Hernando to hold workshop on economic action plan

Calling it a work in progress, county commissioners said they were pleased with a new economic development plan presented to them Tuesday by Business Development Director Mike McHugh.

But there is still work to be done.

Commissioners first broached the plan at a workshop Feb. 2. But they wanted further discussion of some of the "action items" of the plan and those were brought forward Tuesday.

They agreed to hold a workshop on April 6 to go over the following parts of the action plan:
Purchase or control 100 acres or more to attract a high impact business.

The Interstate 75 corridor should have the highest priority, followed by the airport area.

Consider the purchase or donation of suitable land to attract additional higher educational facilities to the county.

Expand the existing economic development reserve fund for incentives. Fierce competition for business recruitment prompted county commissioners last year to se aside $500,000 to help retain and attract industry.

Increase the Office of Business and Development's marketing and research budget from $60,000 to $150,000 a year.

Do a commuter study and find out where people are going to work each day and in what job area.

Although the board decided not to discuss the items in length Tuesday, a few board members offered some suggestions ahead of the workshop.

Commissioner Jim Adkins stressed again the need to speed up the building permit process so as not to discourage new businesses from relocating.

Commissioner Rose Rocco asked McHugh to look into hiring a full-time grant writer to help out manufacturers who would welcome a chance to see if there is any grant money available to help them expand.

"Knowing that the grants are out there is another thing but being able to negotiate those grants is another thing," she said.

To view the entire economic development, visit: www.hernandobusiness.com and scroll down to economic development 2.0 for Hernando County.