrastructure, public safety, utilities, stormwater improvements and the amenities that help attract and retain talent.

Amendment 3 would significantly reduce the property tax revenues counties and municipalities rely on to help provide those investments. That creates a larger question than property taxes alone: How do Florida communities continue supporting growth when the resources available to them are reduced?

The Florida Economic Development Council supports thoughtful property tax reform that strengthens Florida’s ability to attract capital and talent, support vibrant local economies, and remain competitive for future investment.

Learn more about Amendment 3 and its potential impacts through VoteNoOnAmendment3.com and Florida TaxWatch’s Property Tax Resource Center.

08/24/2026

A new program year is underway at the Florida Economic Development Council, and there has never been a better time to be part of the network moving Florida forward. FEDC brings together more than 500 professionals across all 67 counties: economic developers, public officials, educators, utilities, and private-sector partners, all working to grow Florida’s economy.

Membership means timely policy updates, professional development scholarships, statewide networking, and a seat at the table where Florida’s economic future is shaped. Whether you’re renewing or joining for the first time, make this the year you plug into Florida’s economic development community.

Join or renew today: https://www.fedconline.org.

08/21/2026

Please join us in recognizing Casey Barnes as he transitions from FEDC Board Chair to Chair of the FEDC Foundation.

Casey’s leadership as Board Chair helped strengthen FEDC’s advocacy, programming, and statewide impact throughout the 2025–26 year. In his new role leading the FEDC Foundation, he will continue to advance the scholarships, research, and professional development that invest in the next generation of Florida’s economic development leaders.

Casey also extends his sincere thanks to the board members who dedicated their time and leadership to FEDC’s mission during the 2025–26 year:

▪️ Pamela Nabors, President & CEO, CareerSource Central Florida; 2025 Toni Jennings Workforce Development Professional of the Year (Chair Appointment)
▪️ John Fremstad, OUC – The Reliable One (Chair Appointment)
▪️ Keith Norden, CEcD, President & CEO, Team Volusia; 2025 Eunice Sullivan Economic Development Professional of the Year; FEDC East Central Regional Director
▪️ Jimmy Norris, MEDP, Economic Development Director, Suwannee County; FEDC North Central Regional Director
▪️ Becca Hardin, President & CEO, Bay Economic Development Alliance (Chair Appointment)

Thank you all for your service and commitment to advancing Florida’s economy.

08/19/2026

Please join us in welcoming David Coddington as Chair of the Florida Economic Development Council for the 2026–2027 term.

David is Senior Vice President of Business Development at The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Broward County’s official public-private partnership for economic development, where he guides national and international companies through expansion and relocation decisions with a focus on the aviation and information technology sectors. He is also the founder of South Florida TechGateway.

“Florida’s economy is strong, and the FEDC has a critical role to play in ensuring our state remains competitive, connected, and prepared for the future,” said Coddington. “I’m committed to channeling that same energy for every region of Florida.”

As Chair, David will guide new statewide programming across FEDC’s three core pillars: Educate, Advocate, and Connect. He succeeds Casey Barnes, who now serves as FEDC Foundation Chair.

We’re also pleased to share David’s Chair appointments to the FEDC Board of Directors:

▪️ Sam Blatt, CEcD, Amazon (appointed to the Executive Committee)
▪️Dennis Holste, Orange County
▪️Anna Lebesch, Ph.D., JAXUSA Partnership
▪️Ilona Vega Jaramillo, CEcD, Miami-Dade Beacon Council

Welcome, David! We look forward to your leadership in the year ahead.

08/17/2026

This month’s member spotlight shines on the inaugural FEDC Emerge Class, the next generation of economic, workforce, and community development leaders, and they’re taking the stage at the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) Annual Conference in Bonita Springs, Florida.

