By Nathan Sparks, CEcD
Executive Director of One Okaloosa EDC
Spring has officially sprung along the Emerald Coast. Around here, we all know that with spring comes busier roadways, distracted drivers and that relentless yellow pollen that continues to coat our vehicles while wreaking havoc on our sinuses. That said, spring also brings longer days, warmer weather, beautiful flowers, outdoor events and a sense of new beginnings.
Here at One Okaloosa EDC, spring has gotten off to a very busy start. Along with publishing our 2024 Annual Report and holding our first Roundtable Luncheon of the year on March 25, featuring a “fireside chat” with Brigadier General Mark Massaro, Commander, 96th Test Wing, Eglin Air Force Base and Colonel Patrick Dierig, Commander, 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, here are just some of the efforts and initiatives we have been engaged in during the first quarter of 2025.
· Confirming speakers, exhibitors and sponsors for the 8th annual TeCMEN Industry Day, scheduled for May 15 at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center. More info at www.tecmenindustryday.com, including the last remaining sponsorship opportunity.
· Compiling and publishing the Defense Support Initiatives committee’s 2025 Military Priorities Point Paper. This document will be utilized when our DSI Leadership team travels to Washington D.C. on April 1 for meetings with key congressional members.
· Partnering with CareerSource Okaloosa Walton to hold an “Educate the Educator Plus One” event on February 2. Focused on students and teachers from Rocky Bayou Christian School, the day included tours/meetings with the City of Niceville, the Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, Vertex Solutions, HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital, PSI and DS2. Thanks to all!
· Designing and installing a new marketing display board located in Terminal B at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport. Designed to drive traffic to our Military Advocacy website – www.MilitaryFriendlyNWF.com – this display will remain up through January 2026. Check it out!
· Working to redesign One Okaloosa EDC’s website. A “soft launch” is planned later in April!
· Continuing to connect local employers who responded favorably to our recent Internship Interest survey with the educational institutions who offer relevant programs.
· Meeting with leading site selection consultants to discuss Okaloosa County’s value proposition during the Area Development Consultants Forum held in San Antonio March 19-21.
· Preparing for the annual MRO Americas trade show, taking place in Atlanta April 8-10. The largest event in the world focused on aviation’s maintenance, repair and overhaul sector, we are proud to be co-exhibiting with FloridaCommerce as we showcase local opportunities.
Lastly, we were delighted to see that the Crestview-Destin-Fort Walton Beach metro area was ranked #14 (out of 200) on the Milken Institute’s 2025 “Best Performing Cities” list. We can all celebrate our metro being the highest ranked in northwest Florida – and the second highest statewide (Melbourne came in at #9). Ultimately, rankings like this are good indicators of progress. While work still remains, we all have much to be proud of!
