By Nathan Sparks, CEcD
Executive Director of One Okaloosa EDC
As I write this, Spring has officially arrived on the Emerald Coast! With the new season comes a slate of events, meetings and industry trade shows – all opportunities for us to spread the gospel of this great community we call home. First up is the Site Selectors Guild Spring Conference in Atlanta. This event brings together leading site selectors (individuals who advise businesses on optimal locations for their future facilities) from around the country. Given that a single site selection consultant may literally conduct site searches for dozens of clients across a wide range of industry sectors, sharing Okaloosa’s value proposition with them is an incredibly efficient (and cost effective) means of promoting our county.
Following the Site Selectors Guild, One Okaloosa’s first Roundtable luncheon of the year is taking place March 31, at the Hilton Garden Inn. This sold-out event will feature President Mel Ponder, Northwest Florida State College, and newly-appointed President Manny Diaz, Jr., University of West Florida, in a “fireside chat” discussing the roles that their respective institutions play in building our region’s future workforce.
In April, One Okaloosa will be out on the prospect trail once again – this time for the annual MRO Americas trade show in Orlando. Focused on commercial aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul, the event is expected to attract 17,000+ attendees and more than 1000 exhibitors. Given the outstanding asset that we have in the Bob Sikes Airport, a ready workforce including transitioning military members with aircraft maintenance experience, and the Northwest Florida State College Aviation Center of Excellence, we have much to offer these companies.
Looking a bit further out, One Okaloosa’s 9th annual TeCMEN (Technology Coast Manufacturing & Engineering Network) Industry Day is scheduled for May 13, at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center. At present, we’ve sold 43 exhibitor booths with 7 still remaining. We’re also busy rounding out our agenda. Some of the highlights this year include speakers and panels on topics ranging from air mobility (think air taxis!) to a spotlight of some extremely bright and dynamic ladies on a “Women in STEM” panel. Also, a new addition to TeCMEN Industry Day this year will be “CareerConnect” – a dedicated job fair taking place on the expo hall floor. Active-duty military can attend the CareerConnect portion of the day for free, and thanks to support from CareerSource Okaloosa Walton, up to 50 veterans and/or military spouses can also attend at no cost. Visit www.tecmenindustryday.com to learn more or register, and remember – you don’t have to be involved in technology, defense or manufacturing to benefit from attending!