Join FEDC Director of Membership Jessica Hoover, IOM and Ray Villegas, IOM of Lake Economic Area Development (LEAD) Partnership, FEDC Emerge Class Advisor, as they host the FEDC Emerge Class for "Hidden Workforce: A Look Inside Florida's Reentry Workforce System" on Tuesday, August 18 from 2:30 to 4:00 PM in the Blue Heron Ballroom.

Gain a better understanding of how the Florida Department of Corrections prepares individuals for life after incarceration. Through an engaging simulation led by Amy Frizzell, Director of the Office of Programs and Re-Entry at the Florida Department of Corrections, participants will explore workforce training, reentry pathways, and the collaborative roles of corrections, workforce organizations, employers, and community partners in supporting successful transitions.

You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective and a new resource for second-chance employers. All SEDC attendees are welcome, with plenty of opportunities to actively participate. Don’t miss it.

08/13/2026

We are proud to recognize Bill Cronin, President/CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council, as the recipient of the 2026 Eunice Sullivan Economic Development Professional of the Year Award.

For more than 30 years, Bill has demonstrated exceptional leadership, built strong partnerships, and helped drive meaningful economic growth across Florida. Since joining the Pasco EDC in 2016, his leadership has contributed to more than $1.8 billion in capital investment and the creation of 11,600 new jobs in Pasco County.

This prestigious award honors individuals whose careers have made a lasting impact on Florida's economic future through leadership, innovation, and service.

Please join us in congratulating Bill on this well-deserved recognition!

Read the full press release: https://pascoedc.com/press-releases/article/florida-economic-development-council-honors-bill-cronin.

07/29/2026

Invest in your professional growth with support from the FEDC Foundation. Scholarship applications for the new fiscal year are now open through October 15.

Available opportunities include:

◾ M.D. "Mickie" Birdsall Scholarship: Covers tuition for the IEDC Basic Economic Development Course held each November at the University of South Florida in Tampa.
◾C2ER Scholarship: Provides up to $5,000 for tuition and travel to become a Certified Economic Research Professional (CERP).
◾Site Consultant Events Attendance Scholarship: Helps cover the cost of attending national site consultant events held in Florida.

Whether you're expanding your knowledge, advancing your career, or building new connections, these scholarships are designed to support Florida's economic development professionals.

Applications are due October 15.

Learn more and apply: https://www.fedconline.org/fedc-foundation/scholarships

07/01/2026

“The Governor’s 2026-2027 budget recognizes that economic success starts with people and places,” said Beth Cicchetti, Executive Director of the Florida Economic Development Council. “By ensuring strategic funding for workforce development, transportation infrastructure, and local readiness programs gives Florida’s communities, especially small and rural communities, the tools they need to attract investment, grow businesses, and deliver lasting economic impact statewide.” Learn more >> bit.ly/4xWGWqE

06/05/2026

Congratulations to Bill Cronin, President & CEO of Pasco Economic Development Council, on being recognized as the 2026 Eunice Sullivan Economic Development Professional of the Year at FEDC IGNITE 2026.

This prestigious award recognizes outstanding leadership, long-term impact, and dedication to advancing economic development throughout Florida.

Through his vision, leadership, and commitment to building strong partnerships and opportunities, Bill has played an important role in driving growth and strengthening the economic future of Pasco County and the state of Florida.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition and outstanding achievement.

06/03/2026

Congratulations to Marci Murphy, Executive Director of CareerSource Brevard Flagler Volusia, on being recognized as the 2026 Toni Jennings Workforce Development Professional of the Year at FEDC IGNITE 2026.

This prestigious recognition honors leaders who demonstrate exceptional commitment to workforce development, talent advancement, and creating opportunities that strengthen Florida’s economy and communities.

Through her leadership and dedication, Marci continues to make a meaningful impact by supporting workforce growth, connecting talent to opportunity, and helping shape a stronger future for the region and the state.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.

Address

3551 Blairstone Road, Ste 105/138
Tallahassee, FL
32301

Telephone

+18506010870

Website

https://www.fedconline.org/

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