Yes, it does pay to invest in Florida’s economic development.  According to an 8/14/03 Ernst & Young report titled Florida’s Public Return on Investment in Enterprise Florida, Inc., FY 2003, “the public return on investment was $5.04 for each dollar invested in Enterprise Florida activities.”  Plus, major state and local tax revenues tied to Enterprise Florida programs increased $128.4 million, added $3.1 billion to Florida’s labor income, and generated 59,780 ongoing statewide new or retained jobs, plus another 14,700 jobs stemming from spending on new construction and equipment. To learn more call 727-464-7344.

Buzz David, Pinellas County’s economic development director, was elected Chairman of the Board of the Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC) during its annual conference this week (9/20-23) in Sarasota.  FEDC is comprised of 500 economic development professionals statewide, whose purpose is to provide leadership and professionalism in advancing Florida economic progress.  During the past year, David served as chairman-elect, with primary responsibility for legislative issues.  In assuming his new role as chairman, David stated the goals of his term include strengthening Florida’s brand as a global, world-class marketplace; energizing legislative and financial support for Florida’s “investment/incentive tools”; and foremost, creating and implementing an aggressive “business retention strategy” that compliments the ongoing Enterprise Florida programs in recruitment, expansion and business creation. David said, “Taking care of our existing business network is the most important challenge we face, and structuring a system of recognition, assistance and performance support will define our state’s future competitive success.” For information call 727-464-7421 or write rhickman@co.pinellas.fl.us

All commercial airline arrival and departure schedules for St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport are now online.  Visit www.fly2pie.com for airlines, flight numbers, gates, times and status of arrivals and departures. According to a recent Pinellas Economic Development analysis, airport and on-airport tenants are Pinellas County’s 8th largest employer, registering 1,648 jobs; arriving and departing airport passengers in 2003 spent $128 million; and the airport contributes $783 million in overall direct and indirect output and expenditures to the regional Pinellas economy.  Call for further detail, 727-453-7800 or write esmallin@co.pinellas.fl.us