Editor’s Note: The following is a word for word rendition of Enterprise Flagler’s plan for an “economic development” tax on which voters will cast ballots in the November 2 election. It is not an endorsement. It is presented here as a matter of information, and to spur debate. For analysis of the plan, go here. For background and part 1 of the plan on the plan, go here. Part 2 is here, part 3 here.
Flagler’s Winning Season: 2005-Present
Total Jobs Creating: 1,200
Total Jobs Retained: 1,465
Enterprise Flagler works closely with local, state and federal programs to facilitate the incentive agreements with relocating and expanding companies. Most of the jobs created are at 150% of the average wage for Flagler County. Emphasis is on quality not quantity.
The History of Economic Development in Flagler County: 2005-2009
The Wins
2005 ACI–Creating: 75
A software company specializing in property appraisal software relocated with a plan that included 75 jobs over 5 years. High wages paid by this technology-based company has a significant economic impact on the area. The approximate economic impact of the project was $9.3 million over those 5 years.
2006 Sea Ray Boats–Retained: 400
When Brunswick Inc, the parent corporation of Sea Ray Boats, a luxury boat manufacturer, announced plans to close plants to consolidate locations, Flagler County and Enterprise Flagler worked together diligently to keep Sea Ray Boats and retain over 400 jobs.
Sea Ray has a significant positive impact of Flagler County. Sea Ray’s economic impact is approximately $278 million annually on average.
2008 Palm Coast Data–Creating: 700; Retained: 1,000
When Kable, parent company of PCD, a magazine fulfillment center, considered relocating its national locations, the City of Palm Coast, Flagler County and Enterprise Flagler worked together and retained the Palm Coast facility. Relocation of the facility would have resulted in the loss of $72.9 million in direct annual economic impact and $102.7 in indirect activity, as well as the loss of 10% of the private sector jobs in the County.
PCD projects new job creation of 700 over the course of the next few years. The economic recession has delayed this expansion. But once at projected employment, PCD will have a $175 million dollar impact to our economy.
Economic Development Today 2009-2010
The project to retain Palm Coast Data began a teamwork approach for the City, County and Enterprise Flagler. The successful outcome of this cooperation has resulted in retaining and attracting more companies than ever before.
2009 National Direct Response–Creating: 190; Retained: 40
This diabetic supply company considered relocating their operations to another county. Located in Bunnell, retaining and expanding this company showcased the cooperative efforts of Flagler County, Enterprise Flagler and the City of Bunnell.
2009 Contemporary Machine–Creating: 30; Retained: 25
This machine manufacturing facility, worked closely with Enterprise Flagler to expand their facility. They are the primary manufacturer of the machinery that produce train axles in the U.S. Due to demand for their product, expansion was necessary to double their facility size and their workforce. A plan to add 30 jobs over the next 3 years will increase their economic impact from $1 million in the first year to a projected $6 million by 2014. Flagler County was able to retain these jobs over relocation sites in Alabama, Illinois and as far away as Poland.
2009 Flagler Spirits–Creating: 10
This small distillery is an excellent example of local business support. While Flagler Spirits wasn’t proposing hundreds of new jobs, they did need assistance in navigating the process of expanding their company. Enterprise Flagler worked closely with the County on zoning and use issues. As often is the case, a successful company can attract ancillary companies and suppliers. Recently, demand by Flagler Spirits attracted a distribution company to the area.
2010 Galtronics Telemetry–Creating: 40
A subsidiary of Galtronics Ltd, an international electronics company, Galtronics Telemetry considered Israel, China and Arizona for their new product line. Palm Coast is the national headquarters for this new product line, as well as the research and development lab for future products. These jobs represent the green, energy conservation jobs that benefit the community. Many of these jobs are high wage technical and engineering jobs.
2010 Borg Incorporated Group–Creating: 30
This California based machine company, relocated to Flagler County after purchasing 5 Industry Drive. After considering Michigan, Kentucky and Florida to expand their operation, they began doing business as International Tool Machine, a previously closed facility of the same name at the same site.
2010 MH Operations, LLC–Creating: 125
This technologically innovative hose manufacturing company was wooed away from Kentucky and ultimately will bring 125 jobs to Flagler County. Ranging from custodians and plant workers to accountants and plant managers of which 90% are predicted to be hired locally, the median salary will be approximately $40,000.
Obstacles; the Losses
Over this same time period, Flagler Enterprise has had obstacles/losses in attracting prospective businesses to Flagler County. Three significant losses: a distribution company, a technology company and a popular motorcycle manufacturer were lost due to the lack of existing facilities in our county which would accommodate their operations.
The poor economy and massive job losses across the nation have resulted in acute competition to attract viable, quality businesses. Both the number of “players” competing and the incentives to attract and ultimately “close the deal” with quality businesses has increased significantly. To keep Flagler “in the game”, we must be ready, willing and able WE MUST PUT OUR GAME FACE ON!
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