The Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP) has just completed the first year in a five-year plan. The group is headed in the right direction to meet its lofty goals. During the first stretch, 2,056 new jobs were created (nearly half of the total goal), and $194.16 million in capital investment was created.
Kevin Sheilley, president and CEO of CEP, said those goals gave him heartburn for two months after their announcement. But - they seem to be within reach.
This partnership between local government and business is one that has been discussed for years in the past, and its finally here. So far, it seems to be having only a positive impact on local business. SellState Next Generation Realty has become top sponsor for a new talent recruitment effort called, “Life Life Here.” Townley Engineering & Manufatcturing has pledged $100,000 over four years to be be presenting sponsor of CEP’s new Talent Development Initiative.
Marion County wages were up 3.9 percent in 2016 versus 2015 - a statistic that is better than all but one metro area in Florida. The CEP intends to maintain this trend, and promote economic and industrial growth here in Marion County. For more on the topic, check out the article at Ocala.com.
