9/15/10: FAC hosts Economic Recovery Summit
Sep 15, 2010: FAC hosts Economic Recovery Summit with Northwest Florida community leaders
Summit discussed the comprehensive and diverse impacts from the oil
spill including public health, tourism, the environment and more
OKALOOSA - Today, the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) hosted the
Gulf Coast Economic Recovery Summit. The Summit brought together
experts from across the state and region focusing on the state, federal
and BP recovery process along with the many other regional issues
involved in recovery.
“We must now focus on helping our counties develop a long term plan to
ensure their complete recovery from this tragedy,” said Chris Holley,
Executive Director of the FAC, “By bringing all of these leaders
together in one place we can help each other get on the same page to
ensure recovery plans take into account the entire region.”
During the morning, Northwest economic expert Dr. Rick Harper painted
the picture of recovery for the region. Then Florida’s Director of
Tourism and Economic Development and CEO of Workforce Florida Chris Hart
discussed the activities of the Governor’s Economic Recovery Task Force
and roads the state is taking to ensure recovery. Following the
state’s presentation, BP Vice President Ray Dempsey discussed the Gulf
Coast Recovery Operations that BP is implementing in the region to
assist in recovery. Finally, Edward Smith from the US Department of
Commerce Economic Development Administration discussed activities
currently being conducted by the Federal Government to assist in
recovery.
“This is the first time the region’s leaders will be in the same room to
hear the same thing to help bring this region, state and federal
government and BP together to develop a comprehensive and cohesive
recovery strategy.” Said Holley, “FAC is here to facilitate this process
and help ensure strong communication between all of the parties.”
Finally the afternoon focused on more specific regional problems
including tourism recovery, economic development, environmental
restoration, response maintenance, property value impacts, public health
and legal response. Each of these areas had local and/or state experts
that presented the challenges and opportunities that the recovery
process is facing. Attendees were able to ask questions and submit
comments.
For 80 years, the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) has represented
the diverse interests of Florida’s counties, emphasizing the importance
of protecting home rule – the concept that communities and their local
leaders should make the decisions that impact their community. The
Florida Association of Counties helps counties effectively serve and
represent Floridians by strengthening and preserving county home rule
through advocacy, education and collaboration.
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