PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce has begun implementation of a strategy to refocus its efforts on economic development as the economy slowly recovers.
The Chamber began the process last year to re-examine its organization, its programs, its funding and its engagement of the community in supporting economic development. The plan was also presented to a joint session of the Pensacola City Council and the Escambia County Commission.
Organizationally, the chamber will pursue a new president and CEO with extensive experience in economic development, the ability to build strong relationships with local governments and business leaders and with experience in pursuing new businesses for the area. The current chamber president Evon Emerson will stay on until a new person is recruited.
“Evon has done an outstanding job leading a chamber that was focused on doing many good things,” said Blaise Adams, Chairman of the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “Under Evon’s leadership, every aspect of our chamber programs improved and moved forward. She should be very proud of her accomplishments and what she has done for the Pensacola community.”
Adams said it is now imperative that the Chamber “redouble” its efforts, specifically in economic development.
“We want to be poised for growth as the region and the nation emerge from the recession,” he added.
In addition to organizational changes, the Chamber is developing a strategy to increase private sector funding, increase local and state incentives for business retention and expansion, engage more community resources and people in the economic development process and develop and retain a skilled workforce.
“Economic Development will be our number one goal, but we have to have everyone in the community helping to support and contribute to the strategy as we move forward,” Adams said. “Unless we have local government, private businesses, educational institutions and everyone in the community supporting our efforts, we will not be as successful as we could be.”
Adams said the Chamber will employ a search firm to begin the process of finding a new president and that he expects that process to be completed in 60 to 90 days.
“We have great opportunity for growth here in the Pensacola Bay Area,” Adams said. “We believe these changes will help us realize that potential.” |
