County hopes economic development takes flight at airshow

Santa Rosa County is not letting the GAO or anything else slow them down when it comes to being recognized as the ‘Aerospace Center in the World.”

Plans to use $50,000 of the approved $200,000 are in place as the focus is the Farnborough International Airshow, which will be held later this month.

We are putting something together to show and have when we meet with prospective aerospace and defense contractors during the show,” said Cindy Anderson, Executive Director with TEAM Santa Rosa. “Since the GAO’s decision we have decided to broaden our scope just a little.”

Santa Rosa County will be traveling to Farnborough as a part of the Gulf Coast Aerospace and Defense Coalition.

“Regardless of the GAO’s decision the area has been discovered as a possible sight for aerospace projects,” said Commissioner Don Salter who heads up the county’s economic development committee. “Anybody who is anybody will be at that show.

“And the Air Force could go ahead and proceed with the KC-45, which has two more major projects up for approval right behind it.”

While discussing the project, Commissioner Bob Cole admitted he thought this was a step in the right direction and wondered about the Whiting Field Aviation Park, which was discussed some time back.

“Several years ago Florida Forever purchased land around Whiting Field as Santa Rosa County became the model of protecting our military operations,” said Salter. “After getting a call from the Commodore at one point there were 269 acres outside the back gate we had the opportunity to purchase and possibly develop into a Aviation Maintenance Pak.

“We don’t know exactly when that will get finally approval, but it might happen in 30, 40, or 50 days; it is just something we have to pursue very carefully.”

While these negotiations are on-going questions were asked about the possibility of leasing the land or selling the land.

Under the funding mechanism used to purchase a majority of the 269 acres, the property cannot be sold for five years, but most of the people interested in locating on the 269 acres once the Navy gives final approval would be more interested leasing instead of investing so much capital.

Salter noted the recent successes of the Crestview Aerospace companies and how some are looking towards this project.

But there are those apparently who do not want to see Northwest Florida as successful as their counterparts in Alabama.

“For us to be more competitive with Alabama we need the entire state to support economic development.” Said Salter. “That will also take us thinking outside the box and commit dollars to these projects.

“But we can’t be competitive when some of our very own citizens want to ping us and become suspicious and negative.”

The commissioner noted there are some who feel than any aggressive economic development program is unethical.

“There are citizens in the community who have called to harass prospects that have told us if we knew about this before hand we would not have worked with you,” said Salter. “It is a shame that there are people who work hard to make us look bad. If you ask us we will share what we can without violating the confidentiality of the prospective client and their business plan.

“I would like to see the people line up behind what the board is trying to do and make a more aggressive effort.”

More information on the economic development impact of what TEAM has accomplished will be made available when Rick Harper makes a presentation on the ‘impact of Economic Development in Santa Rosa County.”

“At the July 24^th meeting Harper will have a show and tell with the facts,” said Salter. “And on that day I think you will see where we have done pretty well despite a suppressed national economy.”

Coming up at Thursday’s meeting commissioner are also expected to discuss a proposed Interlocal Agreement establishing the Northwest Florida Regional Transportation Finance Authority with Escambia County.

Also the board is looking at possibly allowing some department to move to four 10-hour days to shorten the workweek and save on fuel costs.